On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/v7w3r-e30bb8?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson.

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. Commissioner of Education Randy Watson

The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Mon., July 6, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Water Use Violation--200 block W 21st St, Hays; 6:44 AM; 6:51 AM Animal At Large--500 block E 13th St, Hays; 9:34 AM Criminal Damage to Property--300 block E 16th St, Hays; 11:48 AM Found/Lost Property--300 block W 22nd St, Hays; 1:44 PM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 2:37 PM Found/Lost Property--1500 block Milner St, Hays; 3:56 PM Intoxicated Subject--1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 4:39 PM Harassment (All Other)--500 block W 36th St, Hays; 5:50 PM Motorist/Vehicle Assist--2600 block Vine St, Hays; 7:12 PM Criminal
Trespass--200 block W 5th St, Hays; 7:27 PM Battery - simple--200 block W 5th St, Hays; 7/4 11 PM; 11:10 PM Credit Card Violations--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:18 PM Disturbance - Noise--2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 10:49 PM Welfare Check--1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 10:52 PM Civil Dispute--2500 block Gen
Lawton Rd, Hays; 10:04 PM; 11:04 PM Welfare Check--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 11:09 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Tue., July 7, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Civil Dispute--1500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:33 AM MV Accident-Personal Injury--1100 block E 22nd
St, Hays; 5:50 AM; 5:52 AM Theft (general)--200 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:50 AM Theft (general)--400 block Walnut St, Hay; 7/4 9:45 PM; 11:45 PM Animal
Call--600 block Oak St, Hay; 11:06 AM MV
Accident-Hit and Run--500 block W 27th St, Hays; 7/4 9 PM; 7/7 7 AM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--200 block W
17th St, Hays; 12:01 PM Disturbance
- General--2500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:08 PM Suspicious Activity--500 block E 20th St, Hays; 1:26 PM Theft of Services--1500 block E 27th St Terr, Hays; 7/6 1 PM MV Accident-Private Property-Hit
and Run--300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 1:22 PM; 1:24 PM MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--1900 block Vine St,
Hays; 1:49 PM Civil Dispute--500 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:53 PM NCIC Hit--3400 block Vine St, Hays; 2:50 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--I 70 and Vine, Hays; 2:24 PM Civil Dispute--2700 block Epworth St, Hay; 6:09 PM Traffic/Driving Complaint--2100 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 6:40 PM Suspicious Person--100 block W 13th St, Hays; 7:11 PM Drug Offenses--900 block Walnut
St, Hays; 8:21 PM Parking
Complaint--2900 block Willow St, Hays; 9:38 PM Overdose--2700 block Indian Trl, Hays; 10:32 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Wed., July 8, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Criminal damage to property--200 block W 6th, Hays; 11:30 PM 7/7; 5:20 AM 7/8 Animal At Large--400 block Riley, Hays; 7:40 AM Welfare Check--400 block W 20th, Hays; 8:40 AM; 10 AM Drug Offenses--1300 block E 26th, Hays; 8:47 AM Drug Offenses--Hays; 10:11 AM Wildlife Incident--1700 block Dechant Road, Hays; 10:27 AM Animal At Large--700 block W 12th, Hays; 10:45 a.m. Welfare Check--500 block E 8th, Hays; 10:54 AM Found/Lost Property--2700 block August Ln, Hays; 1 PM; 1:45 PM Animal Call--1300 block Steven Dr, Hays; 2:41 PM Civil Dispute--1200 block Fort St, Hays; 2:55 PM Civil Dispute--300 block E 12th, Hays; 3:35 PM Welfare Check--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 4:07 PM Mental Health Call--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 5:16 PM Animal At Large--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:24 PM

The Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Thu., July 9, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.

Battery - Domestic--2700 block Indian Trl, Hays; 12:25 AM Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--1200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:06 AM Dead
Animal Call--600 block Vine St, Hays; 7:59 AM Animal At Large--600 block E 13th St, Hays; 8:12 AM Harassment (All Other)--900 block Walnut St, Hays: 9:34 AM Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:41 AM Welfare Check--2000 block Milner St, Hays; 9:50 AM Domestic Disturbance--1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 10:13 AM Juvenile Complaint--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:20 PM; 12:30 PM Welfare Check--3700 block JP Dr, Hays; 1:49 PM Suspicious Activity--1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 7/8 11:30 PM;&nbsp; 7/9 8 AM Welfare Check--1300 block E
18th St, Hays; 2:31 PM Animal At
Large--2300 block Plum St, Hay; 2:55 PM Suspicious Activity--2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays: 3:41 PM Criminal Damage to Property--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10 AM; 1:30 PM Animal
Bite Investigation--5200 block Vine St, Hays; 6:09 PM Sex Offense--Hays;&nbsp; 1/1/2000
12 AM; 1/1/2001 12 AM Drug
Offenses/DUI--400 block E 12th St, Hays; 7:32 PM Found/Lost Property--2900 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8:57 PM Parking Complaint--200 block E 20th St, Hays; 9:38 PM

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 4 animal calls and conducted 20 traffic stops Mon., July 6, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Water Use Violation--200 block W 21st St, Hays; 6:44 AM; 6:51 AM Animal At Large--500 block E 13th St, Hays; 9:34 AM Criminal Damage to Property--300 block E 16th St, Hays; 11:48 AM Found/Lost Property--300 block W 22nd St, Hays; 1:44 PM Found/Lost Property--Hays; 2:37 PM Found/Lost Property--1500 block Milner St, Hays; 3:56 PM Intoxicated Subject--1300 block Felten Dr, Hays; 4:39 PM Harassment (All Other)--500 block W 36th St, Hays; 5:50 PM Motorist/Vehicle Assist--2600 block Vine St, Hays; 7:12 PM Criminal
Trespass--200 block W 5th St, Hays; 7:27 PM Battery - simple--200 block W 5th St, Hays; 7/4 11 PM; 11:10 PM Credit Card Violations--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:18 PM Disturbance - Noise--2700 block Colonial St, Hays; 10:49 PM Welfare Check--1300 block MacArthur Rd, Hays; 10:52 PM Civil Dispute--2500 block Gen
Lawton Rd, Hays; 10:04 PM; 11:04 PM Welfare Check--1400 block E 29th St, Hays; 11:09 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 3 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Tue., July 7, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Civil Dispute--1500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:33 AM MV Accident-Personal Injury--1100 block E 22nd
St, Hays; 5:50 AM; 5:52 AM Theft (general)--200 block W 5th St, Hays; 9:50 AM Theft (general)--400 block Walnut St, Hay; 7/4 9:45 PM; 11:45 PM Animal
Call--600 block Oak St, Hay; 11:06 AM MV
Accident-Hit and Run--500 block W 27th St, Hays; 7/4 9 PM; 7/7 7 AM MV Accident-City Street/Alley--200 block W
17th St, Hays; 12:01 PM Disturbance
- General--2500 block Vine St, Hays; 1:08 PM Suspicious Activity--500 block E 20th St, Hays; 1:26 PM Theft of Services--1500 block E 27th St Terr, Hays; 7/6 1 PM MV Accident-Private Property-Hit
and Run--300 block Mopar Dr, Hays; 1:22 PM; 1:24 PM MV Accident-Private Property-Hit and Run--1900 block Vine St,
Hays; 1:49 PM Civil Dispute--500 block W 16th St, Hays; 2:53 PM NCIC Hit--3400 block Vine St, Hays; 2:50 PM Assist - Other (not MV)--I 70 and Vine, Hays; 2:24 PM Civil Dispute--2700 block Epworth St, Hay; 6:09 PM Traffic/Driving Complaint--2100 block Canal Blvd, Hays; 6:40 PM Suspicious Person--100 block W 13th St, Hays; 7:11 PM Drug Offenses--900 block Walnut
St, Hays; 8:21 PM Parking
Complaint--2900 block Willow St, Hays; 9:38 PM Overdose--2700 block Indian Trl, Hays; 10:32 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 7 animal calls and conducted 12 traffic stops Wed., July 8, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Criminal damage to property--200 block W 6th, Hays; 11:30 PM 7/7; 5:20 AM 7/8 Animal At Large--400 block Riley, Hays; 7:40 AM Welfare Check--400 block W 20th, Hays; 8:40 AM; 10 AM Drug Offenses--1300 block E 26th, Hays; 8:47 AM Drug Offenses--Hays; 10:11 AM Wildlife Incident--1700 block Dechant Road, Hays; 10:27 AM Animal At Large--700 block W 12th, Hays; 10:45 a.m. Welfare Check--500 block E 8th, Hays; 10:54 AM Found/Lost Property--2700 block August Ln, Hays; 1 PM; 1:45 PM Animal Call--1300 block Steven Dr, Hays; 2:41 PM Civil Dispute--1200 block Fort St, Hays; 2:55 PM Civil Dispute--300 block E 12th, Hays; 3:35 PM Welfare Check--1000 block Reservation Rd, Hays; 4:07 PM Mental Health Call--2200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 5:16 PM Animal At Large--4300 block Vine St, Hays; 5:24 PMThe Hays Police Department responded to 6 animal calls and conducted 14 traffic stops Thu., July 9, 2020, according to the HPD Activity Log.Battery - Domestic--2700 block Indian Trl, Hays; 12:25 AM Warrant Service (Fail to Appear)--1200 block Canterbury Dr, Hays; 7:06 AM Dead
Animal Call--600 block Vine St, Hays; 7:59 AM Animal At Large--600 block E 13th St, Hays; 8:12 AM Harassment (All Other)--900 block Walnut St, Hays: 9:34 AM Violation of Restraining Order/PFA--100 block W 12th St, Hays; 9:41 AM Welfare Check--2000 block Milner St, Hays; 9:50 AM Domestic Disturbance--1300 block E 18th St, Hays; 10:13 AM Juvenile Complaint--1600 block E 27th St, Hays; 12:20 PM; 12:30 PM Welfare Check--3700 block JP Dr, Hays; 1:49 PM Suspicious Activity--1800 block E 27th St, Hays; 7/8 11:30 PM;&nbsp; 7/9 8 AM Welfare Check--1300 block E
18th St, Hays; 2:31 PM Animal At
Large--2300 block Plum St, Hay; 2:55 PM Suspicious Activity--2500 block Sherman Ave, Hays: 3:41 PM Criminal Damage to Property--700 block E 6th St, Hays; 10 AM; 1:30 PM Animal
Bite Investigation--5200 block Vine St, Hays; 6:09 PM Sex Offense--Hays;&nbsp; 1/1/2000
12 AM; 1/1/2001 12 AM Drug
Offenses/DUI--400 block E 12th St, Hays; 7:32 PM Found/Lost Property--2900 block Sherman Ave, Hays; 8:57 PM Parking Complaint--200 block E 20th St, Hays; 9:38 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140734289.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

