The Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 11th annual Butterfly Festival will be held on Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Great Bend.

Each year, millions of monarch butterflies undertake their annual fall flight to Mexico. Nets and tags will be available during the event for those who want to capture and tag monarch butterflies.

Participants head out into the flower-filled fields and shelter belt around KWEC to capture monarchs, with tagging leaders stationed along the trail to help with the tagging process. 

For the past several years, monarchs tagged at the event were recovered at three Mexico roost sites.

On their way to Mexico, data collected from tagged monarchs helps support the research of Monarch Watch. 

Tagging helps answer questions about the origins of monarchs that reach Mexico, the timing and pace of the migration, mortality during the migration, and changes in geographic distribution. It also shows that the probability of reaching Mexico is related to geographic location, size of the butterfly, and the date.

StoneLion Puppet Theatre will be back again this year presenting “Bubba &amp; Trixie,” a story of a scaredy-cat caterpillar afraid to leave his leaf until it meets a fearless ladybug. This story about friendship and facing fears is sure to delight attendees of all ages.

Larned-based Kellie Honey Farm will be present with a demonstration hive on display in the exhibit hall to educate about the importance of honeybees. KWEC will also feature an invertebrate zoo with giant walking stick insects, butterflies, caterpillars, chrysalises, fluorescing scorpions, and more. Kids can make a crawling caterpillar craft or a butterfly mobile at the craft station and take part in many other activities.

Grassland Groupies, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the conservation of grassland ecosystems, will be at the festival with a Bumblebutt Petting Station, an all-male (so they won’t sting) bumble bee interaction display.

Explore the Melody Marsh, a new interactive addition to the KWEC Pollinator Garden, and paint a section of a mural celebrating the monarch butterfly that will be displayed on the garden’s fence.

The garden provides wildflower planting ideas to use at home. It features a variety of native and adaptable plants that serve as host plants for different species of caterpillars and provide nectar sources for pollinators, including butterflies, birds, bees, beetles, and more.

Milkweed plants and wildflower seeds will be available free until they run out. 

For more information, contact KWEC at 1-877-243-9268 or visit: <a href="https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726074232022.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s annual Butterfly Festival. Courtesy file photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s annual Butterfly Festival. Courtesy file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s 11th annual Butterfly Festival will be held on Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Great Bend.Each year, millions of monarch butterflies undertake their annual fall flight to Mexico. Nets and tags will be available during the event for those who want to capture and tag monarch butterflies.Participants head out into the flower-filled fields and shelter belt around KWEC to capture monarchs, with tagging leaders stationed along the trail to help with the tagging process. For the past several years, monarchs tagged at the event were recovered at three Mexico roost sites.On their way to Mexico, data collected from tagged monarchs helps support the research of Monarch Watch. Tagging helps answer questions about the origins of monarchs that reach Mexico, the timing and pace of the migration, mortality during the migration, and changes in geographic distribution. It also shows that the probability of reaching Mexico is related to geographic location, size of the butterfly, and the date.StoneLion Puppet Theatre will be back again this year presenting “Bubba &amp; Trixie,” a story of a scaredy-cat caterpillar afraid to leave his leaf until it meets a fearless ladybug. This story about friendship and facing fears is sure to delight attendees of all ages.Larned-based Kellie Honey Farm will be present with a demonstration hive on display in the exhibit hall to educate about the importance of honeybees. KWEC will also feature an invertebrate zoo with giant walking stick insects, butterflies, caterpillars, chrysalises, fluorescing scorpions, and more. Kids can make a crawling caterpillar craft or a butterfly mobile at the craft station and take part in many other activities.Grassland Groupies, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the conservation of grassland ecosystems, will be at the festival with a Bumblebutt Petting Station, an all-male (so they won’t sting) bumble bee interaction display.Explore the Melody Marsh, a new interactive addition to the KWEC Pollinator Garden, and paint a section of a mural celebrating the monarch butterfly that will be displayed on the garden’s fence.The garden provides wildflower planting ideas to use at home. It features a variety of native and adaptable plants that serve as host plants for different species of caterpillars and provide nectar sources for pollinators, including butterflies, birds, bees, beetles, and more.Milkweed plants and wildflower seeds will be available free until they run out. For more information, contact KWEC at 1-877-243-9268 or visit: <a href="https://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu/">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

Annual Butterfly Festival set for Sept. 28 at Kansas Wetlands Education Center

By <a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/maternal-and-neonatal-health.html">KRISTI BIRCH</a> KU News Service

KANSAS CITY —&nbsp; The University of Kansas Medical Center has been awarded a four-year, nearly $4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes in rural Kansas. The grant is part of HRSA’s Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMs) program, which was created to increase access to quality maternal and obstetrics care in rural parts of the United States.

“Because Kansas is very rural, access to obstetrical care is a really pressing issue,” said Karen Weis, Ph.D., FAAN, professor of nursing at the University of Kansas School of Nursing-Salina, associate director of research for the Kansas Center for Rural Health, and the principal investigator on the HRSA grant. 

“And some critical access hospitals (typically rural hospitals with no more than 25 beds) are either closing entirely or closing their obstetrical care, and it’s creating an issue with access to maternal health care.”

In the United States, a country that has among the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world, women in rural areas have a 9% greater chance of dying or suffering a severe health condition as a consequence of maternity compared with their urban counterparts, according to a study published in Health Affairs.

 Infant mortality rates are 6% higher in rural American counties compared with small and medium-sized cities, and 20% higher than those in large metropolitan areas.

The grant will be used to pilot a sustainable model of quality obstetrical services and care at a network of three hospitals in counties in central and northwest Kansas that are part of the Sunflower Health Network: Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit, Sheridan County Health Complex, Goodland, and Smith County Memorial Hospital and Rural Family Practice, Smith Center.

A critical piece of the project will be building the teleradiology component. 

Teleradiology, the transmission of radiologic images such as ultrasounds and X-rays from one location to another, allows radiologists to provide services to patients without being in the same location. This effort will be led by Brian Brost, M.D., and Marc Parrish, D.O., both professors of obstetrics and gynecology at KU School of Medicine with fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine. Both also are co-investigators on the grant.

Teleradiology allows sonographers to be trained in obstetric ultrasonography remotely. 

Obstetric ultrasonography, also known as prenatal ultrasound, is challenging because babies can be in different positions in the womb, and they often move during the ultrasound. However, sonography training typically includes just a couple of months focused on obstetrics. That’s why creating and conducting a remote training program in performing obstetric ultrasounds is an important feature of the project.

The training program will utilize a simulator machine known as ScanTrainer that will enable sonographers to train and practice in their own hospital over time, without having to travel, and Brost can review their work and offer feedback from Kansas City. 

