<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583783743670.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

We’re about to see just what the Legislature is going to do for, or to, us&nbsp;in the next couple weeks. Yes…lawmakers have been in session eight weeks, but it’s this week that we may see something significant in the way of legislation.

Nope, no budget yet, but it appears that this could be the week that committees in both chambers get very close to massaging Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget for the remainder of this fiscal year and next fiscal year.&nbsp;

So far, on the basics of keeping the government running, legislators are agreeing on much of what she has proposed for the operation of the state. Nope, not major issues, but the groundwork that the governor proposed appears to be pretty-well received.

The highway plan? Surprisingly, once Kelly agreed to complete all the projects that former Gov. Sam Brownback couldn’t because he kept siphoning money out of the Kansas Department of Transportation, it looks likely to pass out of committees to the House and maybe Senate floors for debate. Key there is that everyone wants every foot of road promised to them back in 2010, even if it is four or five years late.

Nothing like highways to get legislators re-elected, is there?

So, look for a little squabbling, but for the governor’s highway plan to move forward.

School finance? Practically, it looks like not a bunch of new money for the public K-12 schools, but enough to keep the Legislature on the right side of the Kansas Supreme Court decision last year which held the state’s financing of public schools was unconstitutional.

Actually, the big issue to most of us is not getting a lot clearer yet.

The Senate has tossed to the House a couple bills dealing with the qualifications of appraisers, and one major property tax bill that doesn’t cost the state any money but lets lawmakers brag about “transparency” with local units of government forced to hold public hearings if they propose to spend more property tax revenue than they did last year.

Now, transparency is probably a good thing, but for most of us it doesn’t really matter until we open the tax bill envelope and see if we’re paying more or less than last year. Nothing so far from the Legislature that would cut property taxes for anyone.

Income tax is the big deal for the election-year legislature and that side of the issue remains uncertain in the House. The state has more money than expected, and, well, there are few better places for legislators to vote to put that than in the pockets of voters.

At this point, the scraps are over income taxes; do lawmakers drop tax liabilities of corporations that help finance their campaigns, or individual voters, and which ones of them? For voters, the issue gets simple: Cut my taxes.

It’s the political decision that is complicated in the Statehouse.

Help the poor, maybe by cutting rates, or making some portion of the sales tax they pay for groceries a refundable credit against their income taxes? Help the middle-class by boosting the standard deduction, allowing them to pay taxes on smaller amounts of income? De-couple from the federal standard deductions which allows the better-off to not waste their state deductions?

And, don’t forget, within all those classes are Social Security recipients, and there are bills that would boost the level of un-taxed Social Security payments based on total income.

In the next week, maybe two, we’ll know which way legislators are going, and maybe which ones to re-elect and which ones to keep at home after the elections.

Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573590596307.png" alt="Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report." />
 <figcaption>Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report.</figcaption>
 </figure>We’re about to see just what the Legislature is going to do for, or to, us&nbsp;in the next couple weeks. Yes…lawmakers have been in session eight weeks, but it’s this week that we may see something significant in the way of legislation.Nope, no budget yet, but it appears that this could be the week that committees in both chambers get very close to massaging Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget for the remainder of this fiscal year and next fiscal year.&nbsp;So far, on the basics of keeping the government running, legislators are agreeing on much of what she has proposed for the operation of the state. Nope, not major issues, but the groundwork that the governor proposed appears to be pretty-well received.The highway plan? Surprisingly, once Kelly agreed to complete all the projects that former Gov. Sam Brownback couldn’t because he kept siphoning money out of the Kansas Department of Transportation, it looks likely to pass out of committees to the House and maybe Senate floors for debate. Key there is that everyone wants every foot of road promised to them back in 2010, even if it is four or five years late.Nothing like highways to get legislators re-elected, is there?So, look for a little squabbling, but for the governor’s highway plan to move forward.School finance? Practically, it looks like not a bunch of new money for the public K-12 schools, but enough to keep the Legislature on the right side of the Kansas Supreme Court decision last year which held the state’s financing of public schools was unconstitutional.Taxes…oh yes, taxes…Actually, the big issue to most of us is not getting a lot clearer yet.The Senate has tossed to the House a couple bills dealing with the qualifications of appraisers, and one major property tax bill that doesn’t cost the state any money but lets lawmakers brag about “transparency” with local units of government forced to hold public hearings if they propose to spend more property tax revenue than they did last year.Now, transparency is probably a good thing, but for most of us it doesn’t really matter until we open the tax bill envelope and see if we’re paying more or less than last year. Nothing so far from the Legislature that would cut property taxes for anyone.Income tax is the big deal for the election-year legislature and that side of the issue remains uncertain in the House. The state has more money than expected, and, well, there are few better places for legislators to vote to put that than in the pockets of voters.At this point, the scraps are over income taxes; do lawmakers drop tax liabilities of corporations that help finance their campaigns, or individual voters, and which ones of them? For voters, the issue gets simple: Cut my taxes.It’s the political decision that is complicated in the Statehouse.Help the poor, maybe by cutting rates, or making some portion of the sales tax they pay for groceries a refundable credit against their income taxes? Help the middle-class by boosting the standard deduction, allowing them to pay taxes on smaller amounts of income? De-couple from the federal standard deductions which allows the better-off to not waste their state deductions?And, don’t forget, within all those classes are Social Security recipients, and there are bills that would boost the level of un-taxed Social Security payments based on total income.In the next week, maybe two, we’ll know which way legislators are going, and maybe which ones to re-elect and which ones to keep at home after the elections.Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver's Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hawvernews.com/">www.hawvernews.com</a>

HAWVER: Critical week in Kan. budget talks

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Tuesday in the area of Vine and Indian Trail between 27th and 33rd streets. This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. 

Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. 

The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public. Drivers are asked to avoid driving through.

City of HaysThe Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Tuesday in the area of Vine and Indian Trail between 27th and 33rd streets. This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public. Drivers are asked to avoid driving through.

Hays FD continues hydrant flushing Tuesday

Oil prices plunged to multi-year lows on Monday as tensions between Russia and Saudi Arabia compound the issues of reduced demand brought on by the virus epidemic. The crude selloff began last week when OPEC failed to strike a new production-cut deal with Russia. That reportedly prompted Saudi Arabia to slash its prices and ramp up production. The Saudis cut export prices by nearly ten percent, and plan to boost oil output next month to well above 10 million barrels a day. The effects were quickly reflected in the sharpest price decline since at least 1991. The global oil benchmark plummeted as low as $31.02 a barrel, and Goldman Sachs Group warned prices could drop to near $20 a barrel.

By lunchtime Monday, the U.S. benchmark had lost another 16%, down $6.71 to $34.57 a barrel. That's the lowest price for WTI on the Nymex since March of 2016. London Brent gave 18%, dropping nearly eight dollars at $37.28 a barrel.

Kansas crude prices followed the national and international benchmarks on Friday, dropping 13%, or nearly five dollars. Prices at CHS in McPherson start the week at $31.50 a barrel, the lowest price since 2004.&nbsp; Expect that price to drop more to reflect Monday's declines in the broader markets.

Rig Counts across Kansas continue to decline. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports three active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one from last week, and eleven west of Wichita, which is down two. The weekly report shows a three-rig increase in the total number of INactive Rigs, including two that have now been cold stacked. Operators are about to spud a new well in Russell County.

