Three-day weather outlook

	Life is challenging for children and for families. As a parent I worried about how I would protect my children from themselves and from others. While there is not a step-by-step guide for raising resilient kids, I often tell parents they just have to do the best job they can.

	As I shared in my prior three articles, the very first thing to do is to build a relationship with your children. Spend time with them and express your affection often. Demonstrate your love for your children by setting boundaries and limits. There should be no question that they must wear their seat belts and they cannot cross the street alone. When they become teens, parents must set the limits for what hours the phone can be used and that the phone will be charged overnight in the parent’s room. Parents must be good role models and follow the law.&nbsp; Children will learn that they too must follow the law. &nbsp;

	In the book “The Good Teen”, Richard Lerner discusses the 5 “C’s” of positive development for teens. Connection was the characteristic that made so much sense to me. Being involved in your child’s life is vitally important. Know what they are doing and who their friends are. Serve as a community volunteer as a family. Working together as a family contributes to family bonding. Get involved in your community so your children know the neighbors and those in community organizations. In turn, those adults will know your kids. As parents we do have to monitor what our children are doing. It is also helpful if everyone at school, at church and those in other organizations will help keep an eye out for your kids too.&nbsp;

	Kids need guidance. They also need to experience life to learn some things on their own. We cannot protect our children from all the disappointments in life. We can teach them to think through their actions and help them through the consequences of their actions, especially if things don’t turn out on the positive end. When your child’s behavior requires discipline, make sure the punishment is appropriate for the misbehavior.&nbsp;

	Be an advocate for your child. I did not go to a coach or a teacher and question the rules and guidelines they had set. However, if my child asked me to go with them to speak to a teacher, I joined them and listened in on the conversation. There is a fine line between monitoring your children’s activities and taking over and making decisions for them.&nbsp;

	The key to raising emotionally healthy children is to make sure that they are first and foremost in your life and that they know that they are. It may require that you as a parent lay down your phone. It saddens me to see adults more interested in their phone than they are in their children. Never give up on your kids or on their happiness. Be present and be there for them. 	&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>	Life is challenging for children and for families. As a parent I worried about how I would protect my children from themselves and from others. While there is not a step-by-step guide for raising resilient kids, I often tell parents they just have to do the best job they can.	As I shared in my prior three articles, the very first thing to do is to build a relationship with your children. Spend time with them and express your affection often. Demonstrate your love for your children by setting boundaries and limits. There should be no question that they must wear their seat belts and they cannot cross the street alone. When they become teens, parents must set the limits for what hours the phone can be used and that the phone will be charged overnight in the parent’s room. Parents must be good role models and follow the law.&nbsp; Children will learn that they too must follow the law. &nbsp;	In the book “The Good Teen”, Richard Lerner discusses the 5 “C’s” of positive development for teens. Connection was the characteristic that made so much sense to me. Being involved in your child’s life is vitally important. Know what they are doing and who their friends are. Serve as a community volunteer as a family. Working together as a family contributes to family bonding. Get involved in your community so your children know the neighbors and those in community organizations. In turn, those adults will know your kids. As parents we do have to monitor what our children are doing. It is also helpful if everyone at school, at church and those in other organizations will help keep an eye out for your kids too.&nbsp;	Kids need guidance. They also need to experience life to learn some things on their own. We cannot protect our children from all the disappointments in life. We can teach them to think through their actions and help them through the consequences of their actions, especially if things don’t turn out on the positive end. When your child’s behavior requires discipline, make sure the punishment is appropriate for the misbehavior.&nbsp;	Be an advocate for your child. I did not go to a coach or a teacher and question the rules and guidelines they had set. However, if my child asked me to go with them to speak to a teacher, I joined them and listened in on the conversation. There is a fine line between monitoring your children’s activities and taking over and making decisions for them.&nbsp;	The key to raising emotionally healthy children is to make sure that they are first and foremost in your life and that they know that they are. It may require that you as a parent lay down your phone. It saddens me to see adults more interested in their phone than they are in their children. Never give up on your kids or on their happiness. Be present and be there for them. 	&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 a protector

MANHATTAN — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas has announced that due to the uncertainty of coronavirus vaccines being fully available to the general public by the start of June, the 2021 Boys State of Kansas session will move from its traditional early June event to the first part of August. The 2021 ALBSK session, which was to be held Sunday, June 6, through Saturday, June 12, will now be held Sunday, Aug. 1, through Saturday, Aug. 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan.&nbsp;

The program, which was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be in its 83rd year.

“We did not want to cancel the event a second year in a row,” said Tom Wierman, Kansas Boys State executive director. “After consulting with numerous individuals, we decided holding a virtual event was not feasible nor of interest to potential delegates after having spent most of the last 15 months going to school virtually. With the assistance and blessing of Kansas State University officials, it became clear that moving the date was in the best interest of the delegates, staff/volunteers and the University.”

Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who have completed their junior year of high school.

With last year’s cancellation, the ALBSK program announced in January that it was expanding the pool of registrants for this year’s session to include those who have completed their senior year of high school (those who missed out on last year’s event due to the coronavirus pandemic), as well as individuals who have completed their sophomore year of high school.

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.&nbsp;

Those wishing to attend the program should visit <a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a> to register.

In addition, anyone can nominate individuals to attend Kansas Boys State by going to ksbstate.org and submitting the person’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, high school and phone number. You can also submit nominees for future years as well.&nbsp;

The new deadline to register to guarantee a spot in the program is Monday, May 31.&nbsp;

The cost to
attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $350; however, in many instances,
sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying
$50. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations,
businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should
contact Troy Fowler, ALBSK director of operations, at troy.fowler@ksbstate.org.

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of&nbsp;democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state&nbsp;levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people&nbsp;in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates&nbsp;demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.&nbsp;

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and&nbsp;remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For&nbsp;more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit <a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613593855155.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseMANHATTAN — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas has announced that due to the uncertainty of coronavirus vaccines being fully available to the general public by the start of June, the 2021 Boys State of Kansas session will move from its traditional early June event to the first part of August. The 2021 ALBSK session, which was to be held Sunday, June 6, through Saturday, June 12, will now be held Sunday, Aug. 1, through Saturday, Aug. 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan.&nbsp;The program, which was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be in its 83rd year.“We did not want to cancel the event a second year in a row,” said Tom Wierman, Kansas Boys State executive director. “After consulting with numerous individuals, we decided holding a virtual event was not feasible nor of interest to potential delegates after having spent most of the last 15 months going to school virtually. With the assistance and blessing of Kansas State University officials, it became clear that moving the date was in the best interest of the delegates, staff/volunteers and the University.”Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who have completed their junior year of high school.With last year’s cancellation, the ALBSK program announced in January that it was expanding the pool of registrants for this year’s session to include those who have completed their senior year of high school (those who missed out on last year’s event due to the coronavirus pandemic), as well as individuals who have completed their sophomore year of high school.The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.&nbsp;Those wishing to attend the program should visit <a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a> to register.In addition, anyone can nominate individuals to attend Kansas Boys State by going to ksbstate.org and submitting the person’s name, mailing address, e-mail address, high school and phone number. You can also submit nominees for future years as well.&nbsp;The new deadline to register to guarantee a spot in the program is Monday, May 31.&nbsp;The cost to
attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $350; however, in many instances,
sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying
$50. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations,
businesses, clubs and interested individuals, or those with questions, should
contact Troy Fowler, ALBSK director of operations, at troy.fowler@ksbstate.org.ABOUT BOYS STATEThe American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of&nbsp;democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state&nbsp;levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people&nbsp;in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates&nbsp;demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.&nbsp;The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and&nbsp;remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For&nbsp;more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit <a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>.

Boys State of Kansas returns for 2021 session with new dates

These interviews were made possible by Hamlin Creative Consulting &amp; Home Steel Siding and Windows in Hays.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ep3G498rWLc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>These interviews were made possible by Hamlin Creative Consulting &amp; Home Steel Siding and Windows in Hays.

🎥 Hays High School FFA interviews

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Thanks to some collaboration and the creation of a new lab, the number of students certified as certified nursing assistants jumped at Hays High School in the fall.

John Linn, assistant HHS principal, recently gave a report to the Hays school board on the changes in the Allied Health Pathway, as well as other career and technical education programs at the school.

