The Center for Health Improvement at HaysMed is proud to partner with the Medical Fitness Association to sponsor two activities during the 16th annual Medical Fitness Week, Sept. 14 to 20.

The first activity is the WALK10K, a Worldwide Walking Challenge.&nbsp; The goal of the walking challenge is to walk 10K or 6.2 miles during the week of September 14-20.

The second activity is MOVE150, which focuses on getting participants moving, regardless of their abilities.&nbsp; Participants are encouraged to complete 150 minutes of activity utilizing a variety of activities indicated on the MOVE150 card.

“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health”, says Stephanie Howie, Fitness Director at The Center for Health Improvement.&nbsp; “Being physically active is helpful for mind as well as body well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.” &nbsp;

The goal of the Medical Fitness Association initiative is to promote an increase in physical activity levels in all ages and to highlight the medical fitness difference.&nbsp; During this international event medical fitness centers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Asia are offering resources and educational opportunities for their communities promoting the medical fitness difference and raising awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

The Center for Health Improvement is inviting the community of Hays to help us in challenging other communities across the U.S. that we are indeed active and healthy.&nbsp; It is simple and there is no cost to participate.&nbsp; Start by downloading your log sheet at https://www.haysmed.com/the-center/exercises-to-do-at-home and begin recording your activity for the week of September 14-20 and then submit the form on-line before September 24th to be eligible for prizes.&nbsp; Anyone can participate.&nbsp; Participants who are currently not a member of The Center who submit a form are eligible for a 7-day guest pass.&nbsp; Members are eligible to have their name entered into several drawings.

For more information or to participate, call The Center for Health Improvement at 785-623-5900.

HaysMedThe Center for Health Improvement at HaysMed is proud to partner with the Medical Fitness Association to sponsor two activities during the 16th annual Medical Fitness Week, Sept. 14 to 20.The first activity is the WALK10K, a Worldwide Walking Challenge.&nbsp; The goal of the walking challenge is to walk 10K or 6.2 miles during the week of September 14-20.The second activity is MOVE150, which focuses on getting participants moving, regardless of their abilities.&nbsp; Participants are encouraged to complete 150 minutes of activity utilizing a variety of activities indicated on the MOVE150 card.“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health”, says Stephanie Howie, Fitness Director at The Center for Health Improvement.&nbsp; “Being physically active is helpful for mind as well as body well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.” &nbsp;The goal of the Medical Fitness Association initiative is to promote an increase in physical activity levels in all ages and to highlight the medical fitness difference.&nbsp; During this international event medical fitness centers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Asia are offering resources and educational opportunities for their communities promoting the medical fitness difference and raising awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.The Center for Health Improvement is inviting the community of Hays to help us in challenging other communities across the U.S. that we are indeed active and healthy.&nbsp; It is simple and there is no cost to participate.&nbsp; Start by downloading your log sheet at https://www.haysmed.com/the-center/exercises-to-do-at-home and begin recording your activity for the week of September 14-20 and then submit the form on-line before September 24th to be eligible for prizes.&nbsp; Anyone can participate.&nbsp; Participants who are currently not a member of The Center who submit a form are eligible for a 7-day guest pass.&nbsp; Members are eligible to have their name entered into several drawings.For more information or to participate, call The Center for Health Improvement at 785-623-5900.

Center for Health Improvement sponsors challenge events

Beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, the 3000 block of Lincoln on the east side of Lincoln Draw will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs. 

Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day Friday. 

For more information, call (785) 628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, the 3000 block of Lincoln on the east side of Lincoln Draw will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day Friday. For more information, call (785) 628-7350.

Portion of Lincoln closed this week for repairs

Three-day weather outlook

The Sept. 17. 2020 Hays city commission work session has been canceled.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Sept. 17. 2020 Hays city commission work session has been canceled.

Hays city commission work session canceled

MANHATTAN — A global need for quality breeding stock and genetics is creating market opportunities for Kansas livestock producers. To meet the growing demand, the Kansas Department of Agriculture will host a virtual livestock export webinar featuring industry experts in exporting livestock and genetics. The webinar will be held online on Thursday, October 1.

Participants should expect to learn about export strategies as well as gain an understanding of export financing and regulatory requirements. “The agenda will include a variety of topics, including technical information needed to enter the export market. Producers will learn about tools they need to take advantage of global market opportunities,” explained KDA international trade director Suzanne Ryan-Numrich.

Exports are an important part of the Kansas economy. In 2019, over $3.8 billion dollars of agricultural goods were shipped around the globe to 96 different countries.

“This export webinar is a great way to expand opportunities for communities and small businesses as they focus on growth and we build upon rural prosperity across the state of Kansas,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “Agricultural growth plays a big role in rural revitalization and the health of the Kansas economy, as agriculture directly contributes $46 billion to the Kansas economy.” Beam added that information and education help Kansas’ small and rural agribusinesses serve as economic engines for their communities.

Registration is now open and there is no cost to participate. Find out more and register at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fagriculture.ks.gov%2Finternational&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cbf7380bb2a3b46bafbee08d85416b53c%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637351804279868532&amp;sdata=93VQ2eYSqnB6WWn3bWAAmC4H%2Bw6IVze5GdggT%2Bj9qmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/international</a>.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy including the further development and expansion of marketing opportunities for agricultural goods and services around the globe.

Individuals who have questions regarding the webinar should contact Ryan-Numrich at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:suzanne.numrich@ks.gov" target="_blank">suzanne.numrich@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6704.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599862495426.jpeg" alt="USLGE Trade Mission to Uruguay in 2018" />
 <figcaption>USLGE Trade Mission to Uruguay in 2018</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — A global need for quality breeding stock and genetics is creating market opportunities for Kansas livestock producers. To meet the growing demand, the Kansas Department of Agriculture will host a virtual livestock export webinar featuring industry experts in exporting livestock and genetics. The webinar will be held online on Thursday, October 1.Participants should expect to learn about export strategies as well as gain an understanding of export financing and regulatory requirements. “The agenda will include a variety of topics, including technical information needed to enter the export market. Producers will learn about tools they need to take advantage of global market opportunities,” explained KDA international trade director Suzanne Ryan-Numrich.Exports are an important part of the Kansas economy. In 2019, over $3.8 billion dollars of agricultural goods were shipped around the globe to 96 different countries.“This export webinar is a great way to expand opportunities for communities and small businesses as they focus on growth and we build upon rural prosperity across the state of Kansas,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “Agricultural growth plays a big role in rural revitalization and the health of the Kansas economy, as agriculture directly contributes $46 billion to the Kansas economy.” Beam added that information and education help Kansas’ small and rural agribusinesses serve as economic engines for their communities.Registration is now open and there is no cost to participate. Find out more and register at:&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fagriculture.ks.gov%2Finternational&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cbf7380bb2a3b46bafbee08d85416b53c%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637351804279868532&amp;sdata=93VQ2eYSqnB6WWn3bWAAmC4H%2Bw6IVze5GdggT%2Bj9qmk%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/international</a>.The Kansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy including the further development and expansion of marketing opportunities for agricultural goods and services around the globe.Individuals who have questions regarding the webinar should contact Ryan-Numrich at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:suzanne.numrich@ks.gov" target="_blank">suzanne.numrich@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6704.&nbsp;

KDA to host livestock export webinar

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board will discuss its Mental Health Intervention Team Program during a work session Monday.

A mental health liaison was hired for Hays Middle School in September 2019 with assistance from a grant from the Kansas Department of Eduation.

School-based mental health therapy services started in January.

This fall USD 489 added a second mental health liaison at the Hays High School.

