By LAYNE HAFFNER Buckeye Junior Farmers 4-H Club Reporter

The Buckeye Junior Farmers 4-H Club (BJF) has had a fun and very successful year.&nbsp;

We will be wrapping up our 2023-24 4-H year with the conclusion of the Kansas State Fair. Many of our club members exhibited their projects in Hutchinson. To qualify for the State Fair, one must receive a purple ribbon at the county fair. Some of our club members have also participated in the livestock shows. We had a great showing at the Ellis County Fair too.&nbsp;

The Buckeye Junior Farmers also participate in service projects to give back to the community who support us. We understand the meaning of helping each other because without volunteers, communities die. This year, club members helped with “Trick-Or-Treat so Others Can Eat”, shopped for “Angel Tree” families, and packed food at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, and cleaned the fairground before fair. One of our favorite activities was playing bingo at Homestead Assisted Living of Hays because we had so much fun with residents and staff.&nbsp;

The club also participated in 4-H Club Days where 4-Hers participate in a variety of contests. Our club had success individually and as a team. Our club worked hard to learn a skit called and won at both the county and regional level with top blue. This is a great way for all club members, of all ages, to work together and learn how to speak or perform in front of an audience.

These are just a few examples of activities that the Buckeye Junior Farmers have participated in. We appreciate all the support the community has given to Ellis County 4-Hers. We can’t wait to see what 2024-2025 will bring!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726524914412.jpeg" alt="The Buckeye Junior Farmers receive feedback from the judge, on their skit, and Regional Club Days. (Courtesy photo)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Buckeye Junior Farmers receive feedback from the judge, on their skit, and Regional Club Days. (Courtesy photo)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAYNE HAFFNER Buckeye Junior Farmers 4-H Club ReporterThe Buckeye Junior Farmers 4-H Club (BJF) has had a fun and very successful year.&nbsp;We will be wrapping up our 2023-24 4-H year with the conclusion of the Kansas State Fair. Many of our club members exhibited their projects in Hutchinson. To qualify for the State Fair, one must receive a purple ribbon at the county fair. Some of our club members have also participated in the livestock shows. We had a great showing at the Ellis County Fair too.&nbsp;The Buckeye Junior Farmers also participate in service projects to give back to the community who support us. We understand the meaning of helping each other because without volunteers, communities die. This year, club members helped with “Trick-Or-Treat so Others Can Eat”, shopped for “Angel Tree” families, and packed food at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, and cleaned the fairground before fair. One of our favorite activities was playing bingo at Homestead Assisted Living of Hays because we had so much fun with residents and staff.&nbsp;The club also participated in 4-H Club Days where 4-Hers participate in a variety of contests. Our club had success individually and as a team. Our club worked hard to learn a skit called and won at both the county and regional level with top blue. This is a great way for all club members, of all ages, to work together and learn how to speak or perform in front of an audience.These are just a few examples of activities that the Buckeye Junior Farmers have participated in. We appreciate all the support the community has given to Ellis County 4-Hers. We can’t wait to see what 2024-2025 will bring!&nbsp;

Buckeye Junior Farmers 4-H Club concludes year at Kansas State Fair

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

It is well understood that weather patterns can have a significant impact on grasshopper populations year to year. Warm, dry weather increases the survival of nymphs and adult grasshoppers, leading to increased egg production during the growing season, while cool, wet weather promotes fungal pathogens that can reduce egg and nymph survival. The abundance of grasshoppers being observed now is likely due to the weather patterns of the last couple seasons. Another factor influencing grasshopper populations is an abundance of food, especially broadleaf weeds. A diet high in these forbs leads to greater nymph survival, faster growth, larger adult grasshoppers, and increased egg production. Despite many areas still being impacted by some level of drought, sporadic rainfall over the growing season has helped weeds persist in many areas of the state, which has likely contributed to the noticeable number and diversity of grasshoppers currently being observed. As these weedy sources of food are exhausted or controlled, grasshoppers may shift their grazing over to anything still growing in the landscape. In areas with greater grasshopper pressure, seedling alfalfa and wheat could be at risk.

Before planting alfalfa, treatment should be considered if there are 15 or more grasshoppers per square yard around the planting area. Once planted and growing, consider treatment if 3-5 grasshoppers per square yard are found in the seedling alfalfa stand.

Vegetated borders around areas where wheat will be planted should be scouted ten days before planting. Consider treating those borders if there are 7 to 12 grasshoppers per square yard. Once growing, three or more grasshoppers per square yard within the field can destroy seedling wheat stands. If grasshopper populations are low to moderate, seed treatments can protect emerging wheat plants for several weeks if products are applied at the highest registered rate. Seed treatments will be less effective under severe grasshopper pressure as the insects can consume a large amount of leaf material before succumbing to the seed treatments. It is advisable to avoid planting too early, as this will help reduce the time that wheat must be protected.

Please refer to the most recent Alfalfa and Wheat Insect Management Guides for specific control information. Alfalfa Insect Management Guide https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf Wheat Insect Management Guide https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdf

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictIt is well understood that weather patterns can have a significant impact on grasshopper populations year to year. Warm, dry weather increases the survival of nymphs and adult grasshoppers, leading to increased egg production during the growing season, while cool, wet weather promotes fungal pathogens that can reduce egg and nymph survival. The abundance of grasshoppers being observed now is likely due to the weather patterns of the last couple seasons. Another factor influencing grasshopper populations is an abundance of food, especially broadleaf weeds. A diet high in these forbs leads to greater nymph survival, faster growth, larger adult grasshoppers, and increased egg production. Despite many areas still being impacted by some level of drought, sporadic rainfall over the growing season has helped weeds persist in many areas of the state, which has likely contributed to the noticeable number and diversity of grasshoppers currently being observed. As these weedy sources of food are exhausted or controlled, grasshoppers may shift their grazing over to anything still growing in the landscape. In areas with greater grasshopper pressure, seedling alfalfa and wheat could be at risk.Before planting alfalfa, treatment should be considered if there are 15 or more grasshoppers per square yard around the planting area. Once planted and growing, consider treatment if 3-5 grasshoppers per square yard are found in the seedling alfalfa stand.Vegetated borders around areas where wheat will be planted should be scouted ten days before planting. Consider treating those borders if there are 7 to 12 grasshoppers per square yard. Once growing, three or more grasshoppers per square yard within the field can destroy seedling wheat stands. If grasshopper populations are low to moderate, seed treatments can protect emerging wheat plants for several weeks if products are applied at the highest registered rate. Seed treatments will be less effective under severe grasshopper pressure as the insects can consume a large amount of leaf material before succumbing to the seed treatments. It is advisable to avoid planting too early, as this will help reduce the time that wheat must be protected.Please refer to the most recent Alfalfa and Wheat Insect Management Guides for specific control information. Alfalfa Insect Management Guide https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf Wheat Insect Management Guide https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdfStacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Grasshoppers are abundant in many areas of Kansas

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726858145146.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

