When it comes to free expression and the First Amendment, it’s 
important for us to know when it protects what we say and write — and 
when it doesn’t.

Case in point: Proposed Arizona House bill HB2124, “related to access to online content.” The sponsor, state Rep. Bob Thorpe,
 proposes to allow users or the state attorney general to sue an 
internet site that edits, deletes “or makes it difficult or impossible 
for online users to locate and access” content on the site “in an easy 
or timely manner for politically biased reasons.”

The bill is in line with complaints now fashionable among political 
conservatives nationwide that online platforms and social media sites 
from Google to Facebook to Twitter and others somehow exclude or 
downplay their views while emphasizing liberal viewpoints.

Nothing wrong with raising such concerns. The inner policies and 
algorithms of these web behemoths largely generally remain hidden — and 
the entire online world is simply too new and ever-changing to provide 
an accurate portrait from the outside.

So, in effect we don’t know what we’re not seeing when we search or 
use such sites, and those companies are free to set their own practices 
and rules on what we do see or post. Whether for altruistic or political
 motives, proposals such as the Arizona legislation would change that — 
except that the First Amendment rules out such government intervention 
in a private business.

The First Amendment guarantees against content or viewpoint 
discrimination — and by extension, access to information — apply to 
government, not private individuals or companies, which have their own 
First Amendment rights to decide what they will or won’t say and post. 
And even legislation cannot empower individuals (or attorneys general) 
to override that constitutional protection by using civil penalties 
rather than criminal law — see the old legal adage, “you cannot do by 
the back door what you cannot do by the front door.”

Moreover, do we really want to override the First Amendment with such
 “open access” laws? Turn to another adage — the “law of unintended 
consequences.” Requiring internet providers to permit unrestrained 
access and right to post material denies such companies the ability to 
respond to their consumers’ demands on materials that can range from 
offensive to repulsive. Thorpe’s bill excludes libelous or pornographic 
material, but what about currently banned content on most social media 
sites, such as videos that show public assaults or are intended to bully
 or harass? Would internet companies and social media sites be mandated 
to carry deliberate misinformation about health issues?

There is a small window in the wall of First Amendment protection 
that could possibly permit regulation of private online companies, 
called the “public function exception.” In effect, it turns a private 
concern into a government operation when performing an “essential 
government function.” The exception rests on a 1946 Supreme Court 
decision, in Marsh v. Alabama, involving a so-called “company town.” The
 court reasoned that since the town functioned as a government entity, 
not a private enterprise, it had become one.

But the court has refined its ruling through the years, and in 1974 
held that such a conversion takes place only when the private concern is
 providing services exclusively done by government. Clearly, providing 
an online platform or a social media site fails to meet that test.

Some critics of the current social media policies argue that those 
sites are effectively a “digital public square” by virtue of their 
ubiquitous presence in modern life. Some reports say that more than 
seven in every 10 Americans used social media sites in 2018 — and that 
the number increases each year. But the very nature of the web, in which
 start-ups and competing sites of all kinds arise constantly, would also
 seem to prevent isolating even dominant companies for such a 
quasi-government role with the required “exclusive provider” condition.

As shown in other examples where First Amendment protections come 
into conflict with practices or actions that offend, or seem to run 
counter to the “marketplace of ideas” concept of the widest exchange of 
ideals or viewpoints, the “court of public opinion” often functions more
 effectively — and more quickly — than legal action or legislation. 
Public discussions and resulting social pressures to combat online 
bullying or videos showing assault or even murders have demonstrably 
changed those private provider policies on what is posted and permitted,
 for example.

A shortcut through First Amendment protections may seem an expedient 
method at the time — but for very good reasons, free expression 
advocates should resist “quicker” solutions for some, in the name of 
protecting those long-term freedoms for us all.

Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573872297806.png" alt="Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. " />
 <figcaption>Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. </figcaption>
 </figure>When it comes to free expression and the First Amendment, it’s 
important for us to know when it protects what we say and write — and 
when it doesn’t.Case in point: Proposed Arizona House bill HB2124, “related to access to online content.” The sponsor, state Rep. Bob Thorpe,
 proposes to allow users or the state attorney general to sue an 
internet site that edits, deletes “or makes it difficult or impossible 
for online users to locate and access” content on the site “in an easy 
or timely manner for politically biased reasons.”The bill is in line with complaints now fashionable among political 
conservatives nationwide that online platforms and social media sites 
from Google to Facebook to Twitter and others somehow exclude or 
downplay their views while emphasizing liberal viewpoints.Nothing wrong with raising such concerns. The inner policies and 
algorithms of these web behemoths largely generally remain hidden — and 
the entire online world is simply too new and ever-changing to provide 
an accurate portrait from the outside.So, in effect we don’t know what we’re not seeing when we search or 
use such sites, and those companies are free to set their own practices 
and rules on what we do see or post. Whether for altruistic or political
 motives, proposals such as the Arizona legislation would change that — 
except that the First Amendment rules out such government intervention 
in a private business.The First Amendment guarantees against content or viewpoint 
discrimination — and by extension, access to information — apply to 
government, not private individuals or companies, which have their own 
First Amendment rights to decide what they will or won’t say and post. 
And even legislation cannot empower individuals (or attorneys general) 
to override that constitutional protection by using civil penalties 
rather than criminal law — see the old legal adage, “you cannot do by 
the back door what you cannot do by the front door.”Moreover, do we really want to override the First Amendment with such
 “open access” laws? Turn to another adage — the “law of unintended 
consequences.” Requiring internet providers to permit unrestrained 
access and right to post material denies such companies the ability to 
respond to their consumers’ demands on materials that can range from 
offensive to repulsive. Thorpe’s bill excludes libelous or pornographic 
material, but what about currently banned content on most social media 
sites, such as videos that show public assaults or are intended to bully
 or harass? Would internet companies and social media sites be mandated 
to carry deliberate misinformation about health issues?There is a small window in the wall of First Amendment protection 
that could possibly permit regulation of private online companies, 
called the “public function exception.” In effect, it turns a private 
concern into a government operation when performing an “essential 
government function.” The exception rests on a 1946 Supreme Court 
decision, in Marsh v. Alabama, involving a so-called “company town.” The
 court reasoned that since the town functioned as a government entity, 
not a private enterprise, it had become one.But the court has refined its ruling through the years, and in 1974 
held that such a conversion takes place only when the private concern is
 providing services exclusively done by government. Clearly, providing 
an online platform or a social media site fails to meet that test.Some critics of the current social media policies argue that those 
sites are effectively a “digital public square” by virtue of their 
ubiquitous presence in modern life. Some reports say that more than 
seven in every 10 Americans used social media sites in 2018 — and that 
the number increases each year. But the very nature of the web, in which
 start-ups and competing sites of all kinds arise constantly, would also
 seem to prevent isolating even dominant companies for such a 
quasi-government role with the required “exclusive provider” condition.As shown in other examples where First Amendment protections come 
into conflict with practices or actions that offend, or seem to run 
counter to the “marketplace of ideas” concept of the widest exchange of 
ideals or viewpoints, the “court of public opinion” often functions more
 effectively — and more quickly — than legal action or legislation. 
Public discussions and resulting social pressures to combat online 
bullying or videos showing assault or even murders have demonstrably 
changed those private provider policies on what is posted and permitted,
 for example.A shortcut through First Amendment protections may seem an expedient 
method at the time — but for very good reasons, free expression 
advocates should resist “quicker” solutions for some, in the name of 
protecting those long-term freedoms for us all.Gene Policinski is president and chief operating officer of the Freedom Forum Institute. He can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gpolicinski@freedomforum.org" target="_blank">gpolicinski@freedomforum.org</a>, or follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/@genefac" target="_blank">@genefac</a>.

FIRST FIVE: Focus on when the First Amendment protects – and doesn’t

LANE COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Lane County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by&nbsp; Richard A. Davis, 62, Memphis, TN., was southbound on Kansas 23 ten miles north of Dighton.

For an unknown medical reason, the vehicle left the roadway, entered the east ditch and continued southeast through a field and came to rest approximately 100 feet off the highway.