The school board will also discuss the procedures for appointing a new board member to replace Sophia Rose Young, who resigned from the board in July after she moved out of the school district.

HMS Principal Tom Albers is also set to give an update on HMS.

Monday's meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockwell Administration Center. The school board's original calendar had the meeting set at 11:30 a.m. at Hays Middle School. However, because of COVID-19 concerns, all of the work sessions set at schools have been moved back to Rockwell until further notice.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board will discuss its Mental Health Intervention Team Program during a work session Monday.A mental health liaison was hired for Hays Middle School in September 2019 with assistance from a grant from the Kansas Department of Eduation.School-based mental health therapy services started in January.This fall USD 489 added a second mental health liaison at the Hays High School.<h2>Board vacancy</h2>The school board will also discuss the procedures for appointing a new board member to replace Sophia Rose Young, who resigned from the board in July after she moved out of the school district.HMS Principal Tom Albers is also set to give an update on HMS.Monday's meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockwell Administration Center. The school board's original calendar had the meeting set at 11:30 a.m. at Hays Middle School. However, because of COVID-19 concerns, all of the work sessions set at schools have been moved back to Rockwell until further notice.

Hays BOE to hear report on mental health program

Due to reduced attendance, the Hays Public Library Board of Directors has decided to temporarily change the library’s hours of operation. Beginning Sept. 20, the library will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed on Sundays. These hours will be in effect until Feb. 1.

Library staff and board members reviewed the number of people visiting the library in the evening hours and found that number to be less than 10 patrons an hour from 6 to 8 p.m. Overall, attendance during that time frame over the past several months had declined by fifty percent compared to last year.

With the library currently under construction limiting areas for gatherings, and COVID-19 precautions in place, there have been no in-person events or activities at the library. This is one of the main reasons that the attendance numbers are down. Those programs are expected to return after the remodel project is completed.

“Reducing service hours is not something we take lightly,” expressed Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines. Hines emphasizes “this is a temporary adjustment needed to adapt to what is currently happening at the library. We intend to return to normal hours when the project is completed early next year.”

You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578606002336.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HPLDue to reduced attendance, the Hays Public Library Board of Directors has decided to temporarily change the library’s hours of operation. Beginning Sept. 20, the library will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed on Sundays. These hours will be in effect until Feb. 1.Library staff and board members reviewed the number of people visiting the library in the evening hours and found that number to be less than 10 patrons an hour from 6 to 8 p.m. Overall, attendance during that time frame over the past several months had declined by fifty percent compared to last year.With the library currently under construction limiting areas for gatherings, and COVID-19 precautions in place, there have been no in-person events or activities at the library. This is one of the main reasons that the attendance numbers are down. Those programs are expected to return after the remodel project is completed.“Reducing service hours is not something we take lightly,” expressed Hays Public Library Director Brandon Hines. Hines emphasizes “this is a temporary adjustment needed to adapt to what is currently happening at the library. We intend to return to normal hours when the project is completed early next year.”You can find out more about this and other library programs at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/">hayslibrary.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-625-9014.

Temporary change to Hays Public Library Hours

TOPEKA—Chief Judge Grant Bannister of the 21st Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/SBf1qFeeOdG5NktjXDKcKaca3faomNy-o-lHYNFXB_U" target="_blank">September 14-18 docket</a>&nbsp;conducted entirely by videoconference.

Oral arguments will be livestreamed on the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/SBf1qFeeOdG5NktjXDKcKW4Tai-jc473rKz8C1QUttc" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;channel.

After hearing oral arguments, Bannister will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.

"The Supreme Court looks forward to Chief Judge Bannister hearing a case with us. He will read the case materials, prepare for oral argument, and deliberate with the court on its decision," said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. "We thank Judge Bannister for helping us, especially because we know he already has a significant caseload in district court to handle."

Bannister became a district judge in the 21st Judicial District in 2016. The Supreme Court appointed him chief judge in 2019. The 21st Judicial District is composed of Clay and Riley counties.

“It is an honor to serve with the Supreme Court,” Bannister said. “I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the important work of the court, and I look forward to this experience.”

Bannister is a Hays native and attended Fort Hays State University. After graduating from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1997, he was in private practice in Manhattan for 19 years and served as an adjunct professor teaching ethics in the College of Business at Kansas State University.

Bannister will hear one case at 1:30 p.m. on the September 15 docket:

Appeal No. 117,839:&nbsp;Building Erection Services Co. Inc. v. Walton Construction Co. Inc.

Johnson County: (Petition for Review) This case concerns problems with the construction of a press box at University of Kansas Memorial Stadium almost 20 years ago.

 On the first appeal, the district court held Building Erection Services (BESCO), one of the subcontractors on the project, was contractually obligated to indemnify Walton Construction, the general contractor and assignee of KU's indemnification rights, for remediation damages, attorney fees, and expenses because BESCO failed to anchor a glass curtain wall system to the press box substructure in accordance with shop drawings. 

The Court of Appeals reversed the district court's order that BESCO pay all the remediation costs as damages and remanded for the district court's "determination of those damages that arose out of, or resulted from, BESCO's negligent acts or omissions." 

On remand, the district court conducted a second evidentiary hearing and assessed half the costs of removing the metal wall panels and glass that comprised the press box's curtain wall to BESCO. 

On a second appeal, the Court of Appeals held substantial competent evidence did not support an assessment of half the remediation costs to BESCO. 

The court also reversed the attorney fees award, finding it was not supported by substantial competent evidence. 

On the second remand, the district court reinstated the award assessing half the glass removal costs and increased the award for the metal panel removal costs to 85% with no new evidence from Walton. The district court also reinstated the reversed attorney fees award.

 BESCO appealed, arguing the district court failed to comply with the second remand and substantial competent evidence did not support the third damages award. 

In the third appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed the district court, holding that substantial competent evidence does not support the damage award and held Walton did not provide evidence to support the damage award. The Court also reversed the attorney fees award. 

Issues on review are whether the Court of Appeals: 1) properly reversed the district court ruling under the law of the case doctrine and mandate rule; and 2) was correct in reversing the attorney fees award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599861753399.jpeg" alt="21st District Chief Judge Grant Bannister&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>21st District Chief Judge Grant Bannister&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>OJATOPEKA—Chief Judge Grant Bannister of the 21st Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/SBf1qFeeOdG5NktjXDKcKaca3faomNy-o-lHYNFXB_U" target="_blank">September 14-18 docket</a>&nbsp;conducted entirely by videoconference.Oral arguments will be livestreamed on the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/SBf1qFeeOdG5NktjXDKcKW4Tai-jc473rKz8C1QUttc" target="_blank">YouTube</a>&nbsp;channel.After hearing oral arguments, Bannister will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting."The Supreme Court looks forward to Chief Judge Bannister hearing a case with us. He will read the case materials, prepare for oral argument, and deliberate with the court on its decision," said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. "We thank Judge Bannister for helping us, especially because we know he already has a significant caseload in district court to handle."Bannister became a district judge in the 21st Judicial District in 2016. The Supreme Court appointed him chief judge in 2019. The 21st Judicial District is composed of Clay and Riley counties.“It is an honor to serve with the Supreme Court,” Bannister said. “I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the important work of the court, and I look forward to this experience.”Bannister is a Hays native and attended Fort Hays State University. After graduating from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1997, he was in private practice in Manhattan for 19 years and served as an adjunct professor teaching ethics in the College of Business at Kansas State University.Bannister will hear one case at 1:30 p.m. on the September 15 docket:Appeal No. 117,839:&nbsp;Building Erection Services Co. Inc. v. Walton Construction Co. Inc.Johnson County: (Petition for Review) This case concerns problems with the construction of a press box at University of Kansas Memorial Stadium almost 20 years ago. On the first appeal, the district court held Building Erection Services (BESCO), one of the subcontractors on the project, was contractually obligated to indemnify Walton Construction, the general contractor and assignee of KU's indemnification rights, for remediation damages, attorney fees, and expenses because BESCO failed to anchor a glass curtain wall system to the press box substructure in accordance with shop drawings. The Court of Appeals reversed the district court's order that BESCO pay all the remediation costs as damages and remanded for the district court's "determination of those damages that arose out of, or resulted from, BESCO's negligent acts or omissions." On remand, the district court conducted a second evidentiary hearing and assessed half the costs of removing the metal wall panels and glass that comprised the press box's curtain wall to BESCO. On a second appeal, the Court of Appeals held substantial competent evidence did not support an assessment of half the remediation costs to BESCO. The court also reversed the attorney fees award, finding it was not supported by substantial competent evidence. On the second remand, the district court reinstated the award assessing half the glass removal costs and increased the award for the metal panel removal costs to 85% with no new evidence from Walton. The district court also reinstated the reversed attorney fees award. BESCO appealed, arguing the district court failed to comply with the second remand and substantial competent evidence did not support the third damages award. In the third appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed the district court, holding that substantial competent evidence does not support the damage award and held Walton did not provide evidence to support the damage award. The Court also reversed the attorney fees award. Issues on review are whether the Court of Appeals: 1) properly reversed the district court ruling under the law of the case doctrine and mandate rule; and 2) was correct in reversing the attorney fees award.

