City Manager Toby Dougherty announces the appointment of Jarrod Kuckelman as the new assistant city manager for the city of Hays. &nbsp;

Kuckelman is the management analyst for the city of Hays, serving in this capacity since June 2023. &nbsp;Prior to his employment with the city of Hays, Kuckelman worked for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.

He is a native Kansan, growing up in Macksville. Kuckelman graduated from the University of Kansas with a master's of public administration.&nbsp;

In announcing the appointment, City Manager Dougherty stated, “Jarrod has proved a valuable asset to the organization and has thrived in his current position. &nbsp;As assistant city manager, he will take the lead on economic development and housing incentives.” &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735035395968.jpeg" alt="Jarrod Kuckelman, Hays Assistant City Manager. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jarrod Kuckelman, Hays Assistant City Manager. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysCity Manager Toby Dougherty announces the appointment of Jarrod Kuckelman as the new assistant city manager for the city of Hays. &nbsp;Kuckelman is the management analyst for the city of Hays, serving in this capacity since June 2023. &nbsp;Prior to his employment with the city of Hays, Kuckelman worked for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.He is a native Kansan, growing up in Macksville. Kuckelman graduated from the University of Kansas with a master's of public administration.&nbsp;In announcing the appointment, City Manager Dougherty stated, “Jarrod has proved a valuable asset to the organization and has thrived in his current position. &nbsp;As assistant city manager, he will take the lead on economic development and housing incentives.” &nbsp;

City of Hays hires new assistant city manager

Alvin
Joseph Denning, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday morning in the comfort of
his home and the company of his family. Anyone who knew Al could tell you that
was the only way he was ever going to leave the “farm” west of Hays, where he
and his departed wife, Aletha, built their home over 40 years ago.



Born in Hays in 1929, Al was the oldest of seven children of Alois and Barbara
(Dinkel) Denning. He spent his childhood working on the family dairy farm and
graduated from Hays High in 1947. He married his sweetheart, Aletha Unrein, in
1950. Al then took on a variety of hard-working jobs, from the oil fields to
the quarry to driving trucks, before spending over two decades working at the
Hays Post Office. 



During that time, Al and Aletha raised seven children together, with their
births spanned over 20 years. A man of his generation, Al parented by example,
teaching his kids the value of hard work, honesty, humility, kindness to
strangers, and taking no shortcuts. He volunteered with the kids’ 4-H clubs, was
a fixture at local farmers markets and small-animal auctions, and enjoyed
driving his pickup through the countryside, noting the level of Big Creek
(always low), pointing out a pretty landscape, stopping to gather a sweet
wildflower for Aletha, or suggesting that so-and-so better get that alfalfa
baled before it rains.



Since retiring thirty years ago, Al almost never spent a night away from the
farm (“Who would collect the eggs?”) and during daylight hours could usually be
found outdoors. He had a green thumb, and every spring he would plant an
acre-sized garden full of every vegetable he could coax to sprout. He raised
all kinds of birds, too, including chickens, doves, quail, guineas, and
peacocks, along with rabbits and the occasional sheep or miniature donkey. He
loved the sun on his back, the feel of a shovel handle in his hands, and a cold
slurp of water from the hose. He valued trees and strategically planted
hundreds of them on his farm to block the wind, shade the yard, provide fruit,
and add habitats for wildlife. And he really loved when folks would see the
Fresh Eggs sign on the highway and stop in to visit. “Let me show you
something,” he’d say to the kids, before leading them to peek at chicks
hatching in the incubator or the biggest squash you’ve ever seen growing in the
garden. Al liked pearl snap shirts, Louis L’Amour novels, Canadian whiskey,
Johnny Cash songs, and Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches.

 

But above all, Al’s pride and joy was his large and loving family, which
remains tight knit to this day, despite being spread out geographically. At
reunions, surrounded by 75 or 80 family members, Al would beam at Aletha, “Look
at what we did! My goodness, look at what we did.” Indeed.

Al is reunited in death with his wife of 71 years, Aletha (2021), his middle
child Greg (2008), his parents, two brothers (Lester and Kenny), and two
sisters (Dolores Frank and Edna Gustus Hunt).

 

Al is survived by six children—Tom Denning (Deb) in Hays, Judy Evans (Bob) in
Indiana, Margie Hammerschmidt (Elden) in Hays, Dan Denning (Cheryl) in
Herington, Kathy Banks (Duane) in Russell, and Roger Denning (Michele) in San
Diego—along with his brother, Larry Denning, and sister, Rita Werth Smith. His
legacy also includes 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 2
great-great-grandchildren.



A funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Thursday, December 26, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Hays. The Mass will be preceded by a memorial visitation at
the church from 1:00pm to 2pm. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 



Memorial contributions are suggested to the 4-H Youth Development, Ellis
County. Contributions made payable to the organization may be sent in care of
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences may be sent to the family on Al’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734980167386.png" alt="Alvin Joseph Denning" />
 <figcaption>Alvin Joseph Denning</figcaption>
 </figure>Alvin
Joseph Denning, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday morning in the comfort of
his home and the company of his family. Anyone who knew Al could tell you that
was the only way he was ever going to leave the “farm” west of Hays, where he
and his departed wife, Aletha, built their home over 40 years ago.

Born in Hays in 1929, Al was the oldest of seven children of Alois and Barbara
(Dinkel) Denning. He spent his childhood working on the family dairy farm and
graduated from Hays High in 1947. He married his sweetheart, Aletha Unrein, in
1950. Al then took on a variety of hard-working jobs, from the oil fields to
the quarry to driving trucks, before spending over two decades working at the
Hays Post Office. 

During that time, Al and Aletha raised seven children together, with their
births spanned over 20 years. A man of his generation, Al parented by example,
teaching his kids the value of hard work, honesty, humility, kindness to
strangers, and taking no shortcuts. He volunteered with the kids’ 4-H clubs, was
a fixture at local farmers markets and small-animal auctions, and enjoyed
driving his pickup through the countryside, noting the level of Big Creek
(always low), pointing out a pretty landscape, stopping to gather a sweet
wildflower for Aletha, or suggesting that so-and-so better get that alfalfa
baled before it rains.

Since retiring thirty years ago, Al almost never spent a night away from the
farm (“Who would collect the eggs?”) and during daylight hours could usually be
found outdoors. He had a green thumb, and every spring he would plant an
acre-sized garden full of every vegetable he could coax to sprout. He raised
all kinds of birds, too, including chickens, doves, quail, guineas, and
peacocks, along with rabbits and the occasional sheep or miniature donkey. He
loved the sun on his back, the feel of a shovel handle in his hands, and a cold
slurp of water from the hose. He valued trees and strategically planted
hundreds of them on his farm to block the wind, shade the yard, provide fruit,
and add habitats for wildlife. And he really loved when folks would see the
Fresh Eggs sign on the highway and stop in to visit. “Let me show you
something,” he’d say to the kids, before leading them to peek at chicks
hatching in the incubator or the biggest squash you’ve ever seen growing in the
garden. Al liked pearl snap shirts, Louis L’Amour novels, Canadian whiskey,
Johnny Cash songs, and Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches. 

