This year I chair the Senate Ways and Means Committee which produces the Senate budget for the next fiscal year. This week the Senate Ways and Means Committee had Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department give a report to our committee on vaccinations in Kansas. The committee questioned Dr. Norman as to when nursing homes and long term care facilities might start easing visitor restrictions. Dr. Norman reported 83% of the residents have received a first dose and 53% a second dose, with some turning down the vaccination, at least for now. He also reported that 56% of staff have agreed to take the vaccine. 

Dr. Norman reported that all 650 nursing homes under CMS oversight had received vaccinations and others not under CMS were called orphan facilities and all known orphan facilities had received the vaccinations. He did say they had found one facility that they did not know about and had plans to get these people vaccinated. He said the push to vaccinate has led a lot of hospitals and some nursing homes to begin easing the visitor restrictions, with some allowing one visitor. Dr. Norman reported during the peak of the pandemic visitors were often limited to those who were dying. 

Quoting Dr. Norman, “We are working a strategy with what is called rapid antigen testing where the unvaccinated person can have a rapid antigen test at the time that they come in to visit a loved one.”

We also had an update from the Kansas Department of Labor. 

They reported on the special 11 -week extension to pandemic unemployment insurance benefits built into December’s federal stimulus act is weeks away from implementation in Kansas. This means many workers will go 2 months or longer without unemployment payments. Many Kansans are waiting on the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. Kansas Department of Labor is working to get the payments out. 

I continue to work daily to get unemployed Kansans their unemployment benefits. As I have stated in the past the Kansas Department of Labor must do a better job taking care of unemployed Kansans.

It is an honor and pleasure to serve the 40th Senate District of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail at rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov. You may also call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399, or my cell number is 785-899-4700.

Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is state senator of the Kansas 40th Dist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610490291573.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>February 15, 2021This year I chair the Senate Ways and Means Committee which produces the Senate budget for the next fiscal year. This week the Senate Ways and Means Committee had Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department give a report to our committee on vaccinations in Kansas. The committee questioned Dr. Norman as to when nursing homes and long term care facilities might start easing visitor restrictions. Dr. Norman reported 83% of the residents have received a first dose and 53% a second dose, with some turning down the vaccination, at least for now. He also reported that 56% of staff have agreed to take the vaccine. Dr. Norman reported that all 650 nursing homes under CMS oversight had received vaccinations and others not under CMS were called orphan facilities and all known orphan facilities had received the vaccinations. He did say they had found one facility that they did not know about and had plans to get these people vaccinated. He said the push to vaccinate has led a lot of hospitals and some nursing homes to begin easing the visitor restrictions, with some allowing one visitor. Dr. Norman reported during the peak of the pandemic visitors were often limited to those who were dying. Quoting Dr. Norman, “We are working a strategy with what is called rapid antigen testing where the unvaccinated person can have a rapid antigen test at the time that they come in to visit a loved one.”We also had an update from the Kansas Department of Labor. They reported on the special 11 -week extension to pandemic unemployment insurance benefits built into December’s federal stimulus act is weeks away from implementation in Kansas. This means many workers will go 2 months or longer without unemployment payments. Many Kansans are waiting on the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. Kansas Department of Labor is working to get the payments out. I continue to work daily to get unemployed Kansans their unemployment benefits. As I have stated in the past the Kansas Department of Labor must do a better job taking care of unemployed Kansans.It is an honor and pleasure to serve the 40th Senate District of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail at rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov. You may also call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399, or my cell number is 785-899-4700.Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is state senator of the Kansas 40th Dist.

BILLINGER: Senate Update, Feb. 15

OAKLEY -&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to a water main break, the city of Oakley Water Department will be shutting off the water at noon on Monday, February 15 in the following areas:

800 blocks of E. 5th &amp; E. 6th Streets 800 blocks of Amber, Ivory &amp; Hope Streets All of Royal Avenue 700 block of E. 2nd Street

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613407362381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of OakleyOAKLEY -&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to a water main break, the city of Oakley Water Department will be shutting off the water at noon on Monday, February 15 in the following areas:800 blocks of E. 5th &amp; E. 6th Streets 800 blocks of Amber, Ivory &amp; Hope Streets All of Royal Avenue 700 block of E. 2nd Street Sorry for the inconvenience!

Water break forces water shutoff in portions of Oakley

RUSSELL - The effects of widespread and extreme cold weather have led to an increasingly tightening condition in the Southwest Power Pools (SPP) service territory, of which Russell is a part. SPP has requested utilities in their service area to conserve energy until further notice to mitigate the risk of outages. The City of Russell has natural gas and diesel electric generation units.

 The city cannot run the natural gas generation due to the high demand for natural gas and priority given to heating. 

However, the City will run its diesel generation units, covering a portion of the City’s customers electric usage. However, with the high demand for electricity, inadequate supply of natural gas, and other variables, our customers are asked to reduce their electric usage to ensure the electric grid's safety and integrity and that our internal generation can cover the demand. This is not a Russell issue, or a Kansas issue, but a regional issue affecting numerous states in the Midwest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611586896424.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of RussellRUSSELL - The effects of widespread and extreme cold weather have led to an increasingly tightening condition in the Southwest Power Pools (SPP) service territory, of which Russell is a part. SPP has requested utilities in their service area to conserve energy until further notice to mitigate the risk of outages. The City of Russell has natural gas and diesel electric generation units. The city cannot run the natural gas generation due to the high demand for natural gas and priority given to heating. However, the City will run its diesel generation units, covering a portion of the City’s customers electric usage. However, with the high demand for electricity, inadequate supply of natural gas, and other variables, our customers are asked to reduce their electric usage to ensure the electric grid's safety and integrity and that our internal generation can cover the demand. This is not a Russell issue, or a Kansas issue, but a regional issue affecting numerous states in the Midwest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Russell customers asked to conserve energy 

This week marked the fifth week of session with the first half of the legislative session almost behind us.&nbsp; As we approach “turn-around” which is March 5th, February 22nd&nbsp;will be the last week for committees to hear and work bills before the half-way point of 2021 session.&nbsp;

FLOOR ACTION – February 9th&nbsp;and 11th

The Senate confirmed four appointees nominated by the Governor - State Board of Tax Appeals, Chief Hearing Officer Thomas Browne; University of Kansas Hospital Authority, Member David Dillon; Kansas Human Rights Commission Michael Kane and State Long Term Care Ombudsman Camille Russell. State law in Kansas requires that certain appointments by the Governor or other state officials be confirmed by the Senate prior to the appointee exercising any power, duty, or function of the office.

SB 22&nbsp;- would enact the Rebuilding Employers and Livelihoods while Investing in Everyone’s Future (RELIEF) Act.&nbsp; A brief run through of the bill which passed off the Senate floor include:&nbsp; Kansans would be able to itemize regardless if the standard deduction is not claimed for federal income (can itemize on Kansas Taxes and not Federal Taxes).&nbsp; The state of Kansas will “decouple” from the federal government which simply means Kansans could itemize on state w/o itemizing on Federal.&nbsp; It would raise Kansas single deduction to $3,000 then $3,600 in 2021 and $4,050 in 2022 and married from $7,500 to $9000 in 2021 and $10,125 in 2022.&nbsp; SB 22 would exempt Social Security benefits (seniors) and allow retirement benefits to be subtracted from Kansas income taxes. It would decouple Kansas from federal government on business provision (GILTI) which is a tax Kansas has never collected until federal changes in 2017.&nbsp; (Only 6 states fully tax GILTI.&nbsp; This tax affects large companies in Kansas who employ thousands of people including Spirit, Cargill, Pfizer, Seaboard to list a few). SB 22 also clarifies that victims of ID theft will not owe Kansas individual income tax on unemployment compensation that was fraudulently obtained by another individual – we can trace the thief with this data on the tax return form.