EMS transported Davis and a passenger&nbsp; Lisa M. Schneider, 64, Olive Branch, MS., to the Lane County Hospital.&nbsp; Schneider was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

LANE COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Lane County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by&nbsp; Richard A. Davis, 62, Memphis, TN., was southbound on Kansas 23 ten miles north of Dighton.For an unknown medical reason, the vehicle left the roadway, entered the east ditch and continued southeast through a field and came to rest approximately 100 feet off the highway.EMS transported Davis and a passenger&nbsp; Lisa M. Schneider, 64, Olive Branch, MS., to the Lane County Hospital.&nbsp; Schneider was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after car travels into Kansas field

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Ellis.

The
 advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the system following a water main break Wednesday afternoon. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces
 a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.


Laboratory testing samples collected from the
city of Ellis indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination
 are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, contact the water system or you call KDHE at 785-296-5514.
For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:
<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

KDHETOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Ellis.The
 advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure in the system following a water main break Wednesday afternoon. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces
 a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
Laboratory testing samples collected from the
city of Ellis indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination
 are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;
For consumer questions, contact the water system or you call KDHE at 785-296-5514.
For consumer information, visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:
<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Boil order rescinded in Ellis

<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.growhays.com/">To find out more about Grow Hays and their upcoming events visit growhays.com.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a><div><iframe title="Growing rural business program helping area entrepreneurs " height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/kn8fi-d3b01c?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://www.growhays.com/">To find out more about Grow Hays and their upcoming events visit growhays.com.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578091536010.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎤Post Podcast: Growing rural business program helping area entrepreneurs

In just its second year, the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program at Hays High School is making a big impression in the Hays community.

JAG-K specialist Johnny Matlock was recently recognized by the Hays Chamber of Commerce as the community’s citizen of the year, in large part for his work at HHS.

Receipt of the Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award at the Jan. 28 reception at the Memorial Union Ballroom at Ft. Hays State University took Matlock by surprise.

“It was pretty funny,” Matlock said. “I think everyone knew but me. They told me that I would be the guest speaker, to talk about JAG-K. So I was very surprised and humbled and honored when they announced the award.”

The award recipient is recognized for his or her “community involvement during the past year and giving of themselves for the betterment of our community and its people.”

It was a lot of fun to surprise him,” said Sarah Wasinger, President/CEO of the Hays Chamber of Commerce. “Johnny is a very well-respected person in our community. In the short time that he’s directed the program at Hays High, I’ve had the ability to see Johnny give students an avenue to shine. He is helping students get skills to thrive and be fully engaged as civic leaders when they graduate high school.”

Wasinger said that JAG-K is already playing a significant role in the Hays business community.

“Talent attraction is a big emphasis in our business community,” Wasinger said. “Hays will benefit from having a candidate pool of people who graduate high school with a lot of pride and a lot of confidence who might not have been there without JAG-K."

Matlock said that receiving the award at a gathering of Hays business leaders was significant for the program.

“I was very pleased, not just for myself, but that it spoke so highly of the JAG-K program,” Matlock said. “Being recognized there at the event, there were so many people there who now know something about the program. I could say that I don’t feel like I deserved the award, but I feel like my students do and I feel like the program does.

“The employers that we work with buy into that we’re making the community a better place. They can have a big impact on the students that we are training to be future employees, some of them working right here in our community.”

Matlock said the JAG-K program at HHS, launched a little more than a year ago, has received vital support from the administration and staff, as well as by the Hays community.

“From the counseling staff, to the administrators, to the teachers, I really feel like it’s a team effort,” Matlock said. “They believe in what we’re doing, and I think they see the results.”

Matlock is in his second school year as the Hays High School JAG-K specialist after serving as a music teacher for more than 20 years. Chuck Knapp, President/CEO of JAG-K, said that specialists like Matlock are the lifeblood of the program.

“Johnny Matlock epitomizes what we look for in a JAG-K Career Specialist,” said Knapp. “He has a passion for helping students succeed, regardless of how their particular life and career paths look.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades seven through 12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally accredited evidence-based model. In 2018, JAG-K students had a 98 percent graduation rate. &nbsp;

The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is one of 39&nbsp;state affiliate organizations of Jobs for America’s Graduates&nbsp;and&nbsp;is primarily funded through the  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant administered by the Department for Children and Families. Other JAG-K funding sources include AT&amp;T, John Deere and&nbsp;Taco Bell.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jagkansas.org/">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581706237869.png" alt="Johnny Matlock helps a student prepare for the Career Development Conference." />
 <figcaption>Johnny Matlock helps a student prepare for the Career Development Conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>JAG-KIn just its second year, the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) program at Hays High School is making a big impression in the Hays community.JAG-K specialist Johnny Matlock was recently recognized by the Hays Chamber of Commerce as the community’s citizen of the year, in large part for his work at HHS.Receipt of the Nex-Tech Citizen of the Year Award at the Jan. 28 reception at the Memorial Union Ballroom at Ft. Hays State University took Matlock by surprise.“It was pretty funny,” Matlock said. “I think everyone knew but me. They told me that I would be the guest speaker, to talk about JAG-K. So I was very surprised and humbled and honored when they announced the award.”The award recipient is recognized for his or her “community involvement during the past year and giving of themselves for the betterment of our community and its people.”It was a lot of fun to surprise him,” said Sarah Wasinger, President/CEO of the Hays Chamber of Commerce. “Johnny is a very well-respected person in our community. In the short time that he’s directed the program at Hays High, I’ve had the ability to see Johnny give students an avenue to shine. He is helping students get skills to thrive and be fully engaged as civic leaders when they graduate high school.”Wasinger said that JAG-K is already playing a significant role in the Hays business community.“Talent attraction is a big emphasis in our business community,” Wasinger said. “Hays will benefit from having a candidate pool of people who graduate high school with a lot of pride and a lot of confidence who might not have been there without JAG-K."Matlock said that receiving the award at a gathering of Hays business leaders was significant for the program.“I was very pleased, not just for myself, but that it spoke so highly of the JAG-K program,” Matlock said. “Being recognized there at the event, there were so many people there who now know something about the program. I could say that I don’t feel like I deserved the award, but I feel like my students do and I feel like the program does.“The employers that we work with buy into that we’re making the community a better place. They can have a big impact on the students that we are training to be future employees, some of them working right here in our community.”Matlock said the JAG-K program at HHS, launched a little more than a year ago, has received vital support from the administration and staff, as well as by the Hays community.“From the counseling staff, to the administrators, to the teachers, I really feel like it’s a team effort,” Matlock said. “They believe in what we’re doing, and I think they see the results.”Matlock is in his second school year as the Hays High School JAG-K specialist after serving as a music teacher for more than 20 years. Chuck Knapp, President/CEO of JAG-K, said that specialists like Matlock are the lifeblood of the program.“Johnny Matlock epitomizes what we look for in a JAG-K Career Specialist,” said Knapp. “He has a passion for helping students succeed, regardless of how their particular life and career paths look.”JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades seven through 12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally accredited evidence-based model. In 2018, JAG-K students had a 98 percent graduation rate. &nbsp;The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is one of 39&nbsp;state affiliate organizations of Jobs for America’s Graduates&nbsp;and&nbsp;is primarily funded through the  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant administered by the Department for Children and Families. Other JAG-K funding sources include AT&amp;T, John Deere and&nbsp;Taco Bell.To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jagkansas.org/">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.

Hays High's Matlock honored for service to JAG-K, community

Debate continues across the country on our nation’s energy future.&nbsp; What is our best energy policy going forward?

Few doubt that energy has improved lives and enabled human progress.&nbsp; Yet one of the biggest challenges facing the world is the polarized debate over the future of energy.&nbsp; Facts and economics are too often replaced with assertions and emotions.&nbsp; Discussion about fossil fuels and alternative energy sources often degenerate into a battle to delegitimize the other side.&nbsp; This is a recipe for inaction.&nbsp; And it keeps billions of people trapped in energy poverty.