“This training is important, because if we get good images, if we get early identification of a fetal problem, we can get the patient to a higher level of care before bad things happen,” said Brost.

• Create a referral system to provide remote, virtual consultations with maternal-fetal medicine specialists using telemedicine and teleradiology.

• Develop system-wide review of high-risk patients.. Provide emergency obstetrics training for physicians, nurses and first responders.

• Devise protocols and policies in the network for maternal transports, blood sharing and staff sharing.

• Create nurse navigator positions within the network to coordinate care.. Establish long-term data management and sharing.

The success of the project will be measured by early and consistent prenatal care, reductions in the rate of low-birth weight babies and preterm births, and fewer maternal morbidities and decreased infant and maternal deaths. 

Weis said that eventually, they hope to expand the network to include more rural Kansas hospitals that provide obstetrical services.&nbsp;

“The overall, arching outcome that RMOMs is trying to effect is a decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity through aggregated, coordinated, sustained risk-appropriate care,” said Weis. “So, we've included all these things to build a network and provide the best obstetric care we can in rural environments.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726156192442.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By <a href="https://www.kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/maternal-and-neonatal-health.html">KRISTI BIRCH</a> KU News Service KANSAS CITY —&nbsp; The University of Kansas Medical Center has been awarded a four-year, nearly $4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes in rural Kansas. The grant is part of HRSA’s Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMs) program, which was created to increase access to quality maternal and obstetrics care in rural parts of the United States.“Because Kansas is very rural, access to obstetrical care is a really pressing issue,” said Karen Weis, Ph.D., FAAN, professor of nursing at the University of Kansas School of Nursing-Salina, associate director of research for the Kansas Center for Rural Health, and the principal investigator on the HRSA grant. “And some critical access hospitals (typically rural hospitals with no more than 25 beds) are either closing entirely or closing their obstetrical care, and it’s creating an issue with access to maternal health care.”In the United States, a country that has among the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world, women in rural areas have a 9% greater chance of dying or suffering a severe health condition as a consequence of maternity compared with their urban counterparts, according to a study published in Health Affairs. Infant mortality rates are 6% higher in rural American counties compared with small and medium-sized cities, and 20% higher than those in large metropolitan areas.The grant will be used to pilot a sustainable model of quality obstetrical services and care at a network of three hospitals in counties in central and northwest Kansas that are part of the Sunflower Health Network: Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit, Sheridan County Health Complex, Goodland, and Smith County Memorial Hospital and Rural Family Practice, Smith Center.A critical piece of the project will be building the teleradiology component. Teleradiology, the transmission of radiologic images such as ultrasounds and X-rays from one location to another, allows radiologists to provide services to patients without being in the same location. This effort will be led by Brian Brost, M.D., and Marc Parrish, D.O., both professors of obstetrics and gynecology at KU School of Medicine with fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine. Both also are co-investigators on the grant.Teleradiology allows sonographers to be trained in obstetric ultrasonography remotely. Obstetric ultrasonography, also known as prenatal ultrasound, is challenging because babies can be in different positions in the womb, and they often move during the ultrasound. However, sonography training typically includes just a couple of months focused on obstetrics. That’s why creating and conducting a remote training program in performing obstetric ultrasounds is an important feature of the project.The training program will utilize a simulator machine known as ScanTrainer that will enable sonographers to train and practice in their own hospital over time, without having to travel, and Brost can review their work and offer feedback from Kansas City. “This training is important, because if we get good images, if we get early identification of a fetal problem, we can get the patient to a higher level of care before bad things happen,” said Brost.The grant also will be used to:• Create a referral system to provide remote, virtual consultations with maternal-fetal medicine specialists using telemedicine and teleradiology.• Develop system-wide review of high-risk patients.. Provide emergency obstetrics training for physicians, nurses and first responders.• Devise protocols and policies in the network for maternal transports, blood sharing and staff sharing.• Create nurse navigator positions within the network to coordinate care.. Establish long-term data management and sharing.The success of the project will be measured by early and consistent prenatal care, reductions in the rate of low-birth weight babies and preterm births, and fewer maternal morbidities and decreased infant and maternal deaths. Weis said that eventually, they hope to expand the network to include more rural Kansas hospitals that provide obstetrical services.&nbsp;“The overall, arching outcome that RMOMs is trying to effect is a decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity through aggregated, coordinated, sustained risk-appropriate care,” said Weis. “So, we've included all these things to build a network and provide the best obstetric care we can in rural environments.”

Grant to improve maternal, neonatal health in NW Kansas hospitals received by KU 

Work on a pair of resurfacing projects in Sherman County is scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 16.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will mill and overlay the 2 miles of U.S. 24B in Goodland between the K-27 junction and I-70 interchange. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Delays not exceeding 15 minutes should be anticipated.

Following completion of work on U.S. 24B, construction will begin on a 15-mile portion of I-70 starting at Exit 12 near Caruso and ending near Edson. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with a decreased speed limit in the areas where crews are actively working.

KDOT expects the projects to be completed in late October, conditions permitting.

Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for both projects with a combined contract cost of $7.9 million. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

KDOTWork on a pair of resurfacing projects in Sherman County is scheduled to begin the week of Sept. 16.The Kansas Department of Transportation will mill and overlay the 2 miles of U.S. 24B in Goodland between the K-27 junction and I-70 interchange. Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Delays not exceeding 15 minutes should be anticipated.Following completion of work on U.S. 24B, construction will begin on a 15-mile portion of I-70 starting at Exit 12 near Caruso and ending near Edson. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with a decreased speed limit in the areas where crews are actively working.KDOT expects the projects to be completed in late October, conditions permitting.Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for both projects with a combined contract cost of $7.9 million. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

U.S. 24B, I-70 resurfacing planned in Sherman County

<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/2024/9/1726525245773.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

Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

It was perfect kite flying weather Sunday for the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. 

The event featured the spectacular giant kite displays of Great American Kites and was sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587843511.jpeg" alt="The&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show was held Sunday at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. Photos courtesy Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau" />
 <figcaption>The&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show was held Sunday at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. Photos courtesy Hays Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Convention &amp; Visitors BureauIt was perfect kite flying weather Sunday for the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show at the Bickle Schmidt Sports Complex. The event featured the spectacular giant kite displays of Great American Kites and was sponsored by the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588289587.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588670207.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587992708.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588102063.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588868412.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587535439.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587447871.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726587632738.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588751780.jpeg" alt="Food trucks at the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Food trucks at the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588190640.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588552100.jpeg" alt="Attendees at the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Photo courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Attendees at the&nbsp;Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Photo courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726588411456.jpeg" alt="Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB" />
 <figcaption>Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show. Courtesy Hays CVB</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Prairie Winds Kite Show delights the crowd Sunday afternoon

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued Do Not Drink Advisory for the Country View Mobile&nbsp;Home Park public water supply system,&nbsp;2280 E. 7th Street in Hays. 