Hays native to sit with Kansas Supreme Court for oral arguments

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS….SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Home &amp; School Mtg. 7:00 p.m.&nbsp;

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. Prayer Service for “A” Classrooms – no mass.

Memorial or St. Cornelius, Pipe, and St. Cyprian, Bishop &amp; Martyr. Spirit Day!&nbsp;

Memorial of St. Robert Bellarmine, Bishop &amp; Dr. of the Church. Prayer Service for “B” Classrooms – no mass. 

I.T. Appreciation Day – thank you to Mr. Duff Watson for all he does to keep our internet up and running, and our school technology working efficiently!

SubmittedTHE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE.CATHOLIC SCHOOLS….SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!!!MONDAYFeast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Home &amp; School Mtg. 7:00 p.m.&nbsp;TUESDAYMemorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. Prayer Service for “A” Classrooms – no mass.WEDNESDAYMemorial or St. Cornelius, Pipe, and St. Cyprian, Bishop &amp; Martyr. Spirit Day!&nbsp;THURSDAYMemorial of St. Robert Bellarmine, Bishop &amp; Dr. of the Church. Prayer Service for “B” Classrooms – no mass. I.T. Appreciation Day – thank you to Mr. Duff Watson for all he does to keep our internet up and running, and our school technology working efficiently!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599751213971.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Holy Family Elementary weekly update

By DAVID CALLAWAY <a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/educators/the-georgia-3rs-project/">Georgia 3Rs Project</a>

The next time you are with a group of friends or colleagues, ask them
 this piece of trivia: “What freedoms are all Americans guaranteed by 
the First Amendment?”

Some may even be surprised “freedoms” is plural. If your friends and 
colleagues are like most Americans, they will likely correctly state 
“free speech” as one such freedom. In 2019, the Freedom Forum’s <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/state-of-the-first-amendment/" target="_blank">State of the First Amendment Survey</a>
 found 64 percent of U.S. adults could name freedom of speech as a 
guaranteed right of the First Amendment. The next most-often named right
 was religious freedom at only 29 percent, followed by freedom of the 
press (22 percent), assembly (12 percent) and petition (4 percent).

We should not be surprised. The last decade has seen several “free 
speech” debates rise to national prominence. Notable examples include 
the <a href="https://firstamendmentwatch.org/deep-dive/are-professional-sports-players-protected-by-the-first-amendment-when-they-engage-in-political-protest-on-the-field/#tab-history-legal-cases" target="_blank">many athletes</a>, most famously Colin Kaepernick, who have peacefully protested for the rights of people of color, concerns about censorship on <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/06/free-speech-crisis-campus-isnt-real/591394/" target="_blank">college campuses</a> like Middlebury and University of California, Berkeley and disagreements about the role and impact <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/02/06/focus-on-when-the-first-amendment-protects-and-doesnt/" target="_blank">social media</a> sites play in our national discourse. In 2019, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook chief executive officer, found “free speech” a valuable Trojan horse when he used a Georgetown University <a href="https://www.vox.com/2019/10/17/20919505/mark-zuckerberg-georgetown-free-speech-facebook" target="_blank">speaking engagement</a> to rewrite his company’s origin as a dating site, claiming it was instead founded to give voice to opponents of the Iraq War.

I use quotation marks for “free speech” above because many such 
debates are not truly First Amendment or constitutional issues, however 
the rhetoric and discussion around them is often framed by a guaranteed 
right to free speech. While many believe freedom of speech is a natural 
right — not one that can be given or taken away by a government — 
confusion about what is and what is not protected by the constitution 
has produced a rise in free speech absolutism, or the ideology that 
speech of any kind — hateful, derogatory, or even violence inciting — 
should never be censored. Proponents use compelling language like 
“marketplace of ideas” to imply that only the “best” and “good” ideas 
will multiply and take root. Ignoring the obvious question — “‘Good’ and
 ‘best’ for whom?” — any cursory look at your social media feeds will 
quickly show that often divisive, angry voices win out over calls for 
understanding and peace.

In this race to protect free speech for all, we have forgotten what 
history can teach us. Two hundred years ago, in the wake of the 
Revolutionary War, Americans were in the process of conceptualizing and 
codifying how their nation would be different from those that came 
before. This process produced the U.S. Constitution in 1787, but debates
 continued about which freedoms Americans possessed and from which 
governments (state or federal) or supernatural entities they flowed. 
Originally against a “Bill of Rights,” James Madison fought for a series
 of constitutional amendments to combat self “interest and passion” that
 could lead to another constitutional convention. Madison proposed 12 
amendments — two regarding the composition of congress that have 
interesting histories for another time and 10 amendments that laid out 
rights every American is guaranteed. Those 10 amendments became known as
 the “Bill of Rights” and, while they went through several revisions, 
freedom of speech was never the first right protected.

What always came before free speech? Freedom of conscience. The first
 congressional delegates thought that the right to believe our deepest 
beliefs was chief among all others and originally separated what we 
think of as the First Amendment in two: We would first be guaranteed the
 right to believe and exercise our conscience, then a second amendment 
would cover speech, press, assembly and petition. When the drafters 
thought it best to combine those freedoms in one article, religious 
freedom retained its primacy, where it is still the first right 
Americans are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. That is a lesson that 
seems lost on us today.

The ardor to protect the act of free speech has entirely skipped past
 the inherent value and dignity of the speaker. The religious freedom 
clauses of the First Amendment served then, as today, as <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/07/29/a-first-amendment-framework-for-effective-dialogue-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">a civic framework for living together with our deepest differences</a>.
 They help us find common ground and see each other as full Americans, 
deserving of every protection that we enjoy ourselves. When we begin by 
acknowledging the humanity of the speaker, differences of taste or 
politics or religion or sports team can be tempered by mutual 
understanding and respect. This is especially important when we consider
 the immediacy of speech in the digital age and its ability to impact 
far more people at a far faster rate than in any other time in our 
country’s history. That ability to spread our speech is inversely 
proportional to our ability to understand how that speech impacts 
others, and thus, promoting free speech without the context of freedom 
of conscience imbalances these debates in favor of self-interest and 
passion James Madison feared. The First Amendment does not require 
civility, however, when taken in full, it can be a framework for living 
civilly in a diverse democracy.