Several factors contribute to a higher standard of living, but one of the most important is access to reliable and inexpensive energy.&nbsp; Affordable energy is essential for almost every aspect of our modern lives.&nbsp; Affordable energy is needed to run the hospitals and laboratories that improve our health.&nbsp; Affordable energy is required to deliver electricity to our homes and put fuel in our vehicles.&nbsp; And it supports the millions of jobs associated with all of these things.

Concerns About Carbon - In general, the most affordable forms of energy come from fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and coal.&nbsp; Compared to these energy sources, alternative fuels such as solar and wind power are considerably more expensive and less reliable.

	Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity or provide power necessarily releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.&nbsp; Carbon dioxide is a gas we exhale every time we breathe.&nbsp; Erupting volcanoes, decaying trees, wildfires, and the animals on which we rely for food all emit CO2.&nbsp; This by-product, which is essential for plant life and an unavoidable aspect of human life, is at the center of today’s climate change controversies.

	According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA, the U.S. emitted 23% fewer energy-related carbon emissions in 2015 than 2005.&nbsp; And the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) released by EIA in January 2020 showed energy-related carbon emissions decreased 2.1% in 2019 and are projected to decrease 2% in 2020 and 1.5% in 2021.&nbsp; The EIA projects energy-related carbon emissions in 2050 will be 4% below their 2018 value.&nbsp; This downward trend is occurring even as U.S. oil and natural gas production grows dramatically.&nbsp; The U.S. oil and gas industry has proven that over the long-term, we can lead the world in energy production and environmental stewardship.

	Those who believe that increased CO2 emissions inevitably lead to global warming believe this change is directly attributable to the widespread use of fossil fuels.&nbsp; Because they believe further warming will have catastrophic effects, they have waged a war on carbon for many years.&nbsp; They advocate restricting carbon-based fuels in favor of subsidized alternative energy and encourage policymakers to make fossil fuels more expensive in hopes of discouraging their use.&nbsp;

Beware of Crocodile Tears - All too often state and federal proposals to tax carbon directly or launch new carbon tax schemes have much more to do with raising revenue than helping our environment.&nbsp; Taxing carbon only takes more resources from the private sector to support swelling state and federal government.

	A recent study analyzed probable effects of a U.S. carbon tax that starts at $20 per ton and then rises 4% per year, which is in line with some recent proposals.&nbsp; The study suggested that such a tax would decrease household consumption, due to the increased cost of goods.&nbsp; The average household would have to pay 40% more for natural gas, 13% more for electricity, and more than 20 cents per gallon extra for gasoline.&nbsp; Costs would rise even more in subsequent years.

	Price hikes like these can only mean lower standards of living and less opportunity.&nbsp; Families that spend a bigger portion of their household income on transportation, utilities and household goods are hurt, not helped, by carbon tax schemes that make traditional forms of energy more expensive.&nbsp;

Fossil Fuels are needed throughout the world to lift people up, which is different than a philosophy of embracing a zero-emissions world.&nbsp; Over 80% of the energy that the peoples of the world use to survive come from fossil fuels, because that is the cheapest, most plentiful, most reliable source ever developed.&nbsp; More than a billion people around the world face challenges for adequate food, clean water and protection from heat and cold due to a lack of access to energy.&nbsp; Anyone who cares about our environment and climate recognize that cheap, plentiful, reliable energy is essential. &nbsp; &nbsp;

A Better Way - As the oil and gas industry has shown, there is a better way.&nbsp; Just a few years ago, no one would have imagined the U.S. could increase production of oil and natural gas while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, which are now near 25-year lows.&nbsp; By focusing on more efficient use of energy, it is possible to lower emissions without imposing even more environmental restrictions.&nbsp; An American energy policy that values innovation over regulation can turn energy policy challenges into great opportunities for economic growth and energy security.&nbsp; This approach is not just good business, it’s good stewardship and a much better strategy for improving the quality of life for all.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584027001010.png" alt="Edward Cross is presidentKansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association." />
 <figcaption>Edward Cross is presidentKansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association.</figcaption>
 </figure>Debate continues across the country on our nation’s energy future.&nbsp; What is our best energy policy going forward?Few doubt that energy has improved lives and enabled human progress.&nbsp; Yet one of the biggest challenges facing the world is the polarized debate over the future of energy.&nbsp; Facts and economics are too often replaced with assertions and emotions.&nbsp; Discussion about fossil fuels and alternative energy sources often degenerate into a battle to delegitimize the other side.&nbsp; This is a recipe for inaction.&nbsp; And it keeps billions of people trapped in energy poverty.Several factors contribute to a higher standard of living, but one of the most important is access to reliable and inexpensive energy.&nbsp; Affordable energy is essential for almost every aspect of our modern lives.&nbsp; Affordable energy is needed to run the hospitals and laboratories that improve our health.&nbsp; Affordable energy is required to deliver electricity to our homes and put fuel in our vehicles.&nbsp; And it supports the millions of jobs associated with all of these things.Concerns About Carbon - In general, the most affordable forms of energy come from fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and coal.&nbsp; Compared to these energy sources, alternative fuels such as solar and wind power are considerably more expensive and less reliable.	Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity or provide power necessarily releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.&nbsp; Carbon dioxide is a gas we exhale every time we breathe.&nbsp; Erupting volcanoes, decaying trees, wildfires, and the animals on which we rely for food all emit CO2.&nbsp; This by-product, which is essential for plant life and an unavoidable aspect of human life, is at the center of today’s climate change controversies.	According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA, the U.S. emitted 23% fewer energy-related carbon emissions in 2015 than 2005.&nbsp; And the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) released by EIA in January 2020 showed energy-related carbon emissions decreased 2.1% in 2019 and are projected to decrease 2% in 2020 and 1.5% in 2021.&nbsp; The EIA projects energy-related carbon emissions in 2050 will be 4% below their 2018 value.&nbsp; This downward trend is occurring even as U.S. oil and natural gas production grows dramatically.&nbsp; The U.S. oil and gas industry has proven that over the long-term, we can lead the world in energy production and environmental stewardship.	Those who believe that increased CO2 emissions inevitably lead to global warming believe this change is directly attributable to the widespread use of fossil fuels.&nbsp; Because they believe further warming will have catastrophic effects, they have waged a war on carbon for many years.&nbsp; They advocate restricting carbon-based fuels in favor of subsidized alternative energy and encourage policymakers to make fossil fuels more expensive in hopes of discouraging their use.&nbsp;Beware of Crocodile Tears - All too often state and federal proposals to tax carbon directly or launch new carbon tax schemes have much more to do with raising revenue than helping our environment.&nbsp; Taxing carbon only takes more resources from the private sector to support swelling state and federal government.	A recent study analyzed probable effects of a U.S. carbon tax that starts at $20 per ton and then rises 4% per year, which is in line with some recent proposals.&nbsp; The study suggested that such a tax would decrease household consumption, due to the increased cost of goods.&nbsp; The average household would have to pay 40% more for natural gas, 13% more for electricity, and more than 20 cents per gallon extra for gasoline.&nbsp; Costs would rise even more in subsequent years.	Price hikes like these can only mean lower standards of living and less opportunity.&nbsp; Families that spend a bigger portion of their household income on transportation, utilities and household goods are hurt, not helped, by carbon tax schemes that make traditional forms of energy more expensive.&nbsp;Fossil Fuels are needed throughout the world to lift people up, which is different than a philosophy of embracing a zero-emissions world.&nbsp; Over 80% of the energy that the peoples of the world use to survive come from fossil fuels, because that is the cheapest, most plentiful, most reliable source ever developed.&nbsp; More than a billion people around the world face challenges for adequate food, clean water and protection from heat and cold due to a lack of access to energy.&nbsp; Anyone who cares about our environment and climate recognize that cheap, plentiful, reliable energy is essential. &nbsp; &nbsp;A Better Way - As the oil and gas industry has shown, there is a better way.&nbsp; Just a few years ago, no one would have imagined the U.S. could increase production of oil and natural gas while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, which are now near 25-year lows.&nbsp; By focusing on more efficient use of energy, it is possible to lower emissions without imposing even more environmental restrictions.&nbsp; An American energy policy that values innovation over regulation can turn energy policy challenges into great opportunities for economic growth and energy security.&nbsp; This approach is not just good business, it’s good stewardship and a much better strategy for improving the quality of life for all.