Twenty-two students were certified as CNAs in fall 2020. Sixteen students are working toward their certified medication aid credentials this semester.&nbsp;

HHS seniors Brooklyn Schaffer and Maia Lummus both received their CNA certifications through the Allied Health Program last semester.&nbsp;

Brooklyn hopes to one day be a surgeon, and Maia plans to study nursing and hopes to eventually earn her credentials as a nurse practitioner.

"I have always wanted to be a nurse ever since I was younger," Maia said, "so this is a good head start to get into the nursing program. Offering it at the high school was a really good way and an easy way to prepare for college as well."

Maia plans to enroll at Fort Hays State University in the fall. Brooklyn will be attending a college in Florida, where she will be majoring in biomedical science.

Brooklyn has already landed a job as a CNA working for Via Christi in Hays. She plans to work there until she has to leave for college.

Maia has not applied for a CNA position because she is participating in sports, but hopes to work in the medical field during college to help pay for her schooling.

Maia, also a caretaker for children with disabilities during the summer, said she believes having her CNA will also help her in that role.

The Allied Health Program at HHS was able to expand into a new lab after the preschool class at HHS moved to the new Early Childhood Complex across the street.

HHS partnered with NCK-Tech to bring in an instructor to teach the CNA course. HaysMed also donated beds and other supplies to the program.

"The relationships we have built have been great," Linn said. "We are proud of the direction these programs are going."

Hays High's total CTE enrollment held steady this year with 846 enrollments, some which are students taking more than one class.

Most years becuase of limits on class sizes, the school has to turn students away, Linn said.

HHS has also upgraded rooms for other programs. As part of phase one of the renovations, a storage room was converted to a studio lab for the audio/video production classes.

Room 504 is the program's classroom. Room 503 is the lab, and there is door connecting the rooms. The lab includes a video room, a computer lab and a sound-proof room for recording.&nbsp;

The next phase in the renovation, which will be completed this summer, includes renovation of room 509. A door will be added between rooms 508 and 509. These rooms will be used by Chris Dinkel, who teaches industrial technology.

Room 509 will include a materials and processes room, including a laser cutter, 3-D printer, screen printing machine and additional material testing items. The front of the room will be used for sustainable energy studies and robotics.

Room 508 will be updated and used for the engineering graphics program.

Phases three, which will be completed in summer 2022, will include the renovation of the art classrooms.

HHS is in discussions with NCK-Tech about also inviting an NCK-Tech instructor to teach welding courses at the high school.&nbsp;

HHS' welding instructor also teaches woods courses, which means the welding lab is empty part of the day.

The welding classes are usually full, and the school has to turn students away, Linn said. Class size is limited for safety reasons.

The classes would be state-supported and tuition free. NCK-Tech has also offered to donate some equipment to the program.

"We felt the meeting went extremely well, and we are excited about the possibility of helping our students prepare for real-world applications," Linn said. "We know there is a high demand for welders in our area. This program will only help our students obtain employment when they leave high school."

The Helping Hands program, lead by Michelle Thacker and John Hafliger, in coordination with the HHS counselors has taken over running the school's pantry. Students have conducted a food drive and go shopping for the pantry.

They also make sandwiches to for needy students to take home over the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613768220507.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThanks to some collaboration and the creation of a new lab, the number of students certified as certified nursing assistants jumped at Hays High School in the fall.John Linn, assistant HHS principal, recently gave a report to the Hays school board on the changes in the Allied Health Pathway, as well as other career and technical education programs at the school.Twenty-two students were certified as CNAs in fall 2020. Sixteen students are working toward their certified medication aid credentials this semester.&nbsp;HHS seniors Brooklyn Schaffer and Maia Lummus both received their CNA certifications through the Allied Health Program last semester.&nbsp;Brooklyn hopes to one day be a surgeon, and Maia plans to study nursing and hopes to eventually earn her credentials as a nurse practitioner."I have always wanted to be a nurse ever since I was younger," Maia said, "so this is a good head start to get into the nursing program. Offering it at the high school was a really good way and an easy way to prepare for college as well."Maia plans to enroll at Fort Hays State University in the fall. Brooklyn will be attending a college in Florida, where she will be majoring in biomedical science.Brooklyn has already landed a job as a CNA working for Via Christi in Hays. She plans to work there until she has to leave for college.Maia has not applied for a CNA position because she is participating in sports, but hopes to work in the medical field during college to help pay for her schooling.Maia, also a caretaker for children with disabilities during the summer, said she believes having her CNA will also help her in that role.The Allied Health Program at HHS was able to expand into a new lab after the preschool class at HHS moved to the new Early Childhood Complex across the street.HHS partnered with NCK-Tech to bring in an instructor to teach the CNA course. HaysMed also donated beds and other supplies to the program."The relationships we have built have been great," Linn said. "We are proud of the direction these programs are going."Hays High's total CTE enrollment held steady this year with 846 enrollments, some which are students taking more than one class.Most years becuase of limits on class sizes, the school has to turn students away, Linn said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613761022102.png" alt="HHS CTE building" />
 <figcaption>HHS CTE building</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Upgrades to CTE building</h2>HHS has also upgraded rooms for other programs. As part of phase one of the renovations, a storage room was converted to a studio lab for the audio/video production classes.Room 504 is the program's classroom. Room 503 is the lab, and there is door connecting the rooms. The lab includes a video room, a computer lab and a sound-proof room for recording.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613767942682.jpeg" alt="A former HHS radio student in the school's old studio. File photo" />
 <figcaption>A former HHS radio student in the school's old studio. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Graphic design was moved to room 154.The next phase in the renovation, which will be completed this summer, includes renovation of room 509. A door will be added between rooms 508 and 509. These rooms will be used by Chris Dinkel, who teaches industrial technology.Room 509 will include a materials and processes room, including a laser cutter, 3-D printer, screen printing machine and additional material testing items. The front of the room will be used for sustainable energy studies and robotics.Room 508 will be updated and used for the engineering graphics program.Phases three, which will be completed in summer 2022, will include the renovation of the art classrooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613768003308.jpeg" alt="Students in HHS' metal shop. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Students in HHS' metal shop. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Welding</h2>HHS is in discussions with NCK-Tech about also inviting an NCK-Tech instructor to teach welding courses at the high school.&nbsp;HHS' welding instructor also teaches woods courses, which means the welding lab is empty part of the day.The welding classes are usually full, and the school has to turn students away, Linn said. Class size is limited for safety reasons.The classes would be state-supported and tuition free. NCK-Tech has also offered to donate some equipment to the program."We felt the meeting went extremely well, and we are excited about the possibility of helping our students prepare for real-world applications," Linn said. "We know there is a high demand for welders in our area. This program will only help our students obtain employment when they leave high school."<h2>Helping Hands</h2>The Helping Hands program, lead by Michelle Thacker and John Hafliger, in coordination with the HHS counselors has taken over running the school's pantry. Students have conducted a food drive and go shopping for the pantry.They also make sandwiches to for needy students to take home over the weekend.

HHS students earn CNAs, CMAs as career training continues to grow

WICHITA – The Kansas Leadership Center, an educational organization founded to foster civic leadership for healthier Kansas communities, welcomes three new members to its board of directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome these three new members to our board of directors. They each bring a wealth of experience in civic leadership and represent not only diverse voices but also expertise in education, agriculture, nonprofits and banking that will strengthen our board. As a state-wide organization founded to promote the leadership of Kansans, we are particularly pleased to have strong representation from northwestern Kansas,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/team/ed-omalley/">Ed O’Malley</a>, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center.

Dr. Jill Arensdorf is living out her dream career of focusing on leadership and developing people as a professor of leadership studies at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), where she currently serves as the FHSU provost and vice president for academic affairs. Having published numerous articles on the effects of service-learning on the development of leadership skills, as well as the transfer of leadership skills to the workplace, Dr. Arensdorf’s philosophy has been shaped not only by leadership theories and concepts but also by her own learning experiences.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/team/jill-arensdorf/">Read more</a>.

