EMPORIA — The seven members of the 2020 class of Kansas Master Teachers were announced this week. The teachers chosen for this annual award are:

The 2020 master teachers represent 102 years of classroom experience. Complete bios for all teachers are available at<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/3wA/cXo/t.2zk/oQFOejX5SwCb7Sm_1Vxglg/h0/MQ0Sfc7UWhlIL9xJ9Ree2HTipw3awKUCVJgiSN-2BMxvFuuIR5emIhv21sCNQR2B-2BP/ktTf">www.emporia.edu/masterteacher</a>.

Through the support of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, each Master Teacher will be presented with a check for $1,000.

The recipients were selected by a nine-member committee including representatives from the Kansas Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, Kansas Association of Elementary School Principals, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals, Kansas Parent Teacher Organization, Kansas National Education Association, ESU's Kappa Delta Pi student organization, and representatives of the 2019 Kansas Master Teacher class.

The 2020 Master Teachers will be honored on Master Teacher Day to be held Wednesday, April 1 at Emporia State University. On that day, as part of several recognition activities, the teachers will present a seminar at 2:30 p.m. in the W.S. and E.C. Jones Conference Center in Visser Hall. The teachers will then be honored during a social hour at 5:45 p.m. in Webb Hall Lobby of Emporia State's Memorial Union followed by the banquet and award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in Webb Hall.

Tickets for the dinner cost $20, and reservations are required by Friday, March 20. For more information, see<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/3wA/cXo/t.2zk/oQFOejX5SwCb7Sm_1Vxglg/h1/Vpxx1hFi7Duh8wOysriLwxZPJXvPkvx-2BiDQ2pJNHHH8oHKY52UUM98Pmzb9uJGDDQpRDG-2FNqP-2B-2BtnudVJXq5z0vRPTrVWLaHWWretFDwv1gI2VTDbUVz09QixKJDWfvlqCYDzZhlcJlTtPTsJcLVnnRmV5nGpt9uWG1D47ezu0Y-3D/E-SX">https://www.emporia.edu/teachers-college/about-college/honors-awards/kansas-master-teacher-award-home/recognition-day/</a>.&lt; /p&gt;

Emporia State established the Kansas Master Teacher awards in 1954. The awards are presented annually to selected teachers who demonstrate the attributes of exemplary professional educators. Information on the 66 years of educators named Kansas Master Teachers is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.emporia.edu/masterteacher">www.emporia.edu/masterteacher</a>.

Since 1980, Bank of America has pledged more than $100,000 to permanently endow the Kansas Master Teacher awards. In 1984, the Black family of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, established an endowed chair for Kansas Master Teachers. The fund provides a stipend to bring two Master Teachers to Emporia State for several days. During this time, the teachers present to classes of education students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582662429731.jpeg" alt="Kathy Wagoner" />
 <figcaption>Kathy Wagoner</figcaption>
 </figure>EMPORIA — The seven members of the 2020 class of Kansas Master Teachers were announced this week. The teachers chosen for this annual award are:<ol>
 <li>Hillary Barscewski, First-Grade Teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School in USD 385 Andover;</li><li>Holly Bright, Kindergarten Teacher at Grandview Elementary School in USD 490 El Dorado;</li><li>Justin Heeke, Seventh-Grade Physical Education Teacher at Comanche Middle School in USD 443 Dodge City;</li><li>Erica Huggard, Biology/Health Science Teacher at Emporia High School in USD 253 Emporia;</li><li>Eunice Izazaga, Second-Grade Teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary School in USD 259 Wichita;</li><li>Vickie Marcozzi, Art/Enrichment Reading and Writing Grades 2-5 Teacher at Oakdale Elementary School in USD 305 Salina; and</li><li>Kathy Wagoner, English Teacher at Hays High School in USD 489 Hays.</li>
 </ol>The 2020 master teachers represent 102 years of classroom experience. Complete bios for all teachers are available at<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/3wA/cXo/t.2zk/oQFOejX5SwCb7Sm_1Vxglg/h0/MQ0Sfc7UWhlIL9xJ9Ree2HTipw3awKUCVJgiSN-2BMxvFuuIR5emIhv21sCNQR2B-2BP/ktTf">www.emporia.edu/masterteacher</a>.Through the support of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, each Master Teacher will be presented with a check for $1,000.The recipients were selected by a nine-member committee including representatives from the Kansas Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, Kansas Association of Elementary School Principals, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals, Kansas Parent Teacher Organization, Kansas National Education Association, ESU's Kappa Delta Pi student organization, and representatives of the 2019 Kansas Master Teacher class.The 2020 Master Teachers will be honored on Master Teacher Day to be held Wednesday, April 1 at Emporia State University. On that day, as part of several recognition activities, the teachers will present a seminar at 2:30 p.m. in the W.S. and E.C. Jones Conference Center in Visser Hall. The teachers will then be honored during a social hour at 5:45 p.m. in Webb Hall Lobby of Emporia State's Memorial Union followed by the banquet and award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in Webb Hall.Tickets for the dinner cost $20, and reservations are required by Friday, March 20. For more information, see<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/mps2/c/3wA/cXo/t.2zk/oQFOejX5SwCb7Sm_1Vxglg/h1/Vpxx1hFi7Duh8wOysriLwxZPJXvPkvx-2BiDQ2pJNHHH8oHKY52UUM98Pmzb9uJGDDQpRDG-2FNqP-2B-2BtnudVJXq5z0vRPTrVWLaHWWretFDwv1gI2VTDbUVz09QixKJDWfvlqCYDzZhlcJlTtPTsJcLVnnRmV5nGpt9uWG1D47ezu0Y-3D/E-SX">https://www.emporia.edu/teachers-college/about-college/honors-awards/kansas-master-teacher-award-home/recognition-day/</a>.&lt; /p&gt;Emporia State established the Kansas Master Teacher awards in 1954. The awards are presented annually to selected teachers who demonstrate the attributes of exemplary professional educators. Information on the 66 years of educators named Kansas Master Teachers is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.emporia.edu/masterteacher">www.emporia.edu/masterteacher</a>.Since 1980, Bank of America has pledged more than $100,000 to permanently endow the Kansas Master Teacher awards. In 1984, the Black family of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, established an endowed chair for Kansas Master Teachers. The fund provides a stipend to bring two Master Teachers to Emporia State for several days. During this time, the teachers present to classes of education students.— Emporia State University

Hays High educator named a 2020 Kansas Master Teacher

The Operation Christmas Child shoebox total for Northwest Kansas exceeded its goal for 2019.&nbsp;

Rachel Albin, Northwest Kansas area coordinator, said the region’s total was 8,715 boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We blew way past our goal of 7,363 boxes,” she said.&nbsp;

Of those, 3,154 were packed by individuals in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;The city had two drop-off locations this year—one at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main, and the other at CrossPoint Church, 13th&nbsp;and Harvest Road.

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief agency headquartered in Boone, N.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;Every year thousands of individuals fill shoeboxes with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items.&nbsp;&nbsp;These shoeboxes are then collected each November and are sent to needy children around the world.

For many children, this is the first gift they have ever received.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each shoebox also contains a booklet called “The Greatest Gift,” which tells children, in their own language, about Jesus Christ and his love for them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The shoeboxes from Northwest Kansas in 2019 went to South Africa, Ghana, Mexico and Indian reservations in New Mexico, Arizona, North Dakota and South Dakota, Albin said.

The official number of boxes collected in Northwest Kansas in 2018 was 6,755.

“The 2019 shoebox increase of 29 percent is absolutely incredible,” Albin said, “because that means 1,960 more children will receive a gift this year, and that gift will share love, joy, hope and the promise of a relationship with Jesus.”

Northwest Kansas is part of the Lower Midwest region of Operation Christmas Child.&nbsp;In 2019, the region collected 707, 699 shoeboxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the United States, as a whole, more than 8.9 million boxes were collected.&nbsp;&nbsp;Internationally, including the U.S., more than 10.5 million boxes were collected.