CROSS: What is our energy future?

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

No child who goes through the lunch line at USD 489 Hays goes away hungry, thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors from the community.

Jessica Younker, nutrition director, told the school board Monday night the school district keeps funds in reserve to pay for children's meals if their lunch accounts go negative.

"We believe all kids should eat, and they can't perform at their best if they are not fed," she said. "They can't do what they need to if they are hungry."

Younker said this does not mean the school district will not contact parents and collect on lunch debt, but the district's policy is to not let any child go hungry.

Lunch debt has made the news in other school districts across the nation as some school districts have taken more drastic policies to get parents to pay for school lunches.

Kerri Lacy, principal at Lincoln Elementary School, said she occasionally has anonymous donors who come in to the school and write checks toward unpaid lunch bills.

Younker said the district also works with parents and guardians to get children who qualify signed up for free or reduced-price meals.

During the 2018-19 school year, USD 489 served 385,674 lunches and 70,779 breakfasts.&nbsp;

Of the district's 3,024 students, 39.1 percent receive assistance through the free and reduced-price lunch program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581609308587.jpeg" alt="USD 489's summer lunch program." />
 <figcaption>USD 489's summer lunch program.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostNo child who goes through the lunch line at USD 489 Hays goes away hungry, thanks to the generosity of anonymous donors from the community.Jessica Younker, nutrition director, told the school board Monday night the school district keeps funds in reserve to pay for children's meals if their lunch accounts go negative."We believe all kids should eat, and they can't perform at their best if they are not fed," she said. "They can't do what they need to if they are hungry."Younker said this does not mean the school district will not contact parents and collect on lunch debt, but the district's policy is to not let any child go hungry.Lunch debt has made the news in other school districts across the nation as some school districts have taken more drastic policies to get parents to pay for school lunches.Kerri Lacy, principal at Lincoln Elementary School, said she occasionally has anonymous donors who come in to the school and write checks toward unpaid lunch bills.Younker said the district also works with parents and guardians to get children who qualify signed up for free or reduced-price meals.During the 2018-19 school year, USD 489 served 385,674 lunches and 70,779 breakfasts.&nbsp;Of the district's 3,024 students, 39.1 percent receive assistance through the free and reduced-price lunch program.

Anonymous donors help feed Hays students in need

Hays Vice Mayor Sandy Jacobs applauded after city commissioners Thursday night unanimously approved agreements with the U.S. and Kansas Departments of Transportation, the next step in construction of the North Vine Street Corridor Project.

"I saw a group of high school kids that their bus was on the west side of Vine Street and they were trying to get over to the east side of Vine Street," Jacobs said after the vote.

"The traffic was so thick. Those kids were going in through there and I thought, oh my gosh, we're almost there. So this is a good night."

Project Manager John Braun first reviewed the project history, starting in December 2015 with the closing of the Ambassador Hotel.

A design agreement with WSP engineers was finalized in May 2018 and in December 2018, the city received a $6 million federal BUILD grant for the reconstruction of&nbsp;Vine Street between 32nd and 41st Streets including four traffic roundabouts.

A bid letting by KDOT for the $9.3 million project is scheduled for March 25. Construction will begin by July 31 and must be completed by May 15, 2022.&nbsp;

Thursday's action gave authorization to City Manager Toby Dougherty to&nbsp;enter the three-party agreement setting forth terms and provisions of the project.&nbsp; The city's cost share is $3.3 million.

Vine Street is also a federal highway, U.S. 183. KDOT will act as the pass-through agency,&nbsp; meaning the project will be let and managed by KDOT. 

The commission also unanimously approved an ordinance to create a&nbsp; TIF district request by developers D &amp; J Land for a full-service travel plaza at Interstate 70 Exit 157.&nbsp;

There was no comment during the public hearing for the Tax Increment District.&nbsp;

The $41 million project will sit at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and the planned Northwest Business Corridor, a traffic bypass around west Hays to be used by semi-trucks and superloads.

Improvements are also planned for a portion of South Vine Street.

The engineering design firm was approved for a smaller reconstruction project on South Vine where work will begin in the 2022 construction season after the larger North Vine project is done.&nbsp;

The city has received a $1 million KDOT City Connecting Link Improvement Program Grant for reconstruction of Vine from the south city limit to the McDonald's restaurant.&nbsp;

Kaw Valley Engineers, Junction City, was awarded the low design bid of $86,745. Final plans are due May 21, 2021.&nbsp;

The $4 million dollar project includes replacement of the concrete pavement, select areas of curb and gutter, sidewalk ramps, pedestrian signals at 8th Street, storm sewer inlet tops, and pavement markings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581051170662.jpeg" alt="Agreements with USDOT and KDOT were approved Thursday to proceed with a March 25 bid letting for the North Vine Street Corridor Project. Construction will begin by July 31." />
 <figcaption>Agreements with USDOT and KDOT were approved Thursday to proceed with a March 25 bid letting for the North Vine Street Corridor Project. Construction will begin by July 31.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Becky KiserHays PostHays Vice Mayor Sandy Jacobs applauded after city commissioners Thursday night unanimously approved agreements with the U.S. and Kansas Departments of Transportation, the next step in construction of the North Vine Street Corridor Project."I saw a group of high school kids that their bus was on the west side of Vine Street and they were trying to get over to the east side of Vine Street," Jacobs said after the vote."The traffic was so thick. Those kids were going in through there and I thought, oh my gosh, we're almost there. So this is a good night."Project Manager John Braun first reviewed the project history, starting in December 2015 with the closing of the Ambassador Hotel.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yaPY-6NbYKk"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A design agreement with WSP engineers was finalized in May 2018 and in December 2018, the city received a $6 million federal BUILD grant for the reconstruction of&nbsp;Vine Street between 32nd and 41st Streets including four traffic roundabouts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581046206515.jpeg" alt="Criteria Hays must meet for the $6 million federal grant for the North Vine Street Corridor Project." />
 <figcaption>Criteria Hays must meet for the $6 million federal grant for the North Vine Street Corridor Project.</figcaption>
 </figure>A bid letting by KDOT for the $9.3 million project is scheduled for March 25. Construction will begin by July 31 and must be completed by May 15, 2022.&nbsp;Thursday's action gave authorization to City Manager Toby Dougherty to&nbsp;enter the three-party agreement setting forth terms and provisions of the project.&nbsp; The city's cost share is $3.3 million.Vine Street is also a federal highway, U.S. 183. KDOT will act as the pass-through agency,&nbsp; meaning the project will be let and managed by KDOT. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578438715834.jpeg" alt="The TIF district for the travel plaza to be built at I-70 Exit 157." />
 <figcaption>The TIF district for the travel plaza to be built at I-70 Exit 157.</figcaption>
 </figure>The commission also unanimously approved an ordinance to create a&nbsp; TIF district request by developers D &amp; J Land for a full-service travel plaza at Interstate 70 Exit 157.&nbsp;There was no comment during the public hearing for the Tax Increment District.&nbsp;The $41 million project will sit at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and the planned Northwest Business Corridor, a traffic bypass around west Hays to be used by semi-trucks and superloads.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578420208267.jpeg" alt="Ellis County's Northwest Business Corridor will keep most large truck traffic out of Hays." />
 <figcaption>Ellis County's Northwest Business Corridor will keep most large truck traffic out of Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>Improvements are also planned for a portion of South Vine Street.The engineering design firm was approved for a smaller reconstruction project on South Vine where work will begin in the 2022 construction season after the larger North Vine project is done.&nbsp;The city has received a $1 million KDOT City Connecting Link Improvement Program Grant for reconstruction of Vine from the south city limit to the McDonald's restaurant.&nbsp;Kaw Valley Engineers, Junction City, was awarded the low design bid of $86,745. Final plans are due May 21, 2021.&nbsp;The $4 million dollar project includes replacement of the concrete pavement, select areas of curb and gutter, sidewalk ramps, pedestrian signals at 8th Street, storm sewer inlet tops, and pavement markings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580936464013.jpeg" alt="The work on South Vine will start in 2022 after the North Vine Street project is completed." />
 <figcaption>The work on South Vine will start in 2022 after the North Vine Street project is completed.</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥 N. Vine improvements, planned travel plaza move forward

Emilio Nunez-Torres is being held in Ford County

JETMORE – A Colorado man has pleaded guilty to second degree intentional murder and aggravated robbery, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Emilio Nunez-Torres, 46, of Fort Collins, Colorado, yesterday pleaded guilty to one count of second degree intentional murder and one count of aggravated robbery in Hodgeman County District Court. Chief Judge Bruce Gatterman accepted the pleas and scheduled sentencing for April 1 at 10 a.m.