As this was the first major income tax bill of the session – expect many changes to SB 22 as it moves along the process.&nbsp; It will now be sent to the House where it may be scheduled for a hearing in House Tax committee or they may propose their own bill where through votes of their members may change the direction of income tax measures.&nbsp; The final step would be Conference Committee action where this bill and other versions of income tax bills will be merged together for final votes in each chamber.&nbsp; And lastly be sent to the Governor for a final signature or veto.&nbsp;

SB 61&nbsp;- would change the definition of “eligible student” and “public school” in the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program (TCLISSP) Act which passed in 2015.&nbsp;&nbsp; The current program provides tax credits to individuals to fund scholarships to students who receive free lunch and only those students in the 100 lowest performing elementary schools.&nbsp; SB 61 would expand the eligibility to children who receive free or reduced lunches in Kansas. It would also be available to children in any public school in Kansas. The bill would add a requirement for qualified schools participating in the program to prominently display a link on their website that directs individuals to statutorily published reports on the Kansas State Department of Education’s website.&nbsp; It would require all qualified schools participating in the TCLISSP to provide a link on the school’s accountability reports webpage to the Kansas Department of Education webpage for school accreditation, performance accountability and achievement. In addition, the Department of Education would be required to prepare a performance accountability and achievement report for each accredited nonpublic school in Kansas. Current law requires these reports for public schools only.&nbsp;&nbsp; Each scholarship is limited to $8,000 and there is a $10 million annual cap on the amount of tax credits available to fund the program. If the amount of credit exceeds the contributor’s tax liability in any one taxable year, the remaining portion of the credit may be carried forward until the total amount of the credit is used.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb32/" target="_blank">SB 32</a>&nbsp;- allows school districts to pay the tuition for a student's dual or concurrent enrollment in a postsecondary educational institution and requiring a tuition waiver for foster children who are dually or concurrently enrolled. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb36/" target="_blank">SB 36</a>&nbsp;- permits&nbsp;employees of salvage vehicle pools to perform vehicle identification number inspections and salvage vehicle pools and dealers to apply for ownership documents for vehicles&nbsp;that are disclaimed by insurance companies.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb55/" target="_blank">SB 55</a>&nbsp;- would clarify the authority of healing arts school clinics to provide healing arts services. The bill would allow schools statutorily exempted from State Board of Regents approval requirements to be exempted from the prohibition on the corporate practice of medicine.&nbsp; The bill would also allow for offsite clinics owned or operated by a school in partnership with other providers to engage in the practice of healing arts.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb58/" target="_blank">SB 58</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;would add a provision to the Kansas Criminal Code that would prohibit the filing of certain liens or claims against real or personal property and provide for criminal penalties in such instances. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb64/" target="_blank">SB 64</a>&nbsp;- amends the Kansas Private and Out-of-State Postsecondary Education Institution Act

(Act) to clarify the State Board of Regents’ authority over private and out-of-state institutions. The bill would allow an institution currently exempt from the Act to apply to the Board for a certificate of approval if it is required for the institution to be eligible to receive federal Title IV student financial aid.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/SB70/" target="_blank">SB 70</a>&nbsp;- repeals the sunset on an exclusion of certain motor vehicle manufacturer rebates from the selling price for sales tax purposes. Current law excludes cash rebates granted by manufacturers to purchasers or lessees of new motor vehicles if such rebates are paid directly to retailers, but this provision is scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2021. Additionally, the bill would exclude discounts and coupons that are reimbursed by a third party from the definition of “sales or selling price” for the purpose of Kansas retail sales tax.

SB 4&nbsp;- would make unlawfully tampering with electronic monitoring equipment a severity level 8, nonperson felony in the case of electronic monitoring equipment and would also make unlawfully tampering with electronic monitoring equipment a class A nonperson misdemeanor.

SB 56&nbsp;- would amend law related to notices offering help to victims of human trafficking to require a prominent notice of help be posted in any place required to post notices to additional locations and businesses.&nbsp;

SB 68&nbsp;- would authorize and establish a fee fund for a firefighter distinctive license plate.

SB 69&nbsp;- would authorize the Love, Chloe Foundation distinctive license plate.

The Department of Commerce 2021 Community Development Block Grant Program has awarded 32 projects across the state totaling $13,864,149 of federal funds received to the state of Kansas. Six cities and counties in&nbsp;<a>Senate District #36 will receive these grants:&nbsp; City of Concordia - $48,975, City of Mankato - $600,000, City of Lincoln - $35,000, City of Vermillion - $250,000, City of Russell – $116,228 and Phillips County $192,514.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>The CDBG program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and provides federal funds to local government for the development of viable communities by addressing their house, public facilities and development needs.&nbsp; These funds are one of the Department’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominately rural communities.&nbsp;

Governor Kelly announced the Historic Sites Board of Review awarded $1,168,492 for 15 historic preservation

projects across the state as part of the 2021 round of Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) grants.&nbsp; The Lincoln State Bank in Lincoln was awarded a $90,000 grant which was the maximum amount allowed in the program.&nbsp; The HTF reimburses expenses for projects that preserve or restore historic properties. Qualifying expenses include professional fees and construction costs. Properties owned by the state or federal governments are not eligible, but those owned by local governments, private individuals, non-profit, and for-profit entities qualify. Individual grant awards may not exceed $90,000 and must be matched by the grant recipient.

If you have received a 1099-G form from the Kansas Department of Labor, but have not filed for unemployment insurance benefits or if you or your employer have received this 1099-G form and you are still employed, please visit immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://uiassistance.getkansasbenefits.gov/" target="_blank">https://uiassistance.getkansasbenefits.gov/</a>&nbsp;and fill out a “1099 Protest/Dispute.”&nbsp; Please be sure to upload an additional document known as an Unsworn Declaration which can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ui-benefits-forms/1099-g-forms/k-frd-100.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.dol.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ui-benefits-forms/1099-g-forms/k-frd-100.pdf</a>.

If you have any reason to believe that your information is being used for fraudulent purposes in relation to unemployment insurance benefits, visit immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud" target="_blank">https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud</a>&nbsp;and click “Click Here to Report Fraudulent Activity.”&nbsp;This year the agency also has a specific phone line for claimants to call with questions concerning 1099s.&nbsp;The number is 785-575-1461.

ORPHAN TRAIN PODCAST – Concordia

One of the true treasures in Senate District #36 is the Orphan Train Museum.&nbsp; This incredible facility and story is something every Kansan should see, understand, and celebrate.&nbsp; Under the leadership of Shaley George and her board of directors; the Museum continues to do an amazing job of collecting, archiving, and sharing the Orphan Train story which is such a critical part of both Kansas and American history.&nbsp; Scott Heidner with Braden Heidner Lowe &amp; Associates in Topeka records podcasts of interesting people and places in Kansas and spent a day in Concordia and recorded a conversation with Shaley and it is now available to the public at &nbsp;<a href="https://bhlpodcasting.libsyn.com/bhl-podcast-show-ft-shaley-george-national-orphan-train-complex" target="_blank">https://bhlpodcasting.libsyn.com/bhl-podcast-show-ft-shaley-george-national-orphan-train-complex</a>.&nbsp; Listen in and enjoy the discussion of this historic site.&nbsp;