Baker Hughes reports 793 active drilling rigs nationwide, marking an increase of four oil rigs. The count in Texas was up three, while Oklahoma and North Dakota were each down one.&nbsp; Canada was down 37 at 203 rigs.

Regulators last week approved 25 permits for drilling at new locations, 12 east of Wichita and 13 in Western Kansas, including three in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports eight newly-completed wells for the week, all of them in Western Kansas, including one new well-completion in Barton County.&nbsp;

The government reported a spike in U.S. crude-oil inventories last week.&nbsp; EIA said domestic stockpiles increased 800,000 barrels to 441.1 million barrels for the week ending February 28. That's about four percent below the five-year seasonal average.

Imports increased by 21,000 barrels per day to 6.2 million barrels per day. The four-week average is about two-and-a-half percent less than a year ago.

Weekly crude oil production in the United States averaged over 13 million barrels per day for the first time ever.&nbsp; EIA said U.S. operators pumped 13,174,000 barrels per day during the week ending February 28.

Ed Cross of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association said Kansas production is dropping while U.S. production is going up because most of the production here comes from conventional vertical wells, while much of the increase in production nationally comes from unconventional, horizontal plays.&nbsp;

The latest numbers show last year was among the two worst years ever for crude production in Kansas. In an email interview, Cross tells us his records show last year's Kansas production total was slightly higher than in 2002. The main driver for more Kansas activity and improved production, Cross said, is higher crude prices, which averaged a bearish $47 a barrel last year. Cross said low prices and the threat of recession and economic slowdown made Kansas operators very cautious and conservative. He says many companies in the Sunflower State are restructuring their capital expense budgets to become more specialized in their core producing assets. Cross adds that operators here are working to improve operational ef iciencies and optimize supply-chain relationships.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration, which gets its numbers from state agencies including the Kansas Geological Survey, reports production of just over 2.7 million barrels in December, bringing the EIA's annual published total for last year to 32.98 million barrels (a little over 90,000 barrels per day). That would mark the lowest annual total in 70 years of state record-keeping. According to data posted on the KGS Web site, the annual total in 2019 is about a million barrels less than the previous low posted in 2002.

Oil-by-rail traffic last week jumped more than twelve percent. The Association of American Railroads reports a nearly four percent increase in the year-to-date cumulative total for oil tanker traffic.&nbsp; Canada traffic increased 25% over the same week last year, and the running total so far this year is up more than 26%.&nbsp; The report for the full month of February shows traffic increases in 10 of the 20 carload commodity categories tracked by the AAR each month. These included petroleum and petroleum products, which were up more than seven percent. Combined totals for all categories were down eight percent from a year earlier.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAROil prices plunged to multi-year lows on Monday as tensions between Russia and Saudi Arabia compound the issues of reduced demand brought on by the virus epidemic. The crude selloff began last week when OPEC failed to strike a new production-cut deal with Russia. That reportedly prompted Saudi Arabia to slash its prices and ramp up production. The Saudis cut export prices by nearly ten percent, and plan to boost oil output next month to well above 10 million barrels a day. The effects were quickly reflected in the sharpest price decline since at least 1991. The global oil benchmark plummeted as low as $31.02 a barrel, and Goldman Sachs Group warned prices could drop to near $20 a barrel.By lunchtime Monday, the U.S. benchmark had lost another 16%, down $6.71 to $34.57 a barrel. That's the lowest price for WTI on the Nymex since March of 2016. London Brent gave 18%, dropping nearly eight dollars at $37.28 a barrel.Kansas crude prices followed the national and international benchmarks on Friday, dropping 13%, or nearly five dollars. Prices at CHS in McPherson start the week at $31.50 a barrel, the lowest price since 2004.&nbsp; Expect that price to drop more to reflect Monday's declines in the broader markets.Rig Counts across Kansas continue to decline. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports three active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one from last week, and eleven west of Wichita, which is down two. The weekly report shows a three-rig increase in the total number of INactive Rigs, including two that have now been cold stacked. Operators are about to spud a new well in Russell County.Baker Hughes reports 793 active drilling rigs nationwide, marking an increase of four oil rigs. The count in Texas was up three, while Oklahoma and North Dakota were each down one.&nbsp; Canada was down 37 at 203 rigs.Regulators last week approved 25 permits for drilling at new locations, 12 east of Wichita and 13 in Western Kansas, including three in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports eight newly-completed wells for the week, all of them in Western Kansas, including one new well-completion in Barton County.&nbsp;The government reported a spike in U.S. crude-oil inventories last week.&nbsp; EIA said domestic stockpiles increased 800,000 barrels to 441.1 million barrels for the week ending February 28. That's about four percent below the five-year seasonal average.Imports increased by 21,000 barrels per day to 6.2 million barrels per day. The four-week average is about two-and-a-half percent less than a year ago.Weekly crude oil production in the United States averaged over 13 million barrels per day for the first time ever.&nbsp; EIA said U.S. operators pumped 13,174,000 barrels per day during the week ending February 28.Ed Cross of the Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association said Kansas production is dropping while U.S. production is going up because most of the production here comes from conventional vertical wells, while much of the increase in production nationally comes from unconventional, horizontal plays.&nbsp;The latest numbers show last year was among the two worst years ever for crude production in Kansas. In an email interview, Cross tells us his records show last year's Kansas production total was slightly higher than in 2002. The main driver for more Kansas activity and improved production, Cross said, is higher crude prices, which averaged a bearish $47 a barrel last year. Cross said low prices and the threat of recession and economic slowdown made Kansas operators very cautious and conservative. He says many companies in the Sunflower State are restructuring their capital expense budgets to become more specialized in their core producing assets. Cross adds that operators here are working to improve operational ef iciencies and optimize supply-chain relationships.The U.S. Energy Information Administration, which gets its numbers from state agencies including the Kansas Geological Survey, reports production of just over 2.7 million barrels in December, bringing the EIA's annual published total for last year to 32.98 million barrels (a little over 90,000 barrels per day). That would mark the lowest annual total in 70 years of state record-keeping. According to data posted on the KGS Web site, the annual total in 2019 is about a million barrels less than the previous low posted in 2002.Oil-by-rail traffic last week jumped more than twelve percent. The Association of American Railroads reports a nearly four percent increase in the year-to-date cumulative total for oil tanker traffic.&nbsp; Canada traffic increased 25% over the same week last year, and the running total so far this year is up more than 26%.&nbsp; The report for the full month of February shows traffic increases in 10 of the 20 carload commodity categories tracked by the AAR each month. These included petroleum and petroleum products, which were up more than seven percent. Combined totals for all categories were down eight percent from a year earlier.

News From the Oil Patch, Mar. 9: Oil prices plunge

Special Olympics Kansas announced Monday four upcoming events have been canceled related to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6662e0afae0f4d5f5c8229">ongoing spread of COVID-19</a>, or coronavirus.

The 2020 State Basketball and Cheerleading Tournaments scheduled for March 20 and 21 in Hays was included in the canceled events.

"While this news is incredibly disappointing for all of us, the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, staff and partners remains our top priority," said John Lair, president and CEO of Special Olympics Kansas in a statement announcing the cancelation.

After working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the national Special Olympics organization to ensure the safety of participants and others, the group made the decision in light of the recent confirmation of the virus in Kansas and surrounding states.