Nunez-Torres was charged with the crimes in connection with the September 2018 death of Bayron Diaz Bautista in rural Hodgeman County.

Charges remain pending against two additional defendants in connection with the crimes. Criminal charges are merely accusations; individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581632099772.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Emilio Nunez-Torres is being held in Ford CountyJETMORE – A Colorado man has pleaded guilty to second degree intentional murder and aggravated robbery, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Emilio Nunez-Torres, 46, of Fort Collins, Colorado, yesterday pleaded guilty to one count of second degree intentional murder and one count of aggravated robbery in Hodgeman County District Court. Chief Judge Bruce Gatterman accepted the pleas and scheduled sentencing for April 1 at 10 a.m.Nunez-Torres was charged with the crimes in connection with the September 2018 death of Bayron Diaz Bautista in rural Hodgeman County.Charges remain pending against two additional defendants in connection with the crimes. Criminal charges are merely accusations; individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Colorado man pleads guilty to rural Hodgeman Co. murder

By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN, FHSU University Relations and Marketing&nbsp;

Colleagues usually can speak to the qualities of their peers’ work as well an anyone. Those who work with Fort Hays State University’s Dr. David Fitzhugh say there is none better.&nbsp;

Fitzhugh, associate professor of health and human performance and director of the athletic training program at FHSU, was awarded the Dr. Denis “Izzy” Isrow Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award by the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA).&nbsp;

This award recognizes an athletic trainer in the seven-state district of MAATA whose actions and activities go well beyond what is expected or required within the routine call of duty.&nbsp;

The list of compliments by those who nominated Fitzhugh is as long as the name of the award.&nbsp;

“When I read the description of the award, I think of David,” Karen Garrison said.&nbsp;

Garrison, clinical education coordinator for the Department of Kinesiology at Washburn University in Topeka, is the president and symposium director of the Kansas Athletic Trainers’ Society (KATS). She has worked with Fitzhugh at the state and district levels of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association for about 10 years, and she and two others nominated him for the award.&nbsp;

“He has a lot going on, but any time I’ve ever reached out to him for input on something, he’s always more than willing to help out,” Garrison said. “He’s extremely knowledgeable, so getting his opinion on something is really helpful.”&nbsp;

Every year, Fitzhugh – a licensed athletic trainer and certified paramedic – conducts workshops at the Kansas EMS Association conference on managing football injuries.&nbsp;

Garrison said the workshops give KATS a platform on which to build relations with paramedics, EMTs and other emergency management personnel from all over the state.&nbsp;

Another nomination letter cited how Fitzhugh gives back to his community by providing medical coverage as an athletic trainer or paramedic at area high school football games when needed. Additionally, he teaches CPR classes for various campus and community organizations and has been a volunteer with the Wild West Festival Committee.&nbsp;

Fitzhugh got his start in emergency response work as a teenage volunteer firefighter while growing up on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. After receiving his bachelor’s from New Mexico State, where he took his first EMT course, he chose FHSU to pursue a master’s in the late 1990s. After graduating from Fort Hays State, he worked on the clinical side of athletic training and earned his Ph.D. before returning to Hays 13 years ago to teach at his alma mater.&nbsp;

As the director of the athletic training program, Fitzhugh teaches future athletic trainers, and he completed his paramedic training in 2013. He still works some 12- and 24-hour shifts for Ellis County EMS when his schedule allows, and he covers Tiger home football games as a paramedic.&nbsp;

Working as an athletic trainer and a paramedic, Fitzhugh can attest to the overlap of the professions and welcomes the chance to help interdisciplinary healthcare teams learn how to work together.&nbsp;

“What’s most important with the philosophies of both those professions is the patient,” he said. “I’m fortunate that I’m able to combine my love for both professions.”&nbsp;

Fitzhugh will be recognized at the MAATA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet March 20 in LaVista, Neb. Other individual awards will be given in the categories of educator, young professional, service, most distinguished athletic trainer, and Hall of Fame.&nbsp;

First, though, his mind was on Athletic Training Day at the State Capitol in Topeka on Feb. 11. Fitzhugh and other KATS members advocated for athletic training as part of the organization’s Hit the Hill legislative advocacy campaign focused on improving the health and safety of all Kansans.&nbsp;

Fitzhugh naturally was honored when Garrison asked him for information for the nomination for the service award, but he didn’t expect to win.&nbsp;

“I feel we have a lot of individuals, a lot of very active people in our district, who would be worthy of recognition,” Fitzhugh said. “I was surprised when I got the email that they had chosen me.”&nbsp;

Garrison wasn’t surprised at this year’s recipient of the service award or Fitzhugh’s reaction to winning it.&nbsp;

“He’s very selfless,” she said. “He just really believes in giving back. He has the knowledge and skills and wants to give back, help other people.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581543742706.jpeg" alt="Dr. David Fitzhugh" />
 <figcaption>Dr. David Fitzhugh</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN, FHSU University Relations and Marketing&nbsp;Colleagues usually can speak to the qualities of their peers’ work as well an anyone. Those who work with Fort Hays State University’s Dr. David Fitzhugh say there is none better.&nbsp;Fitzhugh, associate professor of health and human performance and director of the athletic training program at FHSU, was awarded the Dr. Denis “Izzy” Isrow Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award by the Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA).&nbsp;This award recognizes an athletic trainer in the seven-state district of MAATA whose actions and activities go well beyond what is expected or required within the routine call of duty.&nbsp;The list of compliments by those who nominated Fitzhugh is as long as the name of the award.&nbsp;“When I read the description of the award, I think of David,” Karen Garrison said.&nbsp;Garrison, clinical education coordinator for the Department of Kinesiology at Washburn University in Topeka, is the president and symposium director of the Kansas Athletic Trainers’ Society (KATS). She has worked with Fitzhugh at the state and district levels of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association for about 10 years, and she and two others nominated him for the award.&nbsp;“He has a lot going on, but any time I’ve ever reached out to him for input on something, he’s always more than willing to help out,” Garrison said. “He’s extremely knowledgeable, so getting his opinion on something is really helpful.”&nbsp;Every year, Fitzhugh – a licensed athletic trainer and certified paramedic – conducts workshops at the Kansas EMS Association conference on managing football injuries.&nbsp;Garrison said the workshops give KATS a platform on which to build relations with paramedics, EMTs and other emergency management personnel from all over the state.&nbsp;Another nomination letter cited how Fitzhugh gives back to his community by providing medical coverage as an athletic trainer or paramedic at area high school football games when needed. Additionally, he teaches CPR classes for various campus and community organizations and has been a volunteer with the Wild West Festival Committee.&nbsp;Fitzhugh got his start in emergency response work as a teenage volunteer firefighter while growing up on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. After receiving his bachelor’s from New Mexico State, where he took his first EMT course, he chose FHSU to pursue a master’s in the late 1990s. After graduating from Fort Hays State, he worked on the clinical side of athletic training and earned his Ph.D. before returning to Hays 13 years ago to teach at his alma mater.&nbsp;As the director of the athletic training program, Fitzhugh teaches future athletic trainers, and he completed his paramedic training in 2013. He still works some 12- and 24-hour shifts for Ellis County EMS when his schedule allows, and he covers Tiger home football games as a paramedic.&nbsp;Working as an athletic trainer and a paramedic, Fitzhugh can attest to the overlap of the professions and welcomes the chance to help interdisciplinary healthcare teams learn how to work together.&nbsp;“What’s most important with the philosophies of both those professions is the patient,” he said. “I’m fortunate that I’m able to combine my love for both professions.”&nbsp;Fitzhugh will be recognized at the MAATA Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet March 20 in LaVista, Neb. Other individual awards will be given in the categories of educator, young professional, service, most distinguished athletic trainer, and Hall of Fame.&nbsp;First, though, his mind was on Athletic Training Day at the State Capitol in Topeka on Feb. 11. Fitzhugh and other KATS members advocated for athletic training as part of the organization’s Hit the Hill legislative advocacy campaign focused on improving the health and safety of all Kansans.&nbsp;Fitzhugh naturally was honored when Garrison asked him for information for the nomination for the service award, but he didn’t expect to win.&nbsp;“I feel we have a lot of individuals, a lot of very active people in our district, who would be worthy of recognition,” Fitzhugh said. “I was surprised when I got the email that they had chosen me.”&nbsp;Garrison wasn’t surprised at this year’s recipient of the service award or Fitzhugh’s reaction to winning it.&nbsp;“He’s very selfless,” she said. “He just really believes in giving back. He has the knowledge and skills and wants to give back, help other people.”&nbsp;