HPD Activity Log July 6-9

Blood donors to be tested for COVID-19 antibodies

This letter is in response to the article posted on July 9, 2020, by Laura Allen declaring her write-in candidacy on the Democratic ballot for Ellis County Clerk. I am Bobbi Dreiling and I am currently the Ellis County Deputy Clerk. I have been in this position since January 2013. I would like to address Ms. Allen's comments, assumptions and untruths she put forth in her letter.

Ms. Allen: “I don't see why the Clerk's office can't work timely and efficiently with other offices."

Fact: The Clerk's office does work timely and efficiently with all offices of Ellis County. Ms. Allen is invited to come to the County Clerk's office and ask either myself or Clerk Maskus how the tax roll process works, the obstacles that are placed before us, and how we work through it.

Ms. Allen: “I have watched as Ellis County has struggled with handling elections, being the last County to report to the State the&nbsp; results.” 

Fact: Ellis County has not struggled with any elections and has never been last to report to the State. Our office reports unofficial results the night of election and official results after the Board of Canvassers meet to certify results.

Ms. Allen: “... purging thousands of voters because of wrong addresses, and other things." 

Fact: I will presume Ms. Allen is referring to the mail ballot election that was just held. While we had 1,061 ballots returned to our office (not thousands) because of insufficient addresses, we did not purge any voter from the voter roll (KSA 25-2316d)&nbsp; KSA 25-2531(d)(2) allows the voter to stay on the voter roll for two federal elections before taken off the voter roll.&nbsp; No voters were purged contrary to Ms. Allen's statement.

Ms. Allen: “I watched the last election as it was revealed that the machines used in Ellis County were defective and not reliably reporting the true results of the election."

Fact: The last election was November 2019 (City/School) the new voting equipment was in place and there were no problems. This election was entirely paper ballot based and an audit was conducted per KSA 25-3009.

Ms. Allen: “The response of the County Clerk was to spend $350,000 on yet more machines.”

Fact: The County Clerk spent exactly $121,456.50. Ellis County citizens can visit the Clerk's office to review any expenditures of the County.

Ms. Allen: “Now, we have another new system that is inappropriate for our times."&nbsp; Ms. Allen said “for decades elections were held by casting votes on paper ballots." 

Fact: Our new voting system is entirely paper ballots.&nbsp;

Ms. Allen: “I am not part of the 'good ol' girl network and want to break that cycle."

Fact: The position for the Ellis County Clerk is not&nbsp; automatically handed down to the next person in line. Ms. Allen has grossly misrepresented how the election process works. Every Clerk must run for this office and be elected by the electors of Ellis County.

Ms. Allen: “I will make it so that any citizen can access minutes of meetings, voter registration information, tax parcels, boundary lines, personnel contact information, apply for passports. No more will people need to worry about whether the office is open over lunch hour or past 4 o'clock."

Fact: All of the aforementioned information is accessible online, some via the County Clerk's office, others via other County offices (i.e. Treasurer's, Appraiser's offices). Per Federal law, a US Citizen must appear before a passport agent in order to complete the application process; the form itself is available online to fill out ahead of the actual personal application. The County Clerk's office is open through the lunch hour and the 4 o'clock closing was voted on and decided by the County Commissioners. &nbsp;

In closing,&nbsp; the above information should clear up some of Ms Allen's comments and concerns about the County Clerk's office. As we near election day, Ellis County voters can take the above factual information to help determine their vote for this position.&nbsp; It is obvious experience and firsthand knowledge do play a big part in the Clerk's position. &nbsp;

Bobbi Dreiling, Ellis County Deputy Clerk

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This letter is in response to the article posted on July 9, 2020, by Laura Allen declaring her write-in candidacy on the Democratic ballot for Ellis County Clerk. I am Bobbi Dreiling and I am currently the Ellis County Deputy Clerk. I have been in this position since January 2013. I would like to address Ms. Allen's comments, assumptions and untruths she put forth in her letter.Ms. Allen: “I don't see why the Clerk's office can't work timely and efficiently with other offices."Fact: The Clerk's office does work timely and efficiently with all offices of Ellis County. Ms. Allen is invited to come to the County Clerk's office and ask either myself or Clerk Maskus how the tax roll process works, the obstacles that are placed before us, and how we work through it.Ms. Allen: “I have watched as Ellis County has struggled with handling elections, being the last County to report to the State the&nbsp; results.” Fact: Ellis County has not struggled with any elections and has never been last to report to the State. Our office reports unofficial results the night of election and official results after the Board of Canvassers meet to certify results.Ms. Allen: “... purging thousands of voters because of wrong addresses, and other things." Fact: I will presume Ms. Allen is referring to the mail ballot election that was just held. While we had 1,061 ballots returned to our office (not thousands) because of insufficient addresses, we did not purge any voter from the voter roll (KSA 25-2316d)&nbsp; KSA 25-2531(d)(2) allows the voter to stay on the voter roll for two federal elections before taken off the voter roll.&nbsp; No voters were purged contrary to Ms. Allen's statement.Ms. Allen: “I watched the last election as it was revealed that the machines used in Ellis County were defective and not reliably reporting the true results of the election."Fact: The last election was November 2019 (City/School) the new voting equipment was in place and there were no problems. This election was entirely paper ballot based and an audit was conducted per KSA 25-3009.Ms. Allen: “The response of the County Clerk was to spend $350,000 on yet more machines.”Fact: The County Clerk spent exactly $121,456.50. Ellis County citizens can visit the Clerk's office to review any expenditures of the County.Ms. Allen: “Now, we have another new system that is inappropriate for our times."&nbsp; Ms. Allen said “for decades elections were held by casting votes on paper ballots." Fact: Our new voting system is entirely paper ballots.&nbsp;Ms. Allen: “I am not part of the 'good ol' girl network and want to break that cycle."Fact: The position for the Ellis County Clerk is not&nbsp; automatically handed down to the next person in line. Ms. Allen has grossly misrepresented how the election process works. Every Clerk must run for this office and be elected by the electors of Ellis County.Ms. Allen: “I will make it so that any citizen can access minutes of meetings, voter registration information, tax parcels, boundary lines, personnel contact information, apply for passports. No more will people need to worry about whether the office is open over lunch hour or past 4 o'clock."Fact: All of the aforementioned information is accessible online, some via the County Clerk's office, others via other County offices (i.e. Treasurer's, Appraiser's offices). Per Federal law, a US Citizen must appear before a passport agent in order to complete the application process; the form itself is available online to fill out ahead of the actual personal application. The County Clerk's office is open through the lunch hour and the 4 o'clock closing was voted on and decided by the County Commissioners. &nbsp;In closing,&nbsp; the above information should clear up some of Ms Allen's comments and concerns about the County Clerk's office. As we near election day, Ellis County voters can take the above factual information to help determine their vote for this position.&nbsp; It is obvious experience and firsthand knowledge do play a big part in the Clerk's position. &nbsp;Bobbi Dreiling, Ellis County Deputy Clerk

LETTER: Ellis Co. Deputy Clerk responds to criticism

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of solid waste reduction grants. 