I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785 296-7389</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is the 36th Kansas District senator.&nbsp;The 36th District includes&nbsp;Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580853658061.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>February 15, 2021SENATE HIGHLIGHTSThis week marked the fifth week of session with the first half of the legislative session almost behind us.&nbsp; As we approach “turn-around” which is March 5th, February 22nd&nbsp;will be the last week for committees to hear and work bills before the half-way point of 2021 session.&nbsp;FLOOR ACTION – February 9th&nbsp;and 11thThe Senate confirmed four appointees nominated by the Governor - State Board of Tax Appeals, Chief Hearing Officer Thomas Browne; University of Kansas Hospital Authority, Member David Dillon; Kansas Human Rights Commission Michael Kane and State Long Term Care Ombudsman Camille Russell. State law in Kansas requires that certain appointments by the Governor or other state officials be confirmed by the Senate prior to the appointee exercising any power, duty, or function of the office.SB 22&nbsp;- would enact the Rebuilding Employers and Livelihoods while Investing in Everyone’s Future (RELIEF) Act.&nbsp; A brief run through of the bill which passed off the Senate floor include:&nbsp; Kansans would be able to itemize regardless if the standard deduction is not claimed for federal income (can itemize on Kansas Taxes and not Federal Taxes).&nbsp; The state of Kansas will “decouple” from the federal government which simply means Kansans could itemize on state w/o itemizing on Federal.&nbsp; It would raise Kansas single deduction to $3,000 then $3,600 in 2021 and $4,050 in 2022 and married from $7,500 to $9000 in 2021 and $10,125 in 2022.&nbsp; SB 22 would exempt Social Security benefits (seniors) and allow retirement benefits to be subtracted from Kansas income taxes. It would decouple Kansas from federal government on business provision (GILTI) which is a tax Kansas has never collected until federal changes in 2017.&nbsp; (Only 6 states fully tax GILTI.&nbsp; This tax affects large companies in Kansas who employ thousands of people including Spirit, Cargill, Pfizer, Seaboard to list a few). SB 22 also clarifies that victims of ID theft will not owe Kansas individual income tax on unemployment compensation that was fraudulently obtained by another individual – we can trace the thief with this data on the tax return form.As this was the first major income tax bill of the session – expect many changes to SB 22 as it moves along the process.&nbsp; It will now be sent to the House where it may be scheduled for a hearing in House Tax committee or they may propose their own bill where through votes of their members may change the direction of income tax measures.&nbsp; The final step would be Conference Committee action where this bill and other versions of income tax bills will be merged together for final votes in each chamber.&nbsp; And lastly be sent to the Governor for a final signature or veto.&nbsp;SB 61&nbsp;- would change the definition of “eligible student” and “public school” in the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program (TCLISSP) Act which passed in 2015.&nbsp;&nbsp; The current program provides tax credits to individuals to fund scholarships to students who receive free lunch and only those students in the 100 lowest performing elementary schools.&nbsp; SB 61 would expand the eligibility to children who receive free or reduced lunches in Kansas. It would also be available to children in any public school in Kansas. The bill would add a requirement for qualified schools participating in the program to prominently display a link on their website that directs individuals to statutorily published reports on the Kansas State Department of Education’s website.&nbsp; It would require all qualified schools participating in the TCLISSP to provide a link on the school’s accountability reports webpage to the Kansas Department of Education webpage for school accreditation, performance accountability and achievement. In addition, the Department of Education would be required to prepare a performance accountability and achievement report for each accredited nonpublic school in Kansas. Current law requires these reports for public schools only.&nbsp;&nbsp; Each scholarship is limited to $8,000 and there is a $10 million annual cap on the amount of tax credits available to fund the program. If the amount of credit exceeds the contributor’s tax liability in any one taxable year, the remaining portion of the credit may be carried forward until the total amount of the credit is used.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb32/" target="_blank">SB 32</a>&nbsp;- allows school districts to pay the tuition for a student's dual or concurrent enrollment in a postsecondary educational institution and requiring a tuition waiver for foster children who are dually or concurrently enrolled. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb36/" target="_blank">SB 36</a>&nbsp;- permits&nbsp;employees of salvage vehicle pools to perform vehicle identification number inspections and salvage vehicle pools and dealers to apply for ownership documents for vehicles&nbsp;that are disclaimed by insurance companies. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb55/" target="_blank">SB 55</a>&nbsp;- would clarify the authority of healing arts school clinics to provide healing arts services. The bill would allow schools statutorily exempted from State Board of Regents approval requirements to be exempted from the prohibition on the corporate practice of medicine.&nbsp; The bill would also allow for offsite clinics owned or operated by a school in partnership with other providers to engage in the practice of healing arts.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb58/" target="_blank">SB 58</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;would add a provision to the Kansas Criminal Code that would prohibit the filing of certain liens or claims against real or personal property and provide for criminal penalties in such instances. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb64/" target="_blank">SB 64</a>&nbsp;- amends the Kansas Private and Out-of-State Postsecondary Education Institution Act(Act) to clarify the State Board of Regents’ authority over private and out-of-state institutions. The bill would allow an institution currently exempt from the Act to apply to the Board for a certificate of approval if it is required for the institution to be eligible to receive federal Title IV student financial aid. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/SB70/" target="_blank">SB 70</a>&nbsp;- repeals the sunset on an exclusion of certain motor vehicle manufacturer rebates from the selling price for sales tax purposes. Current law excludes cash rebates granted by manufacturers to purchasers or lessees of new motor vehicles if such rebates are paid directly to retailers, but this provision is scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2021. Additionally, the bill would exclude discounts and coupons that are reimbursed by a third party from the definition of “sales or selling price” for the purpose of Kansas retail sales tax. SB 4&nbsp;- would make unlawfully tampering with electronic monitoring equipment a severity level 8, nonperson felony in the case of electronic monitoring equipment and would also make unlawfully tampering with electronic monitoring equipment a class A nonperson misdemeanor.SB 56&nbsp;- would amend law related to notices offering help to victims of human trafficking to require a prominent notice of help be posted in any place required to post notices to additional locations and businesses.&nbsp;SB 68&nbsp;- would authorize and establish a fee fund for a firefighter distinctive license plate.SB 69&nbsp;- would authorize the Love, Chloe Foundation distinctive license plate.GOOD NEWS FOR SENATE DISTRICT #36The Department of Commerce 2021 Community Development Block Grant Program has awarded 32 projects across the state totaling $13,864,149 of federal funds received to the state of Kansas. Six cities and counties in&nbsp;<a>Senate District #36 will receive these grants:&nbsp; City of Concordia - $48,975, City of Mankato - $600,000, City of Lincoln - $35,000, City of Vermillion - $250,000, City of Russell – $116,228 and Phillips County $192,514.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>The CDBG program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and provides federal funds to local government for the development of viable communities by addressing their house, public facilities and development needs.&nbsp; These funds are one of the Department’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominately rural communities.&nbsp;Governor Kelly announced the Historic Sites Board of Review awarded $1,168,492 for 15 historic preservationprojects across the state as part of the 2021 round of Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) grants.&nbsp; The Lincoln State Bank in Lincoln was awarded a $90,000 grant which was the maximum amount allowed in the program.&nbsp; The HTF reimburses expenses for projects that preserve or restore historic properties. Qualifying expenses include professional fees and construction costs. Properties owned by the state or federal governments are not eligible, but those owned by local governments, private individuals, non-profit, and for-profit entities qualify. Individual grant awards may not exceed $90,000 and must be matched by the grant recipient.1099’s and FraudIf you have received a 1099-G form from the Kansas Department of Labor, but have not filed for unemployment insurance benefits or if you or your employer have received this 1099-G form and you are still employed, please visit immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://uiassistance.getkansasbenefits.gov/" target="_blank">https://uiassistance.getkansasbenefits.gov/</a>&nbsp;and fill out a “1099 Protest/Dispute.”&nbsp; Please be sure to upload an additional document known as an Unsworn Declaration which can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ui-benefits-forms/1099-g-forms/k-frd-100.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.dol.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ui-benefits-forms/1099-g-forms/k-frd-100.pdf</a>.If you have any reason to believe that your information is being used for fraudulent purposes in relation to unemployment insurance benefits, visit immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud" target="_blank">https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud</a>&nbsp;and click “Click Here to Report Fraudulent Activity.”&nbsp;This year the agency also has a specific phone line for claimants to call with questions concerning 1099s.&nbsp;The number is 785-575-1461.ORPHAN TRAIN PODCAST – ConcordiaOne of the true treasures in Senate District #36 is the Orphan Train Museum.&nbsp; This incredible facility and story is something every Kansan should see, understand, and celebrate.&nbsp; Under the leadership of Shaley George and her board of directors; the Museum continues to do an amazing job of collecting, archiving, and sharing the Orphan Train story which is such a critical part of both Kansas and American history.&nbsp; Scott Heidner with Braden Heidner Lowe &amp; Associates in Topeka records podcasts of interesting people and places in Kansas and spent a day in Concordia and recorded a conversation with Shaley and it is now available to the public at &nbsp;<a href="https://bhlpodcasting.libsyn.com/bhl-podcast-show-ft-shaley-george-national-orphan-train-complex" target="_blank">https://bhlpodcasting.libsyn.com/bhl-podcast-show-ft-shaley-george-national-orphan-train-complex</a>.&nbsp; Listen in and enjoy the discussion of this historic site.&nbsp;I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.&nbsp; Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785 296-7389</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is the 36th Kansas District senator.&nbsp;The 36th District includes&nbsp;Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington counties.

BOWERS: Senate Scene, Week 5

With record-breaking cold expected to grip much of the country through mid-week, Midwest Energy is asking customers whose health permits to turn thermostats down a bit, and to not use appliances with heavy electricity consumption, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15 and continuing through mid-week.

“Last week brought a trifecta of bad events — the lowest temperatures in decades across the entire region for more than a week; tight supplies of natural gas due to record use and supply interruptions; and finally, wind generation resources are at low levels and the wind is forecast to decrease further Sunday evening,” said Bill Dowling, Midwest Energy’s Vice President for Engineering and Energy Supply.