But above all, Al’s pride and joy was his large and loving family, which
remains tight knit to this day, despite being spread out geographically. At
reunions, surrounded by 75 or 80 family members, Al would beam at Aletha, “Look
at what we did! My goodness, look at what we did.” Indeed.Al is reunited in death with his wife of 71 years, Aletha (2021), his middle
child Greg (2008), his parents, two brothers (Lester and Kenny), and two
sisters (Dolores Frank and Edna Gustus Hunt). 

Al is survived by six children—Tom Denning (Deb) in Hays, Judy Evans (Bob) in
Indiana, Margie Hammerschmidt (Elden) in Hays, Dan Denning (Cheryl) in
Herington, Kathy Banks (Duane) in Russell, and Roger Denning (Michele) in San
Diego—along with his brother, Larry Denning, and sister, Rita Werth Smith. His
legacy also includes 21 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 2
great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2pm Thursday, December 26, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Hays. The Mass will be preceded by a memorial visitation at
the church from 1:00pm to 2pm. Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the 4-H Youth Development, Ellis
County. Contributions made payable to the organization may be sent in care of
Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601. 

Condolences may be sent to the family on Al’s tribute page at <a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>

Alvin Joseph Denning

James Howard 'Jim' McKinnon, 68,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday December 14, 2024, at his home.

Jim was born on February 09, 1956,
in Laramie, Wyoming, the son of Howard and Inez (Seaton) McKinnon.&nbsp; He grew up and graduated from high school in
Laramie, Wyoming.&nbsp; He lived in the
Russell and Hays Kansas area for the last 20 years, working as a welder and
machinist.&nbsp; He was also an avid fantasy
football player and longtime Dallas Cowboys football fan.&nbsp; 

The surviving family includes his
sister Anita G. Beach and husband Charles of Bokchito, Oklahoma, nephew Jude
May of Salina, Kansas and goddaughter Amber Arnold of Hays, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his
parents and sisters Deanna L. May and Janice A. Bell.

The family has selected cremation
and will have a private service for Jim at a later date.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas is in charge of the arrangements. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703014696554.jpeg" alt="flower three.jpg" />
 <figcaption>flower three.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>James Howard 'Jim' McKinnon, 68,
of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday December 14, 2024, at his home.Jim was born on February 09, 1956,
in Laramie, Wyoming, the son of Howard and Inez (Seaton) McKinnon.&nbsp; He grew up and graduated from high school in
Laramie, Wyoming.&nbsp; He lived in the
Russell and Hays Kansas area for the last 20 years, working as a welder and
machinist.&nbsp; He was also an avid fantasy
football player and longtime Dallas Cowboys football fan.&nbsp; The surviving family includes his
sister Anita G. Beach and husband Charles of Bokchito, Oklahoma, nephew Jude
May of Salina, Kansas and goddaughter Amber Arnold of Hays, Kansas.He was preceded in death by his
parents and sisters Deanna L. May and Janice A. Bell.The family has selected cremation
and will have a private service for Jim at a later date.&nbsp; Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell,
Kansas is in charge of the arrangements.

James Howard 'Jim' McKinnon

Dwight Alan Allenbaugh, 66, Hays, died Sunday, December 22,
2024 at his home.

He was born July 3, 1958 in Norwalk, California, the son of
John “Dale” and Marcy (Feaster) Allenbaugh.&nbsp; In 1976, he graduated from
Bellflower High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
Business from California PolyTechnic University in Pomona, California in
1980.&nbsp; He married Connie DeFever, and to this union were born four
children.&nbsp; In 1997, he married Dereama Barnes.&nbsp; Dwight was the owner
of A-1 Scaffold Mfg. and for nearly 50 years, he worked alongside his parents
and sisters.&nbsp; He loved his work, his customers all over the world, and
throughout his career was dedicated to creating specialty items that functioned
and kept people safe in the construction industry.&nbsp; For forty years, he
was a member of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association, and served on the
board of directors for 20 years.&nbsp; Dwight was also a member of Celebration
Community Church, Smoky Hill Country Club, the Prairie Chicken Motorcycle
Group, and a lifetime member of the Hays Arts Council.&nbsp; 

Dwight was smart, talented, kind, creative, and a good
Samaritan at heart.&nbsp; He was very generous, supporting numerous non-profit
and charity organizations, and he taught Sunday School at Celebration Community
Church.&nbsp; He loved photography, reading novels, scuba diving, traveling,
golfing, and meeting people, which formed lifelong friendships.&nbsp; His
escape from work was riding his Harley Davidson, taking numerous motorcycle
trips with Dereama, and he enjoyed waking up to her practicing her instruments.&nbsp;
Calling his mom in the evenings was a must, and his faith and love for family
were never ending.

Survivors include his wife Dereama of Hays, his mother Marcy
of Hays, three daughters, Lindsey Urban and husband Brent of Hays, Ashley Bott
and husband Jamey of Hays, and Ashlee Haines and husband Jake of Colby, three
sisters, Jenny Allenbaugh and wife Donna Scott, Cheryl Herman and husband Mark,
and Roberta Molstad, all of Hays, 11 grandchildren, Payton Garrison and wife
Lauren, Dawson and Brennon Garrison, Blythe Urban, Delaney, Anderson, and
McCallian Bott, Lewis, Mac, Levi, and Morgan Haines, and five great
grandchildren, Emrynn, Wesley, Myles, Linkyn, and Theo Garrison.