TMP-Marian (1-1, 1-1 MCL) vs Phillipsburg (2-0, 2-0 MCL) Friday, September 20- 7 p.m. Phillipsburg, Kan. – Panther Field Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1267938">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs are on the road Friday for a MCL showdown with the Phillipsburg Panthers.&nbsp;

TMP is looking to bounce back from a loss to Norton while Phillipsburg is coming off a win over Smith Center.&nbsp;

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Phillipsburg. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (1-1, 1-1 MCL) vs Phillipsburg (2-0, 2-0 MCL) Friday, September 20- 7 p.m. Phillipsburg, Kan. – Panther Field Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1267938">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs are on the road Friday for a MCL showdown with the Phillipsburg Panthers.&nbsp;TMP is looking to bounce back from a loss to Norton while Phillipsburg is coming off a win over Smith Center.&nbsp;Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Phillipsburg. Live
coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

🏈🎥 TMP travels to Phillipsburg for MCL showdown

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Hays Arts Council board member JoAnn Jennings about the For The Heart of Hays campaign.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y0H2uk81iqI?si=iOMAfQGeFaBIUpj3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Hays Arts Council board member JoAnn Jennings about the For The Heart of Hays campaign.

🎤Forward Ever: Hays Arts Council board member JoAnn Jennings

TOPEKA, Kan. –&nbsp;AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park will host the 6A KSHSAA Boys and Girls State Wrestling Championship, February 28 - March 1, 2025. This marks the first time a KSHSAA State Wrestling Championship has been hosted east of Topeka since 1983 and the first time in the Kansas City Metro since 1978 when the 5A competition took place in Shawnee Mission.

<a target="_blank" href="https://bluhawksports.com/">AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk</a>&nbsp;is designed to host a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, hockey, ice skating, dance, cheer, pickleball, 5v5 soccer, wrestling, gymnastics, bowling, and so much more.

“With the growth of girl’s wrestling and the increase of classifications, more sites will be used to accommodate crowd size and lodging. The KSHSAA will evaluate this on a yearly basis,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Mark Lentz.

The&nbsp; Class 3-1A competition will return to Gross Memorial Stadum in Hays. Fort Hays State has hosted 50 KSHSAA State Wrestling Championships, the return comes after a one year hiatus due to scheduling conflicts.

Class 4A will return to Salina and Class 5A will stay in Park City.

Full site details for 2025: The state tournaments will be held at four different sites on February 28–March 1, 2025. -Class 6A girls and boys at the AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park. -Class 5A girls and boys at The Park City Arena, in Park City. -Class 4A girls and boys at The Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. -Class 3-1A girls and boys at Fort Hays State University in Hays.

1) The girls regional tournaments are super regionals for each classification. Schools will be assigned to an east or west regional, that will be held on Friday, February 14 – Saturday, February 15, 2025. If the number of participants permits, then this will be a Saturday only tournament. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-The top 8 finishers from each weight class in each regional will qualify for the state tournament.

2) The 6A and 5A boys regional tournaments will be held on February 21-22.&nbsp; These are also super regionals.

3) The 4A and 3-1A boys regional tournaments will be held on February 22. There will be four tournaments in each classification.

KSHSAATOPEKA, Kan. –&nbsp;AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park will host the 6A KSHSAA Boys and Girls State Wrestling Championship, February 28 - March 1, 2025. This marks the first time a KSHSAA State Wrestling Championship has been hosted east of Topeka since 1983 and the first time in the Kansas City Metro since 1978 when the 5A competition took place in Shawnee Mission.<a target="_blank" href="https://bluhawksports.com/">AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk</a>&nbsp;is designed to host a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, hockey, ice skating, dance, cheer, pickleball, 5v5 soccer, wrestling, gymnastics, bowling, and so much more.“With the growth of girl’s wrestling and the increase of classifications, more sites will be used to accommodate crowd size and lodging. The KSHSAA will evaluate this on a yearly basis,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Mark Lentz.The&nbsp; Class 3-1A competition will return to Gross Memorial Stadum in Hays. Fort Hays State has hosted 50 KSHSAA State Wrestling Championships, the return comes after a one year hiatus due to scheduling conflicts.Class 4A will return to Salina and Class 5A will stay in Park City.Full site details for 2025: The state tournaments will be held at four different sites on February 28–March 1, 2025. -Class 6A girls and boys at the AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk in Overland Park. -Class 5A girls and boys at The Park City Arena, in Park City. -Class 4A girls and boys at The Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. -Class 3-1A girls and boys at Fort Hays State University in Hays.Regional Wrestling Information1) The girls regional tournaments are super regionals for each classification. Schools will be assigned to an east or west regional, that will be held on Friday, February 14 – Saturday, February 15, 2025. If the number of participants permits, then this will be a Saturday only tournament. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-The top 8 finishers from each weight class in each regional will qualify for the state tournament.2) The 6A and 5A boys regional tournaments will be held on February 21-22.&nbsp; These are also super regionals.3) The 4A and 3-1A boys regional tournaments will be held on February 22. There will be four tournaments in each classification.

State wrestling returns to Hays in 2025

Women's self-defense course set for Sept. 25

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Marco Macias, associate professor of history at Fort Hays State University, gave the third lecture in the Sorting Out Race Speaker series Wednesday at the Hays Public Library.

Macias' lecture was titled "Unpacking Stereotypes: A Journey through Mexican-American Representation in Thrift Finds and Media."

Macias' hobby is collecting items from thrift stores and online that depict Latinos—often in stereotypical lights.

He began his lecture by showing a photograph he found in a Wichita thrift store. It was titled "Wedding Best" and depicted a family, some of whom were wearing KKK robes.

Macias showed photos of several items—plates and salt and pepper shakers—that he said depicted "sleepy Mexicans."

"It creates perceptions or reinforces stereotypes of Mexicans being lazy," he said, "of Mexicans falling asleep in corners or being lazy."

He also shared some historical tourist photos from Tijuana.&nbsp;

During prohibition, Tijuana became a place where Americans would go to drink, gamble and engage in prostitution. That became translated through these tourist items and pop culture into a broader stereotype of Mexico.

"Tijuana becomes this symbol of sin for American tourists, demonized by American tourists," Macias said. "People in Mexico don't care about going to Tijuana for fun. That's not their perception of fun."

"This resonates to contemporary politics. This is where we first see some of these images feed into contemporary politics."

Macias said the media have historically also stereotyped Mexico as primitive or backward.

Macias said he's had Americans ask him if they have internet in Mexico.&nbsp;

Images of Mexicans also often depict a male figure wearing a big hat or a poncho.

"If you go to Mexico nowadays, you would be hard-pressed to find one," he said," because, surprise, we dress like people from the United States."

Macias presented examples of souvenirs from Mexico, including an ashtray and photographs that portrayed Latina women as oversexualized.

Later in his presentation, he shared images from Scott White taken of Latina women in the early 1900s that sexualized those women.

He said some of White's images were tame compared to other images that showed Latina and Indigenous women bare-breasted.

Macias collects comic books and other pop culture items depicting Panch0 Villa.