After nearly 25 years working in the banking sector,&nbsp;Gennifer Golden House&nbsp;transitioned to serve her community as the director of donor services at the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF). She also manages the daily activities and managerial duties for Ad Astra per Aspera, LLC, a fifth-generation family farming operation in Sherman County, Kansas.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/team/gennifer-golden-house/">Read more</a>.

Peter F. Nájera&nbsp;is the president and CEO of the United Way of the Plains where he works to advance the common good for all citizens in south central Kansas. A student of servant leadership, he has lived around the world in leading purpose-driven organizations in renewable energy, charitable planning, and private philanthropy. Pete is also a combat veteran, having honed his leadership skills in a 20-year Army career that included tours in Korea, Germany and Iraq.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/team/peter-najera/">Read more</a>.

The new cohort reaffirms the organization’s dedication to its mission to foster leadership for stronger, healthier and more prosperous Kansas communities.

Since COVID restricted large gatherings last March, KLC converted in-person leadership trainings to virtual programs, introduced free, weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/calendar/">video chats</a>&nbsp;and convened&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/XZLOaEf6LSs">civic discussion events</a>&nbsp;on issues ranging from rural broadband access to racial justice, drawing virtual gatherings of up to 250. In November, the organization launched “<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/ks-beats-the-virus/">Kansas Beats the Virus</a>,” a bipartisan mobilization of local leadership networks with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to combat the spread of COVID-19, resulting in more than&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/kansas-beats-the-virus-initiative-mobilized-7000-kansans/">7,000 Kansans</a>&nbsp;from 72 counties implementing 827 unique action plans across the state.

Despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic, KLC has continued to forge partnerships, expand its reach and launch initiatives. In 2021, KLC selected 77 organizations across Kansas as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/announcing-recipients-of-2021-leadership-transformation-grants/">Leadership Transformation Grant partners</a>—the most ever selected in the six years the grants have been offered. KLC also received grant funding from Fidelity Charitable to scaffold a national effort to offer civic leadership training through regional leadership centers around the country with philanthropic foundation support. The organization also released the first results of multiple studies from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/third-floor-research/">Third Floor Research</a>, an applied research partnership with Kansas State University’s Staley School of Leadership Studies.

Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/">KansasLeadershipCenter.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613703517402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KLCWICHITA – The Kansas Leadership Center, an educational organization founded to foster civic leadership for healthier Kansas communities, welcomes three new members to its board of directors.The new directors are:<ul>
 <li>Jill Arensdorf, Ph.D., provost/vice president of academic affairs, Fort Hays State University, Hays</li><li>Gennifer House, director of donor services, Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, Goodland</li><li>Peter Nájera, president/CEO, United Way of the Plains, Wichita</li>
 </ul>“We are thrilled to welcome these three new members to our board of directors. They each bring a wealth of experience in civic leadership and represent not only diverse voices but also expertise in education, agriculture, nonprofits and banking that will strengthen our board. As a state-wide organization founded to promote the leadership of Kansans, we are particularly pleased to have strong representation from northwestern Kansas,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/team/ed-omalley/">Ed O’Malley</a>, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613702399594.jpeg" alt="Dr. Jill Arensdorf, Hays" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Jill Arensdorf, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Dr. Jill Arensdorf</h2>Dr. Jill Arensdorf is living out her dream career of focusing on leadership and developing people as a professor of leadership studies at Fort Hays State University (FHSU), where she currently serves as the FHSU provost and vice president for academic affairs. Having published numerous articles on the effects of service-learning on the development of leadership skills, as well as the transfer of leadership skills to the workplace, Dr. Arensdorf’s philosophy has been shaped not only by leadership theories and concepts but also by her own learning experiences.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/team/jill-arensdorf/">Read more</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613702547947.jpeg" alt="Gennifer Golden House, Goodland" />
 <figcaption>Gennifer Golden House, Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Gennifer Golden House</h2>After nearly 25 years working in the banking sector,&nbsp;Gennifer Golden House&nbsp;transitioned to serve her community as the director of donor services at the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation (GNWKCF). She also manages the daily activities and managerial duties for Ad Astra per Aspera, LLC, a fifth-generation family farming operation in Sherman County, Kansas.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/team/gennifer-golden-house/">Read more</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613702624616.jpeg" alt="Peter F. Nájera, Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Peter F. Nájera, Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Peter F. Nájera</h2>Peter F. Nájera&nbsp;is the president and CEO of the United Way of the Plains where he works to advance the common good for all citizens in south central Kansas. A student of servant leadership, he has lived around the world in leading purpose-driven organizations in renewable energy, charitable planning, and private philanthropy. Pete is also a combat veteran, having honed his leadership skills in a 20-year Army career that included tours in Korea, Germany and Iraq.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/team/peter-najera/">Read more</a>.The new cohort reaffirms the organization’s dedication to its mission to foster leadership for stronger, healthier and more prosperous Kansas communities.Since COVID restricted large gatherings last March, KLC converted in-person leadership trainings to virtual programs, introduced free, weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/calendar/">video chats</a>&nbsp;and convened&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/XZLOaEf6LSs">civic discussion events</a>&nbsp;on issues ranging from rural broadband access to racial justice, drawing virtual gatherings of up to 250. In November, the organization launched “<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/ks-beats-the-virus/">Kansas Beats the Virus</a>,” a bipartisan mobilization of local leadership networks with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to combat the spread of COVID-19, resulting in more than&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/kansas-beats-the-virus-initiative-mobilized-7000-kansans/">7,000 Kansans</a>&nbsp;from 72 counties implementing 827 unique action plans across the state.Despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic, KLC has continued to forge partnerships, expand its reach and launch initiatives. In 2021, KLC selected 77 organizations across Kansas as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/announcing-recipients-of-2021-leadership-transformation-grants/">Leadership Transformation Grant partners</a>—the most ever selected in the six years the grants have been offered. KLC also received grant funding from Fidelity Charitable to scaffold a national effort to offer civic leadership training through regional leadership centers around the country with philanthropic foundation support. The organization also released the first results of multiple studies from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/third-floor-research/">Third Floor Research</a>, an applied research partnership with Kansas State University’s Staley School of Leadership Studies.Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasleadershipcenter.org/">KansasLeadershipCenter.org</a>.

Hays, Goodland women named to Kan. Leadership Center board

WICHITA - More than 1,100 students completed degrees at Wichita State University in fall 2020.

Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude.

Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 15,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Northwest Kansas students graduate from WSU include:

Goodland Amanda R. Coon, Bachelor of Arts, Performing Arts BA, Summa Cum Laude

Hays Maci M. Gerhard, Bachelor of Arts,
Psychology, Cum Laude Isabella H. Lee, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Hill City Kayla M. Keith, Bachelor of Arts in Education,
ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice

Palco Mindy M. Wiebke, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Cum Laude

Phillipsburg Falon D. Bretton, Bachelor of General Studies, General Studies Sociology, Cum Laude

Russell Breilynn L. Schoenberger, Bachelor of Business Admin., General Business

Weskan Charice E. Winter, Bachelor of Arts in Education,
ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Cum Laude

Winona Karen M. Nichols, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Magna Cum Laude

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580323059176.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WSUWICHITA - More than 1,100 students completed degrees at Wichita State University in fall 2020.Undergraduate students who have attained a grade point average of 3.9 out of a possible 4.0 received the summa cum laude award; those with an average of 3.55 received the magna cum laude award; and those with an average of 3.25 received the cum laude.Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 15,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.Northwest Kansas students graduate from WSU include:Goodland Amanda R. Coon, Bachelor of Arts, Performing Arts BA, Summa Cum LaudeHays Maci M. Gerhard, Bachelor of Arts,
Psychology, Cum Laude Isabella H. Lee, Bachelor of Arts, PsychologyHill City Kayla M. Keith, Bachelor of Arts in Education,
ECU/Elementary Educ ApprenticePalco Mindy M. Wiebke, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Cum LaudePhillipsburg Falon D. Bretton, Bachelor of General Studies, General Studies Sociology, Cum Laude Russell Breilynn L. Schoenberger, Bachelor of Business Admin., General Business Weskan Charice E. Winter, Bachelor of Arts in Education,
ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Cum Laude Winona Karen M. Nichols, Bachelor of Arts in Education, ECU/Elementary Educ Apprentice, Magna Cum Laude

Wichita State fall graduates include Hays, NW Kan. students

The would-be varsity cheerleader, the tattletale and Snapchat have 
converged in a Supreme Court free speech case sure to draw the interest 
of social media-loving students, concerned parents and wary school 
administrators everywhere.