"We serve a population where many are at a heightened risk due to age and/or compromised immune systems, and our competitions require people to travel from all parts of the state to compete," Lair said. "With this news about confirmed and possible suspected cases, we no longer believe that we can proceed with the Games and be sure we are providing a safe and healthy environment, regardless of what precautionary steps and/or preventative measures we might implement."

The group said the decision to cancel the events is difficult but cited safety as being paramount.

"While canceling events is truly disappointing for athletes who have trained for months to compete — as well as for the volunteers, family, friends and our staff and board who support them and look forward to cheering for them — we know that our love of sport doesn’t compare to the importance of protecting the health and safety of all involved," Lair said.

The annual event brings hundreds of people to Hays, but Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Melissa Dixon said, she understands the decision.

"We are very disappointed to hear the Special Olympics Kansas event is not coming to Hays this year, but we totally understand the health of those athletes needs to be our first priority," Dixon said.

Other canceled events include the&nbsp;2020 State Basketball and
Cheerleading Tournaments scheduled for March 14 and 15 in Topeka, all Young
Athletes Programs scheduled March 9 to 23, all local team practices and
the&nbsp;KU Unified Basketball Championship game scheduled for March 19.

The group said it will re-evaluate the situation March 23 in regard to other upcoming events.

For updates from Special, Olympics Kansas visit the organization's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicskansas/?ref=search&amp;__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&amp;eid=ARAsMqMS4sq-4e46pTLjkE7Oxbbn3Wv9VkeytEnyFlh0lwSWiUznRqHPFCO3WiqNjIviOi84GANAnXTA">Facebook page</a> or the website, <a href="https://ksso.org/">ksso.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583780122076.png" alt="Scene from the 2019 Special Olympics Opening Ceremony at Fort Hays State University." />
 <figcaption>Scene from the 2019 Special Olympics Opening Ceremony at Fort Hays State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostSpecial Olympics Kansas announced Monday four upcoming events have been canceled related to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e6662e0afae0f4d5f5c8229">ongoing spread of COVID-19</a>, or coronavirus.The 2020 State Basketball and Cheerleading Tournaments scheduled for March 20 and 21 in Hays was included in the canceled events.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fspecialolympicskansas%2Fposts%2F10158618621277923%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="733" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>"While this news is incredibly disappointing for all of us, the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, staff and partners remains our top priority," said John Lair, president and CEO of Special Olympics Kansas in a statement announcing the cancelation.After working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the national Special Olympics organization to ensure the safety of participants and others, the group made the decision in light of the recent confirmation of the virus in Kansas and surrounding states."We serve a population where many are at a heightened risk due to age and/or compromised immune systems, and our competitions require people to travel from all parts of the state to compete," Lair said. "With this news about confirmed and possible suspected cases, we no longer believe that we can proceed with the Games and be sure we are providing a safe and healthy environment, regardless of what precautionary steps and/or preventative measures we might implement."The group said the decision to cancel the events is difficult but cited safety as being paramount."While canceling events is truly disappointing for athletes who have trained for months to compete — as well as for the volunteers, family, friends and our staff and board who support them and look forward to cheering for them — we know that our love of sport doesn’t compare to the importance of protecting the health and safety of all involved," Lair said.The annual event brings hundreds of people to Hays, but Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Melissa Dixon said, she understands the decision."We are very disappointed to hear the Special Olympics Kansas event is not coming to Hays this year, but we totally understand the health of those athletes needs to be our first priority," Dixon said.Other canceled events include the&nbsp;2020 State Basketball and
Cheerleading Tournaments scheduled for March 14 and 15 in Topeka, all Young
Athletes Programs scheduled March 9 to 23, all local team practices and
the&nbsp;KU Unified Basketball Championship game scheduled for March 19.The group said it will re-evaluate the situation March 23 in regard to other upcoming events.For updates from Special, Olympics Kansas visit the organization's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicskansas/?ref=search&amp;__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&amp;eid=ARAsMqMS4sq-4e46pTLjkE7Oxbbn3Wv9VkeytEnyFlh0lwSWiUznRqHPFCO3WiqNjIviOi84GANAnXTA">Facebook page</a> or the website, <a href="https://ksso.org/">ksso.org.</a>

Hays Special Olympics event canceled over outbreak concerns

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Ten teams raced for bragging rights in the annual First Call for Help Amazing Race with the Team Who Must Not Be Named taking home the title in 2 hours 10 minutes and 57 seconds.

The annual fundraiser helps pay housing costs for people who are in danger of becoming homeless.

This was the largest group of racers the event has ever had.

The Flying Kiwanis took second and Don't Taze Me! took third.&nbsp;

The event consisted of teams of four driving around the city of Hays, completing challenges. The teams received clues at each stop that would lead them to their next challenge.

At Home Depot, the racers completed a string art project. At Hobby Lobby, they arranged words into famous quotes. At Vernie's Hamburger House, the team members drew cards for the right to build a paper hamburger.

At the Hays Community Theatre, the racers either performed a scene from Shakespearean play or created and performed an improvised duet act.

First Call for Help would like thank The Venue and Thirsty's, Kiwanis and Casey's General Store for sponsoring teams.

Other teams included Golden Belt Bank, First Baptist Boys, Better Together, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Panhellenic Sisters, Circle K. International, FHSU Fury and The Lifesavers.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NaggkdKTyH4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTen teams raced for bragging rights in the annual First Call for Help Amazing Race with the Team Who Must Not Be Named taking home the title in 2 hours 10 minutes and 57 seconds.The annual fundraiser helps pay housing costs for people who are in danger of becoming homeless.This was the largest group of racers the event has ever had.The Flying Kiwanis took second and Don't Taze Me! took third.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583705592993.jpeg" alt="A First Call for Help Amazing Race team performs an improvised duet act Saturday at the Hays Community Theatre." />
 <figcaption>A First Call for Help Amazing Race team performs an improvised duet act Saturday at the Hays Community Theatre.</figcaption>
 </figure>The event consisted of teams of four driving around the city of Hays, completing challenges. The teams received clues at each stop that would lead them to their next challenge.Businesses in Hays hosted challenges.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C9QJ15OaYx8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>At Home Depot, the racers completed a string art project. At Hobby Lobby, they arranged words into famous quotes. At Vernie's Hamburger House, the team members drew cards for the right to build a paper hamburger.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583705745984.jpeg" alt="The Lifesavers team builds a paper hamburger during the Amazing Race Saturday." />
 <figcaption>The Lifesavers team builds a paper hamburger during the Amazing Race Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure>At the Hays Community Theatre, the racers either performed a scene from Shakespearean play or created and performed an improvised duet act.First Call for Help would like thank The Venue and Thirsty's, Kiwanis and Casey's General Store for sponsoring teams.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583706419944.jpeg" alt="The Baptist Boys arrange words in famous quotes at Hobby Libby on Saturday." />
 <figcaption>The Baptist Boys arrange words in famous quotes at Hobby Libby on Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure>Other teams included Golden Belt Bank, First Baptist Boys, Better Together, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Panhellenic Sisters, Circle K. International, FHSU Fury and The Lifesavers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583705787732.jpeg" alt="The Circle K International Amazing Race Team completes a string art project Saturday at Home Depot." />
 <figcaption>The Circle K International Amazing Race Team completes a string art project Saturday at Home Depot.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583706707534.jpeg" alt="The Lifesavers draw cards to build their hamburger at Vernie's Hamburger House." />
 <figcaption>The Lifesavers draw cards to build their hamburger at Vernie's Hamburger House.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583707396995.jpeg" alt="Ashley and Cas Schultz of the Flying Kiwanis perform an improvised duet act Saturday during the Amazing Race." />
 <figcaption>Ashley and Cas Schultz of the Flying Kiwanis perform an improvised duet act Saturday during the Amazing Race.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 Team Who Must Not Be Named wins Amazing Race

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

<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/student-health/current-events">To see FHSU's most recent information about the outbreak, visit their health alerts page.</a>

<div><iframe title="FHSU shifts to online instruction in China after COVID-19 concerns" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/zkgdv-d5d5a0?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a><a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/student-health/current-events">To see FHSU's most recent information about the outbreak, visit their health alerts page.</a>

🎤Post Podcast: FHSU shifts to online instruction in China after COVID-19 concerns

Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:

JD's Chicken&nbsp;- March 5 740 E Eighth - Hays

A joint inspection found six violations.