He was preceded in death by his father Dale, his son Wesley
Allenbaugh, and a daughter, Cassandra Allenbaugh.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, December 27,
2024 at Celebration Community Church, with Pastor Brant Rice officiating.&nbsp;
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time.&nbsp; In lieu
of flowers, memorials are suggested to Celebration Community Church.&nbsp; A
livestream of the funeral may be viewed at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/c3hays">www.facebook.com/c3hays</a>.&nbsp;
Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences
and memories of Dwight may be left for his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734970007707.jpeg" alt="Dwight Alan Allenbaugh" />
 <figcaption>Dwight Alan Allenbaugh</figcaption>
 </figure>Dwight Alan Allenbaugh, 66, Hays, died Sunday, December 22,
2024 at his home.He was born July 3, 1958 in Norwalk, California, the son of
John “Dale” and Marcy (Feaster) Allenbaugh.&nbsp; In 1976, he graduated from
Bellflower High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
Business from California PolyTechnic University in Pomona, California in
1980.&nbsp; He married Connie DeFever, and to this union were born four
children.&nbsp; In 1997, he married Dereama Barnes.&nbsp; Dwight was the owner
of A-1 Scaffold Mfg. and for nearly 50 years, he worked alongside his parents
and sisters.&nbsp; He loved his work, his customers all over the world, and
throughout his career was dedicated to creating specialty items that functioned
and kept people safe in the construction industry.&nbsp; For forty years, he
was a member of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association, and served on the
board of directors for 20 years.&nbsp; Dwight was also a member of Celebration
Community Church, Smoky Hill Country Club, the Prairie Chicken Motorcycle
Group, and a lifetime member of the Hays Arts Council.&nbsp; Dwight was smart, talented, kind, creative, and a good
Samaritan at heart.&nbsp; He was very generous, supporting numerous non-profit
and charity organizations, and he taught Sunday School at Celebration Community
Church.&nbsp; He loved photography, reading novels, scuba diving, traveling,
golfing, and meeting people, which formed lifelong friendships.&nbsp; His
escape from work was riding his Harley Davidson, taking numerous motorcycle
trips with Dereama, and he enjoyed waking up to her practicing her instruments.&nbsp;
Calling his mom in the evenings was a must, and his faith and love for family
were never ending.Survivors include his wife Dereama of Hays, his mother Marcy
of Hays, three daughters, Lindsey Urban and husband Brent of Hays, Ashley Bott
and husband Jamey of Hays, and Ashlee Haines and husband Jake of Colby, three
sisters, Jenny Allenbaugh and wife Donna Scott, Cheryl Herman and husband Mark,
and Roberta Molstad, all of Hays, 11 grandchildren, Payton Garrison and wife
Lauren, Dawson and Brennon Garrison, Blythe Urban, Delaney, Anderson, and
McCallian Bott, Lewis, Mac, Levi, and Morgan Haines, and five great
grandchildren, Emrynn, Wesley, Myles, Linkyn, and Theo Garrison.He was preceded in death by his father Dale, his son Wesley
Allenbaugh, and a daughter, Cassandra Allenbaugh.Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, December 27,
2024 at Celebration Community Church, with Pastor Brant Rice officiating.&nbsp;
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time.&nbsp; In lieu
of flowers, memorials are suggested to Celebration Community Church.&nbsp; A
livestream of the funeral may be viewed at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/c3hays">www.facebook.com/c3hays</a>.&nbsp;
Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences
and memories of Dwight may be left for his family at <a href="http://www.haysmemorial.com">www.haysmemorial.com</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dwight Alan Allenbaugh

On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses the MicroFactory with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays Discusses Plans for Hays Micro Factory" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=pkvep-17803f9-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Hays&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses the MicroFactory with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙 Grow Hays: Future of the MicroFactory

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Providing safe housing is the fundamental first step in helping people develop healthy lives after leaving an abusive relationship, the director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services said.

Jennifer Hecker spoke on a recent edition of the Morning Blend on the importance of Options' Housing First Model.

"Housing First is a national model that is based on the idea that once someone is first housed safely, then they're able to address the other issues and problems in their lives," Hecker said.

"The goal is as quickly as possible to move them into safe, permanent housing."

Housing someone addresses the immediate need for safety and provides a quiet space in one's home to heal, Hecker said. It also helps victims begin to regain their independence.

She said domestic violence victims are often forced to leave their abusers and their homes with only the clothes on their backs.

She said the Housing First Model is low-barrier. Victims don't have to prove sobriety or employment.

Issues such as substance abuse disorder or unemployment often lead to homelessness. Until that person can secure safe housing, they can't deal with the root causes of their issues, Hecker said.

People come to the Options Housing First Program in various ways. For example, a person might need emergency shelter and be placed in the Options shelter in Hays.

Once someone is in the shelter, Options workers begin developing a housing plan with that client, Hecker said.

"We help them look for housing that is affordable, safe, healthy, that will pass good inspections and that anyone would be proud to live in," Hecker said.&nbsp;

Finding affordable housing in Hays and other even more rural areas of northwest Kansas can be challenging, Hecker said. The rental market is tight.

"There is not enough affordable low-income housing for people," Hecker said. "That's something we need to address in our community."

Lack of transportation is also an issue in small communities where there's no public transportation, she said.

In addition to transition advocates, Options relies on partnerships with landlords and housing advocacy groups.

"Sometimes our clients lose housing and are evicted from their apartments or rental properties because domestic violence happened there," Hecker said. "Some of what we do is educate landlords about the laws. It is illegal to evict a domestic violence victim from their house because domestic violence happened."

Options offer financial assistance for people who need housing. They can pay back payments. Hecker said often, domestic violence victims' credit histories or rental histories are ruined as a byproduct of their abusers' financial abuse.

Options can pay rent for victims for several months to allow them to get back on their feet. They work with other agencies to assist with security deposits.

Some of these strategies are meant to help domestic violence victims stay in their homes and create more stability for them and their children,&nbsp; Hecker said.

"For the first time in a long time, for a lot of people, it's the first time they've been able to turn on the radio, crank it up loud on a Saturday morning," Hecker said, "and dance around the living room with their kids without feeling fear of waking up the beast."

"You can decide to leave your dishes in the sink overnight and not worry someone is going to drag you by your hair and shove your face in the sink."

She added, "That resilience, that independence, that ability to live and just breathe is so important and a critical part of healing from trauma."

Options cover an 18-county area across northwest Kansas. Leaving their homes to come to an emergency shelter in Hays is not always the best option for victims and their families.

If victims can stay in their homes, kids don't have to change schools, and the victims may be able to keep jobs if they are working. They may also be closer to friends and family who can provide support.

"It really gives folks an opportunity to rebuild their lives and finally, once and for all, stop that isolation they're experiencing," Hecker said.

Homelessness leaves domestic violence victims vulnerable, she said. Hecker recalled a woman who lost custody of her children because she was homeless. Seven years later, she still hasn't regained custody of her children.

Providing safe housing for mothers and children helps break the cycle of abuse, Hecker said.

Community members can assist Options in their work to provide safe housing to domestic violence victims, Hecker said.

She asks landlords to look at the affordability of rents and also consider the safety of domestic violence victims when looking at housing waiting lists.

"Stable housing prevents further violence," Hecker said. "Safe housing can save lives."

She also encouraged other housing assistance agencies to minimize barriers to housing so domestic violence victims can be rehoused quickly.&nbsp;

Hecker said advocacy agencies have changed their philosophy on housing during the last decade to the Housing First Model.

"Ten years ago our philosophy was if get someone into a house and they don't have a job, that's money down the drain," she said. "They're going to come right back. Of course, they're going to come right back because we haven't addressed the issue that brought them to be homeless in the first place.

"I can't imagine dealing with trauma and trying to heal from trauma, and all the while, I'm wondering where am I going to sleep tonight ... where are my children going to sleep tonight," she said. "You can't move forward when that is your biggest need."

Donors can give monetary gifts to Options to support its housing and shelter programs. Options also regularly shares a wish list of items needed for the emergency shelter on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays">Facebook page.</a>

Options raises about 30 percent of its funds at this time of year. Cash donations fill gaps that are not supported through grants.

If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, you can receive help in a variety of ways from Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Service. The agency serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas.

 You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.

The Options website,&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>, offers a live chat option or video conference with an advocate.

The website has a safe escape button that allows you to close out of the website and erase your cookies quickly, so anyone on the computer after you will not be able to see that you have been on the website.