Patrick Parke, Midwest Energy’s Chief Executive Officer suggests there are a few specific actions customers can take to make a significant impact on electric and natural gas demand: &nbsp;

The Southwest Power Pool, which is the regional transmission operator for a 14-state region, issued a region-wide Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 1 to be effective at 5:00 am central time on Monday, Feb. 15.&nbsp; An EEA1 is the first of three levels of energy emergency alert.&nbsp; An EEA2 will be triggered if SPP no longer has sufficient generation available to meet expected energy requirements and reserves are considered deficient.&nbsp; A Level 3 event will result in planned service interruptions.&nbsp; Throughout SPP’s 14-state area, similar calls for conservation are being made by all electric utilities.&nbsp;

The record-breaking cold is also putting a significant strain on natural gas supplies.&nbsp; The cold weather is freezing off natural gas production, making less gas available for delivery to customers.&nbsp; Midwest Energy is asking its natural gas customers to conserve energy as well.&nbsp; We are seeing unprecedented demand on the gas system due to both the cold weather and the large demand for electric generation fuel. &nbsp;

“These next few days will be very tight in terms of both electric and natural gas supplies,” Parke said.&nbsp; “I’ve not seen a situation like this in my nearly four decades of utility experience.” &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586196165303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest EnergyWith record-breaking cold expected to grip much of the country through mid-week, Midwest Energy is asking customers whose health permits to turn thermostats down a bit, and to not use appliances with heavy electricity consumption, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15 and continuing through mid-week.“Last week brought a trifecta of bad events — the lowest temperatures in decades across the entire region for more than a week; tight supplies of natural gas due to record use and supply interruptions; and finally, wind generation resources are at low levels and the wind is forecast to decrease further Sunday evening,” said Bill Dowling, Midwest Energy’s Vice President for Engineering and Energy Supply.Patrick Parke, Midwest Energy’s Chief Executive Officer suggests there are a few specific actions customers can take to make a significant impact on electric and natural gas demand: &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>If your health permits, turn your furnace thermostat down 2 to 4 degrees. &nbsp;</li><li>Postpone using high-consumption appliances such as clothes dryers, ovens and dishwashers.&nbsp; Delay laundry a day or two, or making microwave-friendly meals, and hand-washing dishes (if you have an electric water heater) would save significant amounts of electricity. &nbsp;</li><li>Turn off any lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using.</li>
 </ul>The Southwest Power Pool, which is the regional transmission operator for a 14-state region, issued a region-wide Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 1 to be effective at 5:00 am central time on Monday, Feb. 15.&nbsp; An EEA1 is the first of three levels of energy emergency alert.&nbsp; An EEA2 will be triggered if SPP no longer has sufficient generation available to meet expected energy requirements and reserves are considered deficient.&nbsp; A Level 3 event will result in planned service interruptions.&nbsp; Throughout SPP’s 14-state area, similar calls for conservation are being made by all electric utilities.&nbsp;The record-breaking cold is also putting a significant strain on natural gas supplies.&nbsp; The cold weather is freezing off natural gas production, making less gas available for delivery to customers.&nbsp; Midwest Energy is asking its natural gas customers to conserve energy as well.&nbsp; We are seeing unprecedented demand on the gas system due to both the cold weather and the large demand for electric generation fuel. &nbsp;“These next few days will be very tight in terms of both electric and natural gas supplies,” Parke said.&nbsp; “I’ve not seen a situation like this in my nearly four decades of utility experience.” &nbsp;

 Midwest Energy appeals to customers to  conserve electricity, natural gas

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

If it has to be this cold in Hays, it should at least be a record cold - and, it is.

After a high temperature of just 2 degrees is Hays on Sunday, the overnight low dropped to -18 degrees Fahrenheit.

That's a new record low for February 14, according to official records from the K-State Agricultural Center, which date back 152 years.

The previous record low on February 14 in Hays was -9 degrees, set back in 1909.

The wind chill at 8 a.m. Monday - under a sunny sky - was -27 degrees.

Western Kansas, including Ellis County, is in a <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/">wind chill warning</a> until 11 a.m. Tuesday, as issued by the National Weather Service in Dodge City.&nbsp;

Midwest Energy is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/113797b0-374e-4805-b8d5-88cb2c91c1b8">appealing to customers to conserve</a> their use of electricity and natural gas for the next few days.&nbsp;

Gov. Laura Kelly issued a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/da725dc4-fe78-4794-bdf8-88cbb3d8d486">State of Disaster Emergency</a> Sunday afternoon because of the bitterly cold temperatures.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90ed58e5-b229-4234-b345-d26c4090cc8c">weather forecast</a> calls for a gradual warmup starting Wednesday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613400390861.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIf it has to be this cold in Hays, it should at least be a record cold - and, it is.After a high temperature of just 2 degrees is Hays on Sunday, the overnight low dropped to -18 degrees Fahrenheit.That's a new record low for February 14, according to official records from the K-State Agricultural Center, which date back 152 years.The previous record low on February 14 in Hays was -9 degrees, set back in 1909.The wind chill at 8 a.m. Monday - under a sunny sky - was -27 degrees.Western Kansas, including Ellis County, is in a <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/">wind chill warning</a> until 11 a.m. Tuesday, as issued by the National Weather Service in Dodge City.&nbsp;Midwest Energy is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/113797b0-374e-4805-b8d5-88cb2c91c1b8">appealing to customers to conserve</a> their use of electricity and natural gas for the next few days.&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly issued a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/da725dc4-fe78-4794-bdf8-88cbb3d8d486">State of Disaster Emergency</a> Sunday afternoon because of the bitterly cold temperatures.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/90ed58e5-b229-4234-b345-d26c4090cc8c">weather forecast</a> calls for a gradual warmup starting Wednesday.&nbsp;

Brrr! New record low set in Hays with wind chill warning 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The United Way of Ellis County reached 86 percent of its goal for its 2020 campaign, raising $328,145.

However, the organization's allocation committee has decided to dip into its reserves so there will be no cuts to partner agency funding.

In fact, United Way is increasing funding to its partner agencies by a total of $10,000, said Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County director.

The agency received both CARES Act and Payroll Protection Program funding. This, coupled with lower expenses in 2020, helped the agency continue to fund its partner agencies at the previous levels.

"The finance committee and the board knew the agencies were hurting this year. 'Let's dip into the reserves. We can afford it. That is what the money is for anyway is to help the agencies. We don't want to be sitting on it,' " Berges said.&nbsp;

The United Way will fund 16 agencies in 2021. 

American Red Cross Big Brothers Big Sisters Cancer Council Catholic Charities Center for Life Experience Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation CASA Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas Early Childhood Connections First Call for Help Hays Area Children's Center Hays Senior Center Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services Parents and Children Together Western Kansas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center

The allocations were approved Thursday, and the partner agencies should be receiving their allocation award letters soon, Berges said.

Two partner agencies that were funded last year did not reapply for funds for 2021 — the Ellis pool project and KVC Wheatland Hospital, which applied for funding for a capacity expansion in Hays.

"We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who donated," Berges said. "It was a tough year. If you were able to donate, great. If you weren't able to this year, hopefully, you will be able to in the future."&nbsp;

The United Way has seen a trend of decreasing donations during the last several years.&nbsp;

The agency raised about $350,000 each year in 2018 and 2019. The Schmidt Foundation stepped in both years to make up what the organization needed to make its goal.

Berges attributed the decline this year in part to COVID-19. Some of the decline may have had to do with a weak economy and financial losses due to the pandemic.

The United Way was also forced to cancel in-person events because of the virus. The organization hopes to resume in-person activities this year.

"To only be $20,000 less, we thought was a good place, especially with the year 2020 was," Berges said.

More concerning is losses due to retirements. Berges said not only is the agency losing the donations from the donors, but also their companies's matching gifts.

The agency continues to try to engage younger workers, but with mixed results.

Funding already started for 2021 campaign

Fort Hays State University is already fundraising for the 2021 campaign.

The university usually does in-person events, but that has been limited by the pandemic. Instead FHSU has been engaging the university community through social media.

President Tisa Mason is challenging people to give $60 in honor of her 60th birthday.

The United Way will have a Hays Chamber Chat at 9 a.m. March 5 in the Heritage Room of the Hadley Center. Berges said she hopes FHSU will have its campaign totals by then.