After the boxes were collected in Hays, they were taken to Oakley, the drop-off point for all boxes in Northwest Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then the boxes were taken to the Denver Distribution Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;There they were prepared for shipment to their final destinations.

Albin and a group of 16 other volunteers from churches in Hays, Quinter and Phillipsburg, went to Denver on Dec. 6 and 7 to help prepare the shoeboxes for shipment.

“It is a wonderful experience to work alongside others from all over who love shoeboxes as much as we do and a great time to fellowship together.&nbsp;&nbsp;I love that we are able to see and send these shoeboxes off with love and prayer on this last step as they are headed off to their final destination,” Albin said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She added that volunteer positions with Operation Christmas Child are available year-round.&nbsp;Those interested in volunteering can contact Albin at (785) 639-1325 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ralbinmk@yahoo.com">ralbinmk@yahoo.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;More information about Operation Christmas Child is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/">www.samaritanspurse.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582750752139.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LINN ANN HUNTINGTONThe Operation Christmas Child shoebox total for Northwest Kansas exceeded its goal for 2019.&nbsp;Rachel Albin, Northwest Kansas area coordinator, said the region’s total was 8,715 boxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We blew way past our goal of 7,363 boxes,” she said.&nbsp;Of those, 3,154 were packed by individuals in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;The city had two drop-off locations this year—one at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main, and the other at CrossPoint Church, 13th&nbsp;and Harvest Road.Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief agency headquartered in Boone, N.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;Every year thousands of individuals fill shoeboxes with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items.&nbsp;&nbsp;These shoeboxes are then collected each November and are sent to needy children around the world.For many children, this is the first gift they have ever received.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each shoebox also contains a booklet called “The Greatest Gift,” which tells children, in their own language, about Jesus Christ and his love for them.&nbsp;&nbsp;The shoeboxes from Northwest Kansas in 2019 went to South Africa, Ghana, Mexico and Indian reservations in New Mexico, Arizona, North Dakota and South Dakota, Albin said.The official number of boxes collected in Northwest Kansas in 2018 was 6,755.“The 2019 shoebox increase of 29 percent is absolutely incredible,” Albin said, “because that means 1,960 more children will receive a gift this year, and that gift will share love, joy, hope and the promise of a relationship with Jesus.”Northwest Kansas is part of the Lower Midwest region of Operation Christmas Child.&nbsp;In 2019, the region collected 707, 699 shoeboxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the United States, as a whole, more than 8.9 million boxes were collected.&nbsp;&nbsp;Internationally, including the U.S., more than 10.5 million boxes were collected.After the boxes were collected in Hays, they were taken to Oakley, the drop-off point for all boxes in Northwest Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then the boxes were taken to the Denver Distribution Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;There they were prepared for shipment to their final destinations.Albin and a group of 16 other volunteers from churches in Hays, Quinter and Phillipsburg, went to Denver on Dec. 6 and 7 to help prepare the shoeboxes for shipment.“It is a wonderful experience to work alongside others from all over who love shoeboxes as much as we do and a great time to fellowship together.&nbsp;&nbsp;I love that we are able to see and send these shoeboxes off with love and prayer on this last step as they are headed off to their final destination,” Albin said.&nbsp;&nbsp;She added that volunteer positions with Operation Christmas Child are available year-round.&nbsp;Those interested in volunteering can contact Albin at (785) 639-1325 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ralbinmk@yahoo.com">ralbinmk@yahoo.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;More information about Operation Christmas Child is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/">www.samaritanspurse.org</a>.

Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts exceed goal in NW Kan.

The TMP Singers, under the direction of Kathy Amrein, will “Sing Into Spring” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, for the Hays After 5 Christian women’s group.

The dinner program will take place at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2250 E. Eighth.

Also on the program will be inspirational speaker Gayla Hicks of Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hicks and her husband, Gerald, own Perfect Peace Christian Lifestyle Store in Wichita.&nbsp;

Hicks attended Oklahoma State University, where she majored in business management.&nbsp;She has three children, whom she home schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her talk is titled “The Path to Perfect Peace.”

Cost is $12.50.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reservations are due by Thursday, March 5, to (785) 202-1036 or to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daisymae0917@yahoo.com">daisymae0917@yahoo.com</a>. Hays After 5 is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministry of Overland Park.

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTONThe TMP Singers, under the direction of Kathy Amrein, will “Sing Into Spring” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, for the Hays After 5 Christian women’s group.The dinner program will take place at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2250 E. Eighth.Also on the program will be inspirational speaker Gayla Hicks of Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hicks and her husband, Gerald, own Perfect Peace Christian Lifestyle Store in Wichita.&nbsp;Hicks attended Oklahoma State University, where she majored in business management.&nbsp;She has three children, whom she home schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her talk is titled “The Path to Perfect Peace.”Cost is $12.50.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reservations are due by Thursday, March 5, to (785) 202-1036 or to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:daisymae0917@yahoo.com">daisymae0917@yahoo.com</a>. Hays After 5 is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministry of Overland Park.

TMP-M Singers to perform for Christian women’s group

Fort Hays State University has been rated a Military Friendly institution by Viqtory, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.&nbsp;

It is the 13th consecutive year that FHSU has been rated military friendly by Viqtory, and its predecessor, Victory Media.&nbsp;

Viqtory rates colleges and universities based on criteria in six categories: Academic Policies and Compliance; Admissions and Orientation; Culture and Commitment; Financial Aid and Assistance; Graduation and Career; and Military Student Support and Retention.&nbsp;

Viqtory evaluates data three sources: public data sources; proprietary data from the survey it sends to individual institutions; and personal data from surveys of veterans themselves.&nbsp;

For the 2020-2021 academic year, 1,693 post-secondary schools completed the Viqtory survey.&nbsp;

FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University has been rated a Military Friendly institution by Viqtory, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.&nbsp;It is the 13th consecutive year that FHSU has been rated military friendly by Viqtory, and its predecessor, Victory Media.&nbsp;Viqtory rates colleges and universities based on criteria in six categories: Academic Policies and Compliance; Admissions and Orientation; Culture and Commitment; Financial Aid and Assistance; Graduation and Career; and Military Student Support and Retention.&nbsp;Viqtory evaluates data three sources: public data sources; proprietary data from the survey it sends to individual institutions; and personal data from surveys of veterans themselves.&nbsp;For the 2020-2021 academic year, 1,693 post-secondary schools completed the Viqtory survey.&nbsp;

FHSU Virtual College gains 13th consecutive Military Friendly designation

<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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 </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/2020/2/1582837820279.jpeg" alt="" />
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Three-day weather outlook

Meeting will be 5 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at Hays Recreation Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582744444313.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Meeting will be 5 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at Hays Recreation Commission.

Information, signup meeting for Hays Striders set for March 8

Though soil tests are useful for identifying nutrient deficiencies&nbsp;as well as soil pH, they do not tell the whole story. We often receive soils from gardeners that are having a difficult time growing crops even&nbsp;though the soil test shows the pH is fine and nutrients are not&nbsp;deficient. Here are some factors that can affect plant growth that are&nbsp;not due to nutrient deficiencies or pH.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Not enough sun: Plants need a certain minimum amount of sun before&nbsp;they will grow well. As a general rule, flowering (and fruiting) plants need at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun per day. There are, of course,&nbsp;exceptions such as impatiens that bloom well in shade. Move sun-loving&nbsp;plants into more sun or use plants that are better adapted to shady conditions.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Poor soil physical characteristics: Roots need oxygen as much as&nbsp;they need water. A tight clay soil or excessive water can restrict soil oxygen levels as well as make root penetration of the soil difficult.&nbsp;

Increasing the organic matter content of clay soils can help rebuild&nbsp;good structure.&nbsp; Add a 2-inch layer of organic matter and till it in.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Walnut trees: Walnuts give off a natural herbicide that interferes&nbsp;with the growth of some plants such as tomatoes. Vegetable gardens&nbsp;should be at least 50 feet away from walnut trees if possible. For a&nbsp;listing of plants that are susceptible to walnut, go to:&nbsp;http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/info_walnut_toxicity.htm

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Tree roots: Trees not only compete with other plants for sun but&nbsp;also for water and nutrients. Extra water and nutrients may be needed.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Shallow soils: When new homes are built, the topsoil is often&nbsp;stripped off before the soils are brought to grade. Though the topsoil should be replaced, it sometimes is not or is not replaced to the same&nbsp;depth as it was originally. You are left with a subsoil that usually&nbsp;does not allow plants to grow well due to a lack of soil structure.