Qdoba Mexican Eats&nbsp;- March 5 3310 Vine - Hays

A joint inspection found four violations.

<h2>Last week’s inspection results from the Kansas Department of Agriculture:</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575919293668.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JD's Chicken&nbsp;- March 5 740 E Eighth - HaysA joint inspection found six violations.<ol>
 <li>In the black reach-in cooler next to the ice cream machine, two containers of dairy whipped topping were open and not date marked.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In the reach-in cooler on the east wall, there were eight bags of de-boned chicken that had been prepared 24 to 48 hours prior with temperatures ranging from 49F to 55F. The ambient temperature of the cooler was 42.6 F.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In the east reach-in cooler, pre-wrapped hamburger patties had a temperature of 45 F to 47F. The ambient temperature was 42.6 F and no other products except the chicken were out of compliance.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In the walk-in cooler, a large container of baked beans was not date marked.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In the store as clean equipment, one square plastic storage container and one lid were cracked.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In the stored as clean area above the three-compartment sink area and the racking adjacent to the three-compartment sink, the following components had food debris on the food contact surface: Three square stainless pans, one square plastic pan, two round stainless pans, one knife, one metal lid and two deep pots.</li>
 </ol>Qdoba Mexican Eats&nbsp;- March 5 3310 Vine - HaysA joint inspection found four violations.<ol>
 <li>On the serving line in steam-table, the pulled pork had an internal temp of 127 F.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>On the refrigerated food-prep line a squeeze container of sour cream had an internal temp of 45 F. In the backup storage of the refrigerated food prep table a plastic container of cheese with a plastic wrap cover (prepped today) had an internal temp of 47 F.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In the chemical storage, a plastic container had a blue grainy substance in it and the container was not labeled.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>On a wire rack with clean dishes, above the clean dish side of the three-vat sink a 3oz measuring cup was being stored with a red liquid in it.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>

Ellis Co. restaurant and lodging inspections 3/2 ⁠–  3/8

HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is sponsoring a free healthy cooking class for breast cancer survivors from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18.&nbsp; The event will be held at The Center for Health Improvement Education Room, 2500 Canterbury.

This is a hands-on cooking class and demonstration and will include nutrition tips from a registered dictation and interactive cooking.&nbsp; You will be able to socialize with other breast cancer survivors in a casual setting, enjoy a meal and leave with a simple health meal to make at home.

RSVP by March 16 at 11:00 am to 785-623-5441.&nbsp; Registration is required and seating is limited.&nbsp;

HaysMedHaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is sponsoring a free healthy cooking class for breast cancer survivors from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18.&nbsp; The event will be held at The Center for Health Improvement Education Room, 2500 Canterbury.This is a hands-on cooking class and demonstration and will include nutrition tips from a registered dictation and interactive cooking.&nbsp; You will be able to socialize with other breast cancer survivors in a casual setting, enjoy a meal and leave with a simple health meal to make at home.RSVP by March 16 at 11:00 am to 785-623-5441.&nbsp; Registration is required and seating is limited.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583774541755.jpeg" alt="Cooking_Class_Mar_2020Approved.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Cooking_Class_Mar_2020Approved.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

HaysMed offers healthy cooking class for breast cancer survivors

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas was recently announced as the recipient of a $15,000 grant from Midwest Energy Inc. 

 This matching grant award will be used to support the renovation of the developmental center in Hoxie. 

The renovation will make the center more functional, accessible, and community-focused for the people we serve in Sheridan County and surrounding counties who have developmental disabilities.

 The renovation will change the floor plan to make room for much needed accessible bathrooms, laundry room, larger classroom space and a larger dining room area.  While making these changes, a storm shelter is also planned. 

“This generous grant award is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant opportunity. We are so grateful to Midwest Energy for supporting us with this grant.  We extend our thanks to all who will join us in this matching effort," said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president.

"This project, when complete, will have a practical and personal impact on the people we serve as well as the Hoxie community.

"Those interested in supporting our efforts, we are a phone call or an email away.”&nbsp;

For more information or to contribute to the renovation project, contact Steve Keil at 785-625-5678 or steve_keil@mydsnwk.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578522464134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas was recently announced as the recipient of a $15,000 grant from Midwest Energy Inc. This matching grant award will be used to support the renovation of the developmental center in Hoxie. The renovation will make the center more functional, accessible, and community-focused for the people we serve in Sheridan County and surrounding counties who have developmental disabilities. The renovation will change the floor plan to make room for much needed accessible bathrooms, laundry room, larger classroom space and a larger dining room area. While making these changes, a storm shelter is also planned. “This generous grant award is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant opportunity. We are so grateful to Midwest Energy for supporting us with this grant. We extend our thanks to all who will join us in this matching effort," said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president."This project, when complete, will have a practical and personal impact on the people we serve as well as the Hoxie community."Those interested in supporting our efforts, we are a phone call or an email away.”&nbsp;For more information or to contribute to the renovation project, contact Steve Keil at 785-625-5678 or steve_keil@mydsnwk.org.

Hoxie DSNWK center renovation helped by Midwest Energy grant

Two Fort Hays State University departments are collaborating this semester on a unique undergraduate research project.&nbsp;

Under the direction of assistant professors Dr. April Terry (criminal justice) and Dr. Sarah Broman Miller (teacher education, 31 students are working with 10 incarcerated mothers and two grandmothers on a literacy project to help the inmates connect with their loved ones through reading.&nbsp;

Terry and Miller, along with an FHSU graduate and correctional facility staff, created the pilot program at the only women’s prison in Kansas, the Topeka Correctional Facility.&nbsp;

The two classes of students met with women at the facility in mid-February and conducted reading-interest surveys. The goal is to get the inmates involved in reading through a read-aloud program. It is designed to improve inmates’ basic reading skills, and the students gave inmates books to keep and read.&nbsp;

Teacher education students will facilitate virtual read-alouds and tutoring sessions in March and April. The student participants from both departments will return to Topeka in late April to help the inmates record themselves reading a Hallmark recordable book, which will be delivered to their children or grandchildren.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583344887499.png" alt="Dr. April Terry" />
 <figcaption>Dr. April Terry</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsTwo Fort Hays State University departments are collaborating this semester on a unique undergraduate research project.&nbsp;Under the direction of assistant professors Dr. April Terry (criminal justice) and Dr. Sarah Broman Miller (teacher education, 31 students are working with 10 incarcerated mothers and two grandmothers on a literacy project to help the inmates connect with their loved ones through reading.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583344918302.png" alt="Dr. Sarah Broman Miller" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Sarah Broman Miller</figcaption>
 </figure>Terry and Miller, along with an FHSU graduate and correctional facility staff, created the pilot program at the only women’s prison in Kansas, the Topeka Correctional Facility.&nbsp;The two classes of students met with women at the facility in mid-February and conducted reading-interest surveys. The goal is to get the inmates involved in reading through a read-aloud program. It is designed to improve inmates’ basic reading skills, and the students gave inmates books to keep and read.&nbsp;Teacher education students will facilitate virtual read-alouds and tutoring sessions in March and April. The student participants from both departments will return to Topeka in late April to help the inmates record themselves reading a Hallmark recordable book, which will be delivered to their children or grandchildren.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State students embark on unique reading research project

Beginning Tuesday, 10th Street between Main and Oak will be closed for reconstruction. 