Villa was a figure in the Mexican Revolution, beginning in 1911.&nbsp;Villa was assassinated when he was 45 in 1923.

Macias showed examples of different portrayals of Villa and how they evolved.

In 1913, he was portrayed in America as a clean-cut heroic figure when the U.S. was backing him.

However, the political tide turned in Mexico. In 1916, Villa raided Columbus, New Mexico, to goad the United States into invading Mexico.

The popular image of the Villa was transformed into a wild bandit.&nbsp;

"Teenagers in the nineteen-teens are creating perceptions through specific people like Pancho Villa," he said.

During the same time frame, a movie, Bronco Billy the Greaser, was showing in the cinema.

"It presents Mexican Americans or Mexicans as bandits, as filthy, as violent, as punks," Macias said.

Macias said pop culture is a very strong way we receive our understanding of the world.

"We can read books, but we probably get most of our cultural understanding from watching movies and other pop culture and artifacts," he said.

Macias showed a photo of a tequila bottle that depicted Pancho Villa. You open the bottle by removing the figure's head. The irony of this is that Villa's body was decapitated after death, and his skull was removed.

The other irony is that Villa didn't drink.&nbsp;

The weirdest find he had was allegedly Pancho Villa's trigger finger.

Stereoscope images from the 1910s and '20s also presented Mexico and Latin America as primitive. This included indigenous people of the regions.

Macias presented several stereoscope images from the period he found in an antique store. One image depicted indigenous people from the early 20th Century in Chile.

The text on the stereoscope describes the people as an "ungainly, ill-formed lot."

Macias said that this tribe of Selk'nam people had been extinguished. They lived in an area where there was a gold rush. They were forced off their native lands onto reservations.

The stereoscope image was not in the context of their native land, dress or culture, but on a reservation.

When he visited China during the summer, he found even more stereotypical images of Mexican and Latino people. Chip packages depicted Latinos wearing big hats or ponchos and sporting large mustaches.

Although Macias has collected historical Western depictions of Mexican and Latino people for about 15 years, he said there are ethical concerns about keeping some of these items in circulation.

"The danger is the reinforcement of stereotypes. Current politics. When they demonize immigrants ... what's feeding those stereotypes is the dangerous part because they are coming from these historical things," he said.

He said some pop cultural images are positive.

Frida Kahlo's art and image are often featured in pop culture, and she is portrayed as a strong and creative woman.

Even the cartoon character Speedy Gonzales was a stereotype. However, some aspects of that character were positive. He was fast, smart, heroic, and always won out against&nbsp;Sylvester, the cat.

The next speaker in the series will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Schmidt Commons at the Hays Public Library. Information on the speaker and accompanying exhibit at the library is below.

Fort Hays State University has added a fifth speaker to the series. In October, Cornel Pewewardy will present on Native American stereotypes perpetuated by Native Americans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726777166617.jpeg" alt="Marco Macias shows images of Pancho Villa. On the left is a historical photo of Villa. In the middle is a dime novel on Villa from 1913, in which he is portrayed as clean-cut and heroic. By the late 1910s, Villa is being depicted as a bandit as seen in the dime novel on the right. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Marco Macias shows images of Pancho Villa. On the left is a historical photo of Villa. In the middle is a dime novel on Villa from 1913, in which he is portrayed as clean-cut and heroic. By the late 1910s, Villa is being depicted as a bandit as seen in the dime novel on the right. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMarco Macias, associate professor of history at Fort Hays State University, gave the third lecture in the Sorting Out Race Speaker series Wednesday at the Hays Public Library.Macias' lecture was titled "Unpacking Stereotypes: A Journey through Mexican-American Representation in Thrift Finds and Media."Macias' hobby is collecting items from thrift stores and online that depict Latinos—often in stereotypical lights.He began his lecture by showing a photograph he found in a Wichita thrift store. It was titled "Wedding Best" and depicted a family, some of whom were wearing KKK robes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726779623718.jpeg" alt="Marco Macias shows examples of figurines and dishware that depict the "sleepy Mexican," which he said perpetuates the stereotypes of Mexican people as lazy. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Marco Macias shows examples of figurines and dishware that depict the "sleepy Mexican," which he said perpetuates the stereotypes of Mexican people as lazy. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Macias showed photos of several items—plates and salt and pepper shakers—that he said depicted "sleepy Mexicans.""It creates perceptions or reinforces stereotypes of Mexicans being lazy," he said, "of Mexicans falling asleep in corners or being lazy."He also shared some historical tourist photos from Tijuana.&nbsp;During prohibition, Tijuana became a place where Americans would go to drink, gamble and engage in prostitution. That became translated through these tourist items and pop culture into a broader stereotype of Mexico."Tijuana becomes this symbol of sin for American tourists, demonized by American tourists," Macias said. "People in Mexico don't care about going to Tijuana for fun. That's not their perception of fun.""This resonates to contemporary politics. This is where we first see some of these images feed into contemporary politics."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726780232918.jpeg" alt="Left: A Pancho Villa tequila bottle. Right: What is alleged to be Pancho Villa's trigger finger for sale in an El Paso shop. Courtesy images" />
 <figcaption>Left: A Pancho Villa tequila bottle. Right: What is alleged to be Pancho Villa's trigger finger for sale in an El Paso shop. Courtesy images</figcaption>
 </figure>Macias said the media have historically also stereotyped Mexico as primitive or backward.Macias said he's had Americans ask him if they have internet in Mexico.&nbsp;Images of Mexicans also often depict a male figure wearing a big hat or a poncho."If you go to Mexico nowadays, you would be hard-pressed to find one," he said," because, surprise, we dress like people from the United States."Macias presented examples of souvenirs from Mexico, including an ashtray and photographs that portrayed Latina women as oversexualized.Later in his presentation, he shared images from Scott White taken of Latina women in the early 1900s that sexualized those women.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726780272646.jpeg" alt=""The Water Carrier" by Scott White circa 1909. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>"The Water Carrier" by Scott White circa 1909. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>He said some of White's images were tame compared to other images that showed Latina and Indigenous women bare-breasted.Macias collects comic books and other pop culture items depicting Panch0 Villa.Villa was a figure in the Mexican Revolution, beginning in 1911.&nbsp;Villa was assassinated when he was 45 in 1923.Macias showed examples of different portrayals of Villa and how they evolved.In 1913, he was portrayed in America as a clean-cut heroic figure when the U.S. was backing him.However, the political tide turned in Mexico. In 1916, Villa raided Columbus, New Mexico, to goad the United States into invading Mexico.The popular image of the Villa was transformed into a wild bandit.&nbsp;"Teenagers in the nineteen-teens are creating perceptions through specific people like Pancho Villa," he said.During the same time frame, a movie, Bronco Billy the Greaser, was showing in the cinema."It presents Mexican Americans or Mexicans as bandits, as filthy, as violent, as punks," Macias said.Macias said pop culture is a very strong way we receive our understanding of the world."We can read books, but we probably get most of our cultural understanding from watching movies and other pop culture and artifacts," he said.Macias showed a photo of a tequila bottle that depicted Pancho Villa. You open the bottle by removing the figure's head. The irony of this is that Villa's body was decapitated after death, and his skull was removed.The other irony is that Villa didn't drink.&nbsp;The weirdest find he had was allegedly Pancho Villa's trigger finger.Stereoscope images from the 1910s and '20s also presented Mexico and Latin America as primitive. This included indigenous people of the regions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726781198661.jpeg" alt="A stereoscope image of the Selk'nam people in Chile. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>A stereoscope image of the Selk'nam people in Chile. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Macias presented several stereoscope images from the period he found in an antique store. One image depicted indigenous people from the early 20th Century in Chile.The text on the stereoscope describes the people as an "ungainly, ill-formed lot."Macias said that this tribe of Selk'nam people had been extinguished. They lived in an area where there was a gold rush. They were forced off their native lands onto reservations.The stereoscope image was not in the context of their native land, dress or culture, but on a reservation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726781393850.jpeg" alt="A stereotypical Mexican figure on a potato chip can from China. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>A stereotypical Mexican figure on a potato chip can from China. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>When he visited China during the summer, he found even more stereotypical images of Mexican and Latino people. Chip packages depicted Latinos wearing big hats or ponchos and sporting large mustaches.Although Macias has collected historical Western depictions of Mexican and Latino people for about 15 years, he said there are ethical concerns about keeping some of these items in circulation."The danger is the reinforcement of stereotypes. Current politics. When they demonize immigrants ... what's feeding those stereotypes is the dangerous part because they are coming from these historical things," he said.He said some pop cultural images are positive.Frida Kahlo's art and image are often featured in pop culture, and she is portrayed as a strong and creative woman.Even the cartoon character Speedy Gonzales was a stereotype. However, some aspects of that character were positive. He was fast, smart, heroic, and always won out against&nbsp;Sylvester, the cat.The next speaker in the series will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Schmidt Commons at the Hays Public Library. Information on the speaker and accompanying exhibit at the library is below.Fort Hays State University has added a fifth speaker to the series. In October, Cornel Pewewardy will present on Native American stereotypes perpetuated by Native Americans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726783197329.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU professor discusses Mexican stereotypes in pop culture