This does not include the city of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;

The advisory took effect on September 16 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are resolved. 

This advisory was issued due to the use of an unpermitted well resulting in unknown water quality.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a&nbsp;Do Not Drink Water Advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind&nbsp;notice&nbsp;following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-625-7774, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;

For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191fb941aa5-82fb0eec-a8a4-4156-8827-90dab0c518a5-000000/wrOhi5RYKXNDCTBHDzspDfEnWrVf4gxSVAti0zrzQ5M=370">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the Do Not Drink Water Advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726503831175.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued Do Not Drink Advisory for the Country View Mobile&nbsp;Home Park public water supply system,&nbsp;2280 E. 7th Street in Hays. This does not include the city of Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Water should not be ingested or used for brushing teeth. Use bottled water.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Do not use water to cook or prepare food.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Tap water can be used for bathing. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Tap water may be used to flush toilets.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on September 16 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are resolved. This advisory was issued due to the use of an unpermitted well resulting in unknown water quality.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a&nbsp;Do Not Drink Water Advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind&nbsp;notice&nbsp;following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-625-7774, or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191fb941aa5-82fb0eec-a8a4-4156-8827-90dab0c518a5-000000/wrOhi5RYKXNDCTBHDzspDfEnWrVf4gxSVAti0zrzQ5M=370">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the Do Not Drink Water Advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.&nbsp;

 Do Not Drink Water Advisory issued for Country View Mobile Home Park in Hays 

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said in an email Monday that the department received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School.&nbsp; 

The threat was texted to Hays resident, who reported it to the Hays Police Department, he said. Other threats were later texted to the Ellis County Communication Center, he said.

"Thank you to the Hays resident for sharing the message and helping us to ensure the safety of the students," Scheibler said.

The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said.

During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said.

"The Hays Police Department works closely with USD 489 to ensure the safety and well-being of all the students, and we are grateful for this partnership. I am also especially grateful for the quick response of the Kansas Highway Patrol and their assistance with this investigation, Scheibler said.

The following message was sent to Hays Middle School parents regarding a bomb threat on Sunday at Hays Middle School.

On Sunday, September 15, Hays city law enforcement received a report regarding a potential explosive device at Hays Middle School (HMS). In response, the Hays Police Department, along with bomb-sniffing dogs from the Kansas Highway Patrol, thoroughly searched the premises. No explosives were found, and the building has been declared safe and secure.

The Hays Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the threat, though the investigation remains ongoing. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. We take all threats seriously and conduct thorough investigations to ensure the security of our school community.

We are sharing this information with you to provide clarity and to help you discuss the situation with your child. It is important that they understand the gravity of such threats, as well as the fact that the school has been deemed safe for classes to resume on Tuesday.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support of our students' safety and education.

Sincerely, Tom Albers HMS Principal

Hays PostHays Police Chief Don Scheibler said in an email Monday that the department received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School.&nbsp; The threat was texted to Hays resident, who reported it to the Hays Police Department, he said. Other threats were later texted to the Ellis County Communication Center, he said."Thank you to the Hays resident for sharing the message and helping us to ensure the safety of the students," Scheibler said.The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said. The school was determined to be safe.During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said."The Hays Police Department works closely with USD 489 to ensure the safety and well-being of all the students, and we are grateful for this partnership. I am also especially grateful for the quick response of the Kansas Highway Patrol and their assistance with this investigation, Scheibler said.------The following message was sent to Hays Middle School parents regarding a bomb threat on Sunday at Hays Middle School.Dear Parents and Guardians,On Sunday, September 15, Hays city law enforcement received a report regarding a potential explosive device at Hays Middle School (HMS). In response, the Hays Police Department, along with bomb-sniffing dogs from the Kansas Highway Patrol, thoroughly searched the premises. No explosives were found, and the building has been declared safe and secure.The Hays Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the threat, though the investigation remains ongoing. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. We take all threats seriously and conduct thorough investigations to ensure the security of our school community.We are sharing this information with you to provide clarity and to help you discuss the situation with your child. It is important that they understand the gravity of such threats, as well as the fact that the school has been deemed safe for classes to resume on Tuesday.Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support of our students' safety and education.Sincerely, Tom Albers HMS Principal

UPDATE: Hays Middle School receives bomb threat Sunday; search clears school

By SHELDON WICKWAR Special to the Hays Post

Eighty-two race teams checked into the legendary RPM Speedway for championship night racing. Taking home feature winners were Gage Porter in the sport compacts, Blaine Walt in the sport mods, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stocks, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock cars and Daniel Gottschalk in the modifieds. Taking home 2024 season track championships were Rileigh Flohrs in the sport compact, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stock, Blaine Walt in the sport mod, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock car and Daniel Gottschalk in the modifieds.

The sport compacts started the evening off, they ran two six-lap heat races won by Kaishen Brack and Alison Jeske. Their fifteen-lap feature event started with a front row of Kaishen Brack and Alison Jeske, Kaishen Brack led early on but quickly Kyle Mortensen and Gage Porter would fight for second, with Porter grabbing the lead after a few laps. Jake Schwien broke after a few laps, and that would hand the championship over to Rileigh Flohrs, meanwhile nobody could catch Gage Porter as he ran away with the feature win. Gage Porter picked up win number five on the season, second was track champion Rileigh Flohrs, third was Connor Schwien, fourth was Kyle Mortensen and fifth was Kaishen Brack. Hard charger in the event was Rileigh Flohrs who gained seven spots, other nice runs included Connor Schwien up five spots and Gage Porter up three spots.

The hobby stocks were second on the program, they ran three eight-lap heat races won by Cody Williams, Colton Czapanskiy and Trent Matson. Their twenty-lap feature main event started with a front row of Blake Holmes and Danny Schulte. Holmes got the early lead, meanwhile Zach Olmstead, Jonathan Saliba and Cody Williams were charging to the front. Dion Priddy gained the lead on lap two, with Williams right behind him. Lap three saw Tyler Heath spin, he was able to continue. The field restarted and Williams found the lead. Williams led for a while, before Zach Olmstead was able to get by. Once Olmstead found the lead, he cruised to the feature win, along with grabbing the track championship. Second was Cody Williams, third was Colton Czapanskiy, fourth was Dylan Bell and fifth was Trent Matson. Hard charger in the event was Dylan Bell who gained fifteen spots, other nice runs included Zach Olmstead up nine spots, and Colton Czapanskiy up eight spots.