These annual solid waste grants are awarded to cities, including Oakley, counties and private entities across the state.

Oakley received $16,642.50 for the purchase of thirty 3-yard dumpsters for cardboard collection.

The grants total nearly $190,000 for 2021 and establish recycling, composting and education programs that will divert recyclable material from landfills.

The Solid Waste reduction grants go toward funding waste reduction education, recycling and composting. This year’s 12 individual solid waste reduction grants range from $1,414.16 to $56,250. The grants are funded through a $1/ton waste disposal fee. 

The grantees are listed below. For information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fwaste%2Fgrants%2FAwardsSFY2021.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cb031d1be110840d7712308d822bcb838%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637297541217176285&amp;sdata=y6zwA4QhftKz2kRS0WwNcTGaNfYBoFOnZakDG6VzHQA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594222973293.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHE&nbsp;TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of solid waste reduction grants. These annual solid waste grants are awarded to cities, including Oakley, counties and private entities across the state.Oakley received $16,642.50 for the purchase of thirty 3-yard dumpsters for cardboard collection.The grants total nearly $190,000 for 2021 and establish recycling, composting and education programs that will divert recyclable material from landfills.The Solid Waste reduction grants go toward funding waste reduction education, recycling and composting. This year’s 12 individual solid waste reduction grants range from $1,414.16 to $56,250. The grants are funded through a $1/ton waste disposal fee. The grantees are listed below. For information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdheks.gov%2Fwaste%2Fgrants%2FAwardsSFY2021.pdf&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cb031d1be110840d7712308d822bcb838%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637297541217176285&amp;sdata=y6zwA4QhftKz2kRS0WwNcTGaNfYBoFOnZakDG6VzHQA%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">website</a>.<ul>
 <li>Century Van Lines, Leavenworth County</li><li>Food Cycle KC P1, Johnson County</li><li>Food Cycle KC P2, Johnson County</li><li>Food Cycle KC P4, Johnson County</li><li>Unified Greeley County, Greeley County&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Harvey County, Harvey County&nbsp;</li><li>Leavenworth County, Leavenworth County&nbsp;</li><li>City of Liberal, Seward County&nbsp;</li><li>M&amp;M Textile Recycling, Johnson County</li><li>City of Oakley, Logan County</li><li>Service Recycling, Cherokee and SE Kansas</li><li>Missouri Organic Recycling, Kansas City – serving statewide</li>
 </ul>

Oakley awarded KDHE solid waste reduction grant

The Kansas Supreme Court has announced that Carol M. Park, Hays, has been
appointed as chair of the Kansas Board of Law Examiners. Park is a partner in the law firm of
Schwartz &amp; Park, L.L.P., 1401 Main St., Suite A, Hays, Kansas. She has been a member of the
Kansas Board of Law Examiners since 2013 and served as vice-chair in 2019.


The 10-member Kansas Board of Law Examiners is comprised of judges and lawyers. It oversees
and grades the twice-yearly bar examination and presides over hearings on bar applicants’
character and fitness to practice law. The Board also studies issues facing the bar and makes
recommendations to the Kansas Supreme Court on policies and procedures related to bar
admission. Kansas attorneys and judges are appointed to the Board of Law Examiners by the Chief
Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court and can serve up to two five-year terms.


Park was born in Dodge City, Kansas. She graduated from Chapman High School in Chapman,
Kansas in 1999. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with High Distinction in
2002. Park obtained her Juris Doctorate from Washburn School of Law in 2006, graduating with
Dean’s Honors.


Park resides in Hays with her husband, Wade, and their three children. In addition to her private
practice, which focuses on family law and criminal defense, Park has been an adjunct professor in
the Criminal Justice department at Ft. Hays State University since 2010. She is a member of the
American Bar Association, the Kansas Bar Association, the Ellis County Bar Association and the
Kansas Women’s Attorneys Association. Park is also an active member of Messiah Lutheran
Church in Hays, where she participates in the choir, teaches Sunday School and assists with
Vacation Bible School and other programs. She is a member of the Hays Area Mothers of
Preschoolers chapter.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594406275028.jpeg" alt="Park" />
 <figcaption>Park</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Supreme Court has announced that Carol M. Park, Hays, has been
appointed as chair of the Kansas Board of Law Examiners. Park is a partner in the law firm of
Schwartz &amp; Park, L.L.P., 1401 Main St., Suite A, Hays, Kansas. She has been a member of the
Kansas Board of Law Examiners since 2013 and served as vice-chair in 2019.
The 10-member Kansas Board of Law Examiners is comprised of judges and lawyers. It oversees
and grades the twice-yearly bar examination and presides over hearings on bar applicants’
character and fitness to practice law. The Board also studies issues facing the bar and makes
recommendations to the Kansas Supreme Court on policies and procedures related to bar
admission. Kansas attorneys and judges are appointed to the Board of Law Examiners by the Chief
Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court and can serve up to two five-year terms.
Park was born in Dodge City, Kansas. She graduated from Chapman High School in Chapman,
Kansas in 1999. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with High Distinction in
2002. Park obtained her Juris Doctorate from Washburn School of Law in 2006, graduating with
Dean’s Honors.
Park resides in Hays with her husband, Wade, and their three children. In addition to her private
practice, which focuses on family law and criminal defense, Park has been an adjunct professor in
the Criminal Justice department at Ft. Hays State University since 2010. She is a member of the
American Bar Association, the Kansas Bar Association, the Ellis County Bar Association and the
Kansas Women’s Attorneys Association. Park is also an active member of Messiah Lutheran
Church in Hays, where she participates in the choir, teaches Sunday School and assists with
Vacation Bible School and other programs. She is a member of the Hays Area Mothers of
Preschoolers chapter.

Hays attorney named to statewide commission

I guess you could say “The Heat is on!”&nbsp; But after all it is July and County Fairs are in full swing, so what else could we expect?&nbsp; As we look ahead to a forecast of triple digit heat it seems like the perfect time to remind everyone about the importance of staying hydrated. A good rule of thumb for the amount of water you need is to divide your body weight by two. The resulting number is the number of ounces of water you should be drinking under normal circumstances and more is needed as summer temperatures and humidity rise. So for an example, a 150-pound individual should have at least 75 ounces, but more during this heat wave. Sometimes we forget that 55-75 percent of our body’s weight is water; the brain is 70 percent water; blood is 82 percent water, and the lungs are nearly 90 percent water. Water is also responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells; cushions organs, tissue, bones and joints; removes waste; and regulates body temperature.

Exposure to the sun or getting sunburned will speed fluid loss, and so will drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, which both act as diuretics. Fluid replacement is essential, but it is best to not wait until you are thirsty. Excessive water loss or dehydration can impair body function and lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can be life threatening. It is a good idea to become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion. They include: dizziness, weakness, feeling thirsty, uncoordinated or nauseated. Most people sweat a lot during heat exhaustion. The signs of a heat stroke are different. They include: a body temperature of 104 or above, confusion, staggering, possible fainting, either a rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, and not sweating, despite the heat. It is important to get medical help right away if you suspect a heat stroke.