The Hays Symphony invites the community to its
opening concert of the 2024-25 season on Saturday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m.
in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Themed as “Dark Whimsy,” the
concert repertoire includes delightfully stark yet dreamlike compositions from
Shostakovich, Bacewicz, and Beethoven. 

In “Dark Whimsy,” passion and nostalgia meld
into a contemplation of things past where the idyllic and surreal cross the
sinister. Cello virtuoso and FHSU music faculty member Ben Cline will feature
as a soloist in Shostakovich’s brooding and off-kilter Cello Concerto No. 2.

Ben Cline himself explains more about his
experience preparing for the concerto in a recent video interview. “There’s an
interesting quality to this piece,” said Cline. “Shostakovich wrote it in the
last decade of his life. It’s true of a lot of composers, especially composers
of his stature, that they keep reinventing themselves—that they keep pushing
their style forward.” 

He continues to add: “But as they do that into
the latter part of their career, there’s a lot of introspection. This piece has
those elements in it. It is nostalgic in a way. There’s a sense of sorrow in it
. . .” (The full video interview can be found on the Hays Symphony’s official
Facebook and Instagram pages.)

Two additional pieces contribute to Music
Director Brian Buckstead’s vision of “Dark Whimsy.” The concert opener, Grażyna
Bacewicz’s Overture, offers the
energy and volume of an entire symphony packed within its short six minutes.
Bacewicz completed her Overture in
1943 during the German occupation of Poland. However, the Overture would not see its performance until after Poland’s
liberation from the Nazis in 1945. Despite her prolific background, Bacewicz
has received little attention in the United States—until recently.

The other highlight of the concert is
Beethoven’s playful yet fiery Symphony
No. 8. Driven by interpersonal and romantic troubles, Beethoven reflects
the equally unpredictable sways of passion and human emotion in his lively and
witty Eighth Symphony.

Following the concert, attendees are welcome
to mingle with the musicians at the post-concert reception in the hall’s lobby.
This dessert reception is sponsored by a generous donation from the Hays Area
Bicyclists. 

Over the summer, various players in the
orchestra provided musical entertainment for the Hays Area Bicyclists’
successful “Tour Die Kapellen.” Concert-goers can learn more about this “Tour
of the Chapels” and how to participate on the Hays Area Bicyclists’ website.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets
for future concerts in advance on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org">https://www.hayssymphony.org</a>
where they can also make donations to sustain free classical music in the Hays
community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726774801274.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Symphony invites the community to its
opening concert of the 2024-25 season on Saturday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m.
in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Themed as “Dark Whimsy,” the
concert repertoire includes delightfully stark yet dreamlike compositions from
Shostakovich, Bacewicz, and Beethoven. In “Dark Whimsy,” passion and nostalgia meld
into a contemplation of things past where the idyllic and surreal cross the
sinister. Cello virtuoso and FHSU music faculty member Ben Cline will feature
as a soloist in Shostakovich’s brooding and off-kilter Cello Concerto No. 2.Ben Cline himself explains more about his
experience preparing for the concerto in a recent video interview. “There’s an
interesting quality to this piece,” said Cline. “Shostakovich wrote it in the
last decade of his life. It’s true of a lot of composers, especially composers
of his stature, that they keep reinventing themselves—that they keep pushing
their style forward.” He continues to add: “But as they do that into
the latter part of their career, there’s a lot of introspection. This piece has
those elements in it. It is nostalgic in a way. There’s a sense of sorrow in it
. . .” (The full video interview can be found on the Hays Symphony’s official
Facebook and Instagram pages.)Two additional pieces contribute to Music
Director Brian Buckstead’s vision of “Dark Whimsy.” The concert opener, Grażyna
Bacewicz’s Overture, offers the
energy and volume of an entire symphony packed within its short six minutes.
Bacewicz completed her Overture in
1943 during the German occupation of Poland. However, the Overture would not see its performance until after Poland’s
liberation from the Nazis in 1945. Despite her prolific background, Bacewicz
has received little attention in the United States—until recently.The other highlight of the concert is
Beethoven’s playful yet fiery Symphony
No. 8. Driven by interpersonal and romantic troubles, Beethoven reflects
the equally unpredictable sways of passion and human emotion in his lively and
witty Eighth Symphony. Following the concert, attendees are welcome
to mingle with the musicians at the post-concert reception in the hall’s lobby.
This dessert reception is sponsored by a generous donation from the Hays Area
Bicyclists. Over the summer, various players in the
orchestra provided musical entertainment for the Hays Area Bicyclists’
successful “Tour Die Kapellen.” Concert-goers can learn more about this “Tour
of the Chapels” and how to participate on the Hays Area Bicyclists’ website.Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets
for future concerts in advance on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org">https://www.hayssymphony.org</a>
where they can also make donations to sustain free classical music in the Hays
community.