United Way will also be awarding its Champion Circle trophies for the 2020 campaign at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590619492263.jpeg" alt="The American Red Cross is one of 16 partner agencies that will be funded by the United Way of Ellis County in 2021. File photo" />
 <figcaption>The American Red Cross is one of 16 partner agencies that will be funded by the United Way of Ellis County in 2021. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe United Way of Ellis County reached 86 percent of its goal for its 2020 campaign, raising $328,145.However, the organization's allocation committee has decided to dip into its reserves so there will be no cuts to partner agency funding.In fact, United Way is increasing funding to its partner agencies by a total of $10,000, said Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County director.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613145982248.jpeg" alt="United Way of Ellis County&nbsp;reached 86 percent of its goal for its 2020 campaign, raising $328,145." />
 <figcaption>United Way of Ellis County&nbsp;reached 86 percent of its goal for its 2020 campaign, raising $328,145.</figcaption>
 </figure>The agency received both CARES Act and Payroll Protection Program funding. This, coupled with lower expenses in 2020, helped the agency continue to fund its partner agencies at the previous levels."The finance committee and the board knew the agencies were hurting this year. 'Let's dip into the reserves. We can afford it. That is what the money is for anyway is to help the agencies. We don't want to be sitting on it,' " Berges said.&nbsp;The United Way will fund 16 agencies in 2021. <h2>Partner agencies</h2>American Red Cross Big Brothers Big Sisters Cancer Council Catholic Charities Center for Life Experience Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation CASA Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas Early Childhood Connections First Call for Help Hays Area Children's Center Hays Senior Center Options Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Services Parents and Children Together Western Kansas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled Western Kansas Child Advocacy CenterThe allocations were approved Thursday, and the partner agencies should be receiving their allocation award letters soon, Berges said.Two partner agencies that were funded last year did not reapply for funds for 2021 — the Ellis pool project and KVC Wheatland Hospital, which applied for funding for a capacity expansion in Hays."We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who donated," Berges said. "It was a tough year. If you were able to donate, great. If you weren't able to this year, hopefully, you will be able to in the future."&nbsp;The United Way has seen a trend of decreasing donations during the last several years.&nbsp;The agency raised about $350,000 each year in 2018 and 2019. The Schmidt Foundation stepped in both years to make up what the organization needed to make its goal.Berges attributed the decline this year in part to COVID-19. Some of the decline may have had to do with a weak economy and financial losses due to the pandemic.The United Way was also forced to cancel in-person events because of the virus. The organization hopes to resume in-person activities this year."To only be $20,000 less, we thought was a good place, especially with the year 2020 was," Berges said.More concerning is losses due to retirements. Berges said not only is the agency losing the donations from the donors, but also their companies's matching gifts.The agency continues to try to engage younger workers, but with mixed results.<h2>Funding already started for 2021 campaign</h2>Fort Hays State University is already fundraising for the 2021 campaign.The university usually does in-person events, but that has been limited by the pandemic. Instead FHSU has been engaging the university community through social media.President Tisa Mason is challenging people to give $60 in honor of her 60th birthday.The United Way will have a Hays Chamber Chat at 9 a.m. March 5 in the Heritage Room of the Hadley Center. Berges said she hopes FHSU will have its campaign totals by then.United Way will also be awarding its Champion Circle trophies for the 2020 campaign at that time.

United Way of Ellis County campaign ends 86% to goal; no cuts to agencies planned

Students, faculty, staff and visitors to Fort Hays State University will no longer have to get near a building to receive quality WiFi service.

Aided by funds from the CARES Act originated by the U.S. Department of Treasury during the pandemic, FHSU expanded its broadband service to include a large outdoor area surrounding campus academic and administrative buildings.

The expansion gives students avenues to remain close to broadband access while taking online and hybrid classes while also maintaining social distancing practices. There now is a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor WiFi connection without dropping any calls or videos.&nbsp; Students or faculty can also access the internet while sitting in their vehicle in designated parking lots. The new service will benefit faculty wishing to hold classes outdoors, especially during the pandemic.

“This project was very timely, because our vendor – Aruba Networks – had just announced the release of its outdoor WiFi 6 equipment,” said Derek Johnson, manager of network operations for FHSU’s Technology Services. “So the hardware we deployed supports the new WiFi 6 standard and readies us for the upcoming generation of devices that use the new standards.”

WiFi 6 is a set of new technologies that are faster and more efficient and can handle more devices simultaneously than ever before.

The new access area covers approximately 60 acres in the shape of a baseball diamond. It encompasses the quad, green spaces around academic and administrative buildings and parking lots, as well as street area parking – all on the east side of Big Creek.

The new WiFi transmitters are housed in 23 sturdy, gray columns that range from 5 to 20 feet in height and placed in areas near trees, buildings and open areas around campus. The shorter transmitter columns, called bollards, are located in 15 different spots – several near benches on the quad.&nbsp;

Johnson researched the ways other universities were dealing with pandemic challenges, and he learned that some set up tents and installed temporary WiFi with mobile hotspots to accommodate outdoor classes.

“That works well, but we wanted to make this a permanent service and install it properly,” he said. “From now on, even when we get past the pandemic, we will have quality outdoor WiFi.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613068086131.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsStudents, faculty, staff and visitors to Fort Hays State University will no longer have to get near a building to receive quality WiFi service.Aided by funds from the CARES Act originated by the U.S. Department of Treasury during the pandemic, FHSU expanded its broadband service to include a large outdoor area surrounding campus academic and administrative buildings.The expansion gives students avenues to remain close to broadband access while taking online and hybrid classes while also maintaining social distancing practices. There now is a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor WiFi connection without dropping any calls or videos.&nbsp; Students or faculty can also access the internet while sitting in their vehicle in designated parking lots. The new service will benefit faculty wishing to hold classes outdoors, especially during the pandemic.“This project was very timely, because our vendor – Aruba Networks – had just announced the release of its outdoor WiFi 6 equipment,” said Derek Johnson, manager of network operations for FHSU’s Technology Services. “So the hardware we deployed supports the new WiFi 6 standard and readies us for the upcoming generation of devices that use the new standards.”WiFi 6 is a set of new technologies that are faster and more efficient and can handle more devices simultaneously than ever before.The new access area covers approximately 60 acres in the shape of a baseball diamond. It encompasses the quad, green spaces around academic and administrative buildings and parking lots, as well as street area parking – all on the east side of Big Creek.The new WiFi transmitters are housed in 23 sturdy, gray columns that range from 5 to 20 feet in height and placed in areas near trees, buildings and open areas around campus. The shorter transmitter columns, called bollards, are located in 15 different spots – several near benches on the quad.&nbsp;Johnson researched the ways other universities were dealing with pandemic challenges, and he learned that some set up tents and installed temporary WiFi with mobile hotspots to accommodate outdoor classes.“That works well, but we wanted to make this a permanent service and install it properly,” he said. “From now on, even when we get past the pandemic, we will have quality outdoor WiFi.”

FHSU expands broadband service around campus

The Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has established a garden at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney.

NSDAR is partnering with the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate its centennial this year. The WaKeeney Garden is in honor of that commemoration.

The Garden is located on the east and west sides of the wall near the parking area and includes a plaque designating the space a “Never Forget” Garden.

“It’s an area we haven’t done much with,” Cemetery Manager Heidi Goff said. “It’s a very visible spot, so it’s a nice addition.”

Courtney-Spalding received grants of $1,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and $500 from the Midwest Energy Community Fund to help fund the Garden. Some chapter members also contributed to the project.

Matt Jacobs Landscaping and Lawn, LLC, installed the plants, which include lilacs, maiden grass, double knockout roses and Rose of Sharon.

The Courtney-Spalding Chapter plans to hold a dedication ceremony at a later date.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575905482441.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Courtney-Spalding Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has established a garden at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney.NSDAR is partnering with the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate its centennial this year. The WaKeeney Garden is in honor of that commemoration.The Garden is located on the east and west sides of the wall near the parking area and includes a plaque designating the space a “Never Forget” Garden.“It’s an area we haven’t done much with,” Cemetery Manager Heidi Goff said. “It’s a very visible spot, so it’s a nice addition.”Courtney-Spalding received grants of $1,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and $500 from the Midwest Energy Community Fund to help fund the Garden. Some chapter members also contributed to the project.Matt Jacobs Landscaping and Lawn, LLC, installed the plants, which include lilacs, maiden grass, double knockout roses and Rose of Sharon.The Courtney-Spalding Chapter plans to hold a dedication ceremony at a later date.&nbsp;— Submitted

DAR establishes garden at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery in WaKeeney

On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas 110th District Rep. Ken Rahjes.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas 110th District Rep. Ken Rahjes" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hexib-fa90dd?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas 110th District Rep. Ken Rahjes.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas 110th District Rep. Ken Rahjes

Three-day weather outlook

In the chaos, find the calm. Over the last year we have continually had to deal with challenging situations at home, at work and at school. Each person or family has their way of dealing with the chaos and hopefully they have found a coping strategy that works for them.

