Hannah Gideon, a 2024 graduate of Russell High School, was recently announced as the Jobs for America’s Graduates -Kansas (JAG-K) “Student of the Year.” Gideon was elected by JAG-K state and regional student officers to receive the honor. Criteria for the award were the five pillars of the JAG-K Career Association: Leadership Development, Career Development, Civic Awareness, Service Learning, and Social Awareness.

&nbsp;“JAG-K’s student leaders developed this honor and selected Hannah as the first recipient, which is a testament to the impact she has had, not only on the Russell High School program, but the legacy she leaves with the organization as a whole,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp.

Gideon served three school years as the president of the Russell High School JAG-K student-led Career Association.

“Hannah has worked hard to make JAG-K a place for everyone,” said Russell High School JAG-K Career Specialist Raina Tomlinson, who nominated Gideon for the award. “I have not only watched Hannah grow from her experience, but I have watched her develop and encourage those around her.”

After participating in a summer internship coordinated by the Ogallala Commons in the summer of 2022, Gideon encouraged other JAG-K students to participate and helped coordinate several entities to offer internships to a number of Russell High School JAG-K participants in the ensuing summers.

Gideon has fostered connections between the Russell JAG-K program and the community, including helping with elections, visiting the hospital and connecting with elementary school students through a letter writing program. She also helped spearhead a drive to start a school library at Russell High School. “JAG-K is not just a class for her. This is something she believes in,” Tomlinson said of Gideon.

Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&amp;T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.jagkansas.org&amp;c=E,1,XcIPZdzQd07ZcF4gsRuE1NvRHhFyJiH8VsklalLAnpIl7NY_QmekdxBgdJNlckoTdg1d6rJgi7DKJxjrZg6wHJt3r2RHUwIDEMk3ZrzUk1jG4XzEtBaxSPM,&amp;typo=1">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718045299565.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHannah Gideon, a 2024 graduate of Russell High School, was recently announced as the Jobs for America’s Graduates -Kansas (JAG-K) “Student of the Year.” Gideon was elected by JAG-K state and regional student officers to receive the honor. Criteria for the award were the five pillars of the JAG-K Career Association: Leadership Development, Career Development, Civic Awareness, Service Learning, and Social Awareness.&nbsp;“JAG-K’s student leaders developed this honor and selected Hannah as the first recipient, which is a testament to the impact she has had, not only on the Russell High School program, but the legacy she leaves with the organization as a whole,” said JAG-K President and CEO Chuck Knapp.Gideon served three school years as the president of the Russell High School JAG-K student-led Career Association.“Hannah has worked hard to make JAG-K a place for everyone,” said Russell High School JAG-K Career Specialist Raina Tomlinson, who nominated Gideon for the award. “I have not only watched Hannah grow from her experience, but I have watched her develop and encourage those around her.”After participating in a summer internship coordinated by the Ogallala Commons in the summer of 2022, Gideon encouraged other JAG-K students to participate and helped coordinate several entities to offer internships to a number of Russell High School JAG-K participants in the ensuing summers.Gideon has fostered connections between the Russell JAG-K program and the community, including helping with elections, visiting the hospital and connecting with elementary school students through a letter writing program. She also helped spearhead a drive to start a school library at Russell High School. “JAG-K is not just a class for her. This is something she believes in,” Tomlinson said of Gideon.Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success.The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 38 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&amp;T, EagleU, Evergy, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, Kohl’s, Synchrony Financial, the Taco Bell Foundation, the City of Topeka, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.To learn more about JAG-K, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.jagkansas.org&amp;c=E,1,XcIPZdzQd07ZcF4gsRuE1NvRHhFyJiH8VsklalLAnpIl7NY_QmekdxBgdJNlckoTdg1d6rJgi7DKJxjrZg6wHJt3r2RHUwIDEMk3ZrzUk1jG4XzEtBaxSPM,&amp;typo=1">www.jagkansas.org</a>, ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook, and on Twitter at @JAG_Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent Russell High School graduate voted JAG-K Student of the Year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —After serving on the Hutchinson City Council for more than a decade&nbsp;and working for a broadband startup, Jade Piros de Carvalho was tapped by the state's lieutenant governor to head Kansas' newly formed Office of Broadband Development.&nbsp; In March of 2023 she was also recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year honorees. Now she's out of a job.

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jadepiros_broadband-digitalequity-internetforall-activity-7204604084618723329-DRXD?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">LinkedIn post</a>&nbsp;she made on June 7, former Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho was let go from her position as the leader of Kansas Office of Broadband Development.