In 2017, a ninth-grade student in Schuylkill County, Pa., who failed 
to make the varsity cheerleading squad, vented her frustration in an 
F-bomb laced Snapchat post. She repeated the same curse before each of 
the words “school,” “softball,” “cheer” and “everything.”

A teammate told a coach about the post, and administrators kicked her off the junior varsity cheerleading squad.

Now, in <a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/mahanoy-area-school-district-v-b-l/" target="_blank">Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.</a>,
 the Supreme Court faces the question: Can school officials punish 
students for social media posts even when students post them off-campus,
 including in their own homes? The stakes are high: School 
administrators say they need to know the limits of their authority. 
Students deserve to know if schools can regulate them for social media 
posts they make off school grounds. The court could hear oral arguments 
as early as April.

The student, identified as “B.L.,” <a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/b.l._-_verified_complaint_-_9-25-17.pdf" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a> through her parents, alleging a violation of her First Amendment free speech rights. A federal district court <a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/memorandum_opinion_granting_summary_judgment_for_b.l._-_3_21_19_.pdf" target="_blank">ruled in her favor</a>,
 reasoning her profane snap was off-campus speech that did not cause a 
substantial disruption of school activities. The disruption of school 
functions is the key standard in student-speech cases from the Supreme 
Court’s famous 1969 decision in <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/393/503.html" target="_blank">Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District</a>.

In Tinker, several students, including siblings Mary Beth and John Tinker,
 wore black armbands to school to protest U.S. involvement in the 
Vietnam War. School officials learned of the impending black armband 
protest and quickly passed a rule banning armbands. But they continued 
to allow students to wear other symbols, such as Iron Crosses and 
political campaign buttons. In effect, school officials had targeted a 
specific symbol associated with a particular political viewpoint.

The Supreme Court in Tinker delivered a <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2019/01/30/tinker-after-50-a-historic-ruling-still-relevant-after-all-these-years/" target="_blank">stunning victory</a>
 for student rights, declaring that neither students nor teachers “shed 
their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the 
schoolhouse gate.”

The court ruled that public school officials could not punish 
students for their speech unless the officials could reasonably forecast
 that the student speech would cause a substantial disruption of school 
activities.

Mahanoy school officials relied not on Tinker but another Supreme 
Court case to argue in support of their punishing the cheerleader 
student. In the 1986 case <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/478/675.html" target="_blank">Bethel School District v. Fraser</a>,
 school officials who disciplined a student for delivering a sexually 
laced speech during a student assembly prevailed. The court ruled in 
that case that public school officials could prohibit student speech 
that was vulgar or lewd.

In the cheerleading student’s case, an appellate court said the 
Fraser rule did not apply because her speech was completely off-campus.

The appeals court ruled that Tinker doesn’t apply to her case, either
 — it applies when student speech takes place on campus, within the 
schoolhouse gates, but not when a student is posting on social media at 
home, the court said. A concurring judge separately found that the 
Tinker ruling does apply, but that school officials still lose because 
the student’s off-campus speech did not disrupt school activities.

The Mahanoy school district, in its appeal to the Supreme Court, 
emphasized the vitally important question of whether Tinker applies to 
off-campus speech.

“That question has become especially acute because social media has 
made it far easier for students’ off-campus messages to instantly reach a
 wide audience of classmates and dominate the on-campus environment,” 
the school district <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-255/151619/20200828144703420_Mahanoy%20Cert%20Petition%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">wrote in its petition</a>.

School administrators, students, parents, teachers and others don’t 
know how far the arm of school authority extends off campus. At the very
 least, public school officials must show a clear connection between the
 off-campus post and events that take place at school.

The court’s decision should provide much-needed guidance in an <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3650306" target="_blank">unsettled area</a>
 of student-speech law. Free-speech advocates hope the decision will, 
like the Tinker decision more than 50 years ago, respect students and 
their free-speech rights. Students are the future of the country and 
need to learn in an environment that protects their constitutional 
freedoms.

David Hudson Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First 
Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University who publishes widely
 on First Amendment topics. He is the author of several First Amendment 
books, including “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F209103%2Flet-the-students-speak-by-david-hudson%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C2685cd6ced894f04dd7c08d8ceab2bbc%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486582661751731%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&amp;sdata=uHRw4fHnLNk9oFwbGjg9ckXMTppaXa0jcwqN1HPgwmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Let The Students Speak!: A History of the Fight for Freedom of Expression in American Schools</a>” (2011). He is also the author of a 12-lecture audio course on the First Amendment titled, “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.audible.com%2Fpd%2FFreedom-of-Speech-Audiobook%2FB07KWDRZ5Z&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C174b7887b2b646d45e7d08d8ceaddfa2%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486593458613959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=dNR6vBtIwJZjR5U7TFot4X7J0o7dT67xpUSgGUTb1RY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Freedom of Speech: Understanding the First Amendment,</a>” Now You Know Media (2018).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613679776461.jpeg" alt="David Hudson Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University." />
 <figcaption>David Hudson Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University.</figcaption>
 </figure>The would-be varsity cheerleader, the tattletale and Snapchat have 
converged in a Supreme Court free speech case sure to draw the interest 
of social media-loving students, concerned parents and wary school 
administrators everywhere.In 2017, a ninth-grade student in Schuylkill County, Pa., who failed 
to make the varsity cheerleading squad, vented her frustration in an 
F-bomb laced Snapchat post. She repeated the same curse before each of 
the words “school,” “softball,” “cheer” and “everything.”A teammate told a coach about the post, and administrators kicked her off the junior varsity cheerleading squad.Now, in <a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/mahanoy-area-school-district-v-b-l/" target="_blank">Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.</a>,
 the Supreme Court faces the question: Can school officials punish 
students for social media posts even when students post them off-campus,
 including in their own homes? The stakes are high: School 
administrators say they need to know the limits of their authority. 
Students deserve to know if schools can regulate them for social media 
posts they make off school grounds. The court could hear oral arguments 
as early as April.The student, identified as “B.L.,” <a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/b.l._-_verified_complaint_-_9-25-17.pdf" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a> through her parents, alleging a violation of her First Amendment free speech rights. A federal district court <a href="https://www.aclupa.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/memorandum_opinion_granting_summary_judgment_for_b.l._-_3_21_19_.pdf" target="_blank">ruled in her favor</a>,
 reasoning her profane snap was off-campus speech that did not cause a 
substantial disruption of school activities. The disruption of school 
functions is the key standard in student-speech cases from the Supreme 
Court’s famous 1969 decision in <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/393/503.html" target="_blank">Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District</a>.In Tinker, several students, including siblings Mary Beth and John Tinker,
 wore black armbands to school to protest U.S. involvement in the 
Vietnam War. School officials learned of the impending black armband 
protest and quickly passed a rule banning armbands. But they continued 
to allow students to wear other symbols, such as Iron Crosses and 
political campaign buttons. In effect, school officials had targeted a 
specific symbol associated with a particular political viewpoint.The Supreme Court in Tinker delivered a <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/2019/01/30/tinker-after-50-a-historic-ruling-still-relevant-after-all-these-years/" target="_blank">stunning victory</a>
 for student rights, declaring that neither students nor teachers “shed 
their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the 
schoolhouse gate.”The court ruled that public school officials could not punish 
students for their speech unless the officials could reasonably forecast
 that the student speech would cause a substantial disruption of school 
activities.Mahanoy school officials relied not on Tinker but another Supreme 
Court case to argue in support of their punishing the cheerleader 
student. In the 1986 case <a href="https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/478/675.html" target="_blank">Bethel School District v. Fraser</a>,
 school officials who disciplined a student for delivering a sexually 
laced speech during a student assembly prevailed. The court ruled in 
that case that public school officials could prohibit student speech 
that was vulgar or lewd.In the cheerleading student’s case, an appellate court said the 
Fraser rule did not apply because her speech was completely off-campus.The appeals court ruled that Tinker doesn’t apply to her case, either
 — it applies when student speech takes place on campus, within the 
schoolhouse gates, but not when a student is posting on social media at 
home, the court said. A concurring judge separately found that the 
Tinker ruling does apply, but that school officials still lose because 
the student’s off-campus speech did not disrupt school activities.The Mahanoy school district, in its appeal to the Supreme Court, 
emphasized the vitally important question of whether Tinker applies to 
off-campus speech.“That question has become especially acute because social media has 
made it far easier for students’ off-campus messages to instantly reach a
 wide audience of classmates and dominate the on-campus environment,” 
the school district <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-255/151619/20200828144703420_Mahanoy%20Cert%20Petition%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">wrote in its petition</a>.School administrators, students, parents, teachers and others don’t 
know how far the arm of school authority extends off campus. At the very
 least, public school officials must show a clear connection between the
 off-campus post and events that take place at school.The court’s decision should provide much-needed guidance in an <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3650306" target="_blank">unsettled area</a>
 of student-speech law. Free-speech advocates hope the decision will, 
like the Tinker decision more than 50 years ago, respect students and 
their free-speech rights. Students are the future of the country and 
need to learn in an environment that protects their constitutional 
freedoms.David Hudson Jr. is a Freedom Forum fellow for the First 
Amendment and a law professor at Belmont University who publishes widely
 on First Amendment topics. He is the author of several First Amendment 
books, including “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F209103%2Flet-the-students-speak-by-david-hudson%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C2685cd6ced894f04dd7c08d8ceab2bbc%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486582661751731%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&amp;sdata=uHRw4fHnLNk9oFwbGjg9ckXMTppaXa0jcwqN1HPgwmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Let The Students Speak!: A History of the Fight for Freedom of Expression in American Schools</a>” (2011). He is also the author of a 12-lecture audio course on the First Amendment titled, “<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.audible.com%2Fpd%2FFreedom-of-Speech-Audiobook%2FB07KWDRZ5Z&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ccfitzpatrick%40freedomforum.org%7C174b7887b2b646d45e7d08d8ceaddfa2%7C769dac65dc844365a403d9a08681378c%7C0%7C0%7C637486593458613959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=dNR6vBtIwJZjR5U7TFot4X7J0o7dT67xpUSgGUTb1RY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Freedom of Speech: Understanding the First Amendment,</a>” Now You Know Media (2018).