David Callaway is the project manager of the Georgia Rights, 
Responsibility, Respect Project, an education initiative of the 
Religious Freedom Center. His email address is: <a href="mailto:dcallaway@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">dcallaway@freedomforum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599745128387.jpeg" alt="David Callaway" />
 <figcaption>David Callaway</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CALLAWAY <a href="https://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/programs/educators/the-georgia-3rs-project/">Georgia 3Rs Project</a>The next time you are with a group of friends or colleagues, ask them
 this piece of trivia: “What freedoms are all Americans guaranteed by 
the First Amendment?”Do you know?Some may even be surprised “freedoms” is plural. If your friends and 
colleagues are like most Americans, they will likely correctly state 
“free speech” as one such freedom. In 2019, the Freedom Forum’s <a href="https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/state-of-the-first-amendment/" target="_blank">State of the First Amendment Survey</a>
 found 64 percent of U.S. adults could name freedom of speech as a 
guaranteed right of the First Amendment. The next most-often named right
 was religious freedom at only 29 percent, followed by freedom of the 
press (22 percent), assembly (12 percent) and petition (4 percent).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We should not be surprised. The last decade has seen several “free 
speech” debates rise to national prominence. Notable examples include 
the <a href="https://firstamendmentwatch.org/deep-dive/are-professional-sports-players-protected-by-the-first-amendment-when-they-engage-in-political-protest-on-the-field/#tab-history-legal-cases" target="_blank">many athletes</a>, most famously Colin Kaepernick, who have peacefully protested for the rights of people of color, concerns about censorship on <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/06/free-speech-crisis-campus-isnt-real/591394/" target="_blank">college campuses</a> like Middlebury and University of California, Berkeley and disagreements about the role and impact <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/02/06/focus-on-when-the-first-amendment-protects-and-doesnt/" target="_blank">social media</a> sites play in our national discourse. In 2019, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook chief executive officer, found “free speech” a valuable Trojan horse when he used a Georgetown University <a href="https://www.vox.com/2019/10/17/20919505/mark-zuckerberg-georgetown-free-speech-facebook" target="_blank">speaking engagement</a> to rewrite his company’s origin as a dating site, claiming it was instead founded to give voice to opponents of the Iraq War.I use quotation marks for “free speech” above because many such 
debates are not truly First Amendment or constitutional issues, however 
the rhetoric and discussion around them is often framed by a guaranteed 
right to free speech. While many believe freedom of speech is a natural 
right — not one that can be given or taken away by a government — 
confusion about what is and what is not protected by the constitution 
has produced a rise in free speech absolutism, or the ideology that 
speech of any kind — hateful, derogatory, or even violence inciting — 
should never be censored. Proponents use compelling language like 
“marketplace of ideas” to imply that only the “best” and “good” ideas 
will multiply and take root. Ignoring the obvious question — “‘Good’ and
 ‘best’ for whom?” — any cursory look at your social media feeds will 
quickly show that often divisive, angry voices win out over calls for 
understanding and peace.In this race to protect free speech for all, we have forgotten what 
history can teach us. Two hundred years ago, in the wake of the 
Revolutionary War, Americans were in the process of conceptualizing and 
codifying how their nation would be different from those that came 
before. This process produced the U.S. Constitution in 1787, but debates
 continued about which freedoms Americans possessed and from which 
governments (state or federal) or supernatural entities they flowed. 
Originally against a “Bill of Rights,” James Madison fought for a series
 of constitutional amendments to combat self “interest and passion” that
 could lead to another constitutional convention. Madison proposed 12 
amendments — two regarding the composition of congress that have 
interesting histories for another time and 10 amendments that laid out 
rights every American is guaranteed. Those 10 amendments became known as
 the “Bill of Rights” and, while they went through several revisions, 
freedom of speech was never the first right protected.What always came before free speech? Freedom of conscience. The first
 congressional delegates thought that the right to believe our deepest 
beliefs was chief among all others and originally separated what we 
think of as the First Amendment in two: We would first be guaranteed the
 right to believe and exercise our conscience, then a second amendment 
would cover speech, press, assembly and petition. When the drafters 
thought it best to combine those freedoms in one article, religious 
freedom retained its primacy, where it is still the first right 
Americans are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. That is a lesson that 
seems lost on us today.The ardor to protect the act of free speech has entirely skipped past
 the inherent value and dignity of the speaker. The religious freedom 
clauses of the First Amendment served then, as today, as <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/07/29/a-first-amendment-framework-for-effective-dialogue-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">a civic framework for living together with our deepest differences</a>.
 They help us find common ground and see each other as full Americans, 
deserving of every protection that we enjoy ourselves. When we begin by 
acknowledging the humanity of the speaker, differences of taste or 
politics or religion or sports team can be tempered by mutual 
understanding and respect. This is especially important when we consider
 the immediacy of speech in the digital age and its ability to impact 
far more people at a far faster rate than in any other time in our 
country’s history. That ability to spread our speech is inversely 
proportional to our ability to understand how that speech impacts 
others, and thus, promoting free speech without the context of freedom 
of conscience imbalances these debates in favor of self-interest and 
passion James Madison feared. The First Amendment does not require 
civility, however, when taken in full, it can be a framework for living 
civilly in a diverse democracy.David Callaway is the project manager of the Georgia Rights, 
Responsibility, Respect Project, an education initiative of the 
Religious Freedom Center. His email address is: <a href="mailto:dcallaway@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">dcallaway@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST FIVE: ‘What comes before freedom of speech?’

LOGAN — The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is pleased to announce a new, five-year pilot initiative for licensed childcare centers in northwest Kansas.

NW Kansas Cares for Kids includes three new grant opportunities for childcare centers that meet the following criteria:

Home-based day care businesses, licensed group homes and preschools are not eligible.&nbsp;

Grants from the Hansen Foundation are available only to nonprofit centers. For-profit centers that meet the above criteria can apply for similar assistance through the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc. (<a href="http://www.nwkeici.org/" target="_blank">www.nwkeici.org</a>).

The initiative includes three new grants designed to assist childcare centers in attracting and retaining quality staff, as well as to provide the tools needed to educate young children so they start school ready to continue learning.

The Early Childhood Education Staff Support Grant is designed to provide financial recognition for early childhood staff, reduce costs associated with staff turnover, and stabilize the workforce. Fewer staff changes are also a quality factor for children attending the centers. The grant provides bonuses every 6 months for full-time (30 hours/week) staff who remain at the same center. Bonus amounts range from $250 to $800. In addition, center directors are provided funds for additional discretionary bonuses.

A second grant covers the cost of the comprehensive Montessori education curriculum, which includes training videos and instructions for teachers as well as time-tested, high-quality learning tools and manipulatives designed to last for many years. Each center may apply one time for up to $5,000 in materials.

The third grant in the initiative offers childcare centers up to $1,000 each year for up to 5 years to purchase high-quality children’s books to create or enhance the center’s library.&nbsp;

Grants will be awarded two times a year, in November and May.&nbsp; Applications will be accepted at any time but are due by&nbsp;October 30, 2020&nbsp;and&nbsp;April 25, 2021. Late applications will not be considered until the next deadline. Grants will be awarded annually in November and May for up to five years.&nbsp; The application is restricted to qualifying centers and requires an access code.