Cool water is recommended for the majority of fluid replacement because it is easily absorbed. Many foods also have a high water content and should be included in a healthy summer diet. Melons and most other fruits, along with tomatoes, vegetables, soups, smoothies, puddings and gelatin salads should not be overlooked. Sports beverages may be helpful for athletes who are exercising more than one hour and are in need of electrolytes and quick energy, but consider diluting them with water in order to reduce sugar consumption.&nbsp;

The bottom line on staying hydrated is to drink fluids before you become thirsty. As we age our ability to sense thirst declines, leaving older people unable to rely on their thirst to prompt them to drink enough fluids. Infants and small children also need to be monitored closely to assure that dehydration does not occur. Little ones lose more fluids because they have a greater proportion of skin surface in relation to their size. Offer water frequently, each time a child passes through the kitchen and before, during and after play.

Let’s hope that the heat breaks soon before the 2020 summer goes into the record books.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578680101176.jpeg" alt="onna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>onna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>I guess you could say “The Heat is on!”&nbsp; But after all it is July and County Fairs are in full swing, so what else could we expect?&nbsp; As we look ahead to a forecast of triple digit heat it seems like the perfect time to remind everyone about the importance of staying hydrated. A good rule of thumb for the amount of water you need is to divide your body weight by two. The resulting number is the number of ounces of water you should be drinking under normal circumstances and more is needed as summer temperatures and humidity rise. So for an example, a 150-pound individual should have at least 75 ounces, but more during this heat wave. Sometimes we forget that 55-75 percent of our body’s weight is water; the brain is 70 percent water; blood is 82 percent water, and the lungs are nearly 90 percent water. Water is also responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells; cushions organs, tissue, bones and joints; removes waste; and regulates body temperature.Exposure to the sun or getting sunburned will speed fluid loss, and so will drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, which both act as diuretics. Fluid replacement is essential, but it is best to not wait until you are thirsty. Excessive water loss or dehydration can impair body function and lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can be life threatening. It is a good idea to become familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion. They include: dizziness, weakness, feeling thirsty, uncoordinated or nauseated. Most people sweat a lot during heat exhaustion. The signs of a heat stroke are different. They include: a body temperature of 104 or above, confusion, staggering, possible fainting, either a rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, and not sweating, despite the heat. It is important to get medical help right away if you suspect a heat stroke.Cool water is recommended for the majority of fluid replacement because it is easily absorbed. Many foods also have a high water content and should be included in a healthy summer diet. Melons and most other fruits, along with tomatoes, vegetables, soups, smoothies, puddings and gelatin salads should not be overlooked. Sports beverages may be helpful for athletes who are exercising more than one hour and are in need of electrolytes and quick energy, but consider diluting them with water in order to reduce sugar consumption.&nbsp;The bottom line on staying hydrated is to drink fluids before you become thirsty. As we age our ability to sense thirst declines, leaving older people unable to rely on their thirst to prompt them to drink enough fluids. Infants and small children also need to be monitored closely to assure that dehydration does not occur. Little ones lose more fluids because they have a greater proportion of skin surface in relation to their size. Offer water frequently, each time a child passes through the kitchen and before, during and after play.Let’s hope that the heat breaks soon before the 2020 summer goes into the record books.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. She may be reached at (620)793-1910 or <a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

KRUG: Tips on managing heat, humidity safely

Three-day weather outlook

The U.S. Supreme Court has set the stage for new battles about 
government funding for private religious schools. By ruling that state 
governments choosing to subsidize private education must offer equal 
treatment to religious and secular schools, at least in the context of 
vouchers and tax credits, the court has put in place new obstacles for 
advocates who say taxpayer money should never fund religious education —
 even indirectly.

On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/18-1195_g314.pdf" target="_blank">ruled</a>
 in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue that a “no-aid” clause of 
the Montana Constitution — which bars even indirect government aid to a 
school “controlled in whole or in part by any church, sect, or 
denomination” — violates the Free Exercise Clause of the U.S. 
Constitution. According to the court, the no-aid clause of the Montana 
Constitution cannot prohibit indirect state funding for religious 
schools (e.g. through vouchers or tax credits) purely because of the 
schools’ religious “status.”

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, 
explained: “A state need not subsidize private education. But once a 
state decides to do so, it cannot disqualify some private schools solely
 because they are religious.”

The court based its opinion in Espinoza on a 2017 case, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer. In <a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/2016/15-577" target="_blank">that case</a>,
 a church-owned preschool in Missouri was barred from a state-funded 
grant program that helped non-profits resurface playgrounds. The court 
ruled that Missouri discriminated against the church-owned preschool 
“simply because of what it is — a church.” Such status-based 
discrimination did not stand up to strict scrutiny.

Importantly, the majority in Trinity Lutheran and in Espinoza referred to court precedent in <a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/2003/02-1315" target="_blank">yet another case</a>, Locke v. Davey (2003), which upheld limitations on certain religious uses for state funds. In Locke, Joshua Davey
 was denied a state-funded scholarship because he wanted to use the 
funds to support his ministerial training. The court reasoned that 
Washington State excluded Davey because of how he intended to use the money, not just because of his status as a religious person.

Given the court’s decisions in Espinoza, Trinity Lutheran and Locke, 
those who oppose even indirect government funding for religious schools 
might adopt one or more of three legal and legislative strategies — all 
of which face serious obstacles.

First, state lawmakers could stop subsidizing all private schools, 
religious or not. Public school supporters — including some religious 
freedom advocates, like the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious 
Liberty’s <a href="https://twitter.com/AmandaTylerBJC/status/1279045687724904451" target="_blank">Amanda Tyler</a>
 — would likely welcome challenges to vouchers and tax subsidy programs,
 which indirectly support private education. Religious conservatives and
 “school choice” advocates, including U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, would vehemently oppose such a move.

Second, legislators might propose laws or constitutional amendments 
that prohibit the use of state funds for devotional religious 
instruction. Such laws and amendments might pass the muster of previous 
court decisions by limiting how religious institutions use government
 funds rather than limiting access to state funds purely on the basis of
 religious status. However, it is not yet clear whether such strategies 
will succeed before this court. In his concurring opinion in Espinoza, Justice Neil Gorsuch
 questions the distinction between denials of funds based on religious 
status versus religious use. He writes: “[I]t is not as if the First 
Amendment cares.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor might reply, 
as in her Espinoza dissent, that such an interpretation of the Free 
Exercise Clause “risks reading the Establishment Clause out of the 
Constitution.”

Third, policymakers might try to limit state funding to schools that 
do not abide by neutral antidiscrimination laws. For example, by denying
 federal funding to any schools that <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/know.html" target="_blank">discriminate</a> on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, policymakers might try to block the flow of funds to <a href="https://twitter.com/rklein90/status/1277972937463586820" target="_blank">private</a>
 religious schools that bar LGBTQ or special needs students. Perhaps 
foreshadowing future challenges to government-subsidized religious 
education, groups opposing the Espinoza decision — like Americans United
 for Separation of Church and State — have already released <a href="https://www.au.org/media/press-releases/supreme-court-decision-in-espinoza-v-montana-corrupts-foundational-principle" target="_blank">statements</a> pointing out discriminatory policies among some religious schools.

There is some evidence to think this last strategy might be 
successful. In a case decided in February 2020, a state advisory 
committee in Maryland barred a private Christian school, Bethel 
Christian Academy, from a voucher program because the school violated 
the program’s antidiscrimination policies. A federal judge in February <a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-md-bethel-lawsuit-vouchers-maryland-20200207-eqcoz7vxkvhezkdyvgze42smuq-story.html" target="_blank">sided</a> with the Maryland state officials.

But in its July 8 decision in <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/19-267_1an2.pdf" target="_blank">Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru</a>, the court interpreted the <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/05/28/should-courts-decide-who-is-a-religious-minister-do-they-have-a-choice/" target="_blank">ministerial exception</a>
 to mean that antidiscrimination laws do not protect “members of the 
school staff who were entrusted most directly with the responsibility of
 educating their students in the faith” and who “guide their students, 
by word and deed, toward the goal of living their lives in accordance 
with the faith.” In his dissent in the Espinoza decision, Justice Stephen Breyer
 explicitly argues that the subsidy in question in Espinoza will pay for
 the salaries of teachers and administrators who are classified as 
“ministers” — and therefore exempt religious schools from 
antidiscrimination laws that prohibit hiring or firing based on factors 
including age or disability.

How and whether the decision in Our Lady of Guadalupe School relates 
to enforcement of antidiscrimination laws in the context of school 
funding remains to be seen. For that, and many other reasons, it is not 
yet clear which strategies lawyers and legislators will use to fight 
upcoming battles against government funding of religious schools. But 
one thing is certain: the war over government funding of private 
religious education will continue.

Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum. His email address is: <a href="mailto:bmarcus@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">bmarcus@freedomforum.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588964297688.png" alt="Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum. " />
 <figcaption>Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum. </figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. Supreme Court has set the stage for new battles about 
government funding for private religious schools. By ruling that state 
governments choosing to subsidize private education must offer equal 
treatment to religious and secular schools, at least in the context of 
vouchers and tax credits, the court has put in place new obstacles for 
advocates who say taxpayer money should never fund religious education —
 even indirectly.On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/18-1195_g314.pdf" target="_blank">ruled</a>
 in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue that a “no-aid” clause of 
the Montana Constitution — which bars even indirect government aid to a 
school “controlled in whole or in part by any church, sect, or 
denomination” — violates the Free Exercise Clause of the U.S. 
Constitution. According to the court, the no-aid clause of the Montana 
Constitution cannot prohibit indirect state funding for religious 
schools (e.g. through vouchers or tax credits) purely because of the 
schools’ religious “status.”Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, 
explained: “A state need not subsidize private education. But once a 
state decides to do so, it cannot disqualify some private schools solely
 because they are religious.”The court based its opinion in Espinoza on a 2017 case, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer. In <a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/2016/15-577" target="_blank">that case</a>,
 a church-owned preschool in Missouri was barred from a state-funded 
grant program that helped non-profits resurface playgrounds. The court 
ruled that Missouri discriminated against the church-owned preschool 
“simply because of what it is — a church.” Such status-based 
discrimination did not stand up to strict scrutiny.Importantly, the majority in Trinity Lutheran and in Espinoza referred to court precedent in <a href="https://www.oyez.org/cases/2003/02-1315" target="_blank">yet another case</a>, Locke v. Davey (2003), which upheld limitations on certain religious uses for state funds. In Locke, Joshua Davey
 was denied a state-funded scholarship because he wanted to use the 
funds to support his ministerial training. The court reasoned that 
Washington State excluded Davey because of how he intended to use the money, not just because of his status as a religious person.Given the court’s decisions in Espinoza, Trinity Lutheran and Locke, 
those who oppose even indirect government funding for religious schools 
might adopt one or more of three legal and legislative strategies — all 
of which face serious obstacles.First, state lawmakers could stop subsidizing all private schools, 
religious or not. Public school supporters — including some religious 
freedom advocates, like the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious 
Liberty’s <a href="https://twitter.com/AmandaTylerBJC/status/1279045687724904451" target="_blank">Amanda Tyler</a>
 — would likely welcome challenges to vouchers and tax subsidy programs,
 which indirectly support private education. Religious conservatives and
 “school choice” advocates, including U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, would vehemently oppose such a move.Second, legislators might propose laws or constitutional amendments 
that prohibit the use of state funds for devotional religious 
instruction. Such laws and amendments might pass the muster of previous 
court decisions by limiting how religious institutions use government
 funds rather than limiting access to state funds purely on the basis of
 religious status. However, it is not yet clear whether such strategies 
will succeed before this court. In his concurring opinion in Espinoza, Justice Neil Gorsuch
 questions the distinction between denials of funds based on religious 
status versus religious use. He writes: “[I]t is not as if the First 
Amendment cares.” Justice Sonia Sotomayor might reply, 
as in her Espinoza dissent, that such an interpretation of the Free 
Exercise Clause “risks reading the Establishment Clause out of the 
Constitution.”Third, policymakers might try to limit state funding to schools that 
do not abide by neutral antidiscrimination laws. For example, by denying
 federal funding to any schools that <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/know.html" target="_blank">discriminate</a> on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, policymakers might try to block the flow of funds to <a href="https://twitter.com/rklein90/status/1277972937463586820" target="_blank">private</a>
 religious schools that bar LGBTQ or special needs students. Perhaps 
foreshadowing future challenges to government-subsidized religious 
education, groups opposing the Espinoza decision — like Americans United
 for Separation of Church and State — have already released <a href="https://www.au.org/media/press-releases/supreme-court-decision-in-espinoza-v-montana-corrupts-foundational-principle" target="_blank">statements</a> pointing out discriminatory policies among some religious schools.There is some evidence to think this last strategy might be 
successful. In a case decided in February 2020, a state advisory 
committee in Maryland barred a private Christian school, Bethel 
Christian Academy, from a voucher program because the school violated 
the program’s antidiscrimination policies. A federal judge in February <a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-md-bethel-lawsuit-vouchers-maryland-20200207-eqcoz7vxkvhezkdyvgze42smuq-story.html" target="_blank">sided</a> with the Maryland state officials.But in its July 8 decision in <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/19-267_1an2.pdf" target="_blank">Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru</a>, the court interpreted the <a href="https://www.freedomforum.org/2020/05/28/should-courts-decide-who-is-a-religious-minister-do-they-have-a-choice/" target="_blank">ministerial exception</a>
 to mean that antidiscrimination laws do not protect “members of the 
school staff who were entrusted most directly with the responsibility of
 educating their students in the faith” and who “guide their students, 
by word and deed, toward the goal of living their lives in accordance 
with the faith.” In his dissent in the Espinoza decision, Justice Stephen Breyer
 explicitly argues that the subsidy in question in Espinoza will pay for
 the salaries of teachers and administrators who are classified as 
“ministers” — and therefore exempt religious schools from 
antidiscrimination laws that prohibit hiring or firing based on factors 
including age or disability.How and whether the decision in Our Lady of Guadalupe School relates 
to enforcement of antidiscrimination laws in the context of school 
funding remains to be seen. For that, and many other reasons, it is not 
yet clear which strategies lawyers and legislators will use to fight 
upcoming battles against government funding of religious schools. But 
one thing is certain: the war over government funding of private 
religious education will continue.Benjamin P. Marcus is religious literacy specialist at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum. His email address is: <a href="mailto:bmarcus@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">bmarcus@freedomforum.org</a>.

FIRST FIVE: The next battle against government funding in religious schools?

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance has partnered with Hays Post to bring you Encouraging Words, a series of messages from Ellis County faith leaders.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BryHsOIx5Sk"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance has partnered with Hays Post to bring you Encouraging Words, a series of messages from Ellis County faith leaders.

🎥 Encouraging Words: Deacon Ken Billinger

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

The aroma of new-mown hay. The smell of baking bread. The sweet scent of lavender.&nbsp;&nbsp;These fragrances can connect with our senses in compelling ways. Today we’ll learn about a remarkable Kansas company which is infusing these fragrances into their soy-based candles and connecting with customers nationwide.

Scott and Jennie Andersen are the founders and co-owners of the Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Company. Jennie grew up at Ellinwood and went to the University of Kansas, where she met and married Scott. Due to his father’s business career, Scott and his family had lived in several cities around the nation before coming to Kansas City. “I was a kid from the suburbs,” Scott said.

Scott earned a graphic design degree at KU and went to work for a company in the Kansas City area. He also did design work on the side through his own business, Forcefield Design.

Then Jennie’s parents asked if they would consider moving to Ellinwood to live in their large farmhouse. Ultimately, Scott and Jennie made the move. They now have two children, ages seven and five.

Scott continued his design business from there. The company offers design services for websites, branding and logos, marketing, album art, merchandise and clothing. His company’s website is<a href="http://www.forcefielddesign.com/">www.forcefielddesign.com</a>.

“One day,” Scott said, “my wife showed me a cool candle online, and asked what I thought about getting it. I said, ‘I think I could make that.’” He did some research, got some equipment and made her a candle. It was fun, so he made candles for other family members for Christmas. The candles were so well received that this became a business. “We work as a team,” Scott said of himself and Jennie.

They weren’t sure what to name their business, but knew they wanted to use natural fragrances that related to their life in Kansas. “We wanted to highlight our small-town life,” Scott said. The business name they chose is Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Company.

“I had lived in Connecticut just before moving to Kansas City, and my buddies were giving me grief about coming to Kansas,” Scott said. “Then I got here, and it’s much bigger. The Flint Hills are awesome, and it’s amazing to me how epic western Kansas is.”

The Andersens used natural soy oil as a base for their hand-poured candles and added various fragrances. The business began to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We were pouring candles in our bedroom and it got too crowded with kids and cats,” Scott said. He and Jennie rented an old, historic building on Main Street in downtown Ellinwood. They later purchased and renovated the building, which was known as the Cyclone Building.