Options also has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734476007256.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Options focuses on Housing First Model for domestic violence victims" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=63uue-177a960-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostProviding safe housing is the fundamental first step in helping people develop healthy lives after leaving an abusive relationship, the director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services said.Jennifer Hecker spoke on a recent edition of the Morning Blend on the importance of Options' Housing First Model."Housing First is a national model that is based on the idea that once someone is first housed safely, then they're able to address the other issues and problems in their lives," Hecker said."The goal is as quickly as possible to move them into safe, permanent housing."Housing someone addresses the immediate need for safety and provides a quiet space in one's home to heal, Hecker said. It also helps victims begin to regain their independence.She said domestic violence victims are often forced to leave their abusers and their homes with only the clothes on their backs.She said the Housing First Model is low-barrier. Victims don't have to prove sobriety or employment.Issues such as substance abuse disorder or unemployment often lead to homelessness. Until that person can secure safe housing, they can't deal with the root causes of their issues, Hecker said.People come to the Options Housing First Program in various ways. For example, a person might need emergency shelter and be placed in the Options shelter in Hays.Once someone is in the shelter, Options workers begin developing a housing plan with that client, Hecker said."We help them look for housing that is affordable, safe, healthy, that will pass good inspections and that anyone would be proud to live in," Hecker said.&nbsp;Finding affordable housing in Hays and other even more rural areas of northwest Kansas can be challenging, Hecker said. The rental market is tight."There is not enough affordable low-income housing for people," Hecker said. "That's something we need to address in our community."Lack of transportation is also an issue in small communities where there's no public transportation, she said.In addition to transition advocates, Options relies on partnerships with landlords and housing advocacy groups."Sometimes our clients lose housing and are evicted from their apartments or rental properties because domestic violence happened there," Hecker said. "Some of what we do is educate landlords about the laws. It is illegal to evict a domestic violence victim from their house because domestic violence happened."Options offer financial assistance for people who need housing. They can pay back payments. Hecker said often, domestic violence victims' credit histories or rental histories are ruined as a byproduct of their abusers' financial abuse.Options can pay rent for victims for several months to allow them to get back on their feet. They work with other agencies to assist with security deposits.Some of these strategies are meant to help domestic violence victims stay in their homes and create more stability for them and their children,&nbsp; Hecker said."For the first time in a long time, for a lot of people, it's the first time they've been able to turn on the radio, crank it up loud on a Saturday morning," Hecker said, "and dance around the living room with their kids without feeling fear of waking up the beast.""You can decide to leave your dishes in the sink overnight and not worry someone is going to drag you by your hair and shove your face in the sink."She added, "That resilience, that independence, that ability to live and just breathe is so important and a critical part of healing from trauma."Options cover an 18-county area across northwest Kansas. Leaving their homes to come to an emergency shelter in Hays is not always the best option for victims and their families.If victims can stay in their homes, kids don't have to change schools, and the victims may be able to keep jobs if they are working. They may also be closer to friends and family who can provide support."It really gives folks an opportunity to rebuild their lives and finally, once and for all, stop that isolation they're experiencing," Hecker said.Homelessness leaves domestic violence victims vulnerable, she said. Hecker recalled a woman who lost custody of her children because she was homeless. Seven years later, she still hasn't regained custody of her children.Providing safe housing for mothers and children helps break the cycle of abuse, Hecker said.Community members can assist Options in their work to provide safe housing to domestic violence victims, Hecker said.She asks landlords to look at the affordability of rents and also consider the safety of domestic violence victims when looking at housing waiting lists."Stable housing prevents further violence," Hecker said. "Safe housing can save lives."She also encouraged other housing assistance agencies to minimize barriers to housing so domestic violence victims can be rehoused quickly.&nbsp;Hecker said advocacy agencies have changed their philosophy on housing during the last decade to the Housing First Model."Ten years ago our philosophy was if get someone into a house and they don't have a job, that's money down the drain," she said. "They're going to come right back. Of course, they're going to come right back because we haven't addressed the issue that brought them to be homeless in the first place."I can't imagine dealing with trauma and trying to heal from trauma, and all the while, I'm wondering where am I going to sleep tonight ... where are my children going to sleep tonight," she said. "You can't move forward when that is your biggest need."Donors can give monetary gifts to Options to support its housing and shelter programs. Options also regularly shares a wish list of items needed for the emergency shelter on its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OptionsHays">Facebook page.</a>Options raises about 30 percent of its funds at this time of year. Cash donations fill gaps that are not supported through grants.<h2>How to get help</h2>If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, you can receive help in a variety of ways from Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Service. The agency serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas. You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or&nbsp;1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.The Options website,&nbsp;<a href="https://help4abuse.org/">https://help4abuse.org/</a>, offers a live chat option or video conference with an advocate.The website has a safe escape button that allows you to close out of the website and erase your cookies quickly, so anyone on the computer after you will not be able to see that you have been on the website.Options also has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."

🎙Options focuses on Housing First Model for domestic violence victims

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 8-3 overall with an 80-62 win over Regis University on Sunday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers pulled away in the second half after leading by four at halftime. Regis dropped to 5-7 overall for the season.

A 24-point performance led the Tigers for the second-straight game, this time by Kaleb Hammeke. It was a new season high for him and the first time he reached the 20-point mark in a game this season. He added a team-high seven assists, while going 7-of-12 from the field and hitting five of his seven 3-point attempts. He was 5-of-6 at the free-throw line.

The first half was closely contested with eight lead changes and seven ties. The largest lead for either team was four points. A 6-2 burst by the Tigers in the final three minutes of the half put them on top 35-31 at the half.

A 10-2 run by the Tigers over about a two-minute span pushed the lead into double figures for the first time. Hammeke capped the run with a 3-point play at the 13:06 mark. A little later, a 7-0 run by the Tigers moved the lead from 11 to 18 with 8:47 remaining. FHSU reached its largest lead of 19 points twice inside the final four minutes before the final margin ended at 18. FHSU outscored Regis 45-31 in the second half.

Hammeke led four Tigers in double figures scoring. Shaun Riley&nbsp;had 15 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Kyle Grill&nbsp;scored all 13 of his points in the second half. Muhomed Kante&nbsp;provided the Tigers with a season-high 12 points off the bench, while Dan Makuna&nbsp;chipped in eight. 

FHSU shot 50 percent overall from the field and 42.1 percent beyond the 3-point line. The Tigers were 80 percent at the free-throw line (12-of-15).

Chase Mayo Harmon led the Rangers with 22 points, while Eddy Egun also reached double figures with 10 points. FHSU held RU to just 42.9 percent shooting overall and just 33.3 percent beyond the 3-point line.