 Pedestrian access to the Downtown Pavilion will be maintained throughout construction. 

 The street should be reopened to vehicle traffic by the end of April.  

Questions can be directed to the city Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or the contractor, Morgan Brothers Construction at (785) 432-3104.

Beginning Tuesday, 10th Street between Main and Oak will be closed for reconstruction. Pedestrian access to the Downtown Pavilion will be maintained throughout construction. The street should be reopened to vehicle traffic by the end of April. Questions can be directed to the city Office of Project Management at (785) 628-7350 or the contractor, Morgan Brothers Construction at (785) 432-3104.— City of Hays

Portion of 10th will be closed for several weeks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575929617735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583725613469.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

It may take only a few minutes, but for the victim of sudden cardiac arrest, it can be the event of a lifetime.

Sudden cardiac arrest strikes about 250,000 adults in the United States annually. More than 95 percent of its victims die before reaching a hospital – many because they don’t receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation in time. Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device gives an electric shock to the heart to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

To help improve those odds, the HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute and the Hays Medical Center Foundation will hold its 19th annual Staying Alive Hands Only CPR Training on Saturday, March 21, at the Center for Health Improvement at Hays Medical Center. The one and one half hour class is designed for members of the general public, eight years and older; and is not for those seeking professional certification.&nbsp; More than 30 certified instructors and volunteers will donate their time to the event.

Classes in adult and pediatric CPR will be offered at 10:00 am.&nbsp; To register, call 1-800-248-0073, ext 5500 or 785-623-5500 or go to <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/education/">https://www.haysmed.com/education/</a>&nbsp;

When performed immediately, CPR may double a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival by adding critical minutes to a patient’s life. With CPR, breathing and chest compressions circulate oxygenated blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs until defibrillation is performed.

Cardiac arrest survival is directly linked to the amount of time between the onset of sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation. Chances of survival drop 7-10 percent with every minute of delay. Brain death starts to occur in just four to six minutes

Seventy-five to 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests happen at home, so knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one, according to the American Heart Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583441241630.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedIt may take only a few minutes, but for the victim of sudden cardiac arrest, it can be the event of a lifetime.Sudden cardiac arrest strikes about 250,000 adults in the United States annually. More than 95 percent of its victims die before reaching a hospital – many because they don’t receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation in time. Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device gives an electric shock to the heart to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm.To help improve those odds, the HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute and the Hays Medical Center Foundation will hold its 19th annual Staying Alive Hands Only CPR Training on Saturday, March 21, at the Center for Health Improvement at Hays Medical Center. The one and one half hour class is designed for members of the general public, eight years and older; and is not for those seeking professional certification.&nbsp; More than 30 certified instructors and volunteers will donate their time to the event.Classes in adult and pediatric CPR will be offered at 10:00 am.&nbsp; To register, call 1-800-248-0073, ext 5500 or 785-623-5500 or go to <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/education/">https://www.haysmed.com/education/</a>&nbsp;When performed immediately, CPR may double a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival by adding critical minutes to a patient’s life. With CPR, breathing and chest compressions circulate oxygenated blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs until defibrillation is performed.Cardiac arrest survival is directly linked to the amount of time between the onset of sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation. Chances of survival drop 7-10 percent with every minute of delay. Brain death starts to occur in just four to six minutesSeventy-five to 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests happen at home, so knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one, according to the American Heart Association.

Free CPR training offered at HaysMed this month



INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team is headed back to the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship tournament, announced Sunday during the NCAA Selection Show.

<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/video/basketball-women/2020-03-08/dii-womens-basketball-2020-selection-show">Selection Show</a> <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d2/2020">Interactive Bracket</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/documents/2020/3/8//2020_DII_WBB_Bracket.pdf">Printable Bracket</a>

The Tigers were selected as the No. 7 seed in the Central Region and will play second-seeded Minnesota Duluth on Friday, March 13 in Warrensburg, Mo., home of top-seeded Central Missouri. Tipoff set for 2:30 p.m.

Fort Hays State has now made six appearances all-time in the big dance, including five of the last six years. This is the third year in a row the Tigers will compete for a national title, the longest stretch in program history. The Tigers are 5-5 all-time in NCAA postseason play.

Fort Hays State opened the season against Minnesota Duluth, beating the Bulldogs by eight in St. Joseph, Mo., 59-51.

The Tigers are one of three MIAA schools moving on to the regional tournament, joined by top-seeded Central Missouri and No. 4 Emporia State. Two other teams representing the NSIC will join UMD in Warrensburg in No. 3 Sioux Falls and No. 6 St. Cloud State. The GAC will be represented by No. 5 Southeastern Oklahoma State and No. 8 Southwestern Oklahoma State.

The Central Region Championship tournament will be held at the UCM Multipurpose Building Friday-Monday, March 13-16. Friday will see all four quarterfinal round games, followed by the two semifinal round games Saturday and the Regional Championship Monday night. A full tournament schedule will be announced early next week.



2020 NCAA Division II Central Region Championship Seeds 1. Central Missouri (27-4) 2. Minnesota Duluth (26-6) 3. Sioux Falls (26-6) 4. Emporia State (24-7) 5. Southeastern Oklahoma State (22-7) 6. Saint Cloud State (23-7) 7. Fort Hays State (23-7) 8. Southwestern Oklahoma State (21-8)

INDIANAPOLIS - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team is headed back to the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship tournament, announced Sunday during the NCAA Selection Show.<a href="https://www.ncaa.com/video/basketball-women/2020-03-08/dii-womens-basketball-2020-selection-show">Selection Show</a> <a href="https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d2/2020">Interactive Bracket</a> <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/documents/2020/3/8//2020_DII_WBB_Bracket.pdf">Printable Bracket</a>The Tigers were selected as the No. 7 seed in the Central Region and will play second-seeded Minnesota Duluth on Friday, March 13 in Warrensburg, Mo., home of top-seeded Central Missouri. Tipoff set for 2:30 p.m.Fort Hays State has now made six appearances all-time in the big dance, including five of the last six years. This is the third year in a row the Tigers will compete for a national title, the longest stretch in program history. The Tigers are 5-5 all-time in NCAA postseason play.Fort Hays State opened the season against Minnesota Duluth, beating the Bulldogs by eight in St. Joseph, Mo., 59-51.The Tigers are one of three MIAA schools moving on to the regional tournament, joined by top-seeded Central Missouri and No. 4 Emporia State. Two other teams representing the NSIC will join UMD in Warrensburg in No. 3 Sioux Falls and No. 6 St. Cloud State. The GAC will be represented by No. 5 Southeastern Oklahoma State and No. 8 Southwestern Oklahoma State.The Central Region Championship tournament will be held at the UCM Multipurpose Building Friday-Monday, March 13-16. Friday will see all four quarterfinal round games, followed by the two semifinal round games Saturday and the Regional Championship Monday night. A full tournament schedule will be announced early next week.