‘Above and beyond’ is routine for Fort Hays State’s Fitzhugh

MANHATTAN —More than 1,430 students completed degree requirements from Kansas State University in fall 2019. The graduates are from 89 Kansas counties, 42 states and 30 countries.

The university awarded 1,213 bachelor's degrees, 244 master's degrees, 54 doctorates and four associate degrees. Several students earned multiple degrees.&nbsp;

More than 200 students earned graduation honors for outstanding academic performance. Of those, 55 students graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or above, 74 students graduated magna cum laude with a grade point average of 3.85 to 3.949, and 76 students graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.75 to 3.849.

Northwest Kansas graduates are listed by county below:

Hays: Joseph Heimann, Bachelor of Science in Feed Science and Management; Kurtis Hill, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture; Matthew Mindrup, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude; Ryan Schippers, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Cum Laude; Kaileigh Ummel, Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Services, Secondary Major

Morland: Deric McKeever, Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management; Kylie Simon, Bachelor of Science in Education

Dighton: Katie Lingg, Bachelor of Science in Education

Oakley: Braydon Hubert, Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Services; Mason Scheetz, Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management

Ness City: Addison Beutler, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture; Joshua Snodgrass, Master of Science

Norton: Kaitlyn Bohl, Bachelor of Science

Alton: Seth Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Cum Laude

Kirwin: Emily Lowe, Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Services, Magna Cum Laude

Phillipsburg: Samuel Sage, Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management

Gorham: Joseph Dortland, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude

Russell: Wyatt Boomhower, Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management

Smith Center: Tara Ranstead, Bachelor of Arts

Colby: Jenna Bowman, Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness; David Browne, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Cum Laude; Shelby Crampton, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture; Desiree Schippers, Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Major, Cum Laude; Kelly Sloan, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brennan Ziegelmeier, Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering

Wakeeney: Audra Bergquist, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude; Caden Kemp, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology

Weskan: Emma Purvis, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581538316917.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —More than 1,430 students completed degree requirements from Kansas State University in fall 2019. The graduates are from 89 Kansas counties, 42 states and 30 countries.The university awarded 1,213 bachelor's degrees, 244 master's degrees, 54 doctorates and four associate degrees. Several students earned multiple degrees.&nbsp;More than 200 students earned graduation honors for outstanding academic performance. Of those, 55 students graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or above, 74 students graduated magna cum laude with a grade point average of 3.85 to 3.949, and 76 students graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.75 to 3.849.Northwest Kansas graduates are listed by county below:<h2>Ellis </h2>Hays: Joseph Heimann, Bachelor of Science in Feed Science and Management; Kurtis Hill, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture; Matthew Mindrup, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude; Ryan Schippers, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Cum Laude; Kaileigh Ummel, Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Services, Secondary Major<h2>Graham </h2>Morland: Deric McKeever, Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management; Kylie Simon, Bachelor of Science in Education<h2>Lane </h2>Dighton: Katie Lingg, Bachelor of Science in Education<h2>Logan </h2>Oakley: Braydon Hubert, Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Services; Mason Scheetz, Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management<h2>Ness </h2>Ness City: Addison Beutler, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture; Joshua Snodgrass, Master of Science<h2>Norton </h2>Norton: Kaitlyn Bohl, Bachelor of Science<h2>Osborne </h2>Alton: Seth Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Cum Laude<h2>Phillips </h2>Kirwin: Emily Lowe, Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Human Services, Magna Cum Laude Phillipsburg: Samuel Sage, Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management<h2>Russell </h2>Gorham: Joseph Dortland, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Summa Cum LaudeRussell: Wyatt Boomhower, Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management<h2>Smith </h2>Smith Center: Tara Ranstead, Bachelor of Arts<h2>Thomas </h2>Colby: Jenna Bowman, Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness; David Browne, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Cum Laude; Shelby Crampton, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture; Desiree Schippers, Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Major, Cum Laude; Kelly Sloan, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brennan Ziegelmeier, Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering<h2>Trego </h2>Wakeeney: Audra Bergquist, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude; Caden Kemp, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology<h2>Wallace </h2>Weskan: Emma Purvis, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

NW Kansas students earn degrees from K-State

<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/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/2020/2/1581629206385.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Three-day weather outlook

WICHITA&nbsp;– A registered sex offender living in western Kansas was sentenced Thursday to 292 months in federal prison on child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said in a news release Friday.

A federal jury convicted&nbsp;Wayne Benjamin Wasson, 60, Great Bend, on four counts of uploading child pornography to the internet and one count of possessing child pornography.

During trial, a prosecutor presented evidence that Yahoo and Google detected child pornography originating from Wasson's residence. The digital trail led investigators to Wasson, who admitted he had received child pornography via Skype and had operated a number of other accounts. Investigators found child pornography within the accounts and on Wasson's devices.

Wasson registered as a sex offender in 2007 following a conviction for possession of child pornography.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581687689480.png" alt="Wayne Wasson /&nbsp;Wayne Wasson -photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Wayne Wasson /&nbsp;Wayne Wasson -photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA&nbsp;– A registered sex offender living in western Kansas was sentenced Thursday to 292 months in federal prison on child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said in a news release Friday.A federal jury convicted&nbsp;Wayne Benjamin Wasson, 60, Great Bend, on four counts of uploading child pornography to the internet and one count of possessing child pornography.During trial, a prosecutor presented evidence that Yahoo and Google detected child pornography originating from Wasson's residence. The digital trail led investigators to Wasson, who admitted he had received child pornography via Skype and had operated a number of other accounts. Investigators found child pornography within the accounts and on Wasson's devices.Wasson registered as a sex offender in 2007 following a conviction for possession of child pornography.

Sex offender living in Great Bend sentenced for receiving child porn

ATCHISON — Benedictine College has recognized those students who have distinguished themselves academically during the last semester, which ended May 7, 2019. 

Any full-time student carrying a minimum of 12 hours and a perfect 4.0 grade point average through the spring term is named to the President's list. Full time students with 12 hours and a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.95 are named to the Dean's List. Of the 1,935 full-time undergraduate students on campus for 2019-2020 academic year, 125 made the President's List and 730 made the Dean's List.