This is the fourth-straight season the Tigers recorded at least eight wins before the holiday break. FHSU will resume action on January 2 at Northwest Missouri State. The rest of the season will consist of conference games with 17 contests to go in MIAA play. FHSU's next home action will be on January 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734984915180.png" alt="Fort Hays State point guard Kaleb Hammeke (5) attempts a 3-point shot over Trey Bryant (11) of Regis in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo./Gillian Lunch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State point guard Kaleb Hammeke (5) attempts a 3-point shot over Trey Bryant (11) of Regis in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo./Gillian Lunch)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 8-3 overall with an 80-62 win over Regis University on Sunday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers pulled away in the second half after leading by four at halftime. Regis dropped to 5-7 overall for the season.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1992232239&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-mark-johnson" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Regis (December 22, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Regis (December 22, 2024)</a></div></div>A 24-point performance led the Tigers for the second-straight game, this time by Kaleb Hammeke. It was a new season high for him and the first time he reached the 20-point mark in a game this season. He added a team-high seven assists, while going 7-of-12 from the field and hitting five of his seven 3-point attempts. He was 5-of-6 at the free-throw line.The first half was closely contested with eight lead changes and seven ties. The largest lead for either team was four points. A 6-2 burst by the Tigers in the final three minutes of the half put them on top 35-31 at the half.A 10-2 run by the Tigers over about a two-minute span pushed the lead into double figures for the first time. Hammeke capped the run with a 3-point play at the 13:06 mark. A little later, a 7-0 run by the Tigers moved the lead from 11 to 18 with 8:47 remaining. FHSU reached its largest lead of 19 points twice inside the final four minutes before the final margin ended at 18. FHSU outscored Regis 45-31 in the second half.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1992231423&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-kyle-grill-postgame" title="Kyle Grill Postgame vs. Regis (December, 22, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Kyle Grill Postgame vs. Regis (December, 22, 2024)</a></div></div>Hammeke led four Tigers in double figures scoring. Shaun Riley&nbsp;had 15 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Kyle Grill&nbsp;scored all 13 of his points in the second half. Muhomed Kante&nbsp;provided the Tigers with a season-high 12 points off the bench, while Dan Makuna&nbsp;chipped in eight. FHSU shot 50 percent overall from the field and 42.1 percent beyond the 3-point line. The Tigers were 80 percent at the free-throw line (12-of-15).Chase Mayo Harmon led the Rangers with 22 points, while Eddy Egun also reached double figures with 10 points. FHSU held RU to just 42.9 percent shooting overall and just 33.3 percent beyond the 3-point line.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1992231755&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-highlights-vs-regis-dec-22nd-24" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Regis (December 22, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Regis (December 22, 2024)</a></div></div>This is the fourth-straight season the Tigers recorded at least eight wins before the holiday break. FHSU will resume action on January 2 at Northwest Missouri State. The rest of the season will consist of conference games with 17 contests to go in MIAA play. FHSU's next home action will be on January 7.

🏀 Tiger men close out December with win over Regis

Sunday, December 22 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Brown, 12:30pm KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. Regis, 1:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sunday, December 22 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs. Brown, 12:30pm KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. Regis, 1:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

The Hays USD 489 school board approved $208,000 in change orders for the new Hays High School at a special meeting on Thursday.

Members of the school board asked representatives of DLR, the district's architectural firm, and Nabholz, construction manager at-risk, to meet with the board to answer questions about the change orders.

The change order cost will be paid from the contingency fund and will not increase the total cost of the Hays High School project.

Ishita Banerjii, DLR Group's lead architect on the project, explained the change orders to the board.

The district's contract states it will establish contingency funds for the Hays High School project. The project has both an owner's contingency and construction contingency funds.&nbsp;

The owner's contingency fund covers items, including

The construction contingency is an allowance held within a construction manager's guaranteed maximum price to be used at their discretion for​ items, including

Banerjii said a perfect building can't be designed. About 50 people worked on the designs for the high school, and the plans constitute thousands of pages.

The American Institute of Architects recommends contingencies because they recognize humans are not perfect, and it is impossible to draw perfect plans, Banerjii said.

"People aren't perfect," she said, "but I'm a professional, and that is why I am able to fix it."

Brett Collins, Nabholz project executive, said, "This is a good project, and we are going to beat the normal by far."

None of the change orders were mistakes made in construction that later had to be fixed. There were errors in design that should have been in the plans in the first place. 

The items in the change orders are essential to the structural integrity and longevity of the building, she said.

For example, a roof drain was omitted. Leaving out that drain would cause future damage to the roof,&nbsp;Banerjii  said.&nbsp;

Some of the items in the change order have already been completed, so the project can continue on schedule. None of the change order fees will go to DLR. Most of it will be paid to the subcontractors for the additional work, with a small percentage paid to Nabholz to oversee it.

A standard owner's contingency is 3 to 5%, and the construction contingency is usually another 3 to 5%.

The contingency funds for the Hays High project, which has a $114 million budget, are well below those standards—.95% for the owner's contingency and 1.9% for the construction contingency.

With the approval of the change orders from Thursday and a previous change order on the softball field, $481,590, or 48% of the contingency, has been spent. The project is 59% complete.

The district requested the previous $228,000&nbsp; worth of change orders approved by the board on Dec. 9 for the softball field.&nbsp;

"We think this is a fair ask," Banerjii said. "Not everything can be predicted ahead of time."

Board member Jayme Goetz&nbsp;asked what would happen if the project ran over the contingency.

Collins said most of the exterior walls are in place, which will lower the risk from weather.

If the project exhausts both contingency funds, Nabaholz will need to reach out with further change orders for more funds.

However, Collins said he did not anticipate the project exceeding its contingency based on its current status.

Goetz expressed confusion about Nabholz's role in the project and frustration at the cost of the change orders.

"We are paying a butt-ton of money and trusting you not to screw us here," she said. ... "I do know if questions are not asked and things are not followed up on, it is so easy to be taken advantage of."

Board member Ruth Ruder said she experienced change orders on her home when it was built, which was nothing close to the size and scope of Hays High. She said she thought it was unfair to insinuate that Nabholz or DLR were trying to cheat the district.

Collins and Banerjii both emphasized they work for the school district and are bound by contract and ethics to act in their client's best interests.

"Our goal is to save you money so you can do more things with your bond," Collins said.

Board member Allen Park said he thought the board should have a separate representative. He also asked DLR and Nabholz to appear more frequently before the board and to bring change orders more often instead of grouping them into lump sums.

The DLR representatives said they visit the site every two weeks and could be available to answer questions.

The change order was approved by a vote of 5-1, with Park voting against it. Board member Derek Yarmer was absent.