The sport mods were third on the program, they ran three eight-lap heat races won by Brianna Maughlin, Cody Gearhart and Blaine Walt. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Cody Gearhart and Dalton Bell. Blaine Walt started tenth in the feature event, it took a handful of laps, but he found himself up front, and then got to the lead, and stormed away with the feature event win, securing a track championship after Brianna Maughlin was forced to retire from the race prematurely with an issue. Blaine Walt picked up his fifth RPM track championship, after collecting feature win number six on the season. Second was Tyler Watts, third was Cody Gearhart, fourth was Adam Weber and fifth was Cody Williams. Hard chargers in the event were Cody Williams, Preston Donovan, Ethan Zweygardt, and Justin Meserve who each gained eleven spots. Other nice runs included Blaine Walt up nine spots, Dallas Chambers up seven spots, Dalton Chambers up six spots, and Tyler Watts along with Jeff Hunter gained five spots each.

The stock cars were fourth on the program, they ran two eight-lap heat races won by Garrett Hager and Tathan Burkhart. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Troy Burkhart and Garrett Hager. Troy Burkhart led the bulk of the first half of the feature event, before Kyle Pfeifer was able to get by Tathan Burkhart held on to second or third throughout the feature event but was unable to find victory lane to have a shot at the championship. Kyle Pfeifer picked up the feature win, along with the track championship. Second was Tathan Burkhart, third was Garrett Hager, fourth was Tim Watts and fifth was Troy Burkhart. Hard charger in the event was Kyle Pfeifer who gained three spots.

The modifieds closed out the show, they ran two eight-lap heat races won by Clay Money and Dylan Sherfick. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Kaid Calhoon and Dalton Murphy, quickly Jake Nightingale found the race lead, and led the first eight laps before breaking a right rear shock. The broken shock occurred on a restart which formed a parking lot including championship contenders Daniel Gottschalk and Clay Money, both returned to the feature event. Daniel Gottschalk charged from the rear of the field to win the race and collect his fourth track championship at RPM Speedway. Second was Dylan Sherfick, third was Kyle Rohleder, fourth was Clay Money and fifth was Tyler Harr. Hard chargers in the event were Daniel Gottschalk and Ayden Steffens who gained eight spots, other nice runs included Tyler Harr up seven spots, and Dylan Sherfick up five spots.

RPM's next event will be Fall Nationals, which take place Oct. 3, 4 and 5. This big show to end the year will feature all five regular IMCA classes, along with Dirt Car Late Models, and the local cruisers class.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726502851136.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT COMPACT FEATURE WINNER. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT COMPACT FEATURE WINNER. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHELDON WICKWAR Special to the Hays PostEighty-two race teams checked into the legendary RPM Speedway for championship night racing. Taking home feature winners were Gage Porter in the sport compacts, Blaine Walt in the sport mods, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stocks, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock cars and Daniel Gottschalk in the modifieds. Taking home 2024 season track championships were Rileigh Flohrs in the sport compact, Zach Olmstead in the hobby stock, Blaine Walt in the sport mod, Kyle Pfeifer in the stock car and Daniel Gottschalk in the modifieds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726502929305.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT COMPACT TRACK CHAMP.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT COMPACT TRACK CHAMP.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The sport compacts started the evening off, they ran two six-lap heat races won by Kaishen Brack and Alison Jeske. Their fifteen-lap feature event started with a front row of Kaishen Brack and Alison Jeske, Kaishen Brack led early on but quickly Kyle Mortensen and Gage Porter would fight for second, with Porter grabbing the lead after a few laps. Jake Schwien broke after a few laps, and that would hand the championship over to Rileigh Flohrs, meanwhile nobody could catch Gage Porter as he ran away with the feature win. Gage Porter picked up win number five on the season, second was track champion Rileigh Flohrs, third was Connor Schwien, fourth was Kyle Mortensen and fifth was Kaishen Brack. Hard charger in the event was Rileigh Flohrs who gained seven spots, other nice runs included Connor Schwien up five spots and Gage Porter up three spots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726502959785.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT HOBBY WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT HOBBY WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The hobby stocks were second on the program, they ran three eight-lap heat races won by Cody Williams, Colton Czapanskiy and Trent Matson. Their twenty-lap feature main event started with a front row of Blake Holmes and Danny Schulte. Holmes got the early lead, meanwhile Zach Olmstead, Jonathan Saliba and Cody Williams were charging to the front. Dion Priddy gained the lead on lap two, with Williams right behind him. Lap three saw Tyler Heath spin, he was able to continue. The field restarted and Williams found the lead. Williams led for a while, before Zach Olmstead was able to get by. Once Olmstead found the lead, he cruised to the feature win, along with grabbing the track championship. Second was Cody Williams, third was Colton Czapanskiy, fourth was Dylan Bell and fifth was Trent Matson. Hard charger in the event was Dylan Bell who gained fifteen spots, other nice runs included Zach Olmstead up nine spots, and Colton Czapanskiy up eight spots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726502983005.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT MOD WIN.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT MOD WIN.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The sport mods were third on the program, they ran three eight-lap heat races won by Brianna Maughlin, Cody Gearhart and Blaine Walt. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Cody Gearhart and Dalton Bell. Blaine Walt started tenth in the feature event, it took a handful of laps, but he found himself up front, and then got to the lead, and stormed away with the feature event win, securing a track championship after Brianna Maughlin was forced to retire from the race prematurely with an issue. Blaine Walt picked up his fifth RPM track championship, after collecting feature win number six on the season. Second was Tyler Watts, third was Cody Gearhart, fourth was Adam Weber and fifth was Cody Williams. Hard chargers in the event were Cody Williams, Preston Donovan, Ethan Zweygardt, and Justin Meserve who each gained eleven spots. Other nice runs included Blaine Walt up nine spots, Dallas Chambers up seven spots, Dalton Chambers up six spots, and Tyler Watts along with Jeff Hunter gained five spots each.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726503036653.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT SPORT MODIFIED WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT SPORT MODIFIED WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The stock cars were fourth on the program, they ran two eight-lap heat races won by Garrett Hager and Tathan Burkhart. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Troy Burkhart and Garrett Hager. Troy Burkhart led the bulk of the first half of the feature event, before Kyle Pfeifer was able to get by Tathan Burkhart held on to second or third throughout the feature event but was unable to find victory lane to have a shot at the championship. Kyle Pfeifer picked up the feature win, along with the track championship. Second was Tathan Burkhart, third was Garrett Hager, fourth was Tim Watts and fifth was Troy Burkhart. Hard charger in the event was Kyle Pfeifer who gained three spots.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726503060587.jpeg" alt="RPM CHAMP NIGHT STOCK WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>RPM CHAMP NIGHT STOCK WINNER.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The modifieds closed out the show, they ran two eight-lap heat races won by Clay Money and Dylan Sherfick. Their twenty-lap feature event started with a front row of Kaid Calhoon and Dalton Murphy, quickly Jake Nightingale found the race lead, and led the first eight laps before breaking a right rear shock. The broken shock occurred on a restart which formed a parking lot including championship contenders Daniel Gottschalk and Clay Money, both returned to the feature event. Daniel Gottschalk charged from the rear of the field to win the race and collect his fourth track championship at RPM Speedway. Second was Dylan Sherfick, third was Kyle Rohleder, fourth was Clay Money and fifth was Tyler Harr. Hard chargers in the event were Daniel Gottschalk and Ayden Steffens who gained eight spots, other nice runs included Tyler Harr up seven spots, and Dylan Sherfick up five spots.RPM's next event will be Fall Nationals, which take place Oct. 3, 4 and 5. This big show to end the year will feature all five regular IMCA classes, along with Dirt Car Late Models, and the local cruisers class.