Those area residents who have earned these honors are:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581450252228.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON — Benedictine College has recognized those students who have distinguished themselves academically during the last semester, which ended May 7, 2019. Any full-time student carrying a minimum of 12 hours and a perfect 4.0 grade point average through the spring term is named to the President's list. Full time students with 12 hours and a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.95 are named to the Dean's List. Of the 1,935 full-time undergraduate students on campus for 2019-2020 academic year, 125 made the President's List and 730 made the Dean's List.Those area residents who have earned these honors are:Hays Bethany Kuhn, Dean's ListHoxie Thaddeus Friess, Dean's ListNorton Allison Engelbert, President's ListQuinter Joshua Caasi, Dean's ListRussell Maria Hilger, Dean's List

NW Kan. students earn honors at Benedictine College

	February is the month we celebrate Presidents Day, so let’s quiz.&nbsp; Is it:

You’re right if you chose all the above.&nbsp; The official federal holiday is for the nation’s first president and has been celebrated since the 1800s.&nbsp; Later, several states, but not the federal government, added a holiday for Lincoln’s birthday. &nbsp;

In 1974, almost all national holidays were moved to Monday to create three-day weekends for workers, and the holiday for Washington’s birthday was assigned to the third Monday of February.&nbsp; In the years since, Washington’s birthday continues as the official federal holiday, but the celebration gradually evolved to honor the birthdays of all U.S. presidents.

If all this is new to you, you’re not alone.&nbsp; Civic knowledge and participation rank low on surveys that measure citizenship.&nbsp; In Kansas about 40 to 45% of eligible voters failed to show up to the polls for general elections over the past decade.&nbsp; In the presidential election of 2016, only 61.4% of Americans cast their votes.&nbsp;

In 2019, The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation surveyed 41,000 Americans in all 50 states and Washington, DC.&nbsp; While 92% recognized that George Washington was the first president of the United States, 25% of survey-takers were unaware that freedom of speech was guaranteed under the First Amendment.&nbsp; We simply don’t use the knowledge of history, government and civics needed to be active and engaged citizens. &nbsp;

Education reformers recently have encouraged states to require students, to prior to graduation, to pass an examination based on the U. S. test given to immigrants applying for citizenship.&nbsp; The test is based on factual knowledge of history and government. &nbsp;

Concurrently, a national campaign by the American Federation of Teachers focuses, not on testing for facts, but on courses that increase civic skills like how to register to vote.&nbsp; At the time of this writing, neither the Kansas State Board of Education nor the Kansas Association of School Boards has made an official public statement on a statewide, pre-graduation civics test.

Currently 17 states require students to complete a civics test and nine states require passing a civics test for high school graduation.&nbsp; A bill introduced in Topeka this session, if passed, will mandate that Kansas students pass the U. S. citizenship test before graduation.&nbsp;

For the 2019-20 year, Kansas teachers are required to teach civics embedded in the curriculum of students in grades K-four.&nbsp; Civics classes or embedded instruction in the intermediate grades is determined by individual school districts. For high school students, study of world history, American history and government, including concepts of Kansas history and government, and the U.S. constitution, are required for graduation. &nbsp;

There are some facts that students just need to memorize, like our First Amendment rights and who was our first president.&nbsp; Students also need to learn skills for engaging civic life, like how to join a political campaign.&nbsp; Can the proposed test help? &nbsp; It’s something to think about while we’ll catch a few Presidents’ Day sales. &nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita of Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576185211786.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is&nbsp;Dean Emerita of Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is&nbsp;Dean Emerita of Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>	February is the month we celebrate Presidents Day, so let’s quiz.&nbsp; Is it:<ol>
 <li>The day we celebrate Washington’s birthday</li><li>The day we celebrate Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays</li><li>The day we celebrate all U.S. Presidents birthdays</li><li>All the above</li>
 </ol>You’re right if you chose all the above.&nbsp; The official federal holiday is for the nation’s first president and has been celebrated since the 1800s.&nbsp; Later, several states, but not the federal government, added a holiday for Lincoln’s birthday. &nbsp;In 1974, almost all national holidays were moved to Monday to create three-day weekends for workers, and the holiday for Washington’s birthday was assigned to the third Monday of February.&nbsp; In the years since, Washington’s birthday continues as the official federal holiday, but the celebration gradually evolved to honor the birthdays of all U.S. presidents.If all this is new to you, you’re not alone.&nbsp; Civic knowledge and participation rank low on surveys that measure citizenship.&nbsp; In Kansas about 40 to 45% of eligible voters failed to show up to the polls for general elections over the past decade.&nbsp; In the presidential election of 2016, only 61.4% of Americans cast their votes.&nbsp;In 2019, The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation surveyed 41,000 Americans in all 50 states and Washington, DC.&nbsp; While 92% recognized that George Washington was the first president of the United States, 25% of survey-takers were unaware that freedom of speech was guaranteed under the First Amendment.&nbsp; We simply don’t use the knowledge of history, government and civics needed to be active and engaged citizens. &nbsp;Education reformers recently have encouraged states to require students, to prior to graduation, to pass an examination based on the U. S. test given to immigrants applying for citizenship.&nbsp; The test is based on factual knowledge of history and government. &nbsp;Concurrently, a national campaign by the American Federation of Teachers focuses, not on testing for facts, but on courses that increase civic skills like how to register to vote.&nbsp; At the time of this writing, neither the Kansas State Board of Education nor the Kansas Association of School Boards has made an official public statement on a statewide, pre-graduation civics test.Currently 17 states require students to complete a civics test and nine states require passing a civics test for high school graduation.&nbsp; A bill introduced in Topeka this session, if passed, will mandate that Kansas students pass the U. S. citizenship test before graduation.&nbsp;For the 2019-20 year, Kansas teachers are required to teach civics embedded in the curriculum of students in grades K-four.&nbsp; Civics classes or embedded instruction in the intermediate grades is determined by individual school districts. For high school students, study of world history, American history and government, including concepts of Kansas history and government, and the U.S. constitution, are required for graduation. &nbsp;There are some facts that students just need to memorize, like our First Amendment rights and who was our first president.&nbsp; Students also need to learn skills for engaging civic life, like how to join a political campaign.&nbsp; Can the proposed test help? &nbsp; It’s something to think about while we’ll catch a few Presidents’ Day sales. &nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita of Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Civic education begins at home 

Hays USD 489 may shift its focus away from replacement of the HVAC system at Hays High School to a replacement of the HVAC system at Roosevelt Elementary School.

After a water line break on Feb. 4 left the school without heat and required classes to be canceled for a day, the district's Building and Grounds Department began further evaluating the building's HVAC system.

The district was nearing a decision to hire an engineering firm to develop plans for replacement of the HVAC system at the high school.

However, Rusty Lindsay, buildings and grounds director, told the school board Monday night Roosevelt is more likely to have a "catastrophic failure."

Lindsay noted a HVAC failure would not be a danger to students or staff.

However, an HVAC failure at Roosevelt could shut down systems in the school for days or significantly longer and make the school unable to be used for its intended purpose — educating students, Lindsay said.

The high school's HVAC system is divided into sections. He said although there are more possibilities of HVAC failures at the high school, they are independent failures. The whole high school's HVAC system is unlikely to go down at once.

"There is about 40 to 60 feet of pipe at Roosevelt that needs to be replaced to patch the area that we are in right now, but there is hundreds of feet of pipe underneath there that is in the same condition," Lindsay said. "The likelihood of something happening in another area is fairly high."

Board member Craig Pallister noted the system at Roosevelt was also a chiller system and will affect the cooling during the warm months as well.

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, Lindsay said.

In the meantime, Lindsay said he hoped the district could do some 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.

Integrated Consulting Engineers of Wichita has already submitted a fee proposal for the engineering work with a cost of $98,500 for the engineering work on the HVAC system at HHS.

Board members asked several questions about the necessity to interview or request bids for the engineering work that would be shifted to Roosevelt.

The cost of replacing the system at Roosevelt is not yet known. However, Lindsay said the district does not have the funds to pay for either the Roosevelt or HHS HVAC replacements out of the current capital improvement budget.

Eventually, the board turned to a discussion of the necessity of bringing forward another bond attempt, although the consensus was the district needed to address the HVAC system at least one of the schools regardless of another bond attempt.

"What happens is that we get caught in the bond mode and trying to catch stuff in the bond and that piece of it and then we let stuff set," Lindsay said, "and then all of the sudden we do have a failure and then its back in the forefront and it seems like a lot more."