The Hays High School project continues to be on schedule, and the school is set to open in August.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734722851562.png" alt="Conceptual drawing of the new Hays High School. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Conceptual drawing of the new Hays High School. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved $208,000 in change orders for the new Hays High School at a special meeting on Thursday.Members of the school board asked representatives of DLR, the district's architectural firm, and Nabholz, construction manager at-risk, to meet with the board to answer questions about the change orders.The change order cost will be paid from the contingency fund and will not increase the total cost of the Hays High School project.Ishita Banerjii, DLR Group's lead architect on the project, explained the change orders to the board.The district's contract states it will establish contingency funds for the Hays High School project. The project has both an owner's contingency and construction contingency funds.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734729408130.jpeg" alt="The Hays High School construction site earlier this year. File photo" />
 <figcaption>The Hays High School construction site earlier this year. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The owner's contingency fund covers items, including<ul>
 <li>Owner changes and additions to scope​</li><li>Errors and omissions in design​</li><li>Design clarifications​</li><li>Delegated design coordination​</li><li>Account for risk in unknown project elements​</li>
 </ul>The construction contingency is an allowance held within a construction manager's guaranteed maximum price to be used at their discretion for​ items, including<ul>
 <li>Material shortages and substitutions​</li><li>Unforeseen conditions​</li><li>Scope gaps​</li><li>Expediting​</li><li>Schedule errors​</li><li>Design coordination​</li><li>Subcontractor coordination​</li><li>Issues with scope completion​</li>
 </ul>Banerjii said a perfect building can't be designed. About 50 people worked on the designs for the high school, and the plans constitute thousands of pages.The American Institute of Architects recommends contingencies because they recognize humans are not perfect, and it is impossible to draw perfect plans, Banerjii said."People aren't perfect," she said, "but I'm a professional, and that is why I am able to fix it."Brett Collins, Nabholz project executive, said, "This is a good project, and we are going to beat the normal by far."None of the change orders were mistakes made in construction that later had to be fixed. There were errors in design that should have been in the plans in the first place. The items in the change orders are essential to the structural integrity and longevity of the building, she said.For example, a roof drain was omitted. Leaving out that drain would cause future damage to the roof,&nbsp;Banerjii said.&nbsp;Some of the items in the change order have already been completed, so the project can continue on schedule. None of the change order fees will go to DLR. Most of it will be paid to the subcontractors for the additional work, with a small percentage paid to Nabholz to oversee it.A standard owner's contingency is 3 to 5%, and the construction contingency is usually another 3 to 5%.The contingency funds for the Hays High project, which has a $114 million budget, are well below those standards—.95% for the owner's contingency and 1.9% for the construction contingency.With the approval of the change orders from Thursday and a previous change order on the softball field, $481,590, or 48% of the contingency, has been spent. The project is 59% complete.The district requested the previous $228,000&nbsp; worth of change orders approved by the board on Dec. 9 for the softball field.&nbsp;"We think this is a fair ask," Banerjii said. "Not everything can be predicted ahead of time."Board member Jayme Goetz&nbsp;asked what would happen if the project ran over the contingency.Collins said most of the exterior walls are in place, which will lower the risk from weather.If the project exhausts both contingency funds, Nabaholz will need to reach out with further change orders for more funds.However, Collins said he did not anticipate the project exceeding its contingency based on its current status.Goetz expressed confusion about Nabholz's role in the project and frustration at the cost of the change orders."We are paying a butt-ton of money and trusting you not to screw us here," she said. ... "I do know if questions are not asked and things are not followed up on, it is so easy to be taken advantage of."Board member Ruth Ruder said she experienced change orders on her home when it was built, which was nothing close to the size and scope of Hays High. She said she thought it was unfair to insinuate that Nabholz or DLR were trying to cheat the district.Collins and Banerjii both emphasized they work for the school district and are bound by contract and ethics to act in their client's best interests."Our goal is to save you money so you can do more things with your bond," Collins said.Board member Allen Park said he thought the board should have a separate representative. He also asked DLR and Nabholz to appear more frequently before the board and to bring change orders more often instead of grouping them into lump sums.The DLR representatives said they visit the site every two weeks and could be available to answer questions.The change order was approved by a vote of 5-1, with Park voting against it. Board member Derek Yarmer was absent.The Hays High School project continues to be on schedule, and the school is set to open in August.

Hays USD 489 school board approves change orders for Hays High School

The winter holidays bring joy and festivities but also increase the risk of home fires due to decorations, cooking and improper safety practices.

Follow specific precautions when handling holiday lights, candles, Christmas trees, and big family meals to ensure a safe and jolly Christmas.

Hays PostThe winter holidays bring joy and festivities but also increase the risk of home fires due to decorations, cooking and improper safety practices.Follow specific precautions when handling holiday lights, candles, Christmas trees, and big family meals to ensure a safe and jolly Christmas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734535963288.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734535993583.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734536226351.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734536288439.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>

Hays fire offers winter holiday safety tips

&nbsp;FHSU University Communications

Lauren Huynh’s path to graduation, though often challenging, has shaped her into a graphic design professional ready to explore exciting career options.

 Lauren is the first member of her immediate family to graduate from college, received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Fort Hays State University this past weekend during the FHSU winter commencement event.

Originally from Wichita and a graduate of Campus High School, also completing their International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, Lauren was determined to succeed in college and find a way to do so without incurring significant debt.

“I was originally planning to go to school out of state and even enrolled to study aeronautics and physics, engineering,” Lauren said.

Several factors, including a post-pandemic change in goals, a renewed desire to keep college expenses manageable, and new opportunities like grants and scholarships, gave Lauren great options a little closer to home.

“I made a final decision about where to go less than a month before classes began,” Lauren said. “I knew Chaiwat Thumsujarit, professor of graphic design, and about the design program and knew that the individual attention and focus on not just skills but also on thinking conceptually was something special about the program at FHSU.”

Once enrolled and on campus, Lauren discovered that FHSU offered more than just a path to a degree but also an opportunity to be part of a community.

“I struggled a little when I first began with things like finding my way around and choosing classes,” Lauren said. "But everyone here was so friendly and willing to help. Initially, I got help from my roommate and floormates as we quickly became friends, as well as the peer mentors and staff in the Access to Academic Opportunity Grant (AAOG) program. They helped me a lot in navigating how to just be a college student.”

Lauren went on to serve as a mentor to new students in the AAOG program herself, working with Assistant Director of Student Success Hugo Perez.

“Lauren has been a pleasure to work with during her time here at FHSU,” Hugo said. “I have enjoyed seeing her grow and mature as a student and person.”

“She took the tips and advice that her peer mentor gave her during her first year and passed them on to her mentees over the past two and a half years. Her mentees have had great things to say about her each year.”

Once Lauren entered the design program, she found another set of mentors and a community of peers who would work together to ensure she could achieve her goals. 

She found Karrie Simpson Voth, FHSU Art and Design Program chair, to be an inspiration, particularly in how she reached out to students to make certain they were on track with their classes and schedules.

“Working with Lauren and witnessing her creative growth into a well-rounded designer and photographer has been a true pleasure,” said Karrie Simpson Voth. “Lauren forged her own path and overcame numerous challenges during her time at FHSU. Her talent is undeniable, and I’m thrilled to see where her journey takes her next.”

While Lauren could have graduated in just three years, she decided to stay at FHSU for one extra semester and finish a certificate in motion design while also weighing her post-graduation options. After spending several summers in Chicago, Lauren wants to move to a more metropolitan area. She has interviewed with a variety of companies and firms in cities like Chicago and Denver, but she currently has her heart set on Seattle.

“While you don’t have to go to a city to find a successful career in design, I think being in a city is where I will thrive,” Lauren said. “I have also had several interviews at places in Seattle, and right now, I’m mentally set on going there.”

When speaking about her experiences at FHSU and what advice she might have to others considering college, Lauren noted how welcoming the campus community was to her and how strongly she believes anyone considering a degree in art and design needs to look at the FHSU program. 

She emphasizes the close-knit community of students, the personal attention from faculty, the challenging and innovative curriculum, and the many connections and opportunities for careers after graduation as some of the highlights.