For more information, worksheets and applications, visit our website: <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/">danehansenfoundation.org</a>. Click on the <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/?page_id=7536">NW Kansas Cares for Kids</a> logo on the home page.

Two zoom conferences have been scheduled for eligible centers to learn more about these grant opportunities:

September 15, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; Or&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;September 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

RSVP to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:RSVP@danehansenfoundation.org" target="_blank">RSVP@danehansenfoundation.org</a>&nbsp; Include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599860429246.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLOGAN — The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is pleased to announce a new, five-year pilot initiative for licensed childcare centers in northwest Kansas.NW Kansas Cares for Kids includes three new grant opportunities for childcare centers that meet the following criteria:<ol>
 <li>licensed by the State of Kansas for at least 13 children</li><li>accepting children ages 2-weeks to 6-years of age</li><li>open at least 3, and less than 24 hours a day</li><li>located within the Hansen Foundation’s 26-county service area</li>
 </ol>Home-based day care businesses, licensed group homes and preschools are not eligible.&nbsp;Grants from the Hansen Foundation are available only to nonprofit centers. For-profit centers that meet the above criteria can apply for similar assistance through the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc. (<a href="http://www.nwkeici.org/" target="_blank">www.nwkeici.org</a>).The initiative includes three new grants designed to assist childcare centers in attracting and retaining quality staff, as well as to provide the tools needed to educate young children so they start school ready to continue learning.The Early Childhood Education Staff Support Grant is designed to provide financial recognition for early childhood staff, reduce costs associated with staff turnover, and stabilize the workforce. Fewer staff changes are also a quality factor for children attending the centers. The grant provides bonuses every 6 months for full-time (30 hours/week) staff who remain at the same center. Bonus amounts range from $250 to $800. In addition, center directors are provided funds for additional discretionary bonuses.A second grant covers the cost of the comprehensive Montessori education curriculum, which includes training videos and instructions for teachers as well as time-tested, high-quality learning tools and manipulatives designed to last for many years. Each center may apply one time for up to $5,000 in materials.The third grant in the initiative offers childcare centers up to $1,000 each year for up to 5 years to purchase high-quality children’s books to create or enhance the center’s library.&nbsp;Grants will be awarded two times a year, in November and May.&nbsp; Applications will be accepted at any time but are due by&nbsp;October 30, 2020&nbsp;and&nbsp;April 25, 2021. Late applications will not be considered until the next deadline. Grants will be awarded annually in November and May for up to five years.&nbsp; The application is restricted to qualifying centers and requires an access code.For more information, worksheets and applications, visit our website: <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/">danehansenfoundation.org</a>. Click on the <a href="https://danehansenfoundation.org/?page_id=7536">NW Kansas Cares for Kids</a> logo on the home page.Two zoom conferences have been scheduled for eligible centers to learn more about these grant opportunities:September 15, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; Or&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;September 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.RSVP to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:RSVP@danehansenfoundation.org" target="_blank">RSVP@danehansenfoundation.org</a>&nbsp; Include:<ol>
 <li>your name</li><li>the center you represent</li><li>city/county where your center is located</li><li>which session you wish to attend</li><li>the email address where we can send the invitation with the Zoom link</li>
 </ol>News release

New Hansen Foundation funding initiative for NW Kan. childcare centers 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Camp Hawk Lake, Harvey County (downgraded from warning 9/11)

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County

Unit G Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn County

Yates Center Kids’ Fishing Pond, Woodson County

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca273eea5f1894e0d43ec08d856946303%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637354542593644561&amp;sdata=AdPG7cyfRSs2C3MGFbF4roSjEEtUpCW2sF7p63d71Ns%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone B</a>,&nbsp;Geary County

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca273eea5f1894e0d43ec08d856946303%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637354542593644561&amp;sdata=AdPG7cyfRSs2C3MGFbF4roSjEEtUpCW2sF7p63d71Ns%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone C</a>,&nbsp;Geary County

Delaware River (between Valley Falls and Perry Lake), Jefferson County

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fperry_lake_zones.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca273eea5f1894e0d43ec08d856946303%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637354542593644561&amp;sdata=g38r7uyjYfapa3wEj9yB2B9B4PUpPnMkHYYZZf5ud7E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Perry Lake Zone D,&nbsp;Jefferson County</a>

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm"> www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm</a>. KDHE updates the listings of advisories every Thursday but may update more frequently if needed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599858932822.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has revised its list of public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.WATCHBrown State Fishing Lake, Brown CountyFord State Fishing Lake, Ford CountyCamp Hawk Lake, Harvey County (downgraded from warning 9/11)Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman CountyLovewell Reservoir, Jewell CountyUnit G Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area, Linn CountyAgra Lake, Phillips CountyYates Center Kids’ Fishing Pond, Woodson CountyADVISORIES LIFTED SEPT. 11, 2020Mission Lake, Brown CountyGathering Pond, Geary County<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca273eea5f1894e0d43ec08d856946303%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637354542593644561&amp;sdata=AdPG7cyfRSs2C3MGFbF4roSjEEtUpCW2sF7p63d71Ns%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone B</a>,&nbsp;Geary County<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fmilford-lake-zoned.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca273eea5f1894e0d43ec08d856946303%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637354542593644561&amp;sdata=AdPG7cyfRSs2C3MGFbF4roSjEEtUpCW2sF7p63d71Ns%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Milford Lake Zone C</a>,&nbsp;Geary CountyDelaware River (between Valley Falls and Perry Lake), Jefferson County<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Falgae-illness%2Fdownload%2Fperry_lake_zones.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca273eea5f1894e0d43ec08d856946303%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637354542593644561&amp;sdata=g38r7uyjYfapa3wEj9yB2B9B4PUpPnMkHYYZZf5ud7E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Perry Lake Zone D,&nbsp;Jefferson County</a>South Lake, Johnson CountyWebster Reservoir, Rooks CountyWARNING&nbsp;PROTOCOLSWhen a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ol>
 <li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.</li><li>Water contact should be avoided.</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.</li>
 </ol>Watch ProtocolsA watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water. During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ol>
 <li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.</li><li>Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.</li>
 </ol>KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit<a href="https://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm"> www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm</a>. KDHE updates the listings of advisories every Thursday but may update more frequently if needed.&nbsp;

Rooks Co. lake lifted from algae watch, Agra Lake remains

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="City approves storm water retention project" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/pp3ig-eb37e6?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: City approves storm water retention project

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A private developer's stormwater retention project to be built north of Interstate 70 in Hays will also benefit downstream areas in the city.&nbsp;

MAO Investments LLC (Hays resident Mark Ottley is the managing member) owns the site where the new Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center is located at 221 W. 43rd, and more property to the west.

The property has a main drainage way, or stream, running through it that&nbsp;goes under I-70 and&nbsp;channels water through the Lincoln Draw area of Hays, which is prone to flooding.

Two retention basins will be constructed in the drainage area.

The smaller basin on the south end will be utilized primarily by the Hilton Garden Inn.

The larger basin will be used for the remaining undeveloped property within the Ottley Addition, with still more capacity - 170,000 cubic feet - that will provide more protection downstream in the Lincoln Draw watershed, Jesse Rohr, Public Works director told city commissioners Thursday night.

The engineering design is already completed by Driggs Design Group, Hays.

There is also a water quality component to the project.

"The bottom of the drainage area is designed with a certain soil mixture and plants that allow water to be filtered before it goes downstream," Rohr said, "which is very important when we're talking about our MS4 permit from KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment). It's a requirement to provide such things and we consider it a best management practice."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ottley will construct and maintain the project. 

The city requires stormwater retention mitigation in new developments.&nbsp;

As Ottley's remaining property is developed, Rohr noted there will not have to be onsite stormwater management on each site as it comes forward in the future.