RPM Speedway: Daniel Gottschalk wins on Championship Night

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week TMP vs Norton

🎥🏈 Redeem Designs Plays of the Week HHS vs Wheat Ridge

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 286 incidents Sept. 9-14, 2024, according to the activity report.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444921352.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 286 incidents Sept. 9-14, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff's activity log, Sept. 8-14, 2024

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724699319635.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
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Ellis County Jail bookings, Sept. 9-16, 2024

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

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on September 16 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;

KDHE officials issued the advisory because the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-398-2495, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191fb203886-6f6ba33d-78c2-4387-809d-6f425919da2c-000000/_FXdWWgEgCPreIzscc7sDvovLbG4CXdSNEvSGpBnWU0=370">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578431960692.jpeg" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Bazine public water supply system located in Ness County.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on September 16 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.&nbsp;KDHE officials issued the advisory because the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-398-2495, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FConsumer-Information-Regarding-a-Disrupt%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000191fb203886-6f6ba33d-78c2-4387-809d-6f425919da2c-000000/_FXdWWgEgCPreIzscc7sDvovLbG4CXdSNEvSGpBnWU0=370">kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Bazine in Ness County

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Lawrence photographer Ann Dean gave a presentation Thursday night at the Hays Public Library titled "The Power of Imagery and the Civil Rights Experience. " 

The presentation was part of a month-long "Sorting Out Race" speakers series.

"Really, since its inception, photography has been used for raising awareness of social issues, provoking emotions, provoking thoughts and reshaping our perceptions of how we see the world," Dean said.

"The really great photographers open your eyes to the world around you. Their images raise awareness. They make you feel emotion."

She said photography can help us understand our past and better our understanding of each other.

Photography was essential to documenting the Civil Rights Movement and spreading its images throughout the United States and the world, she said.

Dean shared multiple photos of Frederick Douglass, who she said equated photography with freedom.

Frederick Douglass said, "When you look at a photograph of me, you will never deny that I am a man worthy of freedom and worthy of citizenship. You will look me in the eye and see my humanity."

Dean said Blacks in mass media were vilified, demonized, twisted, ghoulish versions of themselves and turned into racist tropes like coons,&nbsp;pickaninnies,&nbsp;mammies, sambos and Uncle Toms.&nbsp;

The early 1900s "coon postcards" depicted Blacks as animalistic, simplistic, and happy to eat watermelon. Even Black children were depicted as prone to violent behavior.

Photography allowed Black Americans to be seen for who they really were: dignified, fully realized human beings.

Dean included a photo of her mother and father attending a college football game in 1952. Her parents were dressed to the nines. Her father wore a suit, and her mother wore a skirt and white gloves. The students in the audience giggled as Dean acknowledged this is not how students today dress to attend a football game.

"They look so proud and so beautiful," Dean said. "It's my favorite picture of my parents back in 1952."

Shortly after that picture was taken, her parents married and moved to St. Louis. When they tried to purchase a home, the neighbors drew up a petition to keep them from buying the house.

They purchased the home anyway. After many years of living side by side, members of families who had signed that petition became lifelong friends, Dean said.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Black and white photographers used their lenses to affect change.

"They used the power of these still images to expose these atrocities that were occurring," Dean said.

They were nonbiased and respected in their communities, she said. However, they put themselves in harm's way. She showed a picture of one photographer after a protest who was wearing a gas mask.&nbsp;

"They were trying to tell the truth. They were trying to get something seen that was not seen," Dean said.

Gordon Parks, a native Kansan, was a significant photographer during the Civil Rights Movement and the first Black photographer for Life magazine.

He was noted for taking portraits of average Black Americans and icons such as Malcolm X.

In his memoir, he described his camera as his choice of weapon against all things he disliked about living in America as a Black man.

In 1947, he photographed the doll tests. Scientists presented Black children with black and white dolls.

They were asked to choose which doll they preferred, which was good and which was bad. Most children chose the white doll.&nbsp;

When the children were asked to identify which doll was most like them, they became upset when they had to identify with the black doll. Some even ran out of the room in tears.

"The study did reveal there was psychological damage caused by segregation and discrimination," Dean said.

This study was used to argue the Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to the desegregation of schools and the ruling that separate was not equal.

Dean shared an image of Elizabeth Eckford, known as one of the Little Rock Nine, trying to enter her high school. The photo was later known as "The Scream" because of the young white woman, Hazel Bryan, behind Eckford in the photograph screaming at her.&nbsp;

Dean said the image followed both women throughout their lives. In 1963, Bryan had a change of heart and apologized to Eckford.

Charles Moore, a white photographer, said white police officers and mobs seemed to enjoy beating on these people.

"They had such hatred in their faces as they committed these atrocities and spewed out their anger and their venom," he said.

The photographers were targets, Dean said.

Moore reported being taunted, yelled at, cursed out, having things thrown at him, followed and threatened.

His images were credited with helping quicken the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Dean said.

Dean shared a photo of Peter, also known as Gordon, who had been enslaved and escaped in 1863. The image depicts Peter's badly scarred back from beatings.

She juxtaposed that image with that of a man wearing a jacket at the Selma voting rights march in 1965.

"This identified man is clearly fed up. He has his message of utter frustration written across his back. ... This was a bold message this man was displaying in a very dangerous environment where he could easily become a target for violence," Dean said.

Spider Martin had the largest collection of photographs from the Civil Rights Movement.&nbsp;

Martin Luther King Jr. once told Spider Martin, "We could have marched and protested forever, but if it weren't for guys like you, it would have been for nothing. The whole world saw your pictures and that is why the Voting Rights Act actually passed."