FIRST FIVE: Snapchat rant tests students’ free speech rights

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YHKg9HpQB_Y"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>These interviews were made possible by Hamlin Creative Consulting &amp; Home Steel Siding and Windows in Hays.

🎥 Thomas More Prep-Marian FFA interviews

Extreme Arctic temperatures in Midwest Energy’s service area Feb. 10 to 17 caused exceptionally high
demands on the co-op’s electric and natural gas systems. The Southwest Power Pool declared an
Electric Emergency on Feb. 14, and Midwest Energy put out pleas for energy conservation, which its
members followed to protect the grid. With the emergency over, concern among customers has shifted to
impacts to the bills they’ll receive in March.


The combination of lower supply and higher demand resulted in record high electric and natural gas
prices. Gas that sold for $2.50 a dekatherm early in the month spiked to more than $600 a dekatherm by
mid-month.


“We will not know the total cost increase until we receive gas supplier bills in early March. Next
month’s gas bills will show little of the price runup, but will show the impact of increased gas use,” said
Bob Muirhead, Midwest Energy’s Vice President for Customer Service. “The higher market prices for
gas will flow through bills in later months, and we are looking at spreading those costs over several
months, to avoid a one-time shock. ”


Regarding electric bills, Muirhead said that Midwest Energy is part of the Southwest Power Pool, which covers parts of 14 states. This interconnected network improves electric reliability and achieves
lower prices. The SPP also operates the regional energy market, which saw spot prices for electricity
spike during the emergency. Muirhead said that’s because considerable amount of electricity in SPP is
generated using natural gas for fuel, and it became very expensive to generate electricity using gas during
that period.


“As with gas, we will not know the full amount until end of month,” Muirhead said. "We do expect the
impact on electric bills will be less than gas bills, but we’re uncertain as to the degree of the impacts.”


Muirhead said one thing customers can do is enroll in Midwest’s Budget Billing program. With budget
billing, Midwest creates an average payment based on your previous 12 months of bills. That average is
then set as your bill for the next 12 months, when it would re-set again.


To be eligible, customers should have had service for at least one year, and the account must be current on
payments with no overdue balance. Muirhead recommends calling in as soon as possible to set up budget
billing. “The sooner a customer gets on the budget billing program, the better they can get that payment
averaged out.”


Muirhead concluded by saying Midwest will be working closely with customers to ensure they can
continue paying bills. “If a customer has a balance on their account, we will work with them to make
payment arrangements for them to make it easier to pay,” he said. “This was an extraordinary event, and
we’ll be doing whatever we can to help our customers out.”


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586196165303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Extreme Arctic temperatures in Midwest Energy’s service area Feb. 10 to 17 caused exceptionally high
demands on the co-op’s electric and natural gas systems. The Southwest Power Pool declared an
Electric Emergency on Feb. 14, and Midwest Energy put out pleas for energy conservation, which its
members followed to protect the grid. With the emergency over, concern among customers has shifted to
impacts to the bills they’ll receive in March.
The combination of lower supply and higher demand resulted in record high electric and natural gas
prices. Gas that sold for $2.50 a dekatherm early in the month spiked to more than $600 a dekatherm by
mid-month.
“We will not know the total cost increase until we receive gas supplier bills in early March. Next
month’s gas bills will show little of the price runup, but will show the impact of increased gas use,” said
Bob Muirhead, Midwest Energy’s Vice President for Customer Service. “The higher market prices for
gas will flow through bills in later months, and we are looking at spreading those costs over several
months, to avoid a one-time shock. ”
Regarding electric bills, Muirhead said that Midwest Energy is part of the Southwest Power Pool, which covers parts of 14 states. This interconnected network improves electric reliability and achieves
lower prices. The SPP also operates the regional energy market, which saw spot prices for electricity
spike during the emergency. Muirhead said that’s because considerable amount of electricity in SPP is
generated using natural gas for fuel, and it became very expensive to generate electricity using gas during
that period.
“As with gas, we will not know the full amount until end of month,” Muirhead said. "We do expect the
impact on electric bills will be less than gas bills, but we’re uncertain as to the degree of the impacts.”
Muirhead said one thing customers can do is enroll in Midwest’s Budget Billing program. With budget
billing, Midwest creates an average payment based on your previous 12 months of bills. That average is
then set as your bill for the next 12 months, when it would re-set again.
To be eligible, customers should have had service for at least one year, and the account must be current on
payments with no overdue balance. Muirhead recommends calling in as soon as possible to set up budget
billing. “The sooner a customer gets on the budget billing program, the better they can get that payment
averaged out.”
Muirhead concluded by saying Midwest will be working closely with customers to ensure they can
continue paying bills. “If a customer has a balance on their account, we will work with them to make
payment arrangements for them to make it easier to pay,” he said. “This was an extraordinary event, and
we’ll be doing whatever we can to help our customers out.”
— Midwest Energy

Midwest Energy addresses impacts of energy emergency on upcoming bills

The beginning of Catholic Schools Week 2021 marked the annual Holy Family Elementary Chili Supper and Bazaar on Jan. 31. While the traditional in-person event was affected by the current challenges of COVID-19, adaptations were made to continue the long standing tradition.

Principal Rachel Wentling and committee members along with countless volunteers served over 1,026 bowls of chili with a chicken sandwich, vegetables and a cinnamon roll or brownie. Diners were greeted drive-thru style in the parking lot of the school and meals were delivered to their vehicles.

While some of the standard events of the bazaar were not able to be held, the silent auction was taken online and the “Feed the Pig” contest (a competition fundraiser based on classroom) was available in-person and online. The raffle item winners were announced online via the schools’ Facebook page.

“The 2021 chili supper would not have been possible without the incredible help of 146 parent and family volunteers throughout the weekend. This, along with the time and dedication of our sub-committee chairs and Home and School officers, created this great success,” said co-chairs Jessica Acosta and Ryan Pfannenstiel. 

“We are truly humbled by the support, time and creative thinking of everyone to make this year a success. We are blessed with our Catholic school families and community,” added Acosta and Pfannenstiel.