Adding topsoil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches would be best but this often&nbsp;is not practical. In such cases, try to rebuild structure by adding&nbsp;organic matter and working it into the soil.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; In other cases, a thin layer of soil may be spread over rock or construction debris.&nbsp; Plantings in shallow soils will wilt and die more&nbsp;quickly than other plants that are on a deeper soil. Use a soil probe to&nbsp;find such obstructions.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Too much phosphorus: Most Kansas soils are naturally low in&nbsp;phosphorus. However, soils that have been fertilized for a number of years may have phosphorus levels that are quite high. As a matter of fact, the majority of soil tests we receive show phosphorus levels in the "high" category. Extremely high phosphorus levels can interfere with the uptake of some micronutrients such as iron, manganese and zinc.

High phosphorus soils should only be fertilized with fertilizers that&nbsp;have relatively low amounts of phosphorus.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Improper watering: Roots develop where conditions are best for&nbsp;growth. Shallow, frequent watering leads to roots developing primarily&nbsp;near the surface of the soil where the soil is moist. Such shallow root&nbsp;systems are easily damaged by heat and any interruption in the watering&nbsp;schedule. It is better to water less frequently and to a greater depth to encourage a deeper root system that is less sensitive to heat and&nbsp;water stress.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Watering during the evening can also be detrimental to plants if&nbsp;the irrigation wets the foliage. Many diseases are encouraged by free water on the leaves. Watering late in the day often will keep the&nbsp;foliage wet until dew forms. Dew will keep the foliage wet until it&nbsp;evaporates the next morning. It is better to water early in the morning&nbsp;so leaves do not stay wet as long. If you must water late in the day,&nbsp;use drip irrigation if practical (such as in a vegetable garden).

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Overwatering: Roots need to breathe. In other words, they must have&nbsp; oxygen in order to survive. Be careful to not water so heavily that the&nbsp;soil remains saturated. Water deeply but allow soil to dry somewhat&nbsp;between waterings.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Though soil tests are useful for identifying nutrient deficiencies&nbsp;as well as soil pH, they do not tell the whole story. We often receive soils from gardeners that are having a difficult time growing crops even&nbsp;though the soil test shows the pH is fine and nutrients are not&nbsp;deficient. Here are some factors that can affect plant growth that are&nbsp;not due to nutrient deficiencies or pH.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Not enough sun: Plants need a certain minimum amount of sun before&nbsp;they will grow well. As a general rule, flowering (and fruiting) plants need at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun per day. There are, of course,&nbsp;exceptions such as impatiens that bloom well in shade. Move sun-loving&nbsp;plants into more sun or use plants that are better adapted to shady conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Poor soil physical characteristics: Roots need oxygen as much as&nbsp;they need water. A tight clay soil or excessive water can restrict soil oxygen levels as well as make root penetration of the soil difficult.&nbsp;Increasing the organic matter content of clay soils can help rebuild&nbsp;good structure.&nbsp; Add a 2-inch layer of organic matter and till it in.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Walnut trees: Walnuts give off a natural herbicide that interferes&nbsp;with the growth of some plants such as tomatoes. Vegetable gardens&nbsp;should be at least 50 feet away from walnut trees if possible. For a&nbsp;listing of plants that are susceptible to walnut, go to:&nbsp;http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/info_walnut_toxicity.htm&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Tree roots: Trees not only compete with other plants for sun but&nbsp;also for water and nutrients. Extra water and nutrients may be needed.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Shallow soils: When new homes are built, the topsoil is often&nbsp;stripped off before the soils are brought to grade. Though the topsoil should be replaced, it sometimes is not or is not replaced to the same&nbsp;depth as it was originally. You are left with a subsoil that usually&nbsp;does not allow plants to grow well due to a lack of soil structure.Adding topsoil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches would be best but this often&nbsp;is not practical. In such cases, try to rebuild structure by adding&nbsp;organic matter and working it into the soil.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; In other cases, a thin layer of soil may be spread over rock or construction debris.&nbsp; Plantings in shallow soils will wilt and die more&nbsp;quickly than other plants that are on a deeper soil. Use a soil probe to&nbsp;find such obstructions.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Too much phosphorus: Most Kansas soils are naturally low in&nbsp;phosphorus. However, soils that have been fertilized for a number of years may have phosphorus levels that are quite high. As a matter of fact, the majority of soil tests we receive show phosphorus levels in the "high" category. Extremely high phosphorus levels can interfere with the uptake of some micronutrients such as iron, manganese and zinc.High phosphorus soils should only be fertilized with fertilizers that&nbsp;have relatively low amounts of phosphorus.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Improper watering: Roots develop where conditions are best for&nbsp;growth. Shallow, frequent watering leads to roots developing primarily&nbsp;near the surface of the soil where the soil is moist. Such shallow root&nbsp;systems are easily damaged by heat and any interruption in the watering&nbsp;schedule. It is better to water less frequently and to a greater depth to encourage a deeper root system that is less sensitive to heat and&nbsp;water stress.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Watering during the evening can also be detrimental to plants if&nbsp;the irrigation wets the foliage. Many diseases are encouraged by free water on the leaves. Watering late in the day often will keep the&nbsp;foliage wet until dew forms. Dew will keep the foliage wet until it&nbsp;evaporates the next morning. It is better to water early in the morning&nbsp;so leaves do not stay wet as long. If you must water late in the day,&nbsp;use drip irrigation if practical (such as in a vegetable garden).&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Overwatering: Roots need to breathe. In other words, they must have&nbsp; oxygen in order to survive. Be careful to not water so heavily that the&nbsp;soil remains saturated. Water deeply but allow soil to dry somewhat&nbsp;between waterings.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910&nbsp;

BOOR: Diagnosing troublesome soil issues

<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="http://www.hayslc.com/">To see more about the Learning Center of Ellis County visit hayslc.com.</a>

<div><iframe title="The Learning Center of Ellis County celebrating high completion rates" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/xvb98-d4f21e?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="http://www.hayslc.com/">To see more about the Learning Center of Ellis County visit hayslc.com.</a>

🎤Post Podcast: The Learning Center of Ellis County celebrating high completion rates

DECATUR COUNTY —Authorities in northwest Kansas are alerting residents that meth could be contaminated with a virus — and to bring it into their office for testing.

According to a social media warning from the Decatur County Sheriff's office in Oberlin, "If you have recently purchased meth locally, it may be contaminated with the Coronavirus.

"Please take it to the Sheriff's Office or Police Department and they will test it for free. If you're not comfortable going into an office, please contact any officer and they'll test your meth in the privacy of your home. Please spread the word!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582827978726.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DECATUR COUNTY —Authorities in northwest Kansas are alerting residents that meth could be contaminated with a virus — and to bring it into their office for testing.According to a social media warning from the Decatur County Sheriff's office in Oberlin, "If you have recently purchased meth locally, it may be contaminated with the Coronavirus."Please take it to the Sheriff's Office or Police Department and they will test it for free. If you're not comfortable going into an office, please contact any officer and they'll test your meth in the privacy of your home. Please spread the word!"

NW Kan. sheriff: We will test your meth for Coronavirus

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS has welcomed Tiffany Unrein to its team as director of membership engagement.&nbsp; In this position, Unrein will oversee the business development and strategy of the membership department
 and be responsible for increasing membership growth and revenue.