Hays Symphony opens season with September’s Dark Whimsy

Grain Belt Express, or GBE, is a renewable energy project owned by Chicago-based Invenergy Transmission LLC. It is a 780-mile line scheduled to originate in Kansas, run through Missouri and Illinois, and connect to the electric power grid in Indiana. From there, power will allegedly be transmitted to the Northeastern United States, even though Invenergy has no signed customers to date.

There’s a serious problem with how this project is being presented to the public. A great divide exists between the PR hype about the advanced technology needed to create a new energy future for America and the actual execution of Grain Belt Express as it pertains to construction. Specifically, renewable energy will be generated by wind and solar farms, but the power coming from these energy nodes will be transported using technology invented in the late nineteenth century. The towers —steel girders that support four to eight high-voltage power lines — are 160 feet tall and are anchored in concrete bases approximately forty to sixty feet wide.

The basic architectural design of the towers hasn’t changed in approximately 130 years. Invenergy, however, claims that Grain Belt Express will revolutionize the energy grid by ushering in a new, clean, green source of power that will extend into the twenty-second century. The “disconnect” is that the transmission of wind and solar power is (and will continue to be) accomplished using archaic technology.

The websites for Grain Belt Express and Invenergy describe both companies as innovators in renewable energy technology. They claim that the companies are involved in bringing new power “… in every aspect of project design, construction, and operations ….” And yet, the idea of transmitting electricity via direct current (DC) goes as far back as Thomas Edison’s idea on energy transmission. Furthermore, Grain Belt Express and Invenergy admit that America has an “aging energy infrastructure in the Midwest.” This is certainly true, but infrastructure is not just comprised of the lines; it primarily consists of the steel towers. There is nothing innovative about outdated towers used in centuries past. They represent old designs and old construction methods, and the nature of electricity, of course, hasn’t changed either. Invenergy has no new design, construction, or operation of its transmission infrastructure.

The towers have a lifespan of approximately forty to sixty years. During that time, they need constant maintenance because of high winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires. The main reason towers need maintenance, however, is because the steel girders suffer stress fatigue and chemical erosion early in their lifespan. In other words, they crack, rust, and crumble. Even the nuts and bolts that hold different sections together begin to loosen, rust, and fall to the ground. Does this sound like cutting-edge technology to build a new American energy grid?

Additionally, lines and towers scar the landscape and threaten the environment. High-voltage lines cause many wildfires every year because of lightning strikes and arcing, which is when an electrical discharge moves from the lines to the ground. The towers can be seriously damaged and even fall over in high winds, and icing during blizzards put extreme stress on sagging lines. Add to this that the land is seriously compromised during the construction phase by oils, lubricants, and other chemicals that are contaminants to the soil, grasses, shrubbery, and trees within a mile of the project. These hazardous chemicals can remain in the soil for years, and they also pollute nearby aquifers and water tables. Also, gas and exhaust from machinery pose a threat to human health.

This method of construction does not represent twenty-first century technology. Towers using a design conceived in the nineteenth century cannot be equated with the innovations touted by Invenergy, which promises new infrastructure and advanced technology. Slick company PR about a new energy future is merely hype, unless it wants to go all in and actually create a new infrastructure as well.

There is indeed a way to transmit electricity with twenty-first century technology, and it’s called co-location. Lines are buried along highways and railroad lines, areas where eminent domain has already been invoked. While the process may be slightly more expensive than building steel towers, the savings accrued from less maintenance and repair are considerable. Co-location pays for itself in less than ten years. And depending on the terrain, co-location is often cheaper than building towers in the first place. It’s a win-win situation for energy needs, corporations, and landowners. I’ve written on co-location in great detail, and you can learn more about it at <a href="http://www.StopEminentDomainAbuse.org">www.StopEminentDomainAbuse.org.</a>

Invenergy is already using co-location in many areas in the United States and around the world. The question is why it is avoiding this advanced technology in the Midwest. The answer is that older construction methods are cheaper. Invenergy, like most merchant energy lines, eventually intends to sell the project to other companies, on whom the burden will fall to maintain the lines and towers.

If Invenergy and Grain Belt Express wished to honor their pledge to create a new energy future, they wouldn’t be using old technology when using co-location along existing rights-of-way could easily be accomplished. Twenty-first century power needs twenty-first century construction methods and infrastructure. It’s that simple.

— Tammy Hammond Founder and CEO, Rosewood Services

Grain Belt Express, or GBE, is a renewable energy project owned by Chicago-based Invenergy Transmission LLC. It is a 780-mile line scheduled to originate in Kansas, run through Missouri and Illinois, and connect to the electric power grid in Indiana. From there, power will allegedly be transmitted to the Northeastern United States, even though Invenergy has no signed customers to date.There’s a serious problem with how this project is being presented to the public. A great divide exists between the PR hype about the advanced technology needed to create a new energy future for America and the actual execution of Grain Belt Express as it pertains to construction. Specifically, renewable energy will be generated by wind and solar farms, but the power coming from these energy nodes will be transported using technology invented in the late nineteenth century. The towers —steel girders that support four to eight high-voltage power lines — are 160 feet tall and are anchored in concrete bases approximately forty to sixty feet wide.The basic architectural design of the towers hasn’t changed in approximately 130 years. Invenergy, however, claims that Grain Belt Express will revolutionize the energy grid by ushering in a new, clean, green source of power that will extend into the twenty-second century. The “disconnect” is that the transmission of wind and solar power is (and will continue to be) accomplished using archaic technology.The websites for Grain Belt Express and Invenergy describe both companies as innovators in renewable energy technology. They claim that the companies are involved in bringing new power “… in every aspect of project design, construction, and operations ….” And yet, the idea of transmitting electricity via direct current (DC) goes as far back as Thomas Edison’s idea on energy transmission. Furthermore, Grain Belt Express and Invenergy admit that America has an “aging energy infrastructure in the Midwest.” This is certainly true, but infrastructure is not just comprised of the lines; it primarily consists of the steel towers. There is nothing innovative about outdated towers used in centuries past. They represent old designs and old construction methods, and the nature of electricity, of course, hasn’t changed either. Invenergy has no new design, construction, or operation of its transmission infrastructure.The towers have a lifespan of approximately forty to sixty years. During that time, they need constant maintenance because of high winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires. The main reason towers need maintenance, however, is because the steel girders suffer stress fatigue and chemical erosion early in their lifespan. In other words, they crack, rust, and crumble. Even the nuts and bolts that hold different sections together begin to loosen, rust, and fall to the ground. Does this sound like cutting-edge technology to build a new American energy grid?Additionally, lines and towers scar the landscape and threaten the environment. High-voltage lines cause many wildfires every year because of lightning strikes and arcing, which is when an electrical discharge moves from the lines to the ground. The towers can be seriously damaged and even fall over in high winds, and icing during blizzards put extreme stress on sagging lines. Add to this that the land is seriously compromised during the construction phase by oils, lubricants, and other chemicals that are contaminants to the soil, grasses, shrubbery, and trees within a mile of the project. These hazardous chemicals can remain in the soil for years, and they also pollute nearby aquifers and water tables. Also, gas and exhaust from machinery pose a threat to human health.This method of construction does not represent twenty-first century technology. Towers using a design conceived in the nineteenth century cannot be equated with the innovations touted by Invenergy, which promises new infrastructure and advanced technology. Slick company PR about a new energy future is merely hype, unless it wants to go all in and actually create a new infrastructure as well.There is indeed a way to transmit electricity with twenty-first century technology, and it’s called co-location. Lines are buried along highways and railroad lines, areas where eminent domain has already been invoked. While the process may be slightly more expensive than building steel towers, the savings accrued from less maintenance and repair are considerable. Co-location pays for itself in less than ten years. And depending on the terrain, co-location is often cheaper than building towers in the first place. It’s a win-win situation for energy needs, corporations, and landowners. I’ve written on co-location in great detail, and you can learn more about it at <a href="http://www.StopEminentDomainAbuse.org">www.StopEminentDomainAbuse.org.</a>Invenergy is already using co-location in many areas in the United States and around the world. The question is why it is avoiding this advanced technology in the Midwest. The answer is that older construction methods are cheaper. Invenergy, like most merchant energy lines, eventually intends to sell the project to other companies, on whom the burden will fall to maintain the lines and towers.If Invenergy and Grain Belt Express wished to honor their pledge to create a new energy future, they wouldn’t be using old technology when using co-location along existing rights-of-way could easily be accomplished. Twenty-first century power needs twenty-first century construction methods and infrastructure. It’s that simple.— Tammy Hammond Founder and CEO, Rosewood Services