"So they won't have to utilize space within their lot as the stormwater retention requirement will already be built into the development," Rohr said.

The city will pay Ottley $130,000 from its Stormwater Reserve Fund towards construction of the project.&nbsp;

In 2016, with the development of the Tebo Village property on the east side of&nbsp; 43rd and Vine,
a $222,324 fee was paid by the developer to the city in lieu of on-site stormwater
retention improvements.

"There were some challenges on that site. That watershed is in the Chetolah Draw Watershed on the east side of Vine, which currently is not prone to flooding.&nbsp; 

"We knew we could get more benefit in the future in a project and opportunity if we could spend that money in the Lincoln Draw Watershed on the west side of Vine, which does have some flooding issues downstream," Rohr said.

The Tebo project payment was set aside and "we've basically been waiting for an opportunity to utilize some of these funds for a project such as this to provide an added benefit downstream to Lincoln Draw ."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ron Mellick asked about safety and the depth of the retention area.

Rohr said the maximum depth is about 6 feet. The sides will be sloped and can accommodate a mower.

"It's not designed to hold water long term. Ideally, within 72 hours after a rain, the stormwater is gone.&nbsp;

"With any of our water retention, if it stands longer than 72 hours, it means it's not functioning. It's not doing its job."

Mason Ruder wondered how undeveloped property south of 41st Street will be affected by the new retention area.

"It might reduce the rate of the volume of water coming down. ... Hopefully, it only has the effect of making it better."

As new construction occurs on 41st Street with impervious surfaces, Rohr said additional stormwater management would have to be done.

Ottley's property between 43rd and 45 streets was originally identified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a&nbsp;potential site for retention to help mitigate downstream flooding. 

Ruder chaired the meeting in the absence of both Mayor Shaun Musil and Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs.

With only one&nbsp;agenda item for discussion and a vote, the meeting lasted just 12 minutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599786356749.jpeg" alt="Hays developer Mark Ottley (left) signs official paperwork from Kim Rupp, Hays financial director, agreeing to build a stormwater retention mitigation project that will benefit the city downstream from his property north of I-70." />
 <figcaption>Hays developer Mark Ottley (left) signs official paperwork from Kim Rupp, Hays financial director, agreeing to build a stormwater retention mitigation project that will benefit the city downstream from his property north of I-70.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA private developer's stormwater retention project to be built north of Interstate 70 in Hays will also benefit downstream areas in the city.&nbsp;MAO Investments LLC (Hays resident Mark Ottley is the managing member) owns the site where the new Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center is located at 221 W. 43rd, and more property to the west.The property has a main drainage way, or stream, running through it that&nbsp;goes under I-70 and&nbsp;channels water through the Lincoln Draw area of Hays, which is prone to flooding.Two retention basins will be constructed in the drainage area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599789850035.png" alt="The drainage area can accommodate more capacity than required for the Hilton Garden Inn property and future Ottley development.&nbsp; The extra 170,000 cubic feet will be used by the city for extra stormwater retention and reduction of water flowing south into Lincoln Draw." />
 <figcaption>The drainage area can accommodate more capacity than required for the Hilton Garden Inn property and future Ottley development.&nbsp; The extra 170,000 cubic feet will be used by the city for extra stormwater retention and reduction of water flowing south into Lincoln Draw.</figcaption>
 </figure>The smaller basin on the south end will be utilized primarily by the Hilton Garden Inn.The larger basin will be used for the remaining undeveloped property within the Ottley Addition, with still more capacity - 170,000 cubic feet - that will provide more protection downstream in the Lincoln Draw watershed, Jesse Rohr, Public Works director told city commissioners Thursday night.The engineering design is already completed by Driggs Design Group, Hays.There is also a water quality component to the project."The bottom of the drainage area is designed with a certain soil mixture and plants that allow water to be filtered before it goes downstream," Rohr said, "which is very important when we're talking about our MS4 permit from KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment). It's a requirement to provide such things and we consider it a best management practice."&nbsp;&nbsp;Ottley will construct and maintain the project. The city requires stormwater retention mitigation in new developments.&nbsp;As Ottley's remaining property is developed, Rohr noted there will not have to be onsite stormwater management on each site as it comes forward in the future."So they won't have to utilize space within their lot as the stormwater retention requirement will already be built into the development," Rohr said.The city will pay Ottley $130,000 from its Stormwater Reserve Fund towards construction of the project.&nbsp;<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/__IU2LgH1h8"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In 2016, with the development of the Tebo Village property on the east side of&nbsp; 43rd and Vine,
a $222,324 fee was paid by the developer to the city in lieu of on-site stormwater
retention improvements."There were some challenges on that site. That watershed is in the Chetolah Draw Watershed on the east side of Vine, which currently is not prone to flooding.&nbsp; "We knew we could get more benefit in the future in a project and opportunity if we could spend that money in the Lincoln Draw Watershed on the west side of Vine, which does have some flooding issues downstream," Rohr said.The Tebo project payment was set aside and "we've basically been waiting for an opportunity to utilize some of these funds for a project such as this to provide an added benefit downstream to Lincoln Draw ."&nbsp; &nbsp;Ron Mellick asked about safety and the depth of the retention area.Rohr said the maximum depth is about 6 feet. The sides will be sloped and can accommodate a mower."It's not designed to hold water long term. Ideally, within 72 hours after a rain, the stormwater is gone.&nbsp;"With any of our water retention, if it stands longer than 72 hours, it means it's not functioning. It's not doing its job."Mason Ruder wondered how undeveloped property south of 41st Street will be affected by the new retention area."It might reduce the rate of the volume of water coming down. ... Hopefully, it only has the effect of making it better."As new construction occurs on 41st Street with impervious surfaces, Rohr said additional stormwater management would have to be done.Ottley's property between 43rd and 45 streets was originally identified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a&nbsp;potential site for retention to help mitigate downstream flooding. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599785853407.jpeg" alt="Mason Ruder gavels Thursday's city commission meeting to order in the absence of the mayor and vice-mayor." />
 <figcaption>Mason Ruder gavels Thursday's city commission meeting to order in the absence of the mayor and vice-mayor.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ruder chaired the meeting in the absence of both Mayor Shaun Musil and Vice-Mayor Sandy Jacobs.With only one&nbsp;agenda item for discussion and a vote, the meeting lasted just 12 minutes.

🎥 City helps pay for developer's stormwater retention project that also benefits Hays

Fort Hays State University’s Dr. Janet Stramel will be featured in a nationwide teacher education Webinar hosted by the U.S. Department of Education.

The webinar will be streamed live from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday to discuss teacher preparation for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It will feature education professionals and cutting-edge faculty from around the country who are working to elevate high-quality STEM teacher preparation.

Stramel – professor of teacher education at FHSU – will present a project titled “Principles of Effective STEM Teaching for All Elementary Students.” The paper was developed from the 100Kin10 Project, for which Stramel chaired one of the teams,&nbsp;"Elementary Teacher Preparation with a STEM Focus."

The five-member team came from a variety of educational backgrounds and from five different states. They met for a one-day workshop in New York City, then completed their work via Zoom.

The “Principles of Effective STEM Teaching for All Elementary Students” project developed by Stramel and her team provides a set of six principles as well as guiding questions that elementary school teachers can use to promote the critical thinking and reasoning skills through problem solving in STEM education for their students.

Those principles range from methods for elementary school teachers to engage and support all students, including diverse learners, to designing STEM teaching and learning for all students in college and career pathways.