Dean shared an image from 2015 from the cover of Time magazine. It shows a young man running away from a large line of police during protests after the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore.

"The same things are going on almost 50 years later," Dean said. "And the same issues at the forefront—poverty, equal education, housing, voting rights, unemployment. We are now still at that tipping point."

Photographers today are trying to show the struggle for equality, Dean said.

They are trying to make sure the lives of folks like George Floyd, Breoann Taylor, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray and so many others are not forgotten and their lives were not taken in vain, Dean said.

"Through photography, through imagery we can relive these incidents from so long ago. We can see whipped Peter from the 1800s and think where imagery started and where it's come today—the journey it has taken to give us a mirror of ourselves to make us feel these emotions," Dean said.

At the conclusion of the lecture, Dean took questions and heard comments. A man in the audience said he was born in Birmingham in the 1950s and grow up there during the Civil Rights Movement.

He said he was raised in a racist environment.&nbsp;

Through tears, he said he was walking down the sidewalk when he was 12, and a 70-year-old Black man stepped into the street to let him pass.

Below is a list of the rest of the lectures in the series and information on an accompanying exhibit at the Hays Public Library. All the events are free and open to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726253997137.jpeg" alt="Boy meets armed National Guardsmen during the Civil Rights Movement. Photo provided by Ann Dean" />
 <figcaption>Boy meets armed National Guardsmen during the Civil Rights Movement. Photo provided by Ann Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostLawrence photographer Ann Dean gave a presentation Thursday night at the Hays Public Library titled "The Power of Imagery and the Civil Rights Experience. " The presentation was part of a month-long "Sorting Out Race" speakers series."Really, since its inception, photography has been used for raising awareness of social issues, provoking emotions, provoking thoughts and reshaping our perceptions of how we see the world," Dean said."The really great photographers open your eyes to the world around you. Their images raise awareness. They make you feel emotion."She said photography can help us understand our past and better our understanding of each other.Photography was essential to documenting the Civil Rights Movement and spreading its images throughout the United States and the world, she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726243569748.jpeg" alt="Speaker Ann Dean shares images of Frederick Douglass. Dean spoke Thursday at the Hays Public Library as part of the Humanities Kansas "Sorting Out Race" series. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Speaker Ann Dean shares images of Frederick Douglass. Dean spoke Thursday at the Hays Public Library as part of the Humanities Kansas "Sorting Out Race" series. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Dean shared multiple photos of Frederick Douglass, who she said equated photography with freedom.Frederick Douglass said, "When you look at a photograph of me, you will never deny that I am a man worthy of freedom and worthy of citizenship. You will look me in the eye and see my humanity."Dean said Blacks in mass media were vilified, demonized, twisted, ghoulish versions of themselves and turned into racist tropes like coons,&nbsp;pickaninnies,&nbsp;mammies, sambos and Uncle Toms.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726243442521.jpeg" alt="This was a restaurant sign that negatively depicted a Black American and was typical of mass media images in the early 1900s, speaker Ann Dean said. Image courtesy of Ann Dean" />
 <figcaption>This was a restaurant sign that negatively depicted a Black American and was typical of mass media images in the early 1900s, speaker Ann Dean said. Image courtesy of Ann Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>The early 1900s "coon postcards" depicted Blacks as animalistic, simplistic, and happy to eat watermelon. Even Black children were depicted as prone to violent behavior.Photography allowed Black Americans to be seen for who they really were: dignified, fully realized human beings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726244953841.jpeg" alt="Dean's parents prepared to attend a college football game in 1952. Image courtesy of Ann Dean" />
 <figcaption>Dean's parents prepared to attend a college football game in 1952. Image courtesy of Ann Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>Dean included a photo of her mother and father attending a college football game in 1952. Her parents were dressed to the nines. Her father wore a suit, and her mother wore a skirt and white gloves. The students in the audience giggled as Dean acknowledged this is not how students today dress to attend a football game."They look so proud and so beautiful," Dean said. "It's my favorite picture of my parents back in 1952."Shortly after that picture was taken, her parents married and moved to St. Louis. When they tried to purchase a home, the neighbors drew up a petition to keep them from buying the house.They purchased the home anyway. After many years of living side by side, members of families who had signed that petition became lifelong friends, Dean said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726244017296.jpeg" alt="Peacefully protesting sanitation workers were met at gunpoint in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by&nbsp;Ernest Withers. Image provided by Ann Dean" />
 <figcaption>Peacefully protesting sanitation workers were met at gunpoint in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by&nbsp;Ernest Withers. Image provided by Ann Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>During the Civil Rights Movement, Black and white photographers used their lenses to affect change."They used the power of these still images to expose these atrocities that were occurring," Dean said.They were nonbiased and respected in their communities, she said. However, they put themselves in harm's way. She showed a picture of one photographer after a protest who was wearing a gas mask.&nbsp;"They were trying to tell the truth. They were trying to get something seen that was not seen," Dean said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726256805979.jpeg" alt="A Gordon Parks image. Parks was a native of Fort Scott and was the first Black photographer for Life magazine. Image provided by Ann Dean" />
 <figcaption>A Gordon Parks image. Parks was a native of Fort Scott and was the first Black photographer for Life magazine. Image provided by Ann Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>Gordon Parks, a native Kansan, was a significant photographer during the Civil Rights Movement and the first Black photographer for Life magazine.He was noted for taking portraits of average Black Americans and icons such as Malcolm X.In his memoir, he described his camera as his choice of weapon against all things he disliked about living in America as a Black man.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726253723290.jpeg" alt="The doll test experiments photographed by Gordon Parks. Black children were asked to choose between a white and a black doll. They almost all chose the white doll as the "good" doll. The experiment showed psychological damage caused by racism and segregation. Photo by Gordon Parks. Image provided by Ann Dean" />
 <figcaption>The doll test experiments photographed by Gordon Parks. Black children were asked to choose between a white and a black doll. They almost all chose the white doll as the "good" doll. The experiment showed psychological damage caused by racism and segregation. Photo by Gordon Parks. Image provided by Ann Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1947, he photographed the doll tests. Scientists presented Black children with black and white dolls.They were asked to choose which doll they preferred, which was good and which was bad. Most children chose the white doll.&nbsp;When the children were asked to identify which doll was most like them, they became upset when they had to identify with the black doll. Some even ran out of the room in tears."The study did reveal there was psychological damage caused by segregation and discrimination," Dean said.This study was used to argue the Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to the desegregation of schools and the ruling that separate was not equal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726253470062.jpeg" alt="Elizabeth Eckford, known as one of the Little Rock Nine, trying to enter her high school. The photo was later known as "The Scream" because of the young white woman, Hazel Bryan, who was behind her in the photograph screaming at her. Image provided by Ann Dean" />
 <figcaption>Elizabeth Eckford, known as one of the Little Rock Nine, trying to enter her high school. The photo was later known as "The Scream" because of the young white woman, Hazel Bryan, who was behind her in the photograph screaming at her. Image provided by Ann Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>Dean shared an image of Elizabeth Eckford, known as one of the Little Rock Nine, trying to enter her high school. The photo was later known as "The Scream" because of the young white woman, Hazel Bryan, behind Eckford in the photograph screaming at her.&nbsp;Dean said the image followed both women throughout their lives. In 1963, Bryan had a change of heart and apologized to Eckford.Charles Moore, a white photographer, said white police officers and mobs seemed to enjoy beating on these people."They had such hatred in their faces as they committed these atrocities and spewed out their anger and their venom," he said.The photographers were targets, Dean said.Moore reported being taunted, yelled at, cursed out, having things thrown at him, followed and threatened.His images were credited with helping quicken the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Dean said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726255216217.jpeg" alt="LEFT: An image circa 1863 of whipping scars on Peter, who was a former slave. RIGHT: A Civil Rights protester in the 1960s. Right photo by Spider Martin. Photos provided by Ann Dean" />
 <figcaption>LEFT: An image circa 1863 of whipping scars on Peter, who was a former slave. RIGHT: A Civil Rights protester in the 1960s. Right photo by Spider Martin. Photos provided by Ann Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>Dean shared a photo of Peter, also known as Gordon, who had been enslaved and escaped in 1863. The image depicts Peter's badly scarred back from beatings.She juxtaposed that image with that of a man wearing a jacket at the Selma voting rights march in 1965."This identified man is clearly fed up. He has his message of utter frustration written across his back. ... This was a bold message this man was displaying in a very dangerous environment where he could easily become a target for violence," Dean said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726255568330.jpeg" alt="A 105-year-old woman, who had been a slave, registering to vote for the first time in Greenville, Mississippi. Photo provided by Ann Dean" />
 <figcaption>A 105-year-old woman, who had been a slave, registering to vote for the first time in Greenville, Mississippi. Photo provided by Ann Dean</figcaption>
 </figure>Spider Martin had the largest collection of photographs from the Civil Rights Movement.&nbsp;Martin Luther King Jr. once told Spider Martin, "We could have marched and protested forever, but if it weren't for guys like you, it would have been for nothing. The whole world saw your pictures and that is why the Voting Rights Act actually passed."Dean shared an image from 2015 from the cover of Time magazine. It shows a young man running away from a large line of police during protests after the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore."The same things are going on almost 50 years later," Dean said. "And the same issues at the forefront—poverty, equal education, housing, voting rights, unemployment. We are now still at that tipping point."Photographers today are trying to show the struggle for equality, Dean said.They are trying to make sure the lives of folks like George Floyd, Breoann Taylor, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray and so many others are not forgotten and their lives were not taken in vain, Dean said."Through photography, through imagery we can relive these incidents from so long ago. We can see whipped Peter from the 1800s and think where imagery started and where it's come today—the journey it has taken to give us a mirror of ourselves to make us feel these emotions," Dean said.At the conclusion of the lecture, Dean took questions and heard comments. A man in the audience said he was born in Birmingham in the 1950s and grow up there during the Civil Rights Movement.He said he was raised in a racist environment.&nbsp;Dean asked what helped him get over it.Through tears, he said he was walking down the sidewalk when he was 12, and a 70-year-old Black man stepped into the street to let him pass.Below is a list of the rest of the lectures in the series and information on an accompanying exhibit at the Hays Public Library. All the events are free and open to the public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726260464689.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays speaker discusses photography's influence on Civil Rights Movement