LETTER: Great Bend business owner questions energy proposal

Due to recent law changes Ellis
County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling would like to inform the public per K.S.A. 25-305,
a person who wishes to run as a write-in candidate for national, state, county
or first class city office, must file an affidavit of write-in candidacy in order
to have those votes tabulated.

A first Class City is a city with a population of more than 15,000 (all Ellis County city races are exempt from this statute).&nbsp;

The affidavit for national and state candidates
must be filed with the Secretary of State. The affidavit for county and first
class city candidates must be filed with the county election officer.&nbsp;

The deadline to file the
affidavits is the fourth Monday before Election Day—Monday, Oct. 14 for the
General Election.

Write-in candidates for township
office are not required to file an affidavit. All votes will be counted in
those races.

The Affidavit for Write-In
Candidacy is available through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasSecretaryofState?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVmg8WiEDhnql2dieNSKrdmRuIJ220R2IqzD3OhneZrK-gKrZOnCqt8t9KxYJoMWJbEJyq8stZeot64VgrROzkhOpA6nga22Uo0JENtFgEGRTK_s5UiMEH-5g_BJJ0iuH_V9onuM3HxE2UlMJm9pzKN21b2n0brLgz3-bfDbobfO70IDyoXZq_W-SqQOLNOYkvt_z8aF7hmHoGzHRjf-Hb7&amp;__tn__=-%5dK-R" target="_blank">Kansas Secretary of State</a>'s Office or the County Clerk's Office.

If you have any questions, contact the Ellis County County Clerk’s office at 785-628-9410.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646335925302.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDue to recent law changes Ellis
County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling would like to inform the public per K.S.A. 25-305,
a person who wishes to run as a write-in candidate for national, state, county
or first class city office, must file an affidavit of write-in candidacy in order
to have those votes tabulated.A first Class City is a city with a population of more than 15,000 (all Ellis County city races are exempt from this statute).&nbsp;The affidavit for national and state candidates
must be filed with the Secretary of State. The affidavit for county and first
class city candidates must be filed with the county election officer.&nbsp;The deadline to file the
affidavits is the fourth Monday before Election Day—Monday, Oct. 14 for the
General Election.Write-in candidates for township
office are not required to file an affidavit. All votes will be counted in
those races.The Affidavit for Write-In
Candidacy is available through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasSecretaryofState?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVmg8WiEDhnql2dieNSKrdmRuIJ220R2IqzD3OhneZrK-gKrZOnCqt8t9KxYJoMWJbEJyq8stZeot64VgrROzkhOpA6nga22Uo0JENtFgEGRTK_s5UiMEH-5g_BJJ0iuH_V9onuM3HxE2UlMJm9pzKN21b2n0brLgz3-bfDbobfO70IDyoXZq_W-SqQOLNOYkvt_z8aF7hmHoGzHRjf-Hb7&amp;__tn__=-%5dK-R" target="_blank">Kansas Secretary of State</a>'s Office or the County Clerk's Office.If you have any questions, contact the Ellis County County Clerk’s office at 785-628-9410.

Write-in candidates must file an affidavit of candidacy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726775247034.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about property taxes.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses property taxes" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=i5kp3-16dab3e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about property taxes.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses property taxes

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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726778039048.jpeg" alt="september192024sept-images-1.jpg" />
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 </figure>

FHSU crime log Sept. 13-19, 2024

TMP-Marian High School in Hays is pleased to announce Homecoming Court 2024.&nbsp;

Pictured above from left to right are:&nbsp;

Adler Brown and Chloe Purinton – Adler is the son of Clayton (Class of 1989) and Jennifer Brown; Chloe is the daughter of Royce and Megan Purinton.&nbsp;

Ryan Casey and Tessa Wentling – Ryan is the son of Spencer and Michelle Casey; Tessa is the daughter of Trey and Rachel (Class of 1995)(Reynolds) Wentling.&nbsp;

William Robinson and Gracyn Schippers – William is the son of Noelle Robinson (Class of 1995) and Nick Wolgamuth; Gracyn is the daughter of Troy and Geralyn Schippers.&nbsp;

Jake Brady and Paige Schlyer – Jake is the son of Bryan and Courtney Brady; Paige is the daughter of Mike and Michelle (Class of 1997) (Hertel) Schlyer.&nbsp;

Jace Windholz and Shyanne Yost – Jace is the son of Dan and Melissa Windholz; Shyanne is the daughter of Greg and Candace Yost.&nbsp;