Today, the Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Company produces natural soy candles, soy wax melts, room spray, and lip balm. “A lot of candle companies use paraffin which is made from petroleum,” Scott said. “Our candles are made from soybeans which grow in Kansas, and they burn twice as long,” he said. “We want to be sustainable so we recycle boxes and use natural products wherever we can,” he said.

The company offers candles with home-grown fragrances such as Greener Pastures, Sunwashed Apricot, Prairie Wildflower, Sweet Clover and Alfalfa, Lavender Honey, Fresh Baked, Country Clothesline and more. The candles are poured in the back of the building where the Andersens also host candle-making classes. The front of the building is a studio gallery which features local artists. Products are sold online as well.

Kansas Earth and Sky products have gone all over North America and overseas. One wholesale account is in New Hampshire. That’s impressive for a business in a rural community such as Ellinwood, population 1,969 people. Now, that’s rural.

“We’d love to bring more people to Ellinwood,” Scott said. “It has historic underground tunnels, lots of antique stories, and good restaurants.”

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

Now we can enjoy the scent of new-mown hay or baking bread anytime we want, just by lighting a candle. We salute Scott and Jennie Andersen for their creative entrepreneurship. Their ideas make a lot of scents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594215647623.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentThe aroma of new-mown hay. The smell of baking bread. The sweet scent of lavender.&nbsp;&nbsp;These fragrances can connect with our senses in compelling ways. Today we’ll learn about a remarkable Kansas company which is infusing these fragrances into their soy-based candles and connecting with customers nationwide.Scott and Jennie Andersen are the founders and co-owners of the Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Company. Jennie grew up at Ellinwood and went to the University of Kansas, where she met and married Scott. Due to his father’s business career, Scott and his family had lived in several cities around the nation before coming to Kansas City. “I was a kid from the suburbs,” Scott said.Scott earned a graphic design degree at KU and went to work for a company in the Kansas City area. He also did design work on the side through his own business, Forcefield Design.Then Jennie’s parents asked if they would consider moving to Ellinwood to live in their large farmhouse. Ultimately, Scott and Jennie made the move. They now have two children, ages seven and five.Scott continued his design business from there. The company offers design services for websites, branding and logos, marketing, album art, merchandise and clothing. His company’s website is<a href="http://www.forcefielddesign.com/">www.forcefielddesign.com</a>.“One day,” Scott said, “my wife showed me a cool candle online, and asked what I thought about getting it. I said, ‘I think I could make that.’” He did some research, got some equipment and made her a candle. It was fun, so he made candles for other family members for Christmas. The candles were so well received that this became a business. “We work as a team,” Scott said of himself and Jennie.They weren’t sure what to name their business, but knew they wanted to use natural fragrances that related to their life in Kansas. “We wanted to highlight our small-town life,” Scott said. The business name they chose is Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Company.“I had lived in Connecticut just before moving to Kansas City, and my buddies were giving me grief about coming to Kansas,” Scott said. “Then I got here, and it’s much bigger. The Flint Hills are awesome, and it’s amazing to me how epic western Kansas is.”The Andersens used natural soy oil as a base for their hand-poured candles and added various fragrances. The business began to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We were pouring candles in our bedroom and it got too crowded with kids and cats,” Scott said. He and Jennie rented an old, historic building on Main Street in downtown Ellinwood. They later purchased and renovated the building, which was known as the Cyclone Building.Today, the Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Company produces natural soy candles, soy wax melts, room spray, and lip balm. “A lot of candle companies use paraffin which is made from petroleum,” Scott said. “Our candles are made from soybeans which grow in Kansas, and they burn twice as long,” he said. “We want to be sustainable so we recycle boxes and use natural products wherever we can,” he said.The company offers candles with home-grown fragrances such as Greener Pastures, Sunwashed Apricot, Prairie Wildflower, Sweet Clover and Alfalfa, Lavender Honey, Fresh Baked, Country Clothesline and more. The candles are poured in the back of the building where the Andersens also host candle-making classes. The front of the building is a studio gallery which features local artists. Products are sold online as well.Kansas Earth and Sky products have gone all over North America and overseas. One wholesale account is in New Hampshire. That’s impressive for a business in a rural community such as Ellinwood, population 1,969 people. Now, that’s rural.“We’d love to bring more people to Ellinwood,” Scott said. “It has historic underground tunnels, lots of antique stories, and good restaurants.”For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasearthandskycandle.com/">www.kansasearthandskycandle.com</a>.Now we can enjoy the scent of new-mown hay or baking bread anytime we want, just by lighting a candle. We salute Scott and Jennie Andersen for their creative entrepreneurship. Their ideas make a lot of scents.

Now That’s Rural: Scott Andersen, Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co.

Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, the north leg of the intersection of 7th and Oak Street (700 block of Oak) will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs in Hays. 

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

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564769656525.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning at 7 a.m. Monday, the north leg of the intersection of 7th and Oak Street (700 block of Oak) will be closed to through traffic for pavement repairs in Hays. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday. The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 628-7350.

Portion of Oak Street closed this week for repairs

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.thomascountycommunityfoundation.com/">Thomas County Community Foundation</a> has awarded Smoky Hills PBS a grant for $1,000.&nbsp;

The grant will support Smoky Hills PBS’ literacy leadership initiative in Thomas County:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Support of children’s programming on Smoky Hills PBS ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Support the book distribution program that will provide books to children in head start and early head start programs in Thomas County

“We are thrilled that we once again are able to add to children’s home libraries in Thomas County,” said Larry Calvery, general manager of Smoky Hills PBS. “Educating the youth within our area is just one of the many important things we do for the folks within our viewing area!”

The TCCF Foundation was established in 2001 to support their growing community with funds necessary to keep its agencies and schools alive. 

Serving as a catalyst for community action, the Foundation continues to serve as a central hub in northwest Kansas helping their friends and neighbors carry out their philanthropic intentions.

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas.&nbsp;More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589894008864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBSBUNKER HILL –&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.thomascountycommunityfoundation.com/">Thomas County Community Foundation</a> has awarded Smoky Hills PBS a grant for $1,000.&nbsp;The grant will support Smoky Hills PBS’ literacy leadership initiative in Thomas County:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Support of children’s programming on Smoky Hills PBS ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Support the book distribution program that will provide books to children in head start and early head start programs in Thomas County“We are thrilled that we once again are able to add to children’s home libraries in Thomas County,” said Larry Calvery, general manager of Smoky Hills PBS. “Educating the youth within our area is just one of the many important things we do for the folks within our viewing area!”The TCCF Foundation was established in 2001 to support their growing community with funds necessary to keep its agencies and schools alive. Serving as a catalyst for community action, the Foundation continues to serve as a central hub in northwest Kansas helping their friends and neighbors carry out their philanthropic intentions.Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas.&nbsp;More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

Thomas Co. Community Foundation provides grant to SHPBS

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Department of Theatre &amp; Dance recognized 78 students as recipients of its year-end awards and scholarships, totaling nearly $200,000 in financial support.

“We are thankful for the many generous alumni and friends whose donations help our students pay bills, alleviate stress and open doors to future opportunities. Our year-end awards and scholarships give us a chance to celebrate some of our students’ many stellar accomplishments and make a real difference in helping them achieve their goals,” said Henry Bial, professor and department chair.

The department has more than three dozen named scholarships and awards given out each year. The Kilty Kane Award, the highest award that can be given in recognition of outstanding contributions made to the University Theatre by a student leaving the program, was presented to Elsa Bernauer, who completed her bachelor's degree in theatre performance. The Kuhlke Humanitarian Award was presented to Lusie Cuskey, who completed her doctorate in theatre studies.

The Elizabeth Sherbon Award, the highest award that can be given in recognition of a student in the dance program, was presented to Maya Gold, now a junior in dance.