While forecasted estimates were conservative, the results of the event fundraiser well exceeded any previous year at approximately $30,000 over the current year’s budgeted goal. 

Because of the generosity of the Hays community and supporters all across the country, over $71,000 was raised for Holy Family Elementary operations.

“We knew going into the weekend that the event would be successful, but we just didn’t know the degree of the success! Every area of the Chili Supper was up from last year, from patron donations, to the online silent auction, raffle ticket sales, support for Feed the Pig, and meal ticket sales. Every line item increased over last year. HFE has many loyal supporters and the entire school community contributes to the success of our annual fundraiser. We are humbled and grateful for the support of our school and the students who attend here,” said Wentling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613660020276.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-M&nbsp;The beginning of Catholic Schools Week 2021 marked the annual Holy Family Elementary Chili Supper and Bazaar on Jan. 31. While the traditional in-person event was affected by the current challenges of COVID-19, adaptations were made to continue the long standing tradition.Principal Rachel Wentling and committee members along with countless volunteers served over 1,026 bowls of chili with a chicken sandwich, vegetables and a cinnamon roll or brownie. Diners were greeted drive-thru style in the parking lot of the school and meals were delivered to their vehicles.While some of the standard events of the bazaar were not able to be held, the silent auction was taken online and the “Feed the Pig” contest (a competition fundraiser based on classroom) was available in-person and online. The raffle item winners were announced online via the schools’ Facebook page.“The 2021 chili supper would not have been possible without the incredible help of 146 parent and family volunteers throughout the weekend. This, along with the time and dedication of our sub-committee chairs and Home and School officers, created this great success,” said co-chairs Jessica Acosta and Ryan Pfannenstiel. “We are truly humbled by the support, time and creative thinking of everyone to make this year a success. We are blessed with our Catholic school families and community,” added Acosta and Pfannenstiel.While forecasted estimates were conservative, the results of the event fundraiser well exceeded any previous year at approximately $30,000 over the current year’s budgeted goal. Because of the generosity of the Hays community and supporters all across the country, over $71,000 was raised for Holy Family Elementary operations.“We knew going into the weekend that the event would be successful, but we just didn’t know the degree of the success! Every area of the Chili Supper was up from last year, from patron donations, to the online silent auction, raffle ticket sales, support for Feed the Pig, and meal ticket sales. Every line item increased over last year. HFE has many loyal supporters and the entire school community contributes to the success of our annual fundraiser. We are humbled and grateful for the support of our school and the students who attend here,” said Wentling.

COVID-style chili supper, bazaar more than doubles HFE fundraising goal

MANHATTAN — A proposed Flood Insurance Rate Map update for Ellis County
was released for public review in November 2019. Before the new map is finalized, property
owners and lessees will have one more opportunity to provide engineering data through
their community during the official 90-day appeal process. The appeal period began Jan.
20 and will continue through April 20. The new map will provide communities in this
area with up-to-date flood risk information and tools that can be used to enhance local
mitigation plans, and help local officials and residents make informed decisions about
reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.


The local mapping project is part of a nationwide effort led by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency to increase local knowledge of flood risks and to support actions to
address and reduce those risks. The work in Ellis County has been led by FEMA and the
Kansas Department of Agriculture–Division of Water Resources in partnership with local
community officials. The 90-day appeal period provides a time frame during which property
owners and lessees can provide engineering data for consideration before the new Flood
Insurance Rate Map is finalized.


Submitting an appeal requires the development of science-based data or technically-backed
information to replace or update preliminary engineering, which can require a significant
investment of time and money. Those interested in submitting an appeal are recommended
to first discuss it with their local floodplain administrator to help provide guidance on the
process, as appeals must be submitted through your local floodplain administrator. Appeal
period guidance along with contact information for floodplain administrators in Ellis
County is available at the KDA–DWR website under the Ellis County mapping project
page.


The new map, which can be found on the KDA–DWR website, is still a preliminary
version. Ellis County officials encourage property owners and lessees to view the proposed


Flood Insurance Rate Map to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood
insurance requirements.


For contact information, to view the new maps, or to find out more about Kansas
floodplain mapping projects, visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/floodplainmapping; select “Ellis
County” to view the mapping project in Ellis County.


MANHATTAN — A proposed Flood Insurance Rate Map update for Ellis County
was released for public review in November 2019. Before the new map is finalized, property
owners and lessees will have one more opportunity to provide engineering data through
their community during the official 90-day appeal process. The appeal period began Jan.
20 and will continue through April 20. The new map will provide communities in this
area with up-to-date flood risk information and tools that can be used to enhance local
mitigation plans, and help local officials and residents make informed decisions about
reducing flood risks and purchasing flood insurance.
The local mapping project is part of a nationwide effort led by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency to increase local knowledge of flood risks and to support actions to
address and reduce those risks. The work in Ellis County has been led by FEMA and the
Kansas Department of Agriculture–Division of Water Resources in partnership with local
community officials. The 90-day appeal period provides a time frame during which property
owners and lessees can provide engineering data for consideration before the new Flood
Insurance Rate Map is finalized.
Submitting an appeal requires the development of science-based data or technically-backed
information to replace or update preliminary engineering, which can require a significant
investment of time and money. Those interested in submitting an appeal are recommended
to first discuss it with their local floodplain administrator to help provide guidance on the
process, as appeals must be submitted through your local floodplain administrator. Appeal
period guidance along with contact information for floodplain administrators in Ellis
County is available at the KDA–DWR website under the Ellis County mapping project
page.
The new map, which can be found on the KDA–DWR website, is still a preliminary
version. Ellis County officials encourage property owners and lessees to view the proposed
Flood Insurance Rate Map to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood
insurance requirements.
For contact information, to view the new maps, or to find out more about Kansas
floodplain mapping projects, visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/floodplainmapping; select “Ellis
County” to view the mapping project in Ellis County.

Appeal period open for proposed Ellis Co. floodplain map

While it still seems early in the year to me, I must admit the days are going by in a hurry.&nbsp; Of course each day brings us one day closer to spring, which means warmer weather and longer bike rides.&nbsp; Those of you who come to my educational programs or read my columns know that I am passionate about topics related to health and wellness.&nbsp; Today I want to talk about another type of health — that is financial health.&nbsp;

If ever there was a year to drive home how important saving for emergencies is, the past year wins the prize. The sudden loss of income linked to COVID-19 caught people off guard. Businesses closed or reduced operations, leading to job losses or smaller paychecks for many in our communities.

The last week in February is designated as Kansas Saves week.&nbsp; This coincides with a national campaign America Saves.&nbsp; This is a great time to think about goals and consider setting, or renewing, a savings goal. &nbsp; &nbsp;

A fact sheet titled, “Spend Some, Save Some, Share Some: Family Budgeting” has good information to help you get started. Elizabeth Kiss, our Extension Specialist in the area of Financial Management, and author of the fact sheet, shares advice in key areas of your spending plan. She recommends spending no more than 25 percent of your income on housing and save a least 10 percent of each paycheck. It is also wise to put aside at least three months living expenses in a rainy-day fund. If possible consider contributing 10 percent of your income to your faith-based community or some other cause.

The idea of a budget often conjures up ideas of sacrifice or doing without. It doesn’t have to be that way. A budget, also called a spending plan, is a guide for how you will use your money over a specific period of time to meet your goals. Of course, to be most useful, it needs to be as realistic as possible. Events of the past year may have influenced your spending plan and created the need to adjust your plan.