Board President Mike Walker said he appreciated the work Lindsay has done thus far on the HVAC issue.

"I agree that we can't stall out," he said. ... "I think if we need to change course because that is the best course to take, then I think we should do it. I think the course that you have laid out for us is a good path."

All the board members in attendance — Lance Bickel was absent — said they would be interested in serving on a bond committee.

Bickle was on the board during the last bond attempt and Walker was on the bond Vision Committee, but was elected after the last bond vote. The other five board members are all new since the the last bond election in 2017, which failed by a wide margin.

Board member Sophia Rose Young said, "I would like to get on the same page as everyone else and at least have everyone's thought on a bond because I do have a little anxiousness around having other people come in and not knowing what my fellow board members thoughts are with the bond.

"Right now, I don't know what they are thinking, but I have to work on a team with them and be in agreement."

The board will take a tour of Roosevelt during its next work session on March 9. The members will be able to get a better look at the infrastructure issues at the school at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581544199832.jpeg" alt="The Hays school board discussed replacing the HVAC system at Roosevelt Elementary School at its meeting Monday." />
 <figcaption>The Hays school board discussed replacing the HVAC system at Roosevelt Elementary School at its meeting Monday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays USD 489 may shift its focus away from replacement of the HVAC system at Hays High School to a replacement of the HVAC system at Roosevelt Elementary School.After a water line break on Feb. 4 left the school without heat and required classes to be canceled for a day, the district's Building and Grounds Department began further evaluating the building's HVAC system.The district was nearing a decision to hire an engineering firm to develop plans for replacement of the HVAC system at the high school.However, Rusty Lindsay, buildings and grounds director, told the school board Monday night Roosevelt is more likely to have a "catastrophic failure."Lindsay noted a HVAC failure would not be a danger to students or staff.However, an HVAC failure at Roosevelt could shut down systems in the school for days or significantly longer and make the school unable to be used for its intended purpose — educating students, Lindsay said.The high school's HVAC system is divided into sections. He said although there are more possibilities of HVAC failures at the high school, they are independent failures. The whole high school's HVAC system is unlikely to go down at once."There is about 40 to 60 feet of pipe at Roosevelt that needs to be replaced to patch the area that we are in right now, but there is hundreds of feet of pipe underneath there that is in the same condition," Lindsay said. "The likelihood of something happening in another area is fairly high."Board member Craig Pallister noted the system at Roosevelt was also a chiller system and will affect the cooling during the warm months as well.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, Lindsay said.In the meantime, Lindsay said he hoped the district could do some 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.Integrated Consulting Engineers of Wichita has already submitted a fee proposal for the engineering work with a cost of $98,500 for the engineering work on the HVAC system at HHS.Board members asked several questions about the necessity to interview or request bids for the engineering work that would be shifted to Roosevelt.The cost of replacing the system at Roosevelt is not yet known. However, Lindsay said the district does not have the funds to pay for either the Roosevelt or HHS HVAC replacements out of the current capital improvement budget.Eventually, the board turned to a discussion of the necessity of bringing forward another bond attempt, although the consensus was the district needed to address the HVAC system at least one of the schools regardless of another bond attempt."What happens is that we get caught in the bond mode and trying to catch stuff in the bond and that piece of it and then we let stuff set," Lindsay said, "and then all of the sudden we do have a failure and then its back in the forefront and it seems like a lot more."Board President Mike Walker said he appreciated the work Lindsay has done thus far on the HVAC issue."I agree that we can't stall out," he said. ... "I think if we need to change course because that is the best course to take, then I think we should do it. I think the course that you have laid out for us is a good path."All the board members in attendance — Lance Bickel was absent — said they would be interested in serving on a bond committee.Bickle was on the board during the last bond attempt and Walker was on the bond Vision Committee, but was elected after the last bond vote. The other five board members are all new since the the last bond election in 2017, which failed by a wide margin.Board member Sophia Rose Young said, "I would like to get on the same page as everyone else and at least have everyone's thought on a bond because I do have a little anxiousness around having other people come in and not knowing what my fellow board members thoughts are with the bond."Right now, I don't know what they are thinking, but I have to work on a team with them and be in agreement."The board will take a tour of Roosevelt during its next work session on March 9. The members will be able to get a better look at the infrastructure issues at the school at that time.

USD 489 board discusses shifting HVAC work from HHS to Roosevelt

Adding a second day to the Hays Oktoberfest last fall has been deemed a big success. And the annual event celebrating Ellis County's Volga German heritage will remain a two-day event in the future.

"I had so many people that came into my business (Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in downtown Hays) the second day and brag about organized it was, how easy it was to go down there, and how much they enjoyed it," Shaun Musil, Hays mayor, told Oktoberfest committee members during their report on the 2019 activities to the Hays City Commission. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581443470169.jpeg" alt="John Meder, Tom Lippert and Philip Kuhn of the Hays Oktoberfest Committee present a review of the 2019 event to the city commission." />
 <figcaption>John Meder, Tom Lippert and Philip Kuhn of the Hays Oktoberfest Committee present a review of the 2019 event to the city commission.</figcaption>
 </figure><div>By BECKY KISER Hays Post</div>Adding a second day to the Hays Oktoberfest last fall has been deemed a big success. And the annual event celebrating Ellis County's Volga German heritage will remain a two-day event in the future."I had so many people that came into my business (Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market in downtown Hays) the second day and brag about organized it was, how easy it was to go down there, and how much they enjoyed it," Shaun Musil, Hays mayor, told Oktoberfest committee members during their report on the 2019 activities to the Hays City Commission. "Kudos to your whole board."The second day activities on Saturday were family-oriented and started in Municipal Park after the Fort Hays State University homecoming parade ended.The German Market was also moved to the downtown pavilion last year."It was one of the first times we were able to foster that relationship with DHDC (Downtown Hays Development Corp.," said Philip Kuhn, Oktoberfest&nbsp; president.&nbsp;"That's what it's really about is getting people into our communities and enjoying not just the festival but the different offerings that we have," Kuhn added."We definitely appreciate what you do for the economy," Musil said.According to Kuhn, an economic impact study by FHSU showed nearly $250,000 was spent by visitors in Hays during the two-day event.&nbsp;The actual dollar amount is likely higher."That's from what we can actually track, the people that are staying at the hotels," Kuhn clarified. "It's not counting all the people we know who are coming back and staying with the families and friends."&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I thought it was fantastic," said Commissioner Michael Berges. "We took our three kids down there and let them run around on the bouncy houses and polka dance. The wife and I had a few beers.&nbsp; It worked out real well."There were also free kids games and activities, a roving magician, the Sunflower Clydesdale horses to see and even pets available for adoption from the Humane Society of the High Plains.&nbsp;Groups helping out on Saturday included the Ellis County Historical Society, Hays Fire Department and the Hays Recreation Commission.&nbsp;John Meder, Oktoberfest committee vice-president, thanked the commissioners for the cooperation and support of the city."The parks department and public works have been tremendous over the years," Meder said.Berges also mentioned that "children at Oktoberfest" seems like an oxymoron."The (German) culture is big and I think we need to keep pushing that. Yeah, we want people to drink and enjoy themselves," Kuhn responded, "but we want them to understand our German heritage."&nbsp;"We want to get more food offerings and get more games and entertainment that's conducive to our German heritage."Oktoberfest generates monies used for scholarships for students of Volga German descent as well as for area churches, many of which were built of limestone by Volga German settlers."We've endowed a scholarship program at Fort Hays State University. We're very close to endowing a scholarship at NCK-Tech College," Meder told the commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Oktoberfest committee hopes to also establish similar scholarships at Hays High School and TMP-Marian High School.&nbsp;The first day of Oktoberfest, on Friday,&nbsp; is held in conjunction with the kickoff of FHSU's homecoming weekend.&nbsp;Planning for the 50th anniversary of Oktoberfest in 2022 is already underway, according to Kuhn, "but we're not losing sight of next year," he smiled."We want to do something really good and a little bit bigger for our 50th."

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