In my last two columns I have shared ideas for parents and caregivers to practice being the encourager and being a better communicator. In this column I will share ideas to teach our children how to remain calm.&nbsp;

A series of publications was created this last year for teens who might find themselves “Suddenly in Charge” of younger children. In the following tip sheet, Tristen Cope shares some strategies for helping children handle stress: <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3503.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3503.pdf</a> If you do not have the capabilities of downloading this, call the Extension Office and a printed copy can be sent to you.&nbsp;

I can remember telling my child, “Just Breathe”, when they were terribly upset. Don’t wait until the stress level is so high that your child is gasping for breath. Practice deep breathing with them so they will be prepared to calm themselves down. Breathe in through your nose, counting to 5, then breathe out through your mouth, counting to 5, taking as long to exhale as it took to inhale. Then do it again. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly and feel the air move in and then move out. Some of our preschools and schools are teaching students the “Take Five” technique. To calm themselves, the children are asked to take a breath in and then breathe out while using one finger on an open hand to trace up one side of the pinky and then down the other side of their pinky finger. Repeat this with each finger and then the thumb.&nbsp;

A fun activity for your child might be to make a “calm down” jar. Fill a clear jar ¾ full of water. Add ¼ cup of clear glue and add glitter or sequins. Food coloring can also be added. Then, use a hot glue gun to seal the lid on. After the seal is dry, shake the jar and patiently watch the glitter fall to the bottom. This can be very calming for a child. It can also be used as a timer. Shake the jar and then send the kids off to complete a task before the glitter has completely settled to the bottom.

By the way, these calming techniques for children also work for adults. I have a Calm Jar on my desk at work! If you would like additional information about building resiliency in your family, please give contact me.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588274071306.jpeg" alt="Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>Berny Unruh is Family and Community Wellness agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>In the chaos, find the calm. Over the last year we have continually had to deal with challenging situations at home, at work and at school. Each person or family has their way of dealing with the chaos and hopefully they have found a coping strategy that works for them.In my last two columns I have shared ideas for parents and caregivers to practice being the encourager and being a better communicator. In this column I will share ideas to teach our children how to remain calm.&nbsp;A series of publications was created this last year for teens who might find themselves “Suddenly in Charge” of younger children. In the following tip sheet, Tristen Cope shares some strategies for helping children handle stress: <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3503.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3503.pdf</a> If you do not have the capabilities of downloading this, call the Extension Office and a printed copy can be sent to you.&nbsp;I can remember telling my child, “Just Breathe”, when they were terribly upset. Don’t wait until the stress level is so high that your child is gasping for breath. Practice deep breathing with them so they will be prepared to calm themselves down. Breathe in through your nose, counting to 5, then breathe out through your mouth, counting to 5, taking as long to exhale as it took to inhale. Then do it again. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly and feel the air move in and then move out. Some of our preschools and schools are teaching students the “Take Five” technique. To calm themselves, the children are asked to take a breath in and then breathe out while using one finger on an open hand to trace up one side of the pinky and then down the other side of their pinky finger. Repeat this with each finger and then the thumb.&nbsp;A fun activity for your child might be to make a “calm down” jar. Fill a clear jar ¾ full of water. Add ¼ cup of clear glue and add glitter or sequins. Food coloring can also be added. Then, use a hot glue gun to seal the lid on. After the seal is dry, shake the jar and patiently watch the glitter fall to the bottom. This can be very calming for a child. It can also be used as a timer. Shake the jar and then send the kids off to complete a task before the glitter has completely settled to the bottom.By the way, these calming techniques for children also work for adults. I have a Calm Jar on my desk at work! If you would like additional information about building resiliency in your family, please give contact me.&nbsp;	Berny Unruh is the Family and Community Wellness Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp; She can be reached at 785-628-9430 or at <a href="mailto:bunruh@ksu.edu">bunruh@ksu.edu</a>

UNRUH: Be the calm

Due to cold temperatures, USD 489 will have no school on Tuesday.

Due to cold temperatures, USD 489 will have no school on Tuesday.

No school on Tuesday for Hays USD 489

With a high of just 12 degrees in Hays Saturday, the overnight low fell to -4 degrees as light snow fell.

The wind chill at 8 a.m. Sunday was -14 degrees according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Center.

A wind chill warning until 11 a.m. Tuesday for much of the area, including Ellis County, has been issued by the National Weather Service in Dodge City.

Hays received 2.5 inches of snow overnight, yielding 0.05 inches of moisture. It is the first snow in February for Hays.&nbsp;

By BECKY KISER Hays PostWith a high of just 12 degrees in Hays Saturday, the overnight low fell to -4 degrees as light snow fell.The wind chill at 8 a.m. Sunday was -14 degrees according to the official report from the K-State Agricultural Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613334045579.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A wind chill warning until 11 a.m. Tuesday for much of the area, including Ellis County, has been issued by the National Weather Service in Dodge City.Hays received 2.5 inches of snow overnight, yielding 0.05 inches of moisture. It is the first snow in February for Hays.&nbsp;

Snow and bitterly cold temps in Hays; wind chill warning until Tuesday

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for&nbsp;a portion of the City of Ellis Public Water Supply System located in Ellis County. 

This advisory is issued for customers located on 11th&nbsp;Street from Cottonwood to Baughman and on Ross Street from Cottonwood to Baughman. This advisory is not related to Covid-19.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on February 13 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE issued the advisory because of a waterline break causing a loss of pressure in the system. Loss of pressure may cause a loss of chlorine residual which can lead to bacterial contamination.

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

For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTQuMzUyMjM2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.pGgtaBBH5KJU8N2qKuSuo75zuWYiBonTzl9rD5maHvM/s/1305913623/br/97594862776-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595873466130.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for&nbsp;a portion of the City of Ellis Public Water Supply System located in Ellis County. This advisory is issued for customers located on 11th&nbsp;Street from Cottonwood to Baughman and on Ross Street from Cottonwood to Baughman. This advisory is not related to Covid-19.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on February 13 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a waterline break causing a loss of pressure in the system. Loss of pressure may cause a loss of chlorine residual which can lead to bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMTQuMzUyMjM2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.pGgtaBBH5KJU8N2qKuSuo75zuWYiBonTzl9rD5maHvM/s/1305913623/br/97594862776-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for portion of Ellis

Wrapping up their annual Heart 2 Heart campaign managers and staff at Dillons, 1902 Vine, braved extreme cold as Valentines day approached to deliver&nbsp;4,282 roses to area residents living in nursing homes and other care facilities.

"This year has been a pretty tough year, and it really means a lot to be able to give a rose to some people in the rest home and other areas that just need a smile and to brighten their day," said&nbsp;Brad Richmond, store manager. "Sometimes they don't get a chance to see family, so we are just very thankful for our customer base."

For every paper rose purchased at Dillons earlier this month, a single-stem red rose was delivered to local organizations from stores across the region, the company said in a recent announcement.

 All roses typically stay in the communities where purchased, but Richmond said this year so many donations came in at the Hays location there were also delivering to locations in surrounding communities.

"We are delivering to the surrounding communities also, Victoria, Plainville. Ellis, La Crosse, which also represents our customer base so we are just very thankful for our customers' generosity," Richmond said.

Since the collection drive began in late January, more than 45,600 roses have been donated by Dillons’ customers, across the company.

“The teams at Dillons are so excited to share a little cheer this Valentine’s Day with&nbsp;Heart 2 Heart,” said Sheila Regehr, Dillons spokeswoman. “Quite often, it’s the little unexpected things that can bring so much joy, especially at times like these. That’s what makes Heart to Heart so special. Over the next few days, we will have teams of Dillons’ cupids running throughout Kansas sharing a friendly smile and a whole lot of love. Heart to Heart is made possible by the generosity of our Dillons customers. … They are simply the best.”

Other locations in the region also saw impressive donation numbers for this year's program.

In Great Bend 1,384 roses were donated, in Larned, 481, and in Salina 1,874. Eight hundred were donated in Colby.