Scholarship and award recipients are as follows:

&nbsp; &nbsp;Jordyn Manhart, Hays; Jump Start Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Teel, Hays; Loren Kennedy Traineeship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Ashley Ebner, Shawnee; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Aubrey McGettrick, Wichita; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Beth Roth, Jetmore; Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship in Theatre

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Bradley Mathewson, Topeka; Theatre Departmental Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Cassandra Ludlum, Topeka; New Theatre Guild Dennis D. Hennessy &amp; Richard Carothers Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Chris Pendry, Lawrence; Gerhard Zuther Memorial Award for Dramatic Scriptwriting, Richard Kelton Memorial Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; David Ruis Fisher, Lawrence; Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding GTA in Theatre Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Devan Ryan, Lawrence; Theatre Departmental Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Dominique Waller, Shawnee; Jack B. Wright Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Elijah Olson, Hiawatha; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Ella Galbraith, Wichita; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Elsa Bernauer, Leawood; Kilty Kane Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Gabrielle Smith, Lansing; New Theatre Guild Dodie&nbsp;Myers Brown&nbsp;Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship, Theatre Departmental Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Grace DiVilbiss, Lawrence; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Hollyanna Mathews, Overland Park; Laura Louise Pryor Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; India MacDonald, Topeka; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jacob Reitz, Seneca; Social Activism Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jake Gillespie, Paola; New Theatre Guild Jacqueline and Curt&nbsp;Stokes&nbsp;Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jillian Wilson, Chanute; Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship in Theatre

·&nbsp;&nbsp; John Rohr, Arkansas City; Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding New GTA in Theatre Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kaitlyn Tossie, Lawrence; Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding GTA in Theatre Award, Susan Tisdall Niven Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kalen Stockton, Lawrence; New Theatre Guild Don Knotts Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kara Stobie, Overland Park; Julie Damron-Dittmer Scholarship, Kari Wahlgren Theatre Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kate Smeltzer, Prairie Village; Brian Ten Eyck Davis Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kayleigh Shaffer, Olathe; Glenn Bickle Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kennedy Brandenburg, Wichita; Adah Clarke Hagan Scholarship in Theatre

·&nbsp;&nbsp; McKenzie Needham, Andover; Stephanie Ann Smith Memorial Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Michael Ostermann, Lawrence; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Olivia Young, Clay Center; Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship in Theatre

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Paul-Michael Johnson, Emporia; Margaret Bushong and Suzanne Calvin Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Coordinator

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Petricia Hall, Salina; Claire Reinhold Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Samantha Gotskind, Overland Park; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Shayna Phillips, Lawrence; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Morrison, Manhattan; Elizabeth Sherbon Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney White, Lawrence; KU Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Ebner, Shawnee; KU Dance and Harry B. Craig Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Cheek, Louisburg; Barbara Nordling Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Tehreem Chaudhry, Lawrence; Friends of the Theatre Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Teylor Hendrix, Louisburg; Harry B Craig Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Timmia Feldman Hearn, Lawrence; Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding New GTA in Theatre Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Trevor Rodgers, Olathe; Alexis and Craig Stevens Performing Arts Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Victoria Smith, Altamont; Allen Crafton Scholarship, Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship

·&nbsp; &nbsp;Hazel Youngquist, Perry, John David Lentz Memorial Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Allie Thaman, Kirkwood, Missouri; Jump Start Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Alyssa Kendrick, Chesterfield, Missouri; Edna Bulkeley Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Arie Vasquez, Linn Creek, Missouri; KU Dance and Juanita Strait Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Daryn Hill, St. Louis; KU Dance and Lee Family Scholarship in Dance

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Julie Turner, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Theatre Departmental Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Mary Spencer, Stotts City, Missouri; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Matthew O’Brien, Kirkwood, Missouri; Shirley and Tom P. Rea Memorial Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Molly Robinson, Chesterfield, Missouri; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Rachel Bundstein, Kansas City, Missouri; Moxie Talent Agency Scholarship, Sally Six Hersh Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Stella Garibaldi, Kansas City, Missouri; Jon T. Eicholtz and Barbara Eden Acting Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Alex Hunt, Farmington, Minnesota; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Alysha Griffin, Appling, Georgia; Joseph R. Roach Dissertation Award, Gerhard Zuther Memorial Award for Dramatic Scriptwriting

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Annalee Larsen, Papillion, Nebraska; Lee Family Scholarship in Dance and Loren Kennedy Traineeship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Annie St. John, Waukee, Iowa; Elizabeth Sherbon &amp; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarships

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Bailey Dobbins, Edmonds, Washington; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Chloe Ryan, Sapulpa, Oklahoma; Claire Reinhold Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Cicely Stevenson, Nauvoo, Illinois; KU Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Denniel Correa, Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Adah Clarke Hagan Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Grace Josin, Medina, Minnesota; Lee Family Scholarship in Dance, Loren Kennedy Traineeship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Grace Stephan, Davenport, Iowa; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Hanah Glimpse, Phoenix; David E. Blackwell Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jenny Sledge Harris, Annapolis, Maryland; Susan Tisdall Niven Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jessica Myrick, Grayslake, Illinois; Dorothy and Benjamin Glick Theatre Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Katherine Patz, Tulsa, Oklahoma; New Theater Guild William and Penny Gamm Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Lusie Cuskey, Louisville, Kentucky; Kuhlke Humanitarian Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Maricela Alaniz, Oceanside, California; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Maura Corder, Pittsburgh; Loren Kennedy Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Maya Gold, Vernon Hill, Illinois; Elizabeth Sherbon Award

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Olivia Johnson, Clive, Iowa; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Olivia Pennell, Sherman, Illinois; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Princess de Marco, Chicago; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Rory Sweedler, Louisville, Colorado; KU Dance &amp; Bernadette Robinson Scholarships

·&nbsp;&nbsp; Ryan Speert, Oak Park, California; Loren Kennedy Scholarship

The Department of Theatre &amp; Dance is one of three departments in the School of the Arts. As part of the KU College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences, the School of the Arts offers fresh possibilities for collaboration between the arts and the humanities, sciences, social sciences, international and interdisciplinary studies. For more information on the Department of Theatre &amp; Dance, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://theatredance.ku.edu/">theatredance.ku.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. The university's mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world. The KU News Service is the central public relations office for the Lawrence campus.

<a href="mailto:kunews@ku.edu">kunews@ku.edu</a>&nbsp;| 1450 Jayhawk Blvd., Suite 37, Lawrence, KS 66045