Unrein joins as Smoky Hills PBS launches its March Pledge Drive #BeTheAddition with a goal to reach $30,000 in donations.&nbsp; Donor support allows Smoky Hills PBS to provide quality and educational programming to
 its viewers in central and western Kansas. 


Unrein has been in the advertising industry for 13 years, most recently with AdFarm, an advertising agency based out of Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; As an account manager, she worked with her clients to develop and
 implement strategic communication plans, and in addition, she helped shape agency processes and workflow.&nbsp; Unrein is a graduate of the University of Kansas, with a bachelor of science in journalism, strategic communications emphasis.



“We’re excited to have Tiffany on our team leading the membership department.&nbsp; We are confident her experience in marketing and strategy development will help us reach our membership growth goals,” said Larry
 Calvery, Smoky Hills PBS general manager. 


“I am thrilled to be a part of the Smoky Hills PBS team and to begin building lasting relationships with our members,” said Unrein.&nbsp; “Member donations will help ensure a solid future for the station, allowing
 us to continue to provide high-quality local programming for central and western Kansas.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582818133946.png" alt="Tiffany Unrein" />
 <figcaption>Tiffany Unrein</figcaption>
 </figure>SHPBSBUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS has welcomed Tiffany Unrein to its team as director of membership engagement.&nbsp; In this position, Unrein will oversee the business development and strategy of the membership department
 and be responsible for increasing membership growth and revenue.
Unrein joins as Smoky Hills PBS launches its March Pledge Drive #BeTheAddition with a goal to reach $30,000 in donations.&nbsp; Donor support allows Smoky Hills PBS to provide quality and educational programming to
 its viewers in central and western Kansas. 
Unrein has been in the advertising industry for 13 years, most recently with AdFarm, an advertising agency based out of Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; As an account manager, she worked with her clients to develop and
 implement strategic communication plans, and in addition, she helped shape agency processes and workflow.&nbsp; Unrein is a graduate of the University of Kansas, with a bachelor of science in journalism, strategic communications emphasis.

“We’re excited to have Tiffany on our team leading the membership department.&nbsp; We are confident her experience in marketing and strategy development will help us reach our membership growth goals,” said Larry
 Calvery, Smoky Hills PBS general manager. 
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Smoky Hills PBS team and to begin building lasting relationships with our members,” said Unrein.&nbsp; “Member donations will help ensure a solid future for the station, allowing
 us to continue to provide high-quality local programming for central and western Kansas.”

Unrein joins Smoky Hills PBS as director of membership engagement

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Veronica Hauptman, Hays Middle School math teacher, knows what its like to be a sixth grader making the transition to the big school.

That is why when one of her student's parents texted her that her daughter had left her ID at school the day before the first middle school dance, Hauptman made the necessary contacts to make sure the girl was able to get into the dance.

Parent Roberta Molstad wrote in Hauptman's nomination for the Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award.

"She does everything she can to help her students adapt to middle school," Molstad said.

She went further, "Mrs. Hauptman has gone above and beyond these first nine weeks as a teacher in math for my daughter. She explains things things when she has a question about how to do something. 

"Mrs. Hauptman is always willing to come in every single morning before school if needed, to help with questions, as well as stay after school when needed to meet with my daughter, JM, even on a Friday afternoon."

Molstad wrote of Hauptman's patience and kindness and said she was encouraging to parents as well.

"Thank you, Mrs. Hauptman for being the caring, kind and compassionate teacher that you are. My daughter is extremely lucky to have you as a math teacher," Molstad wrote.

Hauptman, 33, is a Hays native and attended Hays public schools. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in adaptive special education.&nbsp;

She has taught for 11 years, all in the Hays school district. She has taught sixth-grade math for three years and, before that, taught sixth-grade adaptive special education.

"Sixth graders are just the best to work with," Hauptman said,"because they are in a transition year. This is their first year in a big building, and they are all mixed together. 

"With that being their transition year, they come in kind of apprehensive at first, and their parents can be apprehensive if this is their first student going through middle school. It is really fun and rewarding to get them acclimated to their new surroundings and get them feeling comfortable."

Hauptman said she is amazed how quickly the students adjust to their new environment.

"They still like school, and they are just fun to be around," she said, "but they are also old enough you can have some humor with them and you can joke with them a little. Their personalities are really starting to come out."

Hauptman said she has known ever since she was a child that she wanted to be a teacher.

"I remember having the easel and a desk in my room and playing school. I remember even in the first or second grade playing school and knowing that was what I wanted to do."

When Hauptman was a sixth grader at Kennedy Middle School, she didn't think she was very good at math. She learned that this was not the case.

"By the time students get to sixth grade, they already have notions about whether they are good at math or they have a subject area that is their strong suit," Hauptman said. "I really like to work with kids to help them develop a growth mindset and help them understand that they can be good at any subject they put work and effort into it.

"You hear kids a lot say, 'I'm just not creative.' 'I'm just not a math person.' Those things don't necessarily have to be true. When we believe that about ourselves, it can keep us from experiencing success."

Hauptman said she has been able to grow close to her students and their parents.

"That is definitely one of the perks of education," she said. "Through having so many students in your class, you get to know a lot of families and that is a very special part of teaching, especially in middle school.&nbsp;

"In just a few short years those students are working jobs in the community and you see them working and driving around. It feels like you didn't have them so long ago, and they are already so grown up."

Hauptman said she also receives a lot of joy from her colleagues.

"Our team of faculty and staff in this building is encouraging to work with," she said. "They all love kids, and it makes it a fun environment to work in."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140720976.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582581861972.jpeg" alt="Veronica Hauptman, Hays Middle School math teacher, has been chosen as the February Hays Post Teacher of the Month." />
 <figcaption>Veronica Hauptman, Hays Middle School math teacher, has been chosen as the February Hays Post Teacher of the Month.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostVeronica Hauptman, Hays Middle School math teacher, knows what its like to be a sixth grader making the transition to the big school.That is why when one of her student's parents texted her that her daughter had left her ID at school the day before the first middle school dance, Hauptman made the necessary contacts to make sure the girl was able to get into the dance.Parent Roberta Molstad wrote in Hauptman's nomination for the Hays Post Teacher of the Month Award."She does everything she can to help her students adapt to middle school," Molstad said.She went further, "Mrs. Hauptman has gone above and beyond these first nine weeks as a teacher in math for my daughter. She explains things things when she has a question about how to do something. "Mrs. Hauptman is always willing to come in every single morning before school if needed, to help with questions, as well as stay after school when needed to meet with my daughter, JM, even on a Friday afternoon."Molstad wrote of Hauptman's patience and kindness and said she was encouraging to parents as well."Thank you, Mrs. Hauptman for being the caring, kind and compassionate teacher that you are. My daughter is extremely lucky to have you as a math teacher," Molstad wrote.Hauptman, 33, is a Hays native and attended Hays public schools. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in adaptive special education.&nbsp;She has taught for 11 years, all in the Hays school district. She has taught sixth-grade math for three years and, before that, taught sixth-grade adaptive special education."Sixth graders are just the best to work with," Hauptman said,"because they are in a transition year. This is their first year in a big building, and they are all mixed together. "With that being their transition year, they come in kind of apprehensive at first, and their parents can be apprehensive if this is their first student going through middle school. It is really fun and rewarding to get them acclimated to their new surroundings and get them feeling comfortable."Hauptman said she is amazed how quickly the students adjust to their new environment."They still like school, and they are just fun to be around," she said, "but they are also old enough you can have some humor with them and you can joke with them a little. Their personalities are really starting to come out."Hauptman said she has known ever since she was a child that she wanted to be a teacher."I remember having the easel and a desk in my room and playing school. I remember even in the first or second grade playing school and knowing that was what I wanted to do."When Hauptman was a sixth grader at Kennedy Middle School, she didn't think she was very good at math. She learned that this was not the case."By the time students get to sixth grade, they already have notions about whether they are good at math or they have a subject area that is their strong suit," Hauptman said. "I really like to work with kids to help them develop a growth mindset and help them understand that they can be good at any subject they put work and effort into it."You hear kids a lot say, 'I'm just not creative.' 'I'm just not a math person.' Those things don't necessarily have to be true. When we believe that about ourselves, it can keep us from experiencing success."Hauptman said she has been able to grow close to her students and their parents."That is definitely one of the perks of education," she said. "Through having so many students in your class, you get to know a lot of families and that is a very special part of teaching, especially in middle school.&nbsp;But the time flies, she said."In just a few short years those students are working jobs in the community and you see them working and driving around. It feels like you didn't have them so long ago, and they are already so grown up."Hauptman said she also receives a lot of joy from her colleagues."Our team of faculty and staff in this building is encouraging to work with," she said. "They all love kids, and it makes it a fun environment to work in."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140720976.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Teacher of the Month: Hauptman helps kids transition to HMS

ELLIS — The USD 388 Bond Exploration Committee held its first meeting on Feb. 19 at Ellis High School. At its February board meeting, the USD 388 School Board voted to form the committee to further research a district bond to support necessary infrastructure improvements.