"We are really thankful for the community's generosity," Richmond said. "It's their money that we collect that enables us to get these roses to people."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613257661181.jpeg" alt="Hays Dillons' store manager Brad Richmond (left) and assistant manager Matt Niles, (right) assistant manager deliver boxes of roses to Roosevelt Elementary School in Hays Friday afternoon as part of the annual Heart 2 Heart campaign." />
 <figcaption>Hays Dillons' store manager Brad Richmond (left) and assistant manager Matt Niles, (right) assistant manager deliver boxes of roses to Roosevelt Elementary School in Hays Friday afternoon as part of the annual Heart 2 Heart campaign.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostWrapping up their annual Heart 2 Heart campaign managers and staff at Dillons, 1902 Vine, braved extreme cold as Valentines day approached to deliver&nbsp;4,282 roses to area residents living in nursing homes and other care facilities."This year has been a pretty tough year, and it really means a lot to be able to give a rose to some people in the rest home and other areas that just need a smile and to brighten their day," said&nbsp;Brad Richmond, store manager. "Sometimes they don't get a chance to see family, so we are just very thankful for our customer base."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613257708014.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For every paper rose purchased at Dillons earlier this month, a single-stem red rose was delivered to local organizations from stores across the region, the company said in a recent announcement. All roses typically stay in the communities where purchased, but Richmond said this year so many donations came in at the Hays location there were also delivering to locations in surrounding communities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613257736352.jpeg" alt="Dillons floral manager Robert Custer and associate Linda Pfannenstiel help load roses for delivery Friday afternoon." />
 <figcaption>Dillons floral manager Robert Custer and associate Linda Pfannenstiel help load roses for delivery Friday afternoon.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We are delivering to the surrounding communities also, Victoria, Plainville. Ellis, La Crosse, which also represents our customer base so we are just very thankful for our customers' generosity," Richmond said.Since the collection drive began in late January, more than 45,600 roses have been donated by Dillons’ customers, across the company.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613257789674.jpeg" alt="Dillons associate Faith Kohl and&nbsp;assistant manager Matt Niles help load roses Friday afternoon." />
 <figcaption>Dillons associate Faith Kohl and&nbsp;assistant manager Matt Niles help load roses Friday afternoon.</figcaption>
 </figure>“The teams at Dillons are so excited to share a little cheer this Valentine’s Day with&nbsp;Heart 2 Heart,” said Sheila Regehr, Dillons spokeswoman. “Quite often, it’s the little unexpected things that can bring so much joy, especially at times like these. That’s what makes Heart to Heart so special. Over the next few days, we will have teams of Dillons’ cupids running throughout Kansas sharing a friendly smile and a whole lot of love. Heart to Heart is made possible by the generosity of our Dillons customers. … They are simply the best.”Other locations in the region also saw impressive donation numbers for this year's program.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613257621512.jpeg" alt="Trinity Lutheran church administrative assistant Anna Towns speak with Dillons store manager&nbsp; Brad Richmond and assistant manager Matt Niles as they deliver roses to the church on Friday afternoon." />
 <figcaption>Trinity Lutheran church administrative assistant Anna Towns speak with Dillons store manager&nbsp; Brad Richmond and assistant manager Matt Niles as they deliver roses to the church on Friday afternoon.</figcaption>
 </figure>In Great Bend 1,384 roses were donated, in Larned, 481, and in Salina 1,874. Eight hundred were donated in Colby."We are really thankful for the community's generosity," Richmond said. "It's their money that we collect that enables us to get these roses to people."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613257765927.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613257814763.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Dillons delivers over 4,000 roses during annual Heart 2 Heart campaign

The Hays High School athletic director said the district's athletic facilities are lagging behind even some 3A districts in the state.

Lance Krannawitter, HHS athletics director, was at the Monday night's school board meeting updating the members about HHS's athletics and activities.

"What I want to bring to people's attention is that we have school districts around us, including school districts in our own conference, that have facilities that are far beyond what we have here in Hays," Krannawitter said.

"I am not saying that to be condescending, and I am saying that as a matter of fact."

He said 3A districts in Kansas are building amazing five-star facilities. He gave the example of Scott City, which has a new facility for basketball and indoor sports. Colby is also in the process of building a multi-million-dollar indoor sports facility for its high school and junior college.

Dodge City has an indoor football, soccer and band facility, as well as outdoor all-weather surface playing and practice fields.

Krannawitter said many 3A schools are also adding turf football fields—something that is on Hays' wish list. The district currently plays at Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field.

"As we move forward and as we look at making improvements in our district, we need to take a hard look at improving those facilities also," Krannawitter said.&nbsp;

Other items on the district's athletic facilities needs list is a new softball field and a competition-size gym.

The softball team uses a field at Glassman. Krannawitter said there is some concern about students driving to an off-campus facility. This often involves upperclassmen driving underclassmen to the field.

"It's an investment in your community, it is not just an investment in your schools," Krannawitter said. "If you build it, they will stay and they will come."&nbsp;

School board member Tammy Wellbrock asked if there is a way to calculate the potential loss of income to the community becuase the school district is unable to host events because of the district lacks appropriate facilities.

Wellbrock said it was not just athletic events the community has not been able to host, but also other activities. The district wanted to host a regional student council event, but could not because HHS' auditorium was too small.

Wellbrock wanted the district to start documenting the lost potential. Krannawitter said he could do that. He also said he thought including the Hays Recreation Commission in that analysis would be significant.

Krannawitter cited the example of a large softball tournament that was rained out in the recent past. Many of the teams did not rebook that tournament. If Hays had an all-weather field or fields, play could have continued.

"Sports and activities are one of the better avenues to bring money to the area, and we are talking about outside money, not just recirculated currency within your own community," he said.

Wellbrock added, "And it keeps our community here versus going to another community."

HHS has an average of 650 athletic participants annually out of about 850 students. Some of those are individuals who participate in multiple sports.

Sports is a high-maintenance aspect of high school and middle school, Krannawitter said. He highlighted several HHS athletic capital projects that have been recently completed and several more that the district would like to complete.

HHS put a new competition-level volleyball system in its gym A last summer. The school plans on putting in a new pull system that will run length-wise of gym A.

This will allow the school to meet the minimum attendance requirements to host volleyball substate. The district will be able to pull out both sets of bleachers so it can get more people into the gym to watch matches.

The school is also looking at putting a volleyball system in gym B.&nbsp;

A new tennis serving machine has been purchased, and new lockers have been installed in the wrestling locker room.&nbsp;

At the end of the wrestling season, the school will purchase a new wrestling mat.

Two additional weight racks were added in the HHS weight room.

A few years ago, the district also implemented a uniform rotation schedule.

The school is also considering expanding its trophy cases as it is running out of room. The school would also like to add a trophy case or kiosk to highlight the HHS Hall of Fame.

Krannawitter said the district is going to need to make improvements to its tennis courts in the near future.

"We have some surface cracking taking place and it is going to be very difficult to host events and have our kids practice on courts that have difficult surfaces to play on," he said.