The 2024 homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime of the homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 27, at Lewis Field, when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Stanton County Trojans at 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For a full list of Homecoming activities, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/homecoming">https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/homecoming&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726777309643.png" alt="TMP-Marian Homecoming Court 2024. From left to right are Chloe Purinton, Adler Brown, Tessa Wentling, Ryan Casey, Gracyn Schippers, William Robinson,&nbsp;Paige Schlyer, Jake Brady,&nbsp;Shyanne Yost, and&nbsp; Jace Windholz. Photo courtesy TMP-M&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>TMP-Marian Homecoming Court 2024. From left to right are Chloe Purinton, Adler Brown, Tessa Wentling, Ryan Casey, Gracyn Schippers, William Robinson,&nbsp;Paige Schlyer, Jake Brady,&nbsp;Shyanne Yost, and&nbsp; Jace Windholz. Photo courtesy TMP-M&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian TMP-Marian High School in Hays is pleased to announce Homecoming Court 2024.&nbsp;Pictured above from left to right are:&nbsp;Adler Brown and Chloe Purinton – Adler is the son of Clayton (Class of 1989) and Jennifer Brown; Chloe is the daughter of Royce and Megan Purinton.&nbsp;Ryan Casey and Tessa Wentling – Ryan is the son of Spencer and Michelle Casey; Tessa is the daughter of Trey and Rachel (Class of 1995)(Reynolds) Wentling.&nbsp;William Robinson and Gracyn Schippers – William is the son of Noelle Robinson (Class of 1995) and Nick Wolgamuth; Gracyn is the daughter of Troy and Geralyn Schippers.&nbsp;Jake Brady and Paige Schlyer – Jake is the son of Bryan and Courtney Brady; Paige is the daughter of Mike and Michelle (Class of 1997) (Hertel) Schlyer.&nbsp;Jace Windholz and Shyanne Yost – Jace is the son of Dan and Melissa Windholz; Shyanne is the daughter of Greg and Candace Yost.&nbsp;The 2024 homecoming king and queen will be crowned at halftime of the homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 27, at Lewis Field, when the TMP-M Monarchs take on the Stanton County Trojans at 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For a full list of Homecoming activities, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/homecoming">https://www.tmp-m.org/o/tmpm/page/homecoming&nbsp;</a>Go Monarchs!&nbsp;

TMP-Marian announces Homecoming Court 2024

HODGMAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Thursday in Hodgeman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Sterling Straight Truck driven by Aaron Anthony&nbsp;Lari, 44, Ness City, was northbound on Hodgeman County 216 Road approaching Kansas 156. 

As the truck started to cross Kansas 156, it struck a westbound 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by Cain Villalobos-Hernandez, 34, Great Bend. After impact, the Chevy came to rest on 216 Road north of Kansas 156.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Villalobos-Hernandez to the Hodgeman County Hospital and a passenger in the pickup Jessica Juana Villalobos, 40, Great Bend, to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Lari was not injured.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

HODGMAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Thursday in Hodgeman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Sterling Straight Truck driven by Aaron Anthony&nbsp;Lari, 44, Ness City, was northbound on Hodgeman County 216 Road approaching Kansas 156. As the truck started to cross Kansas 156, it struck a westbound 2009 Chevy Silverado driven by Cain Villalobos-Hernandez, 34, Great Bend. After impact, the Chevy came to rest on 216 Road north of Kansas 156.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported Villalobos-Hernandez to the Hodgeman County Hospital and a passenger in the pickup Jessica Juana Villalobos, 40, Great Bend, to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Lari was not injured.&nbsp; All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas couple hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Bazine public water supply system located in Ness County. 

The advisory was issued because the city could not maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

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 Bazine 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, please contact the Bazine water system at: 785-398-2495 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514.

 For consumer information please visit our PWS Consumer Information webpage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606239441132.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Bazine public water supply system located in Ness County. The advisory was issued because the city could not maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;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 Bazine 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, please contact the Bazine water system at: 785-398-2495 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our PWS Consumer Information webpage.

KDHE: Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Bazine in Ness County

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a do not drink advisory for the Hays Country View Mobile Home Park,&nbsp;2300 E. 7th St.,&nbsp; public water supply system located in Ellis County. 

The advisory was issued because of the water system was using an unpermitted well resulting in unknown water quality.&nbsp;

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.

Repairs have been completed and laboratory testing samples collected from the Country View Mobile Home Park 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, please contact the Hays water system at: 785-625-7774 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. 

For consumer information please visit our PWS Consumer Information webpage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621008205705.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a do not drink advisory for the Hays Country View Mobile Home Park,&nbsp;2300 E. 7th St.,&nbsp; public water supply system located in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because of the water system was using an unpermitted well resulting in unknown water quality.&nbsp;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.Repairs have been completed and laboratory testing samples collected from the Country View Mobile Home Park 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, please contact the Hays water system at: 785-625-7774 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our PWS Consumer Information webpage.

Water safe to drink again at Hays Country View Mobile Home Park, says KDHE

The Hays Police Department released the following press release at about 8:50 a.m. Thursday morning.

On Sept. 18th at 6:13 p.m., the Hays Police Department began receiving multiple reports of a social media post being shared in and around Hays about a possible school shooting.

The Hays Police Department immediately began investigating these reports.

During the course of this investigation, we were able to identify the person that started sharing the message locally.

The person admitted that they saw the original message on a social media platform and were concerned by it.

While the message did have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/kansas?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVUG2pnhcqskbnxAOfVWxC6_YvmY-iHnCeSxh6mtFJT2U5nYQlPTAqg4HVXpwBMbMdv5-nJh9Oql-pieiFfrtuQ7AvJf2aCNCvQmGtwT-5LEnRTcMn3gvTCbJK3iJn4uvKL4b5VWO_nSi-81kFYyXLiO38m9zcYW5yct4dQV_BC1_-RNrZizbfVFo2Fe-ZPw2u8iMg5VRLtkyT-bwDt-9j5FCLfBvJikorepLizq4fagg&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#kansas</a> on it, there was no mention of Hays or any other community.

The person took a screenshot of the message and sent it to friends.

 Unfortunately, this message quickly spread throughout the community as people began sharing the message with their friends.

While at this time we do not know who created the original message, the threat appears to be a part of a broader online trend being seen across Kansas and the country.

At this time the Hays Police Department is not aware of credible threats against any Hays Schools, staff, or students.

While there is no connection to any schools in Hays the Hays Police Department has worked alongside USD 489 school officials to notify parents and community members of the results of this investigation.

The Hays Police Department and the USD 489 Staff take every threat seriously and will continue to partner to ensure the safety of students and staff and the community. 

We encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report information about any school safety-related incident(s) to administrators/staff and/or the Hays Police Department.

Hays Police DepartmentThe Hays Police Department released the following press release at about 8:50 a.m. Thursday morning.-----On Sept. 18th at 6:13 p.m., the Hays Police Department began receiving multiple reports of a social media post being shared in and around Hays about a possible school shooting.The Hays Police Department immediately began investigating these reports.During the course of this investigation, we were able to identify the person that started sharing the message locally.The person admitted that they saw the original message on a social media platform and were concerned by it.While the message did have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/kansas?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVUG2pnhcqskbnxAOfVWxC6_YvmY-iHnCeSxh6mtFJT2U5nYQlPTAqg4HVXpwBMbMdv5-nJh9Oql-pieiFfrtuQ7AvJf2aCNCvQmGtwT-5LEnRTcMn3gvTCbJK3iJn4uvKL4b5VWO_nSi-81kFYyXLiO38m9zcYW5yct4dQV_BC1_-RNrZizbfVFo2Fe-ZPw2u8iMg5VRLtkyT-bwDt-9j5FCLfBvJikorepLizq4fagg&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#kansas</a> on it, there was no mention of Hays or any other community.The person took a screenshot of the message and sent it to friends. Unfortunately, this message quickly spread throughout the community as people began sharing the message with their friends.While at this time we do not know who created the original message, the threat appears to be a part of a broader online trend being seen across Kansas and the country.At this time the Hays Police Department is not aware of credible threats against any Hays Schools, staff, or students.While there is no connection to any schools in Hays the Hays Police Department has worked alongside USD 489 school officials to notify parents and community members of the results of this investigation.The Hays Police Department and the USD 489 Staff take every threat seriously and will continue to partner to ensure the safety of students and staff and the community. We encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report information about any school safety-related incident(s) to administrators/staff and/or the Hays Police Department.