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Department of Theatre &amp; Dance recognized 78 students as recipients of its year-end awards and scholarships, totaling nearly $200,000 in financial support.“We are thankful for the many generous alumni and friends whose donations help our students pay bills, alleviate stress and open doors to future opportunities. Our year-end awards and scholarships give us a chance to celebrate some of our students’ many stellar accomplishments and make a real difference in helping them achieve their goals,” said Henry Bial, professor and department chair.The department has more than three dozen named scholarships and awards given out each year. The Kilty Kane Award, the highest award that can be given in recognition of outstanding contributions made to the University Theatre by a student leaving the program, was presented to Elsa Bernauer, who completed her bachelor's degree in theatre performance. The Kuhlke Humanitarian Award was presented to Lusie Cuskey, who completed her doctorate in theatre studies.The Elizabeth Sherbon Award, the highest award that can be given in recognition of a student in the dance program, was presented to Maya Gold, now a junior in dance.Scholarship and award recipients are as follows:Local students:&nbsp; &nbsp;Jordyn Manhart, Hays; Jump Start Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Teel, Hays; Loren Kennedy TraineeshipKansas·&nbsp;&nbsp; Ashley Ebner, Shawnee; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Aubrey McGettrick, Wichita; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Beth Roth, Jetmore; Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship in Theatre·&nbsp;&nbsp; Bradley Mathewson, Topeka; Theatre Departmental Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Cassandra Ludlum, Topeka; New Theatre Guild Dennis D. Hennessy &amp; Richard Carothers Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Chris Pendry, Lawrence; Gerhard Zuther Memorial Award for Dramatic Scriptwriting, Richard Kelton Memorial Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship·&nbsp;&nbsp; David Ruis Fisher, Lawrence; Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding GTA in Theatre Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Devan Ryan, Lawrence; Theatre Departmental Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Dominique Waller, Shawnee; Jack B. Wright Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Elijah Olson, Hiawatha; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Ella Galbraith, Wichita; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Elsa Bernauer, Leawood; Kilty Kane Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Gabrielle Smith, Lansing; New Theatre Guild Dodie&nbsp;Myers Brown&nbsp;Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship, Theatre Departmental Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Grace DiVilbiss, Lawrence; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Hollyanna Mathews, Overland Park; Laura Louise Pryor Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; India MacDonald, Topeka; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jacob Reitz, Seneca; Social Activism Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jake Gillespie, Paola; New Theatre Guild Jacqueline and Curt&nbsp;Stokes&nbsp;Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jillian Wilson, Chanute; Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship in Theatre·&nbsp;&nbsp; John Rohr, Arkansas City; Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding New GTA in Theatre Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kaitlyn Tossie, Lawrence; Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding GTA in Theatre Award, Susan Tisdall Niven Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kalen Stockton, Lawrence; New Theatre Guild Don Knotts Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kara Stobie, Overland Park; Julie Damron-Dittmer Scholarship, Kari Wahlgren Theatre Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kate Smeltzer, Prairie Village; Brian Ten Eyck Davis Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kayleigh Shaffer, Olathe; Glenn Bickle Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Kennedy Brandenburg, Wichita; Adah Clarke Hagan Scholarship in Theatre·&nbsp;&nbsp; McKenzie Needham, Andover; Stephanie Ann Smith Memorial Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Michael Ostermann, Lawrence; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Olivia Young, Clay Center; Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship in Theatre·&nbsp;&nbsp; Paul-Michael Johnson, Emporia; Margaret Bushong and Suzanne Calvin Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Coordinator·&nbsp;&nbsp; Petricia Hall, Salina; Claire Reinhold Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Samantha Gotskind, Overland Park; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Shayna Phillips, Lawrence; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Morrison, Manhattan; Elizabeth Sherbon Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney White, Lawrence; KU Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Sydney Ebner, Shawnee; KU Dance and Harry B. Craig Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Cheek, Louisburg; Barbara Nordling Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Tehreem Chaudhry, Lawrence; Friends of the Theatre Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Teylor Hendrix, Louisburg; Harry B Craig Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Timmia Feldman Hearn, Lawrence; Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding New GTA in Theatre Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Trevor Rodgers, Olathe; Alexis and Craig Stevens Performing Arts Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Victoria Smith, Altamont; Allen Crafton Scholarship, Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship·&nbsp; &nbsp;Hazel Youngquist, Perry, John David Lentz Memorial ScholarshipMissouri·&nbsp;&nbsp; Allie Thaman, Kirkwood, Missouri; Jump Start Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Alyssa Kendrick, Chesterfield, Missouri; Edna Bulkeley Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Arie Vasquez, Linn Creek, Missouri; KU Dance and Juanita Strait Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Daryn Hill, St. Louis; KU Dance and Lee Family Scholarship in Dance·&nbsp;&nbsp; Julie Turner, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Theatre Departmental Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Mary Spencer, Stotts City, Missouri; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Matthew O’Brien, Kirkwood, Missouri; Shirley and Tom P. Rea Memorial Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Molly Robinson, Chesterfield, Missouri; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Rachel Bundstein, Kansas City, Missouri; Moxie Talent Agency Scholarship, Sally Six Hersh Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Stella Garibaldi, Kansas City, Missouri; Jon T. Eicholtz and Barbara Eden Acting ScholarshipOther states and countries·&nbsp;&nbsp; Alex Hunt, Farmington, Minnesota; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Alysha Griffin, Appling, Georgia; Joseph R. Roach Dissertation Award, Gerhard Zuther Memorial Award for Dramatic Scriptwriting·&nbsp;&nbsp; Annalee Larsen, Papillion, Nebraska; Lee Family Scholarship in Dance and Loren Kennedy Traineeship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Annie St. John, Waukee, Iowa; Elizabeth Sherbon &amp; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarships·&nbsp;&nbsp; Bailey Dobbins, Edmonds, Washington; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Chloe Ryan, Sapulpa, Oklahoma; Claire Reinhold Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Cicely Stevenson, Nauvoo, Illinois; KU Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Denniel Correa, Arecibo, Puerto Rico; Adah Clarke Hagan Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Grace Josin, Medina, Minnesota; Lee Family Scholarship in Dance, Loren Kennedy Traineeship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Grace Stephan, Davenport, Iowa; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Hanah Glimpse, Phoenix; David E. Blackwell Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jenny Sledge Harris, Annapolis, Maryland; Susan Tisdall Niven Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Jessica Myrick, Grayslake, Illinois; Dorothy and Benjamin Glick Theatre Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Katherine Patz, Tulsa, Oklahoma; New Theater Guild William and Penny Gamm Scholarship, Loren Kennedy Traineeship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Lusie Cuskey, Louisville, Kentucky; Kuhlke Humanitarian Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Maricela Alaniz, Oceanside, California; Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Maura Corder, Pittsburgh; Loren Kennedy Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Maya Gold, Vernon Hill, Illinois; Elizabeth Sherbon Award·&nbsp;&nbsp; Olivia Johnson, Clive, Iowa; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Olivia Pennell, Sherman, Illinois; Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Princess de Marco, Chicago; Janet Hamburg Dance Scholarship·&nbsp;&nbsp; Rory Sweedler, Louisville, Colorado; KU Dance &amp; Bernadette Robinson Scholarships·&nbsp;&nbsp; Ryan Speert, Oak Park, California; Loren Kennedy ScholarshipThe Department of Theatre &amp; Dance is one of three departments in the School of the Arts. As part of the KU College of Liberal Arts &amp; Sciences, the School of the Arts offers fresh possibilities for collaboration between the arts and the humanities, sciences, social sciences, international and interdisciplinary studies. For more information on the Department of Theatre &amp; Dance, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://theatredance.ku.edu/">theatredance.ku.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. The university's mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world. The KU News Service is the central public relations office for the Lawrence campus.<a href="mailto:kunews@ku.edu">kunews@ku.edu</a>&nbsp;| 1450 Jayhawk Blvd., Suite 37, Lawrence, KS 66045

KU Department of Theatre, Dance names 2020 award winners

Crops like wheat, corn and sorghum remain the perennial favorites for ag producers across Kansas, but recent studies by the Kansas State Agricultural Research Station suggest adding a forage crop into a crop rotation can be beneficial to producers and the land in western Kansas.

Forage crops are already a large part of agriculture in Kansas, according to&nbsp;Bob Gillen, K-State Agriculture Research Center department head, but outside factors are generating interest into expanded use.

"Forage production is really important in Kansas,"&nbsp;Gillen said. "Kansas ranks sixth in the United States in total hay production."

<div><iframe title="Adding forage crops found to be beneficial to area ag producers" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ysknd-e2aab9?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostCrops like wheat, corn and sorghum remain the perennial favorites for ag producers across Kansas, but recent studies by the Kansas State Agricultural Research Station suggest adding a forage crop into a crop rotation can be beneficial to producers and the land in western Kansas.Forage crops are already a large part of agriculture in Kansas, according to&nbsp;Bob Gillen, K-State Agriculture Research Center department head, but outside factors are generating interest into expanded use."Forage production is really important in Kansas,"&nbsp;Gillen said. "Kansas ranks sixth in the United States in total hay production."Almost 2 million acres of Kansas farmland is used each year in forage production, he said, ranking it fifth in acres used by crop type in the state."You think about corn, wheat, sorghum, grain sorghum, but then right behind that are our annual forages," Gillen said. "So they are really important to Kansas agriculture."Despite a large amount of forage crop production, research often focuses on the more well-known grain crops, Gillen said, but the availability of water for irrigation is pushing research into forage crops."We felt like there was a need there and we are trying to meet that," Gillen said."Forage production is important for the western Kansas region’s livestock and dairy industries and has become increasingly important as irrigation-well capacity declines," <a href="https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol5/iss7/5/">according to a study published last fall.</a>"That's been a big focus we have been working on for six or seven years," Gillen said."Forages are actually a more resilient crop than grain production," he said, due to the ability to grow with less water — a common condition of Kansas fields."With forages, we almost always have enough precipitation to grow that stock and leaves," Gillen said.&nbsp;Outside of water concerns, the goal of recent studies into forage production is to give producers more options, especially as grain prices have remained low and beef production continues to increase.The recent studies looked at how forage production fits into crop rotations or how it can replace a regular rotation with all forage.And it may be a better financial option for producers.While historically grain crops have been "king" in Kansas due to their higher value, Gillen said, in recent years producers have been in a slump where grain crops are not as valuable."It allows us diversification where a producer can feed in a different kind of crop," Gillen said.The research also found by adding a forage crop into a field rotation soil health can be improved.Crop diversification can also give more flexibility to herbicide and weed management, Gillen said.&nbsp;With that in mind, variety testing has also been an important part of recent research. Last year, 77 hay varieties were tested and 87 silage varieties, Gillen said."That gives the producers a neutral party look," he said."It gives another avenue, it gives another possibility," Gillen said. "That's what we are about, trying to give producers as many different options as we can to try to meet the variable weather in western Kansas and the variable marketing conditions."<a href="https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol5/iss7/">The most recent studies published by the center can be found by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>