When it comes to saving, you will need to determine what works best for your household. Many people have found that having a certain amount transferred automatically from each paycheck into a savings or investment account is the most effective way to save. Having clear goals for what you are saving for will help keep you motivated and you will be surprised at how quickly you can reach your goal.&nbsp;

Feel free to stop by my office, give me a call, or send an e-mail if you would like to receive the fact sheet, “Spend Some, Save Some, Share Some: Family Budgeting.”&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>While it still seems early in the year to me, I must admit the days are going by in a hurry.&nbsp; Of course each day brings us one day closer to spring, which means warmer weather and longer bike rides.&nbsp; Those of you who come to my educational programs or read my columns know that I am passionate about topics related to health and wellness.&nbsp; Today I want to talk about another type of health — that is financial health.&nbsp;If ever there was a year to drive home how important saving for emergencies is, the past year wins the prize. The sudden loss of income linked to COVID-19 caught people off guard. Businesses closed or reduced operations, leading to job losses or smaller paychecks for many in our communities.The last week in February is designated as Kansas Saves week.&nbsp; This coincides with a national campaign America Saves.&nbsp; This is a great time to think about goals and consider setting, or renewing, a savings goal. &nbsp; &nbsp;A fact sheet titled, “Spend Some, Save Some, Share Some: Family Budgeting” has good information to help you get started. Elizabeth Kiss, our Extension Specialist in the area of Financial Management, and author of the fact sheet, shares advice in key areas of your spending plan. She recommends spending no more than 25 percent of your income on housing and save a least 10 percent of each paycheck. It is also wise to put aside at least three months living expenses in a rainy-day fund. If possible consider contributing 10 percent of your income to your faith-based community or some other cause.The idea of a budget often conjures up ideas of sacrifice or doing without. It doesn’t have to be that way. A budget, also called a spending plan, is a guide for how you will use your money over a specific period of time to meet your goals. Of course, to be most useful, it needs to be as realistic as possible. Events of the past year may have influenced your spending plan and created the need to adjust your plan.When it comes to saving, you will need to determine what works best for your household. Many people have found that having a certain amount transferred automatically from each paycheck into a savings or investment account is the most effective way to save. Having clear goals for what you are saving for will help keep you motivated and you will be surprised at how quickly you can reach your goal.&nbsp;Feel free to stop by my office, give me a call, or send an e-mail if you would like to receive the fact sheet, “Spend Some, Save Some, Share Some: Family Budgeting.”&nbsp;Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp; You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Celebrate Kansas Saves Week

Hays High resumed Western Athletic Conference play in Garden City on Friday night.&nbsp;

Thirteen lead changes and five ties kept the game close between Hays and Garden City. The final 39-33 advantage for Garden City would prove to be the biggest lead for either team.

Hays led by five twice in the first half at 5-0 and 18-13. The Buffaloes erased that lead with 7-0 and 6-0 runs. Hays maintained the lead at halftime 20-19, but scoring would be tough to come by in the second half.

The Indians made just four of twenty-three second half shots and could not overcome a drought of just three points over a ten minute span.

Trailing 33-29, Caroline Robben scored after an offensive rebound with just under a minute remaining. Garden City missed the front end of a one and one free throw trip but grabbed the offensive rebound and made their next six free throws for a 39-33 win.

Hays falls to 6-12 overall and 1-5 in the WAC. Garden City improves to 11-4 and 5-2 in conference games.

A season high 12 three pointers pushed Hays High to their eighteenth win in eighteen tries on Friday Night. Garden City led just one time at 5-4. The Indians trailed for just thirty seconds before a Carson Kieffer gave Hays the lead for the rest of the night.

The Buffaloes pulled close one more time with a tie at ten points with two minutes remaining in the first quarter. Hays went on a 12-0 run that lasted into the second quarter and never led by less than six rest of the game.

The Indians held a 32-22 lead at halftime before opening the third quarter on a 10-2 run. Hays pushed their advantage to 52-31 after three quarters and win 76-44. The 76 points ties the second most scored in a game this season.

Jace Linenberger led three Indians in double figures with 17. TJ Nunnery scored nine points in the first quarter on his way to 16. Carson Kieffer added 10. Nine different Indians scored on the night.

Hays improves to 18-0 on the year. With the victory the Indians claim a minimum share of the Western Athletic Conference title and lock up the number one seed for sub-state. Garden City falls to 9-6 and 3-4 on the year.

The Indians will wrap four consecutive road games with a trip to Dodge City on Tuesday.

Hays High resumed Western Athletic Conference play in Garden City on Friday night.&nbsp;GirlsGarden City 39 - Hays 33Thirteen lead changes and five ties kept the game close between Hays and Garden City. The final 39-33 advantage for Garden City would prove to be the biggest lead for either team.Hays led by five twice in the first half at 5-0 and 18-13. The Buffaloes erased that lead with 7-0 and 6-0 runs. Hays maintained the lead at halftime 20-19, but scoring would be tough to come by in the second half.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/989244613&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/02-19-21-hhs-wbkb-vs-garden-city-highlights" title="02 - 19 - 21 HHS WBKB Vs Garden City Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 19 - 21 HHS WBKB Vs Garden City Highlights</a></div></div>The Indians made just four of twenty-three second half shots and could not overcome a drought of just three points over a ten minute span.Trailing 33-29, Caroline Robben scored after an offensive rebound with just under a minute remaining. Garden City missed the front end of a one and one free throw trip but grabbed the offensive rebound and made their next six free throws for a 39-33 win.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/989244316&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-womens-coach-melvin-interview-1" title="HHS Womens Coach Melvin Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS Womens Coach Melvin Interview</a></div></div>Hays falls to 6-12 overall and 1-5 in the WAC. Garden City improves to 11-4 and 5-2 in conference games.Boys#1 Hays 76 - Garden City 44A season high 12 three pointers pushed Hays High to their eighteenth win in eighteen tries on Friday Night. Garden City led just one time at 5-4. The Indians trailed for just thirty seconds before a Carson Kieffer gave Hays the lead for the rest of the night.The Buffaloes pulled close one more time with a tie at ten points with two minutes remaining in the first quarter. Hays went on a 12-0 run that lasted into the second quarter and never led by less than six rest of the game.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/989244025&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/02-19-21-hhs-mbkb-vs-garden-city-highlights" title="02 - 19 - 21 HHS MBKB Vs Garden City Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 19 - 21 HHS MBKB Vs Garden City Highlights</a></div></div>The Indians held a 32-22 lead at halftime before opening the third quarter on a 10-2 run. Hays pushed their advantage to 52-31 after three quarters and win 76-44. The 76 points ties the second most scored in a game this season.Jace Linenberger led three Indians in double figures with 17. TJ Nunnery scored nine points in the first quarter on his way to 16. Carson Kieffer added 10. Nine different Indians scored on the night.Coach Alex Hutchins<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/989244352&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hhs-mens-coach-hutchins" title="HHS Mens Coach Hutchins" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HHS Mens Coach Hutchins</a></div></div>Hays improves to 18-0 on the year. With the victory the Indians claim a minimum share of the Western Athletic Conference title and lock up the number one seed for sub-state. Garden City falls to 9-6 and 3-4 on the year.The Indians will wrap four consecutive road games with a trip to Dodge City on Tuesday.

Hays boys win share of WAC title; girls fall short on road

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

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 70.

There were 13 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 64 active cases, including six active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,578 recovered cases.

As of Friday, there were 16 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, unchanged from Thursday, with 10 of those active patients and 6 in the recovery phase.

The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose slightly to 9.9 percent.

<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 3,642 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County. Of the total 23,172 tests administered, 14.6 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613759265191.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="ECHS COVID-19 Weekly Update: Feb. 19, 2021" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/gxf4q-fb3086?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth=&btn-skin=101"></iframe></div>The Ellis County Health Department on Friday reported the average number of new coronavirus cases per day in the last seven days remained flat at six since Wednesday.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also announced an additional coronavirus-related death, bringing the total to 70.There were 13 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County since Wednesday. There are currently 64 active cases, including six active hospitalizations of Ellis County residents, and 3,578 recovered cases.As of Friday, there were 16 COVID-19 inpatients at HaysMed, unchanged from Thursday, with 10 of those active patients and 6 in the recovery phase.The seven-day average of percent of positive tests rose slightly to 9.9 percent.<a href="https://form.jotform.com/210066258239051">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 3,642 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County. Of the total 23,172 tests administered, 14.6 percent have returned positive for coronavirus.NOTE:&nbsp;"New cases" reflects cases reported by the Ellis County Health Department between regular reporting periods of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. "Total cases" reflects all cases reported by the department. Because of delayed test results, total cases might include cases prior to the previous reporting period, so KDHE figures might not necessarily correspond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613768485564.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙 Per-day virus rate flat in Ellis Co.; additional death reported