The committee includes school board members, USD 388 employees and community members. Board representatives are Jared Schiel, Cindy Hertel and Randy Honas; employee representatives are Superintendent Corey Burton, Donna Schmidt, John Befort, Randy Herman, Steve Erbert and Dave Wildeman; and community representatives are Mike Keller, Doug Shaw and Toni Younger.

Keller, a former USD 388 board member and the committee chair, first reviewed the history of past USD 388 bonds, including the project lists from the 2013 and 2014 USD 388 school bonds.&nbsp;&nbsp;The committee also reviewed the results from the April 2013 USD 388 school bond survey conducted by the FHSU Docking Institute.

“I made a decision not to run again for a board position because I want to focus my time on a responsible bond,” Keller said. “Having a school system that can meet the changing needs of current students, as well as poise our schools for the future, is essential not only to the school system but also to the vitality of the entire community.”

The most recent survey was conducted by the FHSU Docking Institute in the last quarter of 2019 to provide data to assist the district in proposing a bond to meet the needs of USD 388. The survey, which concluded on Nov. 25, was mailed to all registered voters in the district. The survey indicated highest priorities of respondents are to repair rooftops and replace the HVAC system, plumbing and fixtures at Washington Elementary School.

“The Ellis community should be proud of its history and continued support for education,” Burton said. “Just like in our homes and businesses, however, there comes a time when it makes financial sense to invest money in long-term improvements versus spending money on short-term fixes. I’m confident that with careful analysis and community input, a bond the community can support will be developed.”

The committee reviewed all projects listed on the 2019 survey and heard from USD 388 employees about the most pressing concerns regarding district infrastructure. The size of bond and the timeline for running a bond to best meet the educational needs of students were also discussed.&nbsp;

Prior to the next meeting, committee members will schedule Midwest Energy to complete an energy audit on both school buildings, along with contacting architects and vendors to explore options.

Those with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact Corey Burton by phone at 785-726-4281 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cburton@usd388.com" target="_blank">cburton@usd388.com</a>. Mike Keller can also be contacted at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kellermw@yahoo.com" target="_blank">kellermw@yahoo.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579030633433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USD 388ELLIS — The USD 388 Bond Exploration Committee held its first meeting on Feb. 19 at Ellis High School. At its February board meeting, the USD 388 School Board voted to form the committee to further research a district bond to support necessary infrastructure improvements.The committee includes school board members, USD 388 employees and community members. Board representatives are Jared Schiel, Cindy Hertel and Randy Honas; employee representatives are Superintendent Corey Burton, Donna Schmidt, John Befort, Randy Herman, Steve Erbert and Dave Wildeman; and community representatives are Mike Keller, Doug Shaw and Toni Younger.Keller, a former USD 388 board member and the committee chair, first reviewed the history of past USD 388 bonds, including the project lists from the 2013 and 2014 USD 388 school bonds.&nbsp;&nbsp;The committee also reviewed the results from the April 2013 USD 388 school bond survey conducted by the FHSU Docking Institute.“I made a decision not to run again for a board position because I want to focus my time on a responsible bond,” Keller said. “Having a school system that can meet the changing needs of current students, as well as poise our schools for the future, is essential not only to the school system but also to the vitality of the entire community.”The most recent survey was conducted by the FHSU Docking Institute in the last quarter of 2019 to provide data to assist the district in proposing a bond to meet the needs of USD 388. The survey, which concluded on Nov. 25, was mailed to all registered voters in the district. The survey indicated highest priorities of respondents are to repair rooftops and replace the HVAC system, plumbing and fixtures at Washington Elementary School.“The Ellis community should be proud of its history and continued support for education,” Burton said. “Just like in our homes and businesses, however, there comes a time when it makes financial sense to invest money in long-term improvements versus spending money on short-term fixes. I’m confident that with careful analysis and community input, a bond the community can support will be developed.”The committee reviewed all projects listed on the 2019 survey and heard from USD 388 employees about the most pressing concerns regarding district infrastructure. The size of bond and the timeline for running a bond to best meet the educational needs of students were also discussed.&nbsp;Prior to the next meeting, committee members will schedule Midwest Energy to complete an energy audit on both school buildings, along with contacting architects and vendors to explore options.Those with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact Corey Burton by phone at 785-726-4281 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cburton@usd388.com" target="_blank">cburton@usd388.com</a>. Mike Keller can also be contacted at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kellermw@yahoo.com" target="_blank">kellermw@yahoo.com</a>.

Ellis school bond committee formed; hosts first meeting

A&nbsp;Dignified Honors Motorcade for Donald Stratton is set to pass through the area on Saturday and the public is invited to line the route in honor the WW II veteran and author.&nbsp;

Stratton survived the attack on Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941, and in later years dedicated his time to honoring his shipmates and others that died during the attack.

After being injured during the bombing, Stratton was given a medical discharge but re-enlisted and served until 1946.&nbsp;

Stratton died on Feb. 15 at the age of 97 at his home in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"The Federal Protection Agency is humbled and honored to provide the Dignified Honors Motorcade for Donald Stratton," the agency said.

The motorcade will begin in Colorado Springs, Colo. and travel to Red Cloud, Neb. where Stratton will be given full military honors.

"The public is encouraged and welcome to show their respect and gratitude by lining the route with signs/flags but we ask that you do not stop on the highway, please find a place that is safe for you as well as all others and that you do not impede the procession," the agency said.

Route and Timeline for Dignified Honors Procession from the Federal Protection Agency:

12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Depart: Rocky Mountain Calvary Church

12:25 p.m. – 12:40&nbsp;p.m. Academy Blvd onto Austin Bluffs Pkwy

Austin Bluffs Pkwy onto I-25 NB at Garden of the Gods Rd.

12:30&nbsp;p.m. – 12:45&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 at Monument Hill

12:40&nbsp;p.m. – 12:55&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 at Tomah Rd

12:45&nbsp;p.m. – 1:00&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 at Castle Pines

12:55&nbsp;p.m. – 1:10&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 at 470

1:00&nbsp;p.m. – 1:15&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 onto NB 225

1:10&nbsp;p.m. – 1:25&nbsp;p.m. NB 225 onto EB I-70

1:20&nbsp;p.m. – 1:35&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Watkins

1:25&nbsp;p.m. – 1:40&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Bennett

1:30&nbsp;p.m. - 1:45&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Strasburg

1:35&nbsp;p.m. - 1:50&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Byers

1:45&nbsp;p.m. - 2:00&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Deer Trail

1:55&nbsp;p.m. - 2:10&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Agate

2:10&nbsp;p.m. - 2:25&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Limon

20 minute stop for gas/break at the&nbsp; Flying J - Limon, Colo.