Developmental
Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently announced as the recipient of a
$5,000 grant from Midwest Energy, Inc.&nbsp;
This award will be used to purchase three Digital Chair Scales and two Hoyer Lifts.

The Digital Chair Scale
ensures precise weight measurement, enhancing both care and monitoring. The
Hoyer Lifts with an additional battery for each lift will provide critical
support for safe transfers, ensuring safety, portability and comfort for both individuals
and staff. Individuals living in the homes where this equipment is needed have
varying degrees of developmental challenges that increase as they age.

“Many individuals within services
are prescribed medications requiring daily weights and monitoring for fluid
retention." states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.&nbsp; “This equipment will significantly bolster our capacity to deliver
high-quality, efficient, and safe services.”

This project focuses on the safety of
persons served within three residential homes in Hays and those served at the
Kobler Developmental Center in Hill City. 

DSNWK
would like to thank Midwest Energy for their generous support of the people we
serve.

SubmittedDevelopmental
Services of Northwest Kansas, was recently announced as the recipient of a
$5,000 grant from Midwest Energy, Inc.&nbsp;
This award will be used to purchase three Digital Chair Scales and two Hoyer Lifts.The Digital Chair Scale
ensures precise weight measurement, enhancing both care and monitoring. The
Hoyer Lifts with an additional battery for each lift will provide critical
support for safe transfers, ensuring safety, portability and comfort for both individuals
and staff. Individuals living in the homes where this equipment is needed have
varying degrees of developmental challenges that increase as they age.“Many individuals within services
are prescribed medications requiring daily weights and monitoring for fluid
retention." states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President.&nbsp; “This equipment will significantly bolster our capacity to deliver
high-quality, efficient, and safe services.”This project focuses on the safety of
persons served within three residential homes in Hays and those served at the
Kobler Developmental Center in Hill City. DSNWK
would like to thank Midwest Energy for their generous support of the people we
serve.

Midwest Energy supports DSNWK with $5,000 grant

Hays High DECA is excited to return to a traditional food drive that benefits the Community Assistance Center. This year's food drive, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, with the collections beginning at 6:00 pm and ending by 9:00 pm.

Youth and adult volunteers from Hays give of their time to make this food drive a success. To assure residents that the items collected are for the Community Assistance Center, all volunteers will be wearing an identification badge with their group name clearly printed. Please leave items on the porch if donors will not be home or do not want someone ringing the doorbell.

Possible items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed food items such Hamburger Helper or mac and cheese, jars of baby food, and any non- perishable food items. If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E 12th St. Hays, KS.

The Community Assistance Center is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization that helps Ellis County families &amp; individuals of low or no income, transients, homeless, &amp; disaster victims with food, clothing, and household items. The Community Assistance Center does not receive any federal, state, county or local funds and is funded by donations only.

Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon November 29, 2024.