“I highly, highly, highly recommend the [FHSU] design program,” Lauren said. “The best way I can describe FHSU is as a family, really a home-away-from-home. Everyone has made it so welcoming, and I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of this.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734604684124.png" alt="Lauren Huynh, fall 2024 Fort Hays State University graduate. Photo courtesy FHSU.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lauren Huynh, fall 2024 Fort Hays State University graduate. Photo courtesy FHSU.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU University CommunicationsLauren Huynh’s path to graduation, though often challenging, has shaped her into a graphic design professional ready to explore exciting career options. Lauren is the first member of her immediate family to graduate from college, received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Fort Hays State University this past weekend during the FHSU winter commencement event.Originally from Wichita and a graduate of Campus High School, also completing their International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, Lauren was determined to succeed in college and find a way to do so without incurring significant debt.“I was originally planning to go to school out of state and even enrolled to study aeronautics and physics, engineering,” Lauren said.Several factors, including a post-pandemic change in goals, a renewed desire to keep college expenses manageable, and new opportunities like grants and scholarships, gave Lauren great options a little closer to home.“I made a final decision about where to go less than a month before classes began,” Lauren said. “I knew Chaiwat Thumsujarit, professor of graphic design, and about the design program and knew that the individual attention and focus on not just skills but also on thinking conceptually was something special about the program at FHSU.”Once enrolled and on campus, Lauren discovered that FHSU offered more than just a path to a degree but also an opportunity to be part of a community.“I struggled a little when I first began with things like finding my way around and choosing classes,” Lauren said. "But everyone here was so friendly and willing to help. Initially, I got help from my roommate and floormates as we quickly became friends, as well as the peer mentors and staff in the Access to Academic Opportunity Grant (AAOG) program. They helped me a lot in navigating how to just be a college student.”Lauren went on to serve as a mentor to new students in the AAOG program herself, working with Assistant Director of Student Success Hugo Perez.“Lauren has been a pleasure to work with during her time here at FHSU,” Hugo said. “I have enjoyed seeing her grow and mature as a student and person.”“She took the tips and advice that her peer mentor gave her during her first year and passed them on to her mentees over the past two and a half years. Her mentees have had great things to say about her each year.”Once Lauren entered the design program, she found another set of mentors and a community of peers who would work together to ensure she could achieve her goals. She found Karrie Simpson Voth, FHSU Art and Design Program chair, to be an inspiration, particularly in how she reached out to students to make certain they were on track with their classes and schedules.“Working with Lauren and witnessing her creative growth into a well-rounded designer and photographer has been a true pleasure,” said Karrie Simpson Voth. “Lauren forged her own path and overcame numerous challenges during her time at FHSU. Her talent is undeniable, and I’m thrilled to see where her journey takes her next.”While Lauren could have graduated in just three years, she decided to stay at FHSU for one extra semester and finish a certificate in motion design while also weighing her post-graduation options. After spending several summers in Chicago, Lauren wants to move to a more metropolitan area. She has interviewed with a variety of companies and firms in cities like Chicago and Denver, but she currently has her heart set on Seattle.“While you don’t have to go to a city to find a successful career in design, I think being in a city is where I will thrive,” Lauren said. “I have also had several interviews at places in Seattle, and right now, I’m mentally set on going there.”When speaking about her experiences at FHSU and what advice she might have to others considering college, Lauren noted how welcoming the campus community was to her and how strongly she believes anyone considering a degree in art and design needs to look at the FHSU program. She emphasizes the close-knit community of students, the personal attention from faculty, the challenging and innovative curriculum, and the many connections and opportunities for careers after graduation as some of the highlights.“I highly, highly, highly recommend the [FHSU] design program,” Lauren said. “The best way I can describe FHSU is as a family, really a home-away-from-home. Everyone has made it so welcoming, and I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of this.”

FHSU graphic design grad ready for next big adventure

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a> account executives Brian Weimer and Gene Stramel discuss prescription drug programs with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Insurance Planning shares information about prescription drug programs" 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=k2pwx-177de38-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 <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">Insurance Planning, Inc.</a> account executives Brian Weimer and Gene Stramel discuss prescription drug programs with Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Insurance Planning shares information about prescription drug programs

Saturday, December 21
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs vs. Houston Texans, 11:00am

Sunday, December 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Brown, 12:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. Regis, 1:30pm

Saturday, December 21
 KFIX: Kansas City
Chiefs vs. Houston Texans, 11:00amSunday, December 22
 KAYS: Kansas MBKB vs.
Brown, 12:30pm
 KJLS: Fort Hays State MBKB vs. Regis, 1:30pm

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The sanitary sewer lift station just off Highway 40 west of the Hays Regional Airport needs to be replaced, says Jeff Crispin, director of water resources. 

It's 40 years old, built in the 100-year flood plain and flooded as recently as 2018-19 during unusually wet years in Hays. The facility is underground and it leaks, he told city commissioners at their Thursday work session.

"Also, water running underground that you can't see is actually coming into the lift station," Crispin said, "[unnecessarily] adding to the run hours."

The station will also be used more once the new Hays High School and Hays Middle Schools open in a little more than a year. More new housing being built and planned in east Hays will also be an impact.

APAC, Hays submitted a low bid of $754,916 to replace the lift station.&nbsp;The new, expanded station will be above ground and raised out of the flood plain. 

Hays has four sanitary sewer lift stations, plus a small one serving the airport.&nbsp;

Crispin said there would be no downtime of the sewer system as the new lift station is installed.&nbsp;

Commissioners will vote on the bid at their Dec. 26 meeting.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The commission will also vote on a bid recommendation for phase 1 of the redevelopment of the downtown building at 1108 N. Main into a new luxury short-term rental Airbnb called Chestnut Suites.

Hays developer Adam Pray plans the renovation to create 24-26 rentable hotel-style rooms for both short-term and 30-day or more renters.&nbsp;

Pray asked the city of Hays to apply for $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce, which was awarded in August.

A single bid was made for the project's first phase, including exterior concrete and masonry work, roofing accessories, window work, and plumbing. The bid was from Robben Construction, Hays, for $484,500.

The developer would be responsible for the cost gap between the grant and the bid award. No city funds will be expended.