2:35&nbsp;p.m. - 2:50&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Genoa

2:45&nbsp;p.m. - 3:00&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Arriba

2:55&nbsp;p.m. - 3:10&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Siebert

3:05&nbsp;p.m. - 3:20&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Stratton

3:20&nbsp;p.m. - 3:35&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Burlington

3:30&nbsp;p.m. –3:45&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Colorado/Kansas State Line

Time changes to Central Time

5:00&nbsp;p.m. – 5:15&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Brewster

5:15&nbsp;p.m. – 5:30&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Highway 216 (Grinnell)

5:40&nbsp;p.m. – 5:55&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Quinter

6:00&nbsp;p.m. – 6:15&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at WaKeeney

20 minute stop for gas/break at the Wakeeney Travel Plaza

6:40&nbsp;p.m. – 6:55&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Ellis

6:50&nbsp;p.m. – 7:05&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 onto NB 183

7:00&nbsp;p.m. – 7:15&nbsp;p.m. NB 183 at Buckeye

7:15&nbsp;p.m. – 7:30&nbsp;p.m. NB 183 at Plainville

7:30&nbsp;p.m. – 7:45&nbsp;p.m. NB 183 at Highway 24

7:50&nbsp;p.m. – 8:05&nbsp;p.m. NB 183 onto EB Highway 36 (Philipsburg)

8:20&nbsp;p.m. – 8:35&nbsp;p.m. EB 36 at Smith Center

8:30&nbsp;p.m. – 8:45&nbsp;p.m. EB 36 onto NB 281

8:45&nbsp;p.m. – 9:00&nbsp;p.m. NB 281 at Kansas/Nebraska State Line

8:55&nbsp;p.m. – 9:05&nbsp;p.m. NB 281 onto WB 4th Ave to:

A&nbsp;Dignified Honors Motorcade for Donald Stratton is set to pass through the area on Saturday and the public is invited to line the route in honor the WW II veteran and author.&nbsp;Stratton survived the attack on Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941, and in later years dedicated his time to honoring his shipmates and others that died during the attack.After being injured during the bombing, Stratton was given a medical discharge but re-enlisted and served until 1946.&nbsp;Stratton died on Feb. 15 at the age of 97 at his home in Colorado Springs, Colo."The Federal Protection Agency is humbled and honored to provide the Dignified Honors Motorcade for Donald Stratton," the agency said.The motorcade will begin in Colorado Springs, Colo. and travel to Red Cloud, Neb. where Stratton will be given full military honors."The public is encouraged and welcome to show their respect and gratitude by lining the route with signs/flags but we ask that you do not stop on the highway, please find a place that is safe for you as well as all others and that you do not impede the procession," the agency said.<h2>Route and Timeline for Dignified Honors Procession from the Federal Protection Agency:</h2>12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Depart: Rocky Mountain Calvary Church12:25 p.m. – 12:40&nbsp;p.m. Academy Blvd onto Austin Bluffs PkwyAustin Bluffs Pkwy onto I-25 NB at Garden of the Gods Rd.12:30&nbsp;p.m. – 12:45&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 at Monument Hill12:40&nbsp;p.m. – 12:55&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 at Tomah Rd12:45&nbsp;p.m. – 1:00&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 at Castle Pines12:55&nbsp;p.m. – 1:10&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 at 4701:00&nbsp;p.m. – 1:15&nbsp;p.m. NB I-25 onto NB 2251:10&nbsp;p.m. – 1:25&nbsp;p.m. NB 225 onto EB I-701:20&nbsp;p.m. – 1:35&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Watkins1:25&nbsp;p.m. – 1:40&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Bennett1:30&nbsp;p.m. - 1:45&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Strasburg1:35&nbsp;p.m. - 1:50&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Byers1:45&nbsp;p.m. - 2:00&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Deer Trail1:55&nbsp;p.m. - 2:10&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Agate2:10&nbsp;p.m. - 2:25&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Limon20 minute stop for gas/break at the&nbsp; Flying J - Limon, Colo.2:35&nbsp;p.m. - 2:50&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Genoa2:45&nbsp;p.m. - 3:00&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Arriba2:55&nbsp;p.m. - 3:10&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Siebert3:05&nbsp;p.m. - 3:20&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Stratton3:20&nbsp;p.m. - 3:35&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Burlington3:30&nbsp;p.m. –3:45&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Colorado/Kansas State LineTime changes to Central Time5:00&nbsp;p.m. – 5:15&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Brewster5:15&nbsp;p.m. – 5:30&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Highway 216 (Grinnell)5:40&nbsp;p.m. – 5:55&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Quinter6:00&nbsp;p.m. – 6:15&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at WaKeeney20 minute stop for gas/break at the Wakeeney Travel Plaza6:40&nbsp;p.m. – 6:55&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 at Ellis6:50&nbsp;p.m. – 7:05&nbsp;p.m. EB I-70 onto NB 1837:00&nbsp;p.m. – 7:15&nbsp;p.m. NB 183 at Buckeye7:15&nbsp;p.m. – 7:30&nbsp;p.m. NB 183 at Plainville7:30&nbsp;p.m. – 7:45&nbsp;p.m. NB 183 at Highway 247:50&nbsp;p.m. – 8:05&nbsp;p.m. NB 183 onto EB Highway 36 (Philipsburg)8:20&nbsp;p.m. – 8:35&nbsp;p.m. EB 36 at Smith Center8:30&nbsp;p.m. – 8:45&nbsp;p.m. EB 36 onto NB 2818:45&nbsp;p.m. – 9:00&nbsp;p.m. NB 281 at Kansas/Nebraska State Line8:55&nbsp;p.m. – 9:05&nbsp;p.m. NB 281 onto WB 4th Ave to:Williams Funeral HomeRed Cloud, Neb.

Motorcade for World War II veteran to pass through NW Kansas

Fort Hays State University is about people, passion, and dreams. I love discovering the unique stories of students, faculty and staff. Like me, each has a unique reason why our university fuels their energy to make a difference in the lives of others. Eric Deneault is one of those stories.

Eric is a typical, extraordinary Fort Hays State University professor. He not only knows his students by name, he knows their personal stories. And, like most of us at FHSU, Eric also has his own story, and part of that story is driving a current research project he and his students are building together – designing a speech-activated mechanical glove to help people with hand mobility challenges.

His story: In 2015 his wife, Amanda, at the age of 31, had a massive stroke induced by a vertebral artery injury. The brain damage caused by the stroke inhibits the communication of signals to her extremities on the right side of her body, affecting all her fine motor movement. This has been the main contributor to his motivation in developing an assistive mechanical glove that will help increase her hand strength and mobility, specifically targeting her opening, closing, and gripping functions.&nbsp;

Simply put, necessity and inspiration led Eric to combine his passion for teaching with his vision of creating a solution for his wife and many other victims of strokes and cerebrovascular accidents, who have minimal to no movement in their extremities.

From an academic standpoint, this project required collaboration, bringing students and faculty together to form a research team with backgrounds in engineering design, robotics, programming and art. Departments represented include Applied Technology, Art and Design, and Informatics.&nbsp;

“Our students and the faculty are working together utilizing both traditional technology like foundry work and blacksmithing and the newest of 3D printing and CNC operated equipment,” said Toby Flores, associate professor of sculpture. CNC is “Computer Numerical Control,” a kind of software that makes it possible to automate machine tools.

“For my sculpture students, this expands what it means to get a sculpture degree at FHSU,” Toby said. “I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with students and my new friends in Applied Technology.”&nbsp;

Deep learning comes from a position of overcoming challenges. The students and faculty involved in this research project have had to confront the design obstacles that come when researchers who have working hands try to understand the mechanics of having a hand that does not work.&nbsp;

FHSU student Liberty Tegethoff, a Newton freshman, said, “My favorite part of the class is that there were a lot of hardships and issues to overcome, but everyone’s different ideas came together to create something that could potentially change someone’s life.”