2020 NCAA Division II Central Region Championship Seeds 1. Central Missouri (27-4) 2. Minnesota Duluth (26-6) 3. Sioux Falls (26-6) 4. Emporia State (24-7) 5. Southeastern Oklahoma State (22-7) 6. Saint Cloud State (23-7) 7. Fort Hays State (23-7) 8. Southwestern Oklahoma State (21-8) FHSU Sports Information

FHSU women headed back to NCAA II Tournament

A Hays man was injured early Saturday morning in a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 35.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that at 2000 Acura driven by 28-year-old Trenton Berens, Hays, was southbound on I-35 in Lyon County when it lost control "due to driving at a high rate of speed." The accident occurred just after 3:30 a.m. Saturday.

Berens was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a suspected minor injury. He was wearing a seat belt t the time of the accident, the KHP reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574979860685.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Hays man was injured early Saturday morning in a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 35.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that at 2000 Acura driven by 28-year-old Trenton Berens, Hays, was southbound on I-35 in Lyon County when it lost control "due to driving at a high rate of speed." The accident occurred just after 3:30 a.m. Saturday.Berens was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a suspected minor injury. He was wearing a seat belt t the time of the accident, the KHP reported.

Hays man hospitalized after I-35 accident Saturday

Area legislators Sen. Elaine Bowers and Rep. Troy Waymaster joined Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz at the Kansas Department of Transportation building in Russell on Friday for a groundbreaking ceremony for a T-WORKS project — work originally announced in 2011.

The $9.8 million project will rehabilitate and reconstruct approximately 4 miles of pavement north of Russell, according to KDOT.

"Work will begin later this spring and include the construction of a 30-foot paved surface with three-foot turf shoulders starting at 15th Street in Russell and ending near Land Road," KDOT said in a news release. "Approximately 1.6 miles of the project will be built on an offset alignment around a geological slide area that has previously caused issues on the current highway."

"A right turn lane will also be constructed in the northbound lane at Land Road," KDOT said. "Sporer Land Development of Oakley is the primary contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed in October 2021.

<a href="http://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/Headquarters/PDF_Files/pressrelease2020/US_54_Groundbreaking.pdf">The event was the second on Friday to kick off T-WORKS projects that had faced delays. U.S. Hwy. 54 in Seward County is set for an expansion project as well.</a>

“It’s a great day for northwest Kansas and southwest Kansas,
and for the entire state,” Lorenz said.

She also said she was the happy projects were moving forward finally fulfilling the promises made to the communities.

Lorenz used the groundbreaking to share details of project FORWARD that will change the way Kansas chooses and completes road projects.

This project, she said, is a good example of cost savings that project FORWARD can create by expanding the road while at the same time fixing the pavement damaged by a geologic shift that closed a section of the highway last summer.

“Under FORWARD, this type of project will be called preservation plus,”&nbsp;Lorenz said.&nbsp;

A key component of the new program, she said, will be looking for ways to improve roads and infrastructure while completing repairs whenever it is cost-effective.

Road projects will now also be evaluated every two years — and ready to go in two to four years.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e4aa38865b5d31438496a76">But&nbsp;completing delayed T-WORKS projects will take priority over any new ones as part of Gov. Laura Kelly's plan to repair Kansas roadways and restore funding to KDOT that had been diminished over the last decade.</a>

When originally announced, the Russell County project would have updated a 15-mile stretch of U.S. 281, but the damage to the roadway created a sense of urgency, Lorenz said. So the project will be split into two parts, with the rest of the project to be completed at a later time.

“This project is a great example of combining an immediate need for reconstructing the roadway — while also modernizing the highway with shoulder slopes with a flatter profile to support larger agriculture equipment,” Lorenz said. “Under FORWARD, we will make sure the remaining delayed T-WORKS projects, like phase two of this project, are at the front of the line for being completed.”

“What this project means for Kansas is a safer trip to
school, a safer commute to work and being able to better deliver goods to
market,”&nbsp;Lorenz said, noting the 240 motor vehicle accidents, including one fatality in Russel County last year.

Clayton Wilson, superintendent at Sporer Land Development, said the diminished funding for road projects had hurt his company and is happy to once again be working in Kansas.

Since joining the company in 1993, he said every year they had KDOT projects until the state cut funding.

“It has been the backbone of our company, our employees,
their families and we were dealt a significant blow in 2015 because we knew in
2016 our company wasn’t going to have a KDOT for the first time in the history
of the company,” Wilson said.

Working in Russell County means that their equipment and
employees will get to work in the heart of Kansas and not in other states — like
they have for the last four years, he said.

He also said he is happy to see lawmakers again pushing to repair infrastructure in Kansas and returning funding to complete road improvement projects.