If civic organizations or groups are interested in helping with food collection, please contact Shaina Prough at Hays High School, 623-2600.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602003875651.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHays High DECA is excited to return to a traditional food drive that benefits the Community Assistance Center. This year's food drive, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, with the collections beginning at 6:00 pm and ending by 9:00 pm.Youth and adult volunteers from Hays give of their time to make this food drive a success. To assure residents that the items collected are for the Community Assistance Center, all volunteers will be wearing an identification badge with their group name clearly printed. Please leave items on the porch if donors will not be home or do not want someone ringing the doorbell.Possible items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed food items such Hamburger Helper or mac and cheese, jars of baby food, and any non- perishable food items. If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E 12th St. Hays, KS.The Community Assistance Center is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization that helps Ellis County families &amp; individuals of low or no income, transients, homeless, &amp; disaster victims with food, clothing, and household items. The Community Assistance Center does not receive any federal, state, county or local funds and is funded by donations only.Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon November 29, 2024.If civic organizations or groups are interested in helping with food collection, please contact Shaina Prough at Hays High School, 623-2600.

Hays Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive planned

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.

Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!

I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!

Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>

I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Family Pizza Day

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726420847727.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>

Sternberg snapping turtle dies

A public hearing will be held Monday afternoon by the Hays Area Planning Commission for a variance request.

Leslie Smith has asked to reduce the west side yard setback from the required seven feet to four feet for extension of a carport at 407 E. 17th.

Other agenda items include project updates.

The Sept. 16 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162024-1502">here</a>.

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysA public hearing will be held Monday afternoon by the Hays Area Planning Commission for a variance request.Leslie Smith has asked to reduce the west side yard setback from the required seven feet to four feet for extension of a carport at 407 E. 17th.Other agenda items include project updates.The Sept. 16 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162024-1502">here</a>.The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays Area Planning Commission to meeting Monday afternoon

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

To honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, the Tiger Fitness Center at Fort Hays State University organized a memorial stair climb in Hays.

Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston and nearly 200 other participants paid tribute on Saturday to the courageous firefighters and victims of the attack.

"Personally, it's a reminder of that day and what those firefighters did to honor their memory," Preston said.&nbsp;

The memorial event began at 7:46 a.m., one hour before the first plane hit the North Tower in 2001. The opening featured the national anthem, a tribute to current first responders and veterans, and a moment of silence.

Participants could choose to run or walk up the steps of Lewis Field Stadium or do laps around the track.

About 10 to 15 firefighters from Hays, equipped with their gear, participated in the climb, mirroring the efforts of first responders who entered the World Trade Centers.

Gear typically weighs between 45 and 75 pounds.

"I know people are young and were not born at that time, but it's good for them to remember what happened that day and show support for their community," Preston said.

18-year-old Myah Mateheyer took part in the commemorative climb and said it was a challenging task but one done to show appreciation.

"I respect all the hard work they do," she said. "My dad used to be a firefighter, my uncle is a firefighter, and I have a couple of cousins in EMS."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338279456.jpeg" alt="Firefighters and participants walking across the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters and participants walking across the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostTo honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, the Tiger Fitness Center at Fort Hays State University organized a memorial stair climb in Hays.Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston and nearly 200 other participants paid tribute on Saturday to the courageous firefighters and victims of the attack."Personally, it's a reminder of that day and what those firefighters did to honor their memory," Preston said.&nbsp;The memorial event began at 7:46 a.m., one hour before the first plane hit the North Tower in 2001. The opening featured the national anthem, a tribute to current first responders and veterans, and a moment of silence.Participants could choose to run or walk up the steps of Lewis Field Stadium or do laps around the track.About 10 to 15 firefighters from Hays, equipped with their gear, participated in the climb, mirroring the efforts of first responders who entered the World Trade Centers.Gear typically weighs between 45 and 75 pounds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338395536.jpeg" alt="First responders climbing up the stairs at Lewis Field Stadium.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>First responders climbing up the stairs at Lewis Field Stadium.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726339031482.jpeg" alt="A firefighter with a photo of a deceased first responder on his gas tank sitting next to a boy at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter with a photo of a deceased first responder on his gas tank sitting next to a boy at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338517527.jpeg" alt="Firefighters walking down the steps of&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters walking down the steps of&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338558239.jpeg" alt="A tired firefighter resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A tired firefighter resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"I know people are young and were not born at that time, but it's good for them to remember what happened that day and show support for their community," Preston said.18-year-old Myah Mateheyer took part in the commemorative climb and said it was a challenging task but one done to show appreciation."I respect all the hard work they do," she said. "My dad used to be a firefighter, my uncle is a firefighter, and I have a couple of cousins in EMS."Mateheyer completed 42 laps up and down the bleachers, separated as the first responders had their own designated climbing area."Seeing the firefighters in gear really set the tone for the day," Mateheyer said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338633423.jpeg" alt="Firefighters at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338879907.jpeg" alt="Students and other attendees running through the&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium bleachers. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Students and other attendees running through the&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium bleachers. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338907665.jpeg" alt="Students and attendees running down the stairs at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Students and attendees running down the stairs at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726339210189.jpeg" alt="Two firefighters resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two firefighters resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Drew Gannon, director of the Tiger Fitness Center, organized the 4th- annual climb to commemorate the heroic actions of the men and women of New York."For me, it's about the heroic actions of our first responders, co-workers and innocent bystanders caught in the mix of it all," he said.Gannon organized the first stair climb on the 20th anniversary of the attack with the help of five students and his wife's encouragement."This has turned out to be an event that I never dreamed would be at this size, of this magnitude," he said.Serving breakfast was a new addition to the memorial stair climb, meant to strengthen the bond between the community and first responders.Preston said events like the stair climb are important for firefighters to feel that the community backs their efforts, even while away from their families."It's a reminder for our firefighters to know that the community supports them," he said. "We make a lot of personal sacrifices... to come out and show their appreciation to us. That's that's the biggest thank you that we can get."As participants completed their laps, footage and audio from the New York attacks were displayed on the big screen at Lewis Field Stadium.The Hays Fire Department is seeking young people ages 14 through 18 who are interested in serving their community through its Explorers Program.You can learn more about the program <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1175394110210648/?ref=newsfeed">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338964257.jpeg" alt="A firefighter interacting with a boy at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter interacting with a boy at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338809429.jpeg" alt="A boy carrying gear alongside other firefighters at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A boy carrying gear alongside other firefighters at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726339315305.jpeg" alt="A firefighter resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338712599.jpeg" alt="Two firefighters staring at the U.S. flag at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two firefighters staring at the U.S. flag at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

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