100Kin10 is a national&nbsp;initiative&nbsp;that unites the nation’s top academic institutions, nonprofits, foundations, companies, and government agencies to address the nation’s STEM teacher shortage.&nbsp;

It was established in 2011 to “prepare and support 100,000 excellent STEM teachers in America’s classrooms” over the next decade.

FHSU is one of nearly 300 100Kin10 partners nationwide but one of only a handful of Kansas universities involved with the initiative.

“In the Department of Teacher Education,” Stramel said, “we train amazing elementary teachers who make a huge impact on the students they teach. But I want to expand that training to focus more and include more STEM integration in the coursework.”

The training of elementary teachers traditionally focuses on reading and literacy skills. However, Stramel said, STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases problem solving skills, and enables the next generation of innovators and inventors. This depends on a solid knowledge base in the STEM areas.

But instilling the love and passion for STEM does not begin in middle school or high school. It begins as early as preschool.

“Our students must be exposed to STEM education when they are in elementary school – or before,” Stramel said. “This is when their curiosities, passion and yearn for learning, and imagination are boundless, unfiltered and natural.”

Stramel, in her 12th year of teaching at FHSU, was named the&nbsp;Edna Shutts Williams Endowed Chair in the College of Education&nbsp;in the Department of Teacher Education last spring. As the Shutts Williams Endowed Chair, Stramel’s&nbsp;work revolves around training elementary teachers with a focus on STEM education.

The webinar is one such way of accomplishing that goal.

“I am honored to participate in this Webinar,” Stramel said.&nbsp;“I love Fort Hays State, and this puts us on the map on a different level.”

The webinar can be seen at<a href="https://mediasite.ed.gov/webcast/Play/ab891bcb726c4b1f933ed7fc49d16b991d">https://mediasite.ed.gov/webcast/Play/ab891bcb726c4b1f933ed7fc49d16b991d</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588866813609.jpeg" alt="Stramel" />
 <figcaption>Stramel</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University’s Dr. Janet Stramel will be featured in a nationwide teacher education Webinar hosted by the U.S. Department of Education.The webinar will be streamed live from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday to discuss teacher preparation for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It will feature education professionals and cutting-edge faculty from around the country who are working to elevate high-quality STEM teacher preparation.Stramel – professor of teacher education at FHSU – will present a project titled “Principles of Effective STEM Teaching for All Elementary Students.” The paper was developed from the 100Kin10 Project, for which Stramel chaired one of the teams,&nbsp;"Elementary Teacher Preparation with a STEM Focus."The five-member team came from a variety of educational backgrounds and from five different states. They met for a one-day workshop in New York City, then completed their work via Zoom.The “Principles of Effective STEM Teaching for All Elementary Students” project developed by Stramel and her team provides a set of six principles as well as guiding questions that elementary school teachers can use to promote the critical thinking and reasoning skills through problem solving in STEM education for their students.Those principles range from methods for elementary school teachers to engage and support all students, including diverse learners, to designing STEM teaching and learning for all students in college and career pathways.100Kin10 is a national&nbsp;initiative&nbsp;that unites the nation’s top academic institutions, nonprofits, foundations, companies, and government agencies to address the nation’s STEM teacher shortage.&nbsp;It was established in 2011 to “prepare and support 100,000 excellent STEM teachers in America’s classrooms” over the next decade.FHSU is one of nearly 300 100Kin10 partners nationwide but one of only a handful of Kansas universities involved with the initiative.“In the Department of Teacher Education,” Stramel said, “we train amazing elementary teachers who make a huge impact on the students they teach. But I want to expand that training to focus more and include more STEM integration in the coursework.”The training of elementary teachers traditionally focuses on reading and literacy skills. However, Stramel said, STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases problem solving skills, and enables the next generation of innovators and inventors. This depends on a solid knowledge base in the STEM areas.But instilling the love and passion for STEM does not begin in middle school or high school. It begins as early as preschool.“Our students must be exposed to STEM education when they are in elementary school – or before,” Stramel said. “This is when their curiosities, passion and yearn for learning, and imagination are boundless, unfiltered and natural.”Stramel, in her 12th year of teaching at FHSU, was named the&nbsp;Edna Shutts Williams Endowed Chair in the College of Education&nbsp;in the Department of Teacher Education last spring. As the Shutts Williams Endowed Chair, Stramel’s&nbsp;work revolves around training elementary teachers with a focus on STEM education.The webinar is one such way of accomplishing that goal.“I am honored to participate in this Webinar,” Stramel said.&nbsp;“I love Fort Hays State, and this puts us on the map on a different level.”The webinar can be seen at<a href="https://mediasite.ed.gov/webcast/Play/ab891bcb726c4b1f933ed7fc49d16b991d">https://mediasite.ed.gov/webcast/Play/ab891bcb726c4b1f933ed7fc49d16b991d</a>.

FHSU’s Stramel to participate in national STEM webinar

This time of year reminds me of childhood trips to Missouri to visit my Aunt and Uncle. We always passed through Wathena, in the northeast corner of Kansas where fruit stands had an abundant supply of Jonathon apples. Later on, when our three kids were little, I remember chaperoning pre-school apple picking field trips to the Converse apple orchard off of Radium Road. Just last year, on our fall trip to upstate New York, we found the apples from our friends’ backyard tree to be delicious. Nothing beats biting in to a crisp, juicy, maybe even a little bit tart, apple that is grown locally and in season.

I’m sure you have all heard the old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” An article I came across recently cited research done at The Ohio State University. Their studies showed that eating an apple each day could contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood. Researchers compared eating apples with taking a capsule of polyphenol extract which are present in apples. For their study they recruited non-smoking adults aged 40-60 years old. They had no history of eating apples more than twice a month prior to participating in the study. They also had no prior cardiovascular issues and did not consume phytochemical supplements.&nbsp;

Participants were divided into three groups. One group ate an apple each day, the second group took a polyphenol capsule, and the third took a placebo. Results showed the apples and the polyphenol capsules decrease LDL cholesterol levels. The apples, however, gave a larger decrease in LDL cholesterol. Apples prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that leads to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.&nbsp;

I hope I have created enough evidence about the nutritional benefits of eating apples that you will add them to your next grocery list. Apples are, what I refer to as, nutrient dense foods. A medium apple, approximately 3 inches in diameter, has just 95 calories. When eaten with the skin on, that same apple will provide 4.3 grams of fiber. So, the next time you take a bite out of an apple, think of all of the great nutrients you are adding to your diet!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578680101176.jpeg" alt="Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>This time of year reminds me of childhood trips to Missouri to visit my Aunt and Uncle. We always passed through Wathena, in the northeast corner of Kansas where fruit stands had an abundant supply of Jonathon apples. Later on, when our three kids were little, I remember chaperoning pre-school apple picking field trips to the Converse apple orchard off of Radium Road. Just last year, on our fall trip to upstate New York, we found the apples from our friends’ backyard tree to be delicious. Nothing beats biting in to a crisp, juicy, maybe even a little bit tart, apple that is grown locally and in season.I’m sure you have all heard the old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” An article I came across recently cited research done at The Ohio State University. Their studies showed that eating an apple each day could contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood. Researchers compared eating apples with taking a capsule of polyphenol extract which are present in apples. For their study they recruited non-smoking adults aged 40-60 years old. They had no history of eating apples more than twice a month prior to participating in the study. They also had no prior cardiovascular issues and did not consume phytochemical supplements.&nbsp;Participants were divided into three groups. One group ate an apple each day, the second group took a polyphenol capsule, and the third took a placebo. Results showed the apples and the polyphenol capsules decrease LDL cholesterol levels. The apples, however, gave a larger decrease in LDL cholesterol. Apples prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that leads to atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.&nbsp;I hope I have created enough evidence about the nutritional benefits of eating apples that you will add them to your next grocery list. Apples are, what I refer to as, nutrient dense foods. A medium apple, approximately 3 inches in diameter, has just 95 calories. When eaten with the skin on, that same apple will provide 4.3 grams of fiber. So, the next time you take a bite out of an apple, think of all of the great nutrients you are adding to your diet!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent for K-State Research &amp; Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at:&nbsp; (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. &nbsp;

KRUG: 'An apple a day' is still good advice

Depending on the definitions you use, the residents of Kansas’s rural counties and small towns make up less than a third, and perhaps as little as a quarter, of the state’s total population. Despite our reputation as a rural farming state, Kansas is surprisingly urban.