“This isn't the only one," Wilson said. "There are more roads that need fixing in the state of Kansas — and without them fighting for the dollars, it's not going
to happen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583609130262.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, Rep. Troy Waymaster, Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, Clayton Wilson of Sporer Land Development and KDOT District Engineer Jeff Stewart celebrated the upcoming U.S. Hwy. 281 road improvement project in a groundbreaking ceremony at the Russell KDOT building Friday." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, Rep. Troy Waymaster, Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, Clayton Wilson of Sporer Land Development and KDOT District Engineer Jeff Stewart celebrated the upcoming U.S. Hwy. 281 road improvement project in a groundbreaking ceremony at the Russell KDOT building Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostArea legislators Sen. Elaine Bowers and Rep. Troy Waymaster joined Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz at the Kansas Department of Transportation building in Russell on Friday for a groundbreaking ceremony for a T-WORKS project — work originally announced in 2011.The $9.8 million project will rehabilitate and reconstruct approximately 4 miles of pavement north of Russell, according to KDOT."Work will begin later this spring and include the construction of a 30-foot paved surface with three-foot turf shoulders starting at 15th Street in Russell and ending near Land Road," KDOT said in a news release. "Approximately 1.6 miles of the project will be built on an offset alignment around a geological slide area that has previously caused issues on the current highway.""A right turn lane will also be constructed in the northbound lane at Land Road," KDOT said. "Sporer Land Development of Oakley is the primary contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed in October 2021.<a href="http://www.ksdot.org/Assets/wwwksdotorg/Headquarters/PDF_Files/pressrelease2020/US_54_Groundbreaking.pdf">The event was the second on Friday to kick off T-WORKS projects that had faced delays. U.S. Hwy. 54 in Seward County is set for an expansion project as well.</a>“It’s a great day for northwest Kansas and southwest Kansas,
and for the entire state,” Lorenz said.She also said she was the happy projects were moving forward finally fulfilling the promises made to the communities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583604679461.jpeg" alt="Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz tells the crowd about project FORWARD and how it will impact road projects in Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz tells the crowd about project FORWARD and how it will impact road projects in Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lorenz used the groundbreaking to share details of project FORWARD that will change the way Kansas chooses and completes road projects.This project, she said, is a good example of cost savings that project FORWARD can create by expanding the road while at the same time fixing the pavement damaged by a geologic shift that closed a section of the highway last summer.“Under FORWARD, this type of project will be called preservation plus,”&nbsp;Lorenz said.&nbsp;A key component of the new program, she said, will be looking for ways to improve roads and infrastructure while completing repairs whenever it is cost-effective.Road projects will now also be evaluated every two years — and ready to go in two to four years.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e4aa38865b5d31438496a76">But&nbsp;completing delayed T-WORKS projects will take priority over any new ones as part of Gov. Laura Kelly's plan to repair Kansas roadways and restore funding to KDOT that had been diminished over the last decade.</a>When originally announced, the Russell County project would have updated a 15-mile stretch of U.S. 281, but the damage to the roadway created a sense of urgency, Lorenz said. So the project will be split into two parts, with the rest of the project to be completed at a later time.“This project is a great example of combining an immediate need for reconstructing the roadway — while also modernizing the highway with shoulder slopes with a flatter profile to support larger agriculture equipment,” Lorenz said. “Under FORWARD, we will make sure the remaining delayed T-WORKS projects, like phase two of this project, are at the front of the line for being completed.”“What this project means for Kansas is a safer trip to
school, a safer commute to work and being able to better deliver goods to
market,”&nbsp;Lorenz said, noting the 240 motor vehicle accidents, including one fatality in Russel County last year.“That’s too many,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583607639200.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster said the delay in the U.S. Hwy. 281 project hurt the economy and safety of the region." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster said the delay in the U.S. Hwy. 281 project hurt the economy and safety of the region.</figcaption>
 </figure>Clayton Wilson, superintendent at Sporer Land Development, said the diminished funding for road projects had hurt his company and is happy to once again be working in Kansas.Since joining the company in 1993, he said every year they had KDOT projects until the state cut funding.“It has been the backbone of our company, our employees,
their families and we were dealt a significant blow in 2015 because we knew in
2016 our company wasn’t going to have a KDOT for the first time in the history
of the company,” Wilson said.Working in Russell County means that their equipment and
employees will get to work in the heart of Kansas and not in other states — like
they have for the last four years, he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583604724437.jpeg" alt="Clayton Wilson of Sporer Land Development shares what this project means to his company." />
 <figcaption>Clayton Wilson of Sporer Land Development shares what this project means to his company.</figcaption>
 </figure>He also said he is happy to see lawmakers again pushing to repair infrastructure in Kansas and returning funding to complete road improvement projects.“This isn't the only one," Wilson said. "There are more roads that need fixing in the state of Kansas — and without them fighting for the dollars, it's not going
to happen.”

Nine years after announced, Russell Co. highway project set to begin

The Hays school board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Roosevelt Elementary School and will be taking a deeper look at the school's HVAC system.

The school district had been planning to replace a portion of the HVAC system at Hays High School.&nbsp;

However, Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, informed the school board recently the HVAC system at Roosevelt was in greater danger of a "catastrophic failure."

Portions of the high school heating and cooling system might go down, but Roosevelt is at higher risk for the entire system failing, Lindsay told the board.

Roosevelt had to be closed for a day earlier this year because a pipe in the HVAC system broke and had to be repaired.

If the school board decides to move forward with the project at Roosevelt, engineering plans would be completed this summer and installation of the new system would likely not be started until next summer.

In the meantime, Lindsay said he hoped the district could do preliminary work on the project this summer and work with the engineer to patch the system to get the school through at least one more year.

In addition to reviewing the school's HVAC system, the board members will be taking a complete tour of the school.

The board also will be hearing from DLR Group, the school district's architect, about future bond options.

The district had failed bond attempts in 2016 and 2017. Current board members have expressed interest in pursuing a third bond attempt.

Six of the seven board members have been newly elected to the board since the bond attempt in 2017. Only Lance Bickle was on the board during the previous attempts.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Roosevelt Elementary School and will be taking a deeper look at the school's HVAC system.The school district had been planning to replace a portion of the HVAC system at Hays High School.&nbsp;However, Rusty Lindsay, director of building and grounds, informed the school board recently the HVAC system at Roosevelt was in greater danger of a "catastrophic failure."Portions of the high school heating and cooling system might go down, but Roosevelt is at higher risk for the entire system failing, Lindsay told the board.Roosevelt had to be closed for a day earlier this year because a pipe in the HVAC system broke and had to be repaired.If the school board decides to move forward with the project at Roosevelt, engineering plans would be completed this summer and installation of the new system would likely not be started until next summer.In the meantime, Lindsay said he hoped the district could do preliminary work on the project this summer and work with the engineer to patch the system to get the school through at least one more year.In addition to reviewing the school's HVAC system, the board members will be taking a complete tour of the school.<h2>Bond</h2>The board also will be hearing from DLR Group, the school district's architect, about future bond options.The district had failed bond attempts in 2016 and 2017. Current board members have expressed interest in pursuing a third bond attempt.Six of the seven board members have been newly elected to the board since the bond attempt in 2017. Only Lance Bickle was on the board during the previous attempts.

Hays school board to discuss Roosevelt HVAC, bond issue

The Hays City Commission will be attending a legislative dinner in Topeka at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Blue Moose restaurant, 3030 SW Wanamaker, Topeka.

The commissioners will be discussing the Hays and Russell project to the develop the R9 Ranch in Edwards County as a long-term regional water supply with area legislators. 

This is not a formal meeting, and no action will be taken.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583334713552.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays City Commission will be attending a legislative dinner in Topeka at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Blue Moose restaurant, 3030 SW Wanamaker, Topeka.The commissioners will be discussing the Hays and Russell project to the develop the R9 Ranch in Edwards County as a long-term regional water supply with area legislators. This is not a formal meeting, and no action will be taken.

R9 Ranch is topic at upcoming legislative dinner

PLAINVILLE - Strategic Doing is an engaging process that actively helps residents implement their ideas for community improvement projects. Current working groups who attend will report on their progress and continue work to move their projects forward. There are some very exciting projects being created and others are on-going and always looking for interested individuals.

New ideas and working groups are also encouraged to attend and start working through the Strategic Doing process.

The Rooks County meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, at the RCH Education Center, Highway 183 and Washington Street in Plainville.

Dinner will be served at each location. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Please RSVP with your name and county to heartland@gscf.org or contact Kelli Hansen at 785-737-3554, Kathy Ramsey at 785-737-3550 or Sally Lowry at 425-8228.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582847768412.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>PLAINVILLE - Strategic Doing is an engaging process that actively helps residents implement their ideas for community improvement projects. Current working groups who attend will report on their progress and continue work to move their projects forward. There are some very exciting projects being created and others are on-going and always looking for interested individuals.New ideas and working groups are also encouraged to attend and start working through the Strategic Doing process.The Rooks County meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, at the RCH Education Center, Highway 183 and Washington Street in Plainville.Dinner will be served at each location. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Please RSVP with your name and county to heartland@gscf.org or contact Kelli Hansen at 785-737-3554, Kathy Ramsey at 785-737-3550 or Sally Lowry at 425-8228.