The HHS gym floor has dead spots. The surface is worn to the point that a ball will not bounce back if it hits one of the dead spots, Krannawitter said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613063450314.jpeg" alt="Hays High School basketball during the 2019-20 school year. The school needs a new gym floor. Because of age, there are dead spots in the floor. Photos courtesy of Kim Reel Photography&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography</a>" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School basketball during the 2019-20 school year. The school needs a new gym floor. Because of age, there are dead spots in the floor. Photos courtesy of Kim Reel Photography&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays High School athletic director said the district's athletic facilities are lagging behind even some 3A districts in the state.Lance Krannawitter, HHS athletics director, was at the Monday night's school board meeting updating the members about HHS's athletics and activities."What I want to bring to people's attention is that we have school districts around us, including school districts in our own conference, that have facilities that are far beyond what we have here in Hays," Krannawitter said."I am not saying that to be condescending, and I am saying that as a matter of fact."<h2>Other school surpassing Hays</h2>He said 3A districts in Kansas are building amazing five-star facilities. He gave the example of Scott City, which has a new facility for basketball and indoor sports. Colby is also in the process of building a multi-million-dollar indoor sports facility for its high school and junior college.Dodge City has an indoor football, soccer and band facility, as well as outdoor all-weather surface playing and practice fields.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613063867520.jpeg" alt="HHS JV football plays at the HHS practice field. The varsity plays at the Fort Hays State University stadium. One of the wishes for the HHS athletic program is its own all-weather turf field. Photos courtesy of Kim Reel Photography&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography</a>" />
 <figcaption>HHS JV football plays at the HHS practice field. The varsity plays at the Fort Hays State University stadium. One of the wishes for the HHS athletic program is its own all-weather turf field. Photos courtesy of Kim Reel Photography&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/kimreelphotography</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Krannawitter said many 3A schools are also adding turf football fields—something that is on Hays' wish list. The district currently plays at Fort Hays State University's Lewis Field."As we move forward and as we look at making improvements in our district, we need to take a hard look at improving those facilities also," Krannawitter said.&nbsp;Other items on the district's athletic facilities needs list is a new softball field and a competition-size gym.The softball team uses a field at Glassman. Krannawitter said there is some concern about students driving to an off-campus facility. This often involves upperclassmen driving underclassmen to the field."It's an investment in your community, it is not just an investment in your schools," Krannawitter said. "If you build it, they will stay and they will come."&nbsp;<h2>Economic impact of school activities</h2>School board member Tammy Wellbrock asked if there is a way to calculate the potential loss of income to the community becuase the school district is unable to host events because of the district lacks appropriate facilities.Wellbrock said it was not just athletic events the community has not been able to host, but also other activities. The district wanted to host a regional student council event, but could not because HHS' auditorium was too small.Wellbrock wanted the district to start documenting the lost potential. Krannawitter said he could do that. He also said he thought including the Hays Recreation Commission in that analysis would be significant.Krannawitter cited the example of a large softball tournament that was rained out in the recent past. Many of the teams did not rebook that tournament. If Hays had an all-weather field or fields, play could have continued."Sports and activities are one of the better avenues to bring money to the area, and we are talking about outside money, not just recirculated currency within your own community," he said.Wellbrock added, "And it keeps our community here versus going to another community."HHS has an average of 650 athletic participants annually out of about 850 students. Some of those are individuals who participate in multiple sports.<h2>Recent maintenance</h2>Sports is a high-maintenance aspect of high school and middle school, Krannawitter said. He highlighted several HHS athletic capital projects that have been recently completed and several more that the district would like to complete.HHS put a new competition-level volleyball system in its gym A last summer. The school plans on putting in a new pull system that will run length-wise of gym A.This will allow the school to meet the minimum attendance requirements to host volleyball substate. The district will be able to pull out both sets of bleachers so it can get more people into the gym to watch matches.The school is also looking at putting a volleyball system in gym B.&nbsp;A new tennis serving machine has been purchased, and new lockers have been installed in the wrestling locker room.&nbsp;At the end of the wrestling season, the school will purchase a new wrestling mat.Two additional weight racks were added in the HHS weight room.A few years ago, the district also implemented a uniform rotation schedule.The school is also considering expanding its trophy cases as it is running out of room. The school would also like to add a trophy case or kiosk to highlight the HHS Hall of Fame.<h2>Other future needs</h2>Krannawitter said the district is going to need to make improvements to its tennis courts in the near future."We have some surface cracking taking place and it is going to be very difficult to host events and have our kids practice on courts that have difficult surfaces to play on," he said.The HHS gym floor has dead spots. The surface is worn to the point that a ball will not bounce back if it hits one of the dead spots, Krannawitter said.

Other schools' athletic facilities 'far beyond' Hays USD 489

Look at any key community institution in the Post Rock Community Foundation coverage area over the past 10 years and that institution is likely to have at least one project funded, either fully or partially, by a PRCF grant.

Lincoln's Finch Theatre, Art Center, Municipal Swimming Pool and Frisbee Golf Course, Sylvan Grove's American Legion, City Library and historic depot, Vesper's Community Center, Denmark's Community Hall and Preservation Foundation, Lucas' Community Theater and baseball field, Luray's Fire Department and Bandstand, Lincoln County Emergency Services, Hospital, Historical Society and Fairgrounds, the USD #298 and #299 school districts, the City of Barnard, the City of Beverly, Hunter Economic Development projects and many local churches are just a few of the many beneficiaries of PRCF grant funding.

Just last year, the PRCF awarded $130,000 in grants to more than two dozen different community projects.

Over the past four years, the PRCF has hosted a Match Month, taking advantage of a matching grant initiative from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Logan, Kan., with a mission to “reverse the population decline, increase the economic opportunities and strengthen critical community services” in its 26 county coverage area.

After a historically successful Match Month in February 2020, punctuated by a well-attended dinner at Flyboy's in Sylvan Grove, this year the PRCF will host a virtual Match Month in February thanks to recommendations to avoid large gatherings in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

PRCF chairman Ruth Sorensen calls Match Month an opportunity for still more growth and community enhancements.

"Leaders across the entire Post Rock area recognize the economic impact of the many contributions of the Dane G Hansen Foundation," Sorensen said. "The current Match Month fundraising effort presents yet another opportunity to benefit from the support of this organization. We ask everyone to consider donating to the Post Rock Community Foundation during February 2021 when, because of the Dane G Hansen Foundation, any donations will immediately grow for the good of the local communities."

During Match Month, the Hansen Foundation will match any donation 150%, making every $1 donated worth $2.50.

"To illustrate just how much impact Match Month has on our local area, we can look at the results of the February 2020 Match Month,” Sorensen noted. “Our area supporters generously gave $43,877 and the Hansen Foundation matched that amount 150% by giving $65,816 to our foundation. This resulted in $109,693 growth in the PRCF endowed fund in a month’s time! This money will continue to grow and will help fund exciting projects for the Post Rock area."

To take advantage of this match consider mailing a donation to the Post Rock Community Foundation, PO Box 62, Sylvan Grove, KS 67481 or go online to donate at <a href="https://postrockcf.org/donate-online">https://postrockcf.org/donate-online</a>.

For more information, find the Post Rock Community Foundation on Facebook or contact a current board member.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613068431166.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PRCFLook at any key community institution in the Post Rock Community Foundation coverage area over the past 10 years and that institution is likely to have at least one project funded, either fully or partially, by a PRCF grant.Lincoln's Finch Theatre, Art Center, Municipal Swimming Pool and Frisbee Golf Course, Sylvan Grove's American Legion, City Library and historic depot, Vesper's Community Center, Denmark's Community Hall and Preservation Foundation, Lucas' Community Theater and baseball field, Luray's Fire Department and Bandstand, Lincoln County Emergency Services, Hospital, Historical Society and Fairgrounds, the USD #298 and #299 school districts, the City of Barnard, the City of Beverly, Hunter Economic Development projects and many local churches are just a few of the many beneficiaries of PRCF grant funding.Just last year, the PRCF awarded $130,000 in grants to more than two dozen different community projects.Over the past four years, the PRCF has hosted a Match Month, taking advantage of a matching grant initiative from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Logan, Kan., with a mission to “reverse the population decline, increase the economic opportunities and strengthen critical community services” in its 26 county coverage area.After a historically successful Match Month in February 2020, punctuated by a well-attended dinner at Flyboy's in Sylvan Grove, this year the PRCF will host a virtual Match Month in February thanks to recommendations to avoid large gatherings in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.PRCF chairman Ruth Sorensen calls Match Month an opportunity for still more growth and community enhancements."Leaders across the entire Post Rock area recognize the economic impact of the many contributions of the Dane G Hansen Foundation," Sorensen said. "The current Match Month fundraising effort presents yet another opportunity to benefit from the support of this organization. We ask everyone to consider donating to the Post Rock Community Foundation during February 2021 when, because of the Dane G Hansen Foundation, any donations will immediately grow for the good of the local communities."During Match Month, the Hansen Foundation will match any donation 150%, making every $1 donated worth $2.50."To illustrate just how much impact Match Month has on our local area, we can look at the results of the February 2020 Match Month,” Sorensen noted. “Our area supporters generously gave $43,877 and the Hansen Foundation matched that amount 150% by giving $65,816 to our foundation. This resulted in $109,693 growth in the PRCF endowed fund in a month’s time! This money will continue to grow and will help fund exciting projects for the Post Rock area."To take advantage of this match consider mailing a donation to the Post Rock Community Foundation, PO Box 62, Sylvan Grove, KS 67481 or go online to donate at <a href="https://postrockcf.org/donate-online">https://postrockcf.org/donate-online</a>.For more information, find the Post Rock Community Foundation on Facebook or contact a current board member.

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