Comfort and functionality are essential to the project’s success – the research team has to ensure that each and every small piece of the device is placed deliberately to maximize these features. In addition, the device must be easy to put on, like a glove, because Amanda has to be able to put it on with only her non-dominant hand.&nbsp;

Amanda, the inspiration for the project, said, “When my husband stated that his research class was going to be making a robotic glove for my hand that was affected by the stroke, I was kind of skeptical. However, I have been involved in some of the process, and I have to say that I am impressed with the enthusiasm the students have shown. This project is fascinating, and I am so excited to see it come to fruition.”

This is precisely why Fort Hays State is such a special place. Thank you, Eric and team, for your passion and purpose. You are why I start each day with enthusiasm and hope.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575302014229.png" alt="Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Tisa Mason, FHSU president</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State University is about people, passion, and dreams. I love discovering the unique stories of students, faculty and staff. Like me, each has a unique reason why our university fuels their energy to make a difference in the lives of others. Eric Deneault is one of those stories.Eric is a typical, extraordinary Fort Hays State University professor. He not only knows his students by name, he knows their personal stories. And, like most of us at FHSU, Eric also has his own story, and part of that story is driving a current research project he and his students are building together – designing a speech-activated mechanical glove to help people with hand mobility challenges.His story: In 2015 his wife, Amanda, at the age of 31, had a massive stroke induced by a vertebral artery injury. The brain damage caused by the stroke inhibits the communication of signals to her extremities on the right side of her body, affecting all her fine motor movement. This has been the main contributor to his motivation in developing an assistive mechanical glove that will help increase her hand strength and mobility, specifically targeting her opening, closing, and gripping functions.&nbsp;Simply put, necessity and inspiration led Eric to combine his passion for teaching with his vision of creating a solution for his wife and many other victims of strokes and cerebrovascular accidents, who have minimal to no movement in their extremities.From an academic standpoint, this project required collaboration, bringing students and faculty together to form a research team with backgrounds in engineering design, robotics, programming and art. Departments represented include Applied Technology, Art and Design, and Informatics.&nbsp;“Our students and the faculty are working together utilizing both traditional technology like foundry work and blacksmithing and the newest of 3D printing and CNC operated equipment,” said Toby Flores, associate professor of sculpture. CNC is “Computer Numerical Control,” a kind of software that makes it possible to automate machine tools.“For my sculpture students, this expands what it means to get a sculpture degree at FHSU,” Toby said. “I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with students and my new friends in Applied Technology.”&nbsp;Deep learning comes from a position of overcoming challenges. The students and faculty involved in this research project have had to confront the design obstacles that come when researchers who have working hands try to understand the mechanics of having a hand that does not work.&nbsp;FHSU student Liberty Tegethoff, a Newton freshman, said, “My favorite part of the class is that there were a lot of hardships and issues to overcome, but everyone’s different ideas came together to create something that could potentially change someone’s life.”Comfort and functionality are essential to the project’s success – the research team has to ensure that each and every small piece of the device is placed deliberately to maximize these features. In addition, the device must be easy to put on, like a glove, because Amanda has to be able to put it on with only her non-dominant hand.&nbsp;Amanda, the inspiration for the project, said, “When my husband stated that his research class was going to be making a robotic glove for my hand that was affected by the stroke, I was kind of skeptical. However, I have been involved in some of the process, and I have to say that I am impressed with the enthusiasm the students have shown. This project is fascinating, and I am so excited to see it come to fruition.”This is precisely why Fort Hays State is such a special place. Thank you, Eric and team, for your passion and purpose. You are why I start each day with enthusiasm and hope.

MASON: Eric and Amanda’s story drives a research team

<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>
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As we wrap up four wonderful years as a part of the FHSU Women’s Basketball program, I first off want to say thank you to the great people that made it happen — Coach Tony Hobson and Coach Talia Kahrs.&nbsp; 

The Senior Day emotions got the best of me and I wasn’t able to verbalize this very well, so needed to put it on paper.&nbsp; Thank you for believing in our daughters, loving on our daughters and giving them the opportunity to be a part of this elite program. It’s been an amazing journey as we’ve watched these young women get their feet wet in MIAA basketball as freshman and then blossom into a nationally recognized team, win an MIAA Conference Championship and play in back-to-back MIAA Conference Tournament Championships over a short time.&nbsp; 

Thank you for giving them the opportunity to be a part of this great ride – it’s been everything and more than we could have ever dreamed of for our daughters.&nbsp; (A quick PSA:&nbsp; If you are a young girl who dreams of playing college basketball, you MUST visit FHSU.&nbsp; This place has everything you could ever want:&nbsp; best coliseum, best fans, best coaching staff and you play in the best D2 conference in the nation!)&nbsp;

To all the fans who have faithfully followed Lady Tiger basketball at Gross Memorial Coliseum, on their road trips, have shared a hug, “good job” after a game or have helped put an exclamation point on a big win by chanting “Lady Tiger basketball, Lady Tiger basketball” over the past four years – THANK YOU!&nbsp; You are an amazing community of people that come from all walks of life, have unique and amazing stories and have opened yourselves to these young women and their families and made us all feel welcomed in your great town and on your great campus.&nbsp; Your passion for the black &amp; gold of FHSU is nothing short of amazing!&nbsp; We have, without a doubt, THE best fans in the MIAA and D2 basketball!&nbsp; Just to put some perspective on how important your support has been, since their freshman year the team has won over 90% of their home games at Gross Memorial!&nbsp; And GMC has consistently ranked 2nd&nbsp;in the nation in attendance for the past several years.&nbsp; Congratulations to all that have been a part of that and thank you again for all the tremendous support!&nbsp; You have blessed these young women and they will take that with them for the rest of their lives.

Thank you to Fort Hays State University for being the perfect landing spot for our daughters and preparing them for life after basketball.&nbsp; They are forever Tigers, bleed the black and gold and will always stand to their feet at the sound of the FHSU Fight Song or In Heaven There is No Beer!

As we ride off for the last time as Lady Tiger basketball parents, we are truly going to miss our weekly drives to all the games during the season, especially our home games in Hays. It is truly a family here and whether you are at Celebration Community Church, WalMart, Gella’s, Old Chicago, the Soda Shoppe, JD’s, Breathe Coffee Shop, the Q, the Horseshoe, or any other local business, you feel the love and feel a part of this amazing family of FHSU supporters.&nbsp; I also don’t want to forget to mention Paige Lunsford, the terrific FHSU athletic training/medical staff (Dr. Walstrom, Carlee Lindsey &amp; Amee Stapleton, best game day radio guys on the planet in Gerard Wellbrock and Dustin Armbruster, best game side announcer anywhere in Kenneth Windholz, best photographer in Bob Duffy, the Tiger Pep Band, Cheerleaders and Tiger Debs.&nbsp; I wish I could name every person and place that has touched our hearts during our time here, but that’s the amazing thing, there are SO many I would surely miss some.&nbsp;

With tears in our eyes and a lump in our throats…know that you have made our hearts full and have blessed us more than you will ever, ever know.&nbsp; Thank you for turning a young girl’s dream into a reality.