Rooks Co. Strategic Doing March 31

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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
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The Small Business Development Center at Fort Hays State University will offer free tax services this month for small business owners.&nbsp;

Four different sessions will be held Wednesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 12, at FHSU’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays. Breakfast will be served to participants in Wednesday’s morning session, and lunch will be provided for those staying for that afternoon’s workshop.&nbsp;

Carl York, a tax specialist with the Kansas Department of Revenue, and Brett Gerber, a state auditor with the Kansas Department of Labor, will conduct the workshops.&nbsp;

The SBDC at Fort Hays State, one of 12 regional centers of the Kansas SBDC, serves residents in 29 counties in northwest and north central Kansas.&nbsp;

Following are times, dates and training topics for the FHSU workshops. Pre-registration is preferred. To register and to learn more about the workshops, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events">ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;call the SBDC at 785-628-5615.&nbsp;

9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, March 11. Training topics: Legal issues, tax planning.&nbsp;

• Labor: Understanding Regulations KDOL Unemployment Tax

12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 11.&nbsp;Training topics: Human resources, tax planning.&nbsp;

1:30 to 4:30 p.m.,&nbsp;Wednesday, March 11. Training topics: Legal issues, tax planning.&nbsp;

•&nbsp;Agricultural Sales and Use Tax

9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, March 12. Training topics: Tax planning.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583344577905.jpeg" alt="Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/stevepb-282134/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=385506">Steve Buissinne</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=385506">Pixabay</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/stevepb-282134/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=385506">Steve Buissinne</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=385506">Pixabay</a></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe Small Business Development Center at Fort Hays State University will offer free tax services this month for small business owners.&nbsp;Four different sessions will be held Wednesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 12, at FHSU’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive, Hays. Breakfast will be served to participants in Wednesday’s morning session, and lunch will be provided for those staying for that afternoon’s workshop.&nbsp;Carl York, a tax specialist with the Kansas Department of Revenue, and Brett Gerber, a state auditor with the Kansas Department of Labor, will conduct the workshops.&nbsp;The SBDC at Fort Hays State, one of 12 regional centers of the Kansas SBDC, serves residents in 29 counties in northwest and north central Kansas.&nbsp;Following are times, dates and training topics for the FHSU workshops. Pre-registration is preferred. To register and to learn more about the workshops, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events">ksbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;call the SBDC at 785-628-5615.&nbsp;• Small Business Tax9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, March 11. Training topics: Legal issues, tax planning.&nbsp;• Labor: Understanding Regulations KDOL Unemployment Tax12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 11.&nbsp;Training topics: Human resources, tax planning.&nbsp;• Contractors Tax1:30 to 4:30 p.m.,&nbsp;Wednesday, March 11. Training topics: Legal issues, tax planning.&nbsp;•&nbsp;Agricultural Sales and Use Tax9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, March 12. Training topics: Tax planning.&nbsp;

Small Business Development Center offering free tax workshops in Hays

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

Unsung heroes. They can take many forms, from a hard-working single parent to an inspirational teacher to your local firefighter or police officer. Today we’ll learn about a Kansas-based educational center which is seeking to share examples of unsung heroes so as to improve our communities and our world.

Last week we met Norm Conard, a long-time social studies teacher at Uniontown High School. His students did many award-winning history projects through the years, one of which was a play about Irena Sendler. Sendler was a Polish social worker who rescued 2,500 Jewish children from the Nazis during World War II.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the communists overtook Poland, they suppressed her story for another 45 years before Mr. Conard’s students became aware of it.

Three of Mr. Conard’s high school students did a play for National History Day about Irena Sendler. Eventually her story gained national recognition. The unsung heroism of this woman became known to a grateful world.

Having seen the transformative power of this work, Norm Conard thought about how to create more impact. During his teaching career, he was a USA Today All-American Teacher, Kansan of the Year, member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, and recipient of many other honors.

As he sought to enhance education using these stories of unsung heroes, he developed a grant proposal to the Milken Family Foundation to create an educational center based on this idea. Not only was the grant ultimately approved, Norm retired from teaching to become the center’s executive director.

Today the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is located in Fort Scott, Kansas. Its mission is to “transform&nbsp;classrooms and communities through student-driven projects that discover unsung heroes from history and teach the power of one to create positive change.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583331645501.png" alt="Norm Conard" />
 <figcaption>Norm Conard</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentUnsung heroes. They can take many forms, from a hard-working single parent to an inspirational teacher to your local firefighter or police officer. Today we’ll learn about a Kansas-based educational center which is seeking to share examples of unsung heroes so as to improve our communities and our world.Last week we met Norm Conard, a long-time social studies teacher at Uniontown High School. His students did many award-winning history projects through the years, one of which was a play about Irena Sendler. Sendler was a Polish social worker who rescued 2,500 Jewish children from the Nazis during World War II.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the communists overtook Poland, they suppressed her story for another 45 years before Mr. Conard’s students became aware of it.Three of Mr. Conard’s high school students did a play for National History Day about Irena Sendler. Eventually her story gained national recognition. The unsung heroism of this woman became known to a grateful world.Having seen the transformative power of this work, Norm Conard thought about how to create more impact. During his teaching career, he was a USA Today All-American Teacher, Kansan of the Year, member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, and recipient of many other honors.As he sought to enhance education using these stories of unsung heroes, he developed a grant proposal to the Milken Family Foundation to create an educational center based on this idea. Not only was the grant ultimately approved, Norm retired from teaching to become the center’s executive director.Today the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is located in Fort Scott, Kansas. Its mission is to “transform&nbsp;classrooms and communities through student-driven projects that discover unsung heroes from history and teach the power of one to create positive change.”The center works with students and educators to develop history projects that highlight role models demonstrating courage, compassion and respect. “It is project-based learning, which allows the students to take ownership,” Norm said.The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes provides tools, resources and ongoing support for students and educators who are engaged in the development of Unsung Heroes projects. Project participants conduct primary research and interviews to discover and develop an Unsung Hero’s story through an interactive learning process that cultivates critical-thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills. They then create ways to share the story, including student-driven plays, documentary films, websites, museum exhibits and more.“We present the stories of unsung heroes in history who have made an impact,” Norm Conard said. The museum’s Hall of Unsung Heroes features these stories, one of which is about Irena Sendler herself. “The impact of the Irena Sendler story is world-wide,” Norm said.“We’ve become a repository of these great stories of people who you might not have heard of,” he said. The center has developed books and school curricula about unsung heroes. The center sponsors national competitions for historic unsung heroes’ presentations with cash prizes totaling $14,000 for students.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each year, the center also sponsors an LMC Fellows program through which educators nationwide are selected for high-level professional development.Ultimately, the goal of these projects is to help create lasting change in attitudes and behaviors within classrooms, schools and communities across the U.S. and throughout the world.“A trip to the center is a `wow’ experience,” Norm said. “Last year we had record attendance of 12,000 people.” Visitors have come from all 50 states and 100 countries.One of Norm’s co-workers, program director Megan Felt, was one of those three high school girls who wrote that original play and began this remarkable movement in support of Irena Sendler. Megan came from the nearby rural community of Bronson, population 323 people. Now, that’s rural.For more information about the center, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lowellmilkencenter.org/">www.lowellmilkencenter.org</a>&nbsp;or<a href="http://www.irenasendler.org/">www.irenasendler.org</a>.Unsung heroes. Not only should we appreciate them, we can learn from them.&nbsp;&nbsp;We commend Norm Conard and all those involved with the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes for making a difference by sharing these heroic stories.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanks to this center, their praises can be sung, lessons can be learned, and lives can be inspired.

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