Hays police report no credible school threat at this time

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Tori Ruder of Hays became a child care provider six years ago because she was struggling to find child care for her own children.

"Opening a day care allowed me to stay home with my kids while also caring for and loving other children," Tori said. "I wanted to create a safe and nurturing environment for kids to grow. I've always aspired to have a career working with children."

Tori was nominated by her husband and mother-in-law for the Child Care Champion award for August.

Her husband, Mason, said, "She works hard to provide for her kids and is a huge advocate for the [Child Care Task Force of Ellis County] and other providers."

Ruth Ruder, her mother-in-law, said, "Tori is dedicated and reliable. She is also a big part of the [Child Care Task Force of Ellis County]."

Tori said one of her favorite activities with the kids is taking holiday photos for their parents.

She said the children and parents have been very kind to her on some of her toughest days.

"A memorable moment for me was on a particularly tough day when the kids weren't listening, and everything seemed chaotic," Tori said. "One of the older kids had gone home but returned about 20 minutes later. 

"I thought he had forgotten something, but he actually brought me a coffee to cheer me up, saying, 'I thought this would make you feel better since you were having a bad day.'"

She said she also had parents give her gift cards for coffee every other week or greet her in the morning with a coffee just because. 

"These small gestures bring me joy and make me feel loved and valued," Tori said.

Tori doesn't follow a strict curriculum. Instead, she uses a "learn and play" approach, mixing some learning with lots of fun and playtime.

She said she loves interacting with the children.

"Hearing the kids' cheerful 'good mornings' every day is such a joy!" Tori said. "Witnessing their milestones and progress is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing the joy on a parent's face when I share that their child had a great day or achieved something we've been working on for a while."

Tori shared some of the challenges of being a child care provider.

Communication between a provider and parents can sometimes be challenging, she said.

"This can be due to various factors such as differing schedules, communication styles or even misunderstandings," she said. "Providers often have a busy day managing the children and their activities, which can make it difficult to find the right moment to connect with parents. 

"On the other hand, parents might be juggling their own work and personal responsibilities, making it hard to engage in detailed conversations during drop-off or pick-up times."

Effective communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring the provider and parents are on the same page regarding the child’s development and well-being, she said.

It helps to establish clear channels of communication, whether through regular updates via email, a communication app or scheduled meetings, Tori said.

"Being proactive in sharing both the child's achievements and any concerns can foster a positive and collaborative relationship," she said. "Additionally, being open to feedback and showing empathy toward each other's challenges can go a long way in overcoming communication barriers."

Tori has been active in the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726592214048.jpeg" alt="Tori Ruder, her husband, Mason, and family. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tori Ruder, her husband, Mason, and family. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTori Ruder of Hays became a child care provider six years ago because she was struggling to find child care for her own children."Opening a day care allowed me to stay home with my kids while also caring for and loving other children," Tori said. "I wanted to create a safe and nurturing environment for kids to grow. I've always aspired to have a career working with children."Tori was nominated by her husband and mother-in-law for the Child Care Champion award for August.Her husband, Mason, said, "She works hard to provide for her kids and is a huge advocate for the [Child Care Task Force of Ellis County] and other providers."Ruth Ruder, her mother-in-law, said, "Tori is dedicated and reliable. She is also a big part of the [Child Care Task Force of Ellis County]."Tori said one of her favorite activities with the kids is taking holiday photos for their parents.She said the children and parents have been very kind to her on some of her toughest days."A memorable moment for me was on a particularly tough day when the kids weren't listening, and everything seemed chaotic," Tori said. "One of the older kids had gone home but returned about 20 minutes later. "I thought he had forgotten something, but he actually brought me a coffee to cheer me up, saying, 'I thought this would make you feel better since you were having a bad day.'"She said she also had parents give her gift cards for coffee every other week or greet her in the morning with a coffee just because. "These small gestures bring me joy and make me feel loved and valued," Tori said.Tori doesn't follow a strict curriculum. Instead, she uses a "learn and play" approach, mixing some learning with lots of fun and playtime.She said she loves interacting with the children."Hearing the kids' cheerful 'good mornings' every day is such a joy!" Tori said. "Witnessing their milestones and progress is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing the joy on a parent's face when I share that their child had a great day or achieved something we've been working on for a while."Tori shared some of the challenges of being a child care provider.Communication between a provider and parents can sometimes be challenging, she said."This can be due to various factors such as differing schedules, communication styles or even misunderstandings," she said. "Providers often have a busy day managing the children and their activities, which can make it difficult to find the right moment to connect with parents. "On the other hand, parents might be juggling their own work and personal responsibilities, making it hard to engage in detailed conversations during drop-off or pick-up times."Effective communication is crucial for building trust and ensuring the provider and parents are on the same page regarding the child’s development and well-being, she said.It helps to establish clear channels of communication, whether through regular updates via email, a communication app or scheduled meetings, Tori said."Being proactive in sharing both the child's achievements and any concerns can foster a positive and collaborative relationship," she said. "Additionally, being open to feedback and showing empathy toward each other's challenges can go a long way in overcoming communication barriers."Tori has been active in the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County."I joined to help the community understand the child care world from a provider's perspective," she said. "I wanted to give a voice to in-home providers and assist parents in finding the best child care fit for their needs. "Additionally, I aimed to support those considering a career as a provider, helping them feel confident in their choice. I believe the task force is doing its best to include in-home providers and make them feel valued."Tori highlighted some of the changes she has seen in the child care industry in her six years, including those surrounding supply and demand.She said the number of child care providers has declined noticeably. Between 2019 and May 2021, Kansas lost 78 child care providers and 938 child care slots.The Ellis County task force has sought to address those losses and open slots.She said the demand for child care has continued to grow while the supply has struggled to keep up. Child Care Aware of Kansas has been actively working to address these shortages by providing technical assistance and support to communities.Parents seeking care can access referrals for local providers through Child Care Aware of Kansas. <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/childcaresearch/">See this link</a>.Tori said she thought community support for in-home providers has increased.&nbsp;"Efforts have been made to include in-home providers in broader child care discussions and initiatives," she said.Tori also offered advice to workers interested in entering the child care field."If you love children, this is a fantastic job," she said. "You get to be involved in a child's formative years and get to see really amazing growth and developing personalities."While there will be some tough days, the good ones far outweigh the bad. On a rough day, a simple hug and an 'I love you' from one of the kids can make all the challenges fade away, making it feel like the bad days never happened." <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f8ff50b-eb8c-488a-be8f-aab306e98f26#//">Submit your favorite child care provider for the Child Care Champion award here.</a>The next child care task force meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Hays Welcome Center. It is open to anyone interested in child care issues.

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