For this reason, it’s important to do what hasn’t been done often enough, and think seriously about the fate of Kansas’s cites, both their limitations and their strengths.

Chase Billingham, a professor of sociology at Wichita State University, recently reviewed the effects covid-19 has had on cities across America, focusing on matters of particular concern to Kansans. Foremost among them is that our largest cities are in many ways both overbuilt and underfunded, making them more susceptible to the current financial crises than they ought to be.

That the pandemic has hit cities hard isn’t anything new–that’s where the people are, after all. But the economic importance of those cities isn’t simply because people are there: rather, it is because the people there can work and create and play in heterogeneous mixings which some scholars have seen as the root of the “creative class” economy. Entrepreneurship, investment, and experimentation in financial, technological, and service sectors, rather an manufacturing, is what has built most urban wealth over the past 30 years, and what continues to make cities attractive.

Obviously, social distancing rules, restrictions on large gatherings, and people choosing not to commute and working from home has halted much of that mixing. While some of it will likely return, much may not, especially since the tax revenues that paid for the services and amenities which enabled that mixing in the first place have been severely reduced.

Some speculate that the cities best positioned to adapt to the post-pandemic world will be small or mid-sized ones, since they might be able to re-create urban mixing in a safer context, and thus appeal to those who are doing their creative work remotely anyway. (Billingham mentioned Tulsa, OK, as an example; potentially Topeka or Lawrence could be the same.)

But that re-creation will depend upon having the resources to do so, and that will depend upon not having been overly burdened by financial liabilities–such as massive infrastructure and public works projects, which almost always increase in costs and almost never pay for themselves.

In Kansas’s two largest urban areas, Kansas City and Wichita, activists have long warned about the costs of the “just build something” mentality. Whether it be the Northland Sports Complex in KC or the Riverfront Legacy Plan in Wichita, both cities have grand–and incredibly expensive–ideas for attracting and holding onto “creatives.” Whatever the arguments for those plans, though, the debate over them has been happening while the governments of these same cities have been forced to re-allocate, delay, or just plain cut from the budget money for all sorts of urban basics--road maintenance, sewer repair, public transportation, and more

The solutions to these problems aren’t obvious. Charting alternative paths is difficult even in the best of times. But being serious about what can be achieved in Kansas’s cities today–by focusing on incremental and sustainable growth, rather than grand, top-down plans–is essential. We owe it to one another to not let the unique post-pandemic possibilities of Kansas’s small and mid-sized cities slip away from us, all because we were blind to the financial facts before our eyes.&nbsp;

Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>Depending on the definitions you use, the residents of Kansas’s rural counties and small towns make up less than a third, and perhaps as little as a quarter, of the state’s total population. Despite our reputation as a rural farming state, Kansas is surprisingly urban.For this reason, it’s important to do what hasn’t been done often enough, and think seriously about the fate of Kansas’s cites, both their limitations and their strengths.Chase Billingham, a professor of sociology at Wichita State University, recently reviewed the effects covid-19 has had on cities across America, focusing on matters of particular concern to Kansans. Foremost among them is that our largest cities are in many ways both overbuilt and underfunded, making them more susceptible to the current financial crises than they ought to be.That the pandemic has hit cities hard isn’t anything new–that’s where the people are, after all. But the economic importance of those cities isn’t simply because people are there: rather, it is because the people there can work and create and play in heterogeneous mixings which some scholars have seen as the root of the “creative class” economy. Entrepreneurship, investment, and experimentation in financial, technological, and service sectors, rather an manufacturing, is what has built most urban wealth over the past 30 years, and what continues to make cities attractive.Obviously, social distancing rules, restrictions on large gatherings, and people choosing not to commute and working from home has halted much of that mixing. While some of it will likely return, much may not, especially since the tax revenues that paid for the services and amenities which enabled that mixing in the first place have been severely reduced.Some speculate that the cities best positioned to adapt to the post-pandemic world will be small or mid-sized ones, since they might be able to re-create urban mixing in a safer context, and thus appeal to those who are doing their creative work remotely anyway. (Billingham mentioned Tulsa, OK, as an example; potentially Topeka or Lawrence could be the same.)But that re-creation will depend upon having the resources to do so, and that will depend upon not having been overly burdened by financial liabilities–such as massive infrastructure and public works projects, which almost always increase in costs and almost never pay for themselves.In Kansas’s two largest urban areas, Kansas City and Wichita, activists have long warned about the costs of the “just build something” mentality. Whether it be the Northland Sports Complex in KC or the Riverfront Legacy Plan in Wichita, both cities have grand–and incredibly expensive–ideas for attracting and holding onto “creatives.” Whatever the arguments for those plans, though, the debate over them has been happening while the governments of these same cities have been forced to re-allocate, delay, or just plain cut from the budget money for all sorts of urban basics--road maintenance, sewer repair, public transportation, and moreThe solutions to these problems aren’t obvious. Charting alternative paths is difficult even in the best of times. But being serious about what can be achieved in Kansas’s cities today–by focusing on incremental and sustainable growth, rather than grand, top-down plans–is essential. We owe it to one another to not let the unique post-pandemic possibilities of Kansas’s small and mid-sized cities slip away from us, all because we were blind to the financial facts before our eyes.&nbsp;Dr. Russell Arben Fox runs the History &amp; Politics major and the Honors program at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Facing financial facts about urban Kansas

The Kansas Department of Transportation began a resurfacing project on 10 miles of I-70 in Thomas County on Friday.

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

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

Venture Corporation of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the $5.6 million project.&nbsp;

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation began a resurfacing project on 10 miles of I-70 in Thomas County on Friday.Project work will consist of a mill and overlay in both the eastbound and westbound lanes starting near the Sherman County line and ending at exit 45 at Levant. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zones with a lowered speed limit. Minor delays not exceeding five minutes should be expected.KDOT anticipates work to be completed by mid-November, weather permitting.Venture Corporation of Great Bend is the primary contractor for the $5.6 million project.&nbsp;

Roadwork starting on I-70 in Thomas County

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Russell Broncos in a MCL matchup Friday.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show set for 6:30.

You can also listen to the game on <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">99.5 KHAZ</a>.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs host the Russell Broncos in a MCL matchup Friday.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show set for 6:30.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TdB4uqs0aR0"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can also listen to the game on <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHAZ">99.5 KHAZ</a>.

🏈WATCH - TMP-Marian hosts Russell

The Hays High football teams travels to Great Bend Friday for a WAC matchup with the rival Panthers.

You can also listen to the game on 96.9 <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">KFIX</a>.

The Hays High football teams travels to Great Bend Friday for a WAC matchup with the rival Panthers.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show set for 6:30.<div><iframe width="750" height="672" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fn9Pjdcu7fE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>You can also listen to the game on 96.9 <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">KFIX</a>.

Local