The estimated total project cost is $3.2 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734708612613.png" alt="The current sanitary sewer lift station west of Hays Regional Airport was built in 1984. It serves an area approximately from Canterbury Drive to the east edge of town. City of Hays photo" />
 <figcaption>The current sanitary sewer lift station west of Hays Regional Airport was built in 1984. It serves an area approximately from Canterbury Drive to the east edge of town. City of Hays photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe sanitary sewer lift station just off Highway 40 west of the Hays Regional Airport needs to be replaced, says Jeff Crispin, director of water resources. It's 40 years old, built in the 100-year flood plain and flooded as recently as 2018-19 during unusually wet years in Hays. The facility is underground and it leaks, he told city commissioners at their Thursday work session."Also, water running underground that you can't see is actually coming into the lift station," Crispin said, "[unnecessarily] adding to the run hours."The station will also be used more once the new Hays High School and Hays Middle Schools open in a little more than a year. More new housing being built and planned in east Hays will also be an impact.APAC, Hays submitted a low bid of $754,916 to replace the lift station.&nbsp;The new, expanded station will be above ground and raised out of the flood plain. Hays has four sanitary sewer lift stations, plus a small one serving the airport.&nbsp;Crispin said there would be no downtime of the sewer system as the new lift station is installed.&nbsp;Commissioners will vote on the bid at their Dec. 26 meeting.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716571310012.png" alt="Future home of Chestnut Suites, 1108 N. Main, in downtown Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Future home of Chestnut Suites, 1108 N. Main, in downtown Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The commission will also vote on a bid recommendation for phase 1 of the redevelopment of the downtown building at 1108 N. Main into a new luxury short-term rental Airbnb called Chestnut Suites.Hays developer Adam Pray plans the renovation to create 24-26 rentable hotel-style rooms for both short-term and 30-day or more renters.&nbsp;Pray asked the city of Hays to apply for $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce, which was awarded in August.A single bid was made for the project's first phase, including exterior concrete and masonry work, roofing accessories, window work, and plumbing. The bid was from Robben Construction, Hays, for $484,500.The developer would be responsible for the cost gap between the grant and the bid award. No city funds will be expended.The estimated total project cost is $3.2 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City to replace aging sewer lift station as school, housing develop in east Hays

Water was the focus of the third annual Western Kansas Ag Summit, hosted by Fort Hays State University. 

The event was established by Kansas District 110 Representative Ken Rahjes, chair of the House of Representatives Ag Committee,&nbsp;and Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, to bring awareness to the critical issues facing Kansas’ farmers, ranchers, financial institutions, and ag businesses.

The summit was held on Monday, Dec. 9, in the FHSU Robbins Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.

The 2024 Ag Summit opened with Dean Dixon welcoming approximately 60 guests from various agricultural-related businesses, representatives from the state legislature, and members of the FHSU and Affiliation schools.

“Water availability and quality are vital to the success of western Kansas businesses and communities, and we want all stakeholders to understand what it takes to ensure that resource is reliable,” Dixon said.

Issues and perspectives discussed by this year’s guest speakers throughout the day focused on the growing concerns over water scarcity and management in much of Kansas. 

• Brownie Wilson, Geohydrology Support Services, Kansas Geological Survey, Lawrence

• Katie Durham, Manager, Groundwater Management District #1, Scott City

• Shannon Kenyon, Manager, Groundwater Management District #4, Colby

• Jack Polifka, Precision Ag Technology Instructor, Fort Hays Tech Northwest, Goodland

• Toby Dougherty, City Manager, City of Hays, Hays

• Dr. Jon Sumrall, Associate Professor of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays

• Matt Allen, City Manager, and Fred Jones, Water Systems Resource Manager, Garden City

• Clay Scott, Board Member, Groundwater Management District #3, Ulysses

The summit closed with a panel discussion that included ten state legislators. 

In addition to Rep. Rahjes, legislators in attendance included Rep. Sandy Pickert, Rep. Jim Minnix, Rep. Bill Clifford, Rep. Lon Pishny, Rep. Bob Lewis, Rep. Clarke Sanders, Rep. Kenneth Collins, Rep. Gary White, and State Senator Ronald Ryckman.

“This event is designed to promote informative discussions between ag-industry leaders and our state policymakers,” Dixon said. “I have been impressed each year with the dialogue, and I am confident that both groups leave with a better understanding of others’ perspectives.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722388451213.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsWater was the focus of the third annual Western Kansas Ag Summit, hosted by Fort Hays State University. The event was established by Kansas District 110 Representative Ken Rahjes, chair of the House of Representatives Ag Committee,&nbsp;and Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, to bring awareness to the critical issues facing Kansas’ farmers, ranchers, financial institutions, and ag businesses.The summit was held on Monday, Dec. 9, in the FHSU Robbins Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.The 2024 Ag Summit opened with Dean Dixon welcoming approximately 60 guests from various agricultural-related businesses, representatives from the state legislature, and members of the FHSU and Affiliation schools.“Water availability and quality are vital to the success of western Kansas businesses and communities, and we want all stakeholders to understand what it takes to ensure that resource is reliable,” Dixon said.Issues and perspectives discussed by this year’s guest speakers throughout the day focused on the growing concerns over water scarcity and management in much of Kansas. Speakers included:• Brownie Wilson, Geohydrology Support Services, Kansas Geological Survey, Lawrence• Katie Durham, Manager, Groundwater Management District #1, Scott City• Shannon Kenyon, Manager, Groundwater Management District #4, Colby• Jack Polifka, Precision Ag Technology Instructor, Fort Hays Tech Northwest, Goodland• Toby Dougherty, City Manager, City of Hays, Hays• Dr. Jon Sumrall, Associate Professor of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays• Matt Allen, City Manager, and Fred Jones, Water Systems Resource Manager, Garden City• Clay Scott, Board Member, Groundwater Management District #3, UlyssesThe summit closed with a panel discussion that included ten state legislators. In addition to Rep. Rahjes, legislators in attendance included Rep. Sandy Pickert, Rep. Jim Minnix, Rep. Bill Clifford, Rep. Lon Pishny, Rep. Bob Lewis, Rep. Clarke Sanders, Rep. Kenneth Collins, Rep. Gary White, and State Senator Ronald Ryckman.“This event is designed to promote informative discussions between ag-industry leaders and our state policymakers,” Dixon said. “I have been impressed each year with the dialogue, and I am confident that both groups leave with a better understanding of others’ perspectives.”

Water is focus of Western Kansas Ag Summit at FHSU

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

A workshop series for women in agriculture will offer strategies to evaluate and improve farm estate and transition plans.

“Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women: A Succession Planning Series,” will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each Tuesday on Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11, by Cottonwood Extension District in both the Great Bend and Hays Extension Office meeting rooms.

Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. A meal will be provided on each date.

The workshops will also be hosted at 62 other sites through a collaborative effort by extension programs in Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictA workshop series for women in agriculture will offer strategies to evaluate and improve farm estate and transition plans.“Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women: A Succession Planning Series,” will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each Tuesday on Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11, by Cottonwood Extension District in both the Great Bend and Hays Extension Office meeting rooms.Topics covered will include motivation for succession planning, communicating with family, the financial aspects of estate and transition plans, and the legal aspects of putting a plan in place. A keynote speaker will be simulcast to every workshop location during each meeting, with time for questions and a hands-on activity for participants. A meal will be provided on each date.The workshops will also be hosted at 62 other sites through a collaborative effort by extension programs in Kansas, Nebraska and Indiana.The registration fee for in-person attendance is $60.00 before Jan. 12th, 2025, which includes all four nights meals and educational materials. The fee increases to $75.00 after Jan. 12th, and a workbook is not guaranteed. For in-person registration, the fee will be collected at the local site the first night of the program. In-person participation is HIGHLY encouraged, if at all possible. A fully online option is available for $75.00.More information and registration are available at www.agmanager.info/events, that’s www.agmanager.info/events