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

With the recent 
cold temperatures starting last week, Cheyanne Bottoms has, for the most
 part, frozen up for the first time this winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas 
Wetlands Education Center Site Director Curtis Wolf said while the 
frozen water usually forces birds to leave the Bottoms, he’s been 
surprised how many birds have stuck around.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The number of 
geese and ducks is still pretty good even though it’s not as high as it 
was," Wolf said. "If you can find some little open water areas, that’s 
where everything is concentrated. It’s funny to watch them. There will 
be a little pool of water, and there will be hundreds if not thousands 
of birds around that open water.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wolf reports that 
approximately 30,000 to 100,000 snow geese have stuck around as well. 
Although they usually arrive in the afternoon and “hang out.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There
 are a lot of mallards and pintails around. Some things are not affected
 by the frozen wetlands, like hawks and bald eagles. I counted twelve 
bald eagles last week that were standing out on the ice. There are a lot
 of songbirds around to check out.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wolf says bald eagles 
typically hand around in the winter as long as the waterfowl are still 
around. Bald eagles are scavengers, and as old or sick birds die, bald 
eagles are what Wolf refers to as “the cleanup crew.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611333748605.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By AMY RICKER <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>With the recent 
cold temperatures starting last week, Cheyanne Bottoms has, for the most
 part, frozen up for the first time this winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas 
Wetlands Education Center Site Director Curtis Wolf said while the 
frozen water usually forces birds to leave the Bottoms, he’s been 
surprised how many birds have stuck around.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The number of 
geese and ducks is still pretty good even though it’s not as high as it 
was," Wolf said. "If you can find some little open water areas, that’s 
where everything is concentrated. It’s funny to watch them. There will 
be a little pool of water, and there will be hundreds if not thousands 
of birds around that open water.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Wolf reports that 
approximately 30,000 to 100,000 snow geese have stuck around as well. 
Although they usually arrive in the afternoon and “hang out.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“There
 are a lot of mallards and pintails around. Some things are not affected
 by the frozen wetlands, like hawks and bald eagles. I counted twelve 
bald eagles last week that were standing out on the ice. There are a lot
 of songbirds around to check out.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wolf says bald eagles 
typically hand around in the winter as long as the waterfowl are still 
around. Bald eagles are scavengers, and as old or sick birds die, bald 
eagles are what Wolf refers to as “the cleanup crew.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Birds still 'hanging out' despite Cheyenne Bottoms freezing over 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The planned truck stop and retail center just north of Interstate-70 Exit 157 in west Hays is lagging about a year behind its construction schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ebdee2feb7f170536050518">original start date</a> for the Community Improvement District (CID) was April 1, 2021. That's when the CID was to have been effective, the truck stop open and operating and generating an additional 2% sales tax.

Developers asked the city for&nbsp;an amendment in the development agreement, changing the start date of the CID sales tax from April 1 to October 1, when the project is now expected to be completed.

City commissioners heard the legal explanation from Kim Rupp, finance director, during their Thursday night work session.&nbsp;

"It doesn't present any other legal considerations or financial considerations," Rupp told the commission. "Pretty straightforward, very simple."

A similar request was previously granted by the city for the Hilton Garden Inn CID.&nbsp;

In answer to a question from Commissioner Ron Mellick whether D &amp; J Land and Development would get another CID start date if work delays continued, Rupp said it has "been communicated to them that this should be their only request."&nbsp;

Commissioners will consider approving the request at their Feb. 25 regular meeting.&nbsp;

The 2% CID sales tax will be imposed on only the travel plaza and truck wash portions of the project to fund certain developer expenditures on a pay-as-you-go basis. The CID sales tax will generate approximately $2.2 million over the maximum 22-year term.

Commissioner Shaun Musil said he remains excited about the project.

"Things happen. You know, 2020 wasn't a good year for anybody," Musil said. "As long as they're still going to do what they say they're going to do, I think it's going to be a good thing for us."

Despite the delay, developer Doug Hutchinson of Topeka told the commission he believes the retail tenant side of the project will actually be stronger because of COVID-19.&nbsp;

"The strong companies have made it. They're looking to expand. They have cash and they're looking to go," Hutchinson said. "It's worked out really good.

"When everything hit, food, of course, was the biggest issue we had. And that's all back. There's money there. These guys want to go."&nbsp;

Plans call for a travel plaza, truck wash, at least one full-service hotel, restaurants and other commercial businesses. There will also be associated public and private infrastructure, utilities, storm water and drainage, landscaping and parking facilities. 

Utility extensions from south of the interstate and running underneath it to the north are about 75% complete, Hutchinson reported. Site grading is about 85% done.

"Although we haven't received them yet, we've put in for building permits on the travel plaza and the truck wash. So we're excited about that.&nbsp;We've had some comments back, all solid, just stuff that needs to be cleaned up from our side. Everything's good there."

One sticking point has been the hotel financing, according to Hutchinson.&nbsp;

"I actually got an email while I was sitting here tonight. It's starting to come around," he said. "It's a tough issue, but we'll get through it."

The development agreement with the city of Hays requires five of the project lots to be sold in five years.&nbsp;

"We'll have two of them up and going and fill the retail strip right after that."

Hutchinson said he'll meet Monday with a national representative for the stand-alone restaurant.

"I do think everything's moving along well and it's turned out for the better for everybody."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613569177740.png" alt="A map of the new truck stop and retail stores to be built by D &amp; J Land and Development on 40 acres north of I-70 on the west side of Hays." />
 <figcaption>A map of the new truck stop and retail stores to be built by D &amp; J Land and Development on 40 acres north of I-70 on the west side of Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe planned truck stop and retail center just north of Interstate-70 Exit 157 in west Hays is lagging about a year behind its construction schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5ebdee2feb7f170536050518">original start date</a> for the Community Improvement District (CID) was April 1, 2021. That's when the CID was to have been effective, the truck stop open and operating and generating an additional 2% sales tax.Developers asked the city for&nbsp;an amendment in the development agreement, changing the start date of the CID sales tax from April 1 to October 1, when the project is now expected to be completed.City commissioners heard the legal explanation from Kim Rupp, finance director, during their Thursday night work session.&nbsp;"It doesn't present any other legal considerations or financial considerations," Rupp told the commission. "Pretty straightforward, very simple."A similar request was previously granted by the city for the Hilton Garden Inn CID.&nbsp;In answer to a question from Commissioner Ron Mellick whether D &amp; J Land and Development would get another CID start date if work delays continued, Rupp said it has "been communicated to them that this should be their only request."&nbsp;Commissioners will consider approving the request at their Feb. 25 regular meeting.&nbsp;The 2% CID sales tax will be imposed on only the travel plaza and truck wash portions of the project to fund certain developer expenditures on a pay-as-you-go basis. The CID sales tax will generate approximately $2.2 million over the maximum 22-year term.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613709131729.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioner Shaun Musil said he remains excited about the project."Things happen. You know, 2020 wasn't a good year for anybody," Musil said. "As long as they're still going to do what they say they're going to do, I think it's going to be a good thing for us."Despite the delay, developer Doug Hutchinson of Topeka told the commission he believes the retail tenant side of the project will actually be stronger because of COVID-19.&nbsp;"The strong companies have made it. They're looking to expand. They have cash and they're looking to go," Hutchinson said. "It's worked out really good."When everything hit, food, of course, was the biggest issue we had. And that's all back. There's money there. These guys want to go."&nbsp;Plans call for a travel plaza, truck wash, at least one full-service hotel, restaurants and other commercial businesses. There will also be associated public and private infrastructure, utilities, storm water and drainage, landscaping and parking facilities. <figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fxt0ZfHpHKw"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Utility extensions from south of the interstate and running underneath it to the north are about 75% complete, Hutchinson reported. Site grading is about 85% done."Although we haven't received them yet, we've put in for building permits on the travel plaza and the truck wash. So we're excited about that.&nbsp;We've had some comments back, all solid, just stuff that needs to be cleaned up from our side. Everything's good there."One sticking point has been the hotel financing, according to Hutchinson.&nbsp;"I actually got an email while I was sitting here tonight. It's starting to come around," he said. "It's a tough issue, but we'll get through it."The development agreement with the city of Hays requires five of the project lots to be sold in five years.&nbsp;"We'll have two of them up and going and fill the retail strip right after that."Hutchinson said he'll meet Monday with a national representative for the stand-alone restaurant."I do think everything's moving along well and it's turned out for the better for everybody."

Local