Sincerely, Steve Kennett (Kacey’s dad)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582642737344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As we wrap up four wonderful years as a part of the FHSU Women’s Basketball program, I first off want to say thank you to the great people that made it happen — Coach Tony Hobson and Coach Talia Kahrs.&nbsp; The Senior Day emotions got the best of me and I wasn’t able to verbalize this very well, so needed to put it on paper.&nbsp; Thank you for believing in our daughters, loving on our daughters and giving them the opportunity to be a part of this elite program. It’s been an amazing journey as we’ve watched these young women get their feet wet in MIAA basketball as freshman and then blossom into a nationally recognized team, win an MIAA Conference Championship and play in back-to-back MIAA Conference Tournament Championships over a short time.&nbsp; Thank you for giving them the opportunity to be a part of this great ride – it’s been everything and more than we could have ever dreamed of for our daughters.&nbsp; (A quick PSA:&nbsp; If you are a young girl who dreams of playing college basketball, you MUST visit FHSU.&nbsp; This place has everything you could ever want:&nbsp; best coliseum, best fans, best coaching staff and you play in the best D2 conference in the nation!)&nbsp;To all the fans who have faithfully followed Lady Tiger basketball at Gross Memorial Coliseum, on their road trips, have shared a hug, “good job” after a game or have helped put an exclamation point on a big win by chanting “Lady Tiger basketball, Lady Tiger basketball” over the past four years – THANK YOU!&nbsp; You are an amazing community of people that come from all walks of life, have unique and amazing stories and have opened yourselves to these young women and their families and made us all feel welcomed in your great town and on your great campus.&nbsp; Your passion for the black &amp; gold of FHSU is nothing short of amazing!&nbsp; We have, without a doubt, THE best fans in the MIAA and D2 basketball!&nbsp; Just to put some perspective on how important your support has been, since their freshman year the team has won over 90% of their home games at Gross Memorial!&nbsp; And GMC has consistently ranked 2nd&nbsp;in the nation in attendance for the past several years.&nbsp; Congratulations to all that have been a part of that and thank you again for all the tremendous support!&nbsp; You have blessed these young women and they will take that with them for the rest of their lives.Thank you to Fort Hays State University for being the perfect landing spot for our daughters and preparing them for life after basketball.&nbsp; They are forever Tigers, bleed the black and gold and will always stand to their feet at the sound of the FHSU Fight Song or In Heaven There is No Beer!As we ride off for the last time as Lady Tiger basketball parents, we are truly going to miss our weekly drives to all the games during the season, especially our home games in Hays. It is truly a family here and whether you are at Celebration Community Church, WalMart, Gella’s, Old Chicago, the Soda Shoppe, JD’s, Breathe Coffee Shop, the Q, the Horseshoe, or any other local business, you feel the love and feel a part of this amazing family of FHSU supporters.&nbsp; I also don’t want to forget to mention Paige Lunsford, the terrific FHSU athletic training/medical staff (Dr. Walstrom, Carlee Lindsey &amp; Amee Stapleton, best game day radio guys on the planet in Gerard Wellbrock and Dustin Armbruster, best game side announcer anywhere in Kenneth Windholz, best photographer in Bob Duffy, the Tiger Pep Band, Cheerleaders and Tiger Debs.&nbsp; I wish I could name every person and place that has touched our hearts during our time here, but that’s the amazing thing, there are SO many I would surely miss some.&nbsp;With tears in our eyes and a lump in our throats…know that you have made our hearts full and have blessed us more than you will ever, ever know.&nbsp; Thank you for turning a young girl’s dream into a reality.Sincerely, Steve Kennett (Kacey’s dad)

LETTER: Family grateful for experience at FHSU, Hays

Driving around rural Kansas, one passes through small towns with classic Main Streets, goes past family farms and sees the lifeblood of our state, agriculture.&nbsp;

Our rural communities are a huge part of Kansas. They not only feed our nation, but are places that people call home. Rural residents care deeply about their towns, their homes and their neighbors. Rural Kansans know how to work together to weather the good times and the bad times. When many people around the country think of the types of communities they want to create, they end up wanting to create the rural communities that we in Kansas take for granted.&nbsp;

Rural Kansas faces many challenges right now. The population has decreased, businesses have decreased and many have thought to move to other parts of the state or to other states. There is much that we should be doing as a state to help our rural communities to keep them thriving for future generations.&nbsp;

Gov. Laura Kelly has said that rural Kansas is a key part of her agenda and she created a new Office of Rural Prosperity headed by Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers. This office has issued a report that has many nice photos from the lieutenant governor’s listening tour and reiterates much of what we already know. But it lacks much of a forward-thinking agenda for rural Kansas. Seems like this listening tour was more to listen for ways to forward the governor’s predetermined ideas rather than seek out new ideas.&nbsp;

Rural Kansas needs tax policies that are designed to help farmers, help business owners and help keep residents in their homes. This includes ending our record sales tax on food and reducing our state’s property tax burden, the 18th highest in the country.&nbsp;

We need a comprehensive rural broadband strategy. This will increase connectivity for rural communities, make it easier for people to telecommute and allow small Main Street businesses seek out new customer bases worldwide.&nbsp;

This will also help bring the innovation economy to rural Kansas. We are seeing the innovation sector grow in Johnson County and this success can be shared with our entire state, as long as we provide the infrastructure needed to succeed.&nbsp;

Besides broadband, we need to make sure our state’s highways are well maintained and upgraded as needed across our state. This will allow goods to get to market faster and allow for travelers to get to rural communities. We also need to work hard to recruit doctors and teachers to rural Kansas.&nbsp;

We need to revamp our state’s film and television program and reduce the barriers to entry for filmmakers in order to make it more attractive for the entertainment industry to film in Kansas towns. Kansas communities have beautiful Main Streets and town squares and should be at the forefront of filming. Instead of heading to Canada, it would be great for Kansas City’s own Hallmark to be filming in places like Lindsborg, Cottonwood Falls and St. John.&nbsp;

We need a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy for our state that encompasses not just business recruitment but also tourism. Our rural communities are great places to stop and spend time, exploring the history, dining and shopping. We just need to tell the rest of the country, what we in Kansas already know, how great our rural communities are.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576860566850.jpeg" alt="Wink Hartman" />
 <figcaption>Wink Hartman</figcaption>
 </figure>By WINK HARTMANDriving around rural Kansas, one passes through small towns with classic Main Streets, goes past family farms and sees the lifeblood of our state, agriculture.&nbsp;Our rural communities are a huge part of Kansas. They not only feed our nation, but are places that people call home. Rural residents care deeply about their towns, their homes and their neighbors. Rural Kansans know how to work together to weather the good times and the bad times. When many people around the country think of the types of communities they want to create, they end up wanting to create the rural communities that we in Kansas take for granted.&nbsp;Rural Kansas faces many challenges right now. The population has decreased, businesses have decreased and many have thought to move to other parts of the state or to other states. There is much that we should be doing as a state to help our rural communities to keep them thriving for future generations.&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly has said that rural Kansas is a key part of her agenda and she created a new Office of Rural Prosperity headed by Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers. This office has issued a report that has many nice photos from the lieutenant governor’s listening tour and reiterates much of what we already know. But it lacks much of a forward-thinking agenda for rural Kansas. Seems like this listening tour was more to listen for ways to forward the governor’s predetermined ideas rather than seek out new ideas.&nbsp;Rural Kansas needs tax policies that are designed to help farmers, help business owners and help keep residents in their homes. This includes ending our record sales tax on food and reducing our state’s property tax burden, the 18th highest in the country.&nbsp;We need a comprehensive rural broadband strategy. This will increase connectivity for rural communities, make it easier for people to telecommute and allow small Main Street businesses seek out new customer bases worldwide.&nbsp;This will also help bring the innovation economy to rural Kansas. We are seeing the innovation sector grow in Johnson County and this success can be shared with our entire state, as long as we provide the infrastructure needed to succeed.&nbsp;Besides broadband, we need to make sure our state’s highways are well maintained and upgraded as needed across our state. This will allow goods to get to market faster and allow for travelers to get to rural communities. We also need to work hard to recruit doctors and teachers to rural Kansas.&nbsp;We need to revamp our state’s film and television program and reduce the barriers to entry for filmmakers in order to make it more attractive for the entertainment industry to film in Kansas towns. Kansas communities have beautiful Main Streets and town squares and should be at the forefront of filming. Instead of heading to Canada, it would be great for Kansas City’s own Hallmark to be filming in places like Lindsborg, Cottonwood Falls and St. John.&nbsp;We need a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy for our state that encompasses not just business recruitment but also tourism. Our rural communities are great places to stop and spend time, exploring the history, dining and shopping. We just need to tell the rest of the country, what we in Kansas already know, how great our rural communities are.&nbsp;Rural Kansas needs strong leadership and a strong vision for the future. Our rural communities need leadership that will work with local stakeholders and grow our communities and continue to make them great places to call home.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wink Hartman is the CEO of the Hartman Group of Companies in Wichita and the 2018 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor.&nbsp;

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