"As you may have heard, I am no longer with KOBD," Piros de Carvalho said. "I will dearly miss the team and the entire&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-department-of-commerce/">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>&nbsp;staff. If you are a Kansan, you need to know how hard the Commerce team works for the state."

Piros de Carvalho didn't go deeply into details, but here is her description of what caused her termination.

"This was not my decision," Piros de Carvalho said. "Tuesday brought the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. At 9:00 a.m. I was taking a selfie with the Governor and listening to her sing my praises to a room full of my peers at the National Governors Association broadband workshop. It was truly a career high. I adore her. By that afternoon, I was told that my job was on the line. I said the wrong thing to the wrong person, who made a phone call and I was gone."

She won't name the person who overheard her.

"We live in a very litigious society so you will not pry the person’s name out of me," Piros de Carvalho said. "I’m not interested in being sued."

Piros de Carvalho is going to take time with her family this summer while she considers what's next.

"I’m just not sure I’m built to last in the public sector," Piros de Carvalho said. "I don’t like to move slowly and I don’t like to parse my words. But I also can’t get out of bed every morning for a job that doesn’t make a positive difference in the world."

Piros de Carvalho left Hutchinson two years ago for the post in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718038796350.png" alt="Jade Piros de Carvalho from a Forward Ever interview with Gary Shorman in March of 2023" />
 <figcaption>Jade Piros de Carvalho from a Forward Ever interview with Gary Shorman in March of 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —After serving on the Hutchinson City Council for more than a decade&nbsp;and working for a broadband startup, Jade Piros de Carvalho was tapped by the state's lieutenant governor to head Kansas' newly formed Office of Broadband Development.&nbsp; In March of 2023 she was also recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year honorees. Now she's out of a job.According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jadepiros_broadband-digitalequity-internetforall-activity-7204604084618723329-DRXD?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">LinkedIn post</a>&nbsp;she made on June 7, former Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho was let go from her position as the leader of Kansas Office of Broadband Development."As you may have heard, I am no longer with KOBD," Piros de Carvalho said. "I will dearly miss the team and the entire&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/kansas-department-of-commerce/">Kansas Department of Commerce</a>&nbsp;staff. If you are a Kansan, you need to know how hard the Commerce team works for the state."Piros de Carvalho didn't go deeply into details, but here is her description of what caused her termination."This was not my decision," Piros de Carvalho said. "Tuesday brought the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. At 9:00 a.m. I was taking a selfie with the Governor and listening to her sing my praises to a room full of my peers at the National Governors Association broadband workshop. It was truly a career high. I adore her. By that afternoon, I was told that my job was on the line. I said the wrong thing to the wrong person, who made a phone call and I was gone."She won't name the person who overheard her."We live in a very litigious society so you will not pry the person’s name out of me," Piros de Carvalho said. "I’m not interested in being sued."Piros de Carvalho is going to take time with her family this summer while she considers what's next."I’m just not sure I’m built to last in the public sector," Piros de Carvalho said. "I don’t like to move slowly and I don’t like to parse my words. But I also can’t get out of bed every morning for a job that doesn’t make a positive difference in the world."Piros de Carvalho left Hutchinson two years ago for the post in Topeka.

USA Today Woman of the Year 2023 honoree let go by State of Kansas

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Since 6 a.m. Friday, Hays received .61 inches of rain as measured at the Eagle Communications office at 2300 Hall in Hays.

Hays has received 1.85 inches of rain for the month and 7.81 inches of precipitation year to date, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.&nbsp;

Hays averages 3.38 of rain in June and 11.31 inches of precipitation by the end of June.

As of the drought monitor released on Thursday, Ellis County is still showing moderate drought to abnormally dry.

The forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of rain Tuesday afternoon and Thursday night. Hays will have more chances of showers or thunderstorms on Friday night and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Today's high is forecasted at 83, but temperatures will steadily increase to a blistering 101 on Thursday.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostSince 6 a.m. Friday, Hays received .61 inches of rain as measured at the Eagle Communications office at 2300 Hall in Hays.Hays has received 1.85 inches of rain for the month and 7.81 inches of precipitation year to date, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.&nbsp;Hays averages 3.38 of rain in June and 11.31 inches of precipitation by the end of June.As of the drought monitor released on Thursday, Ellis County is still showing moderate drought to abnormally dry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718039085165.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of rain Tuesday afternoon and Thursday night. Hays will have more chances of showers or thunderstorms on Friday night and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.Today's high is forecasted at 83, but temperatures will steadily increase to a blistering 101 on Thursday.

Hays receives rain over weekend; heat set to hit on Thursday

The Hays Larks closed out a three-game weekend sweep of the Denver Cougars with a 10-2 win Sunday at Larks Park. 

Wilbert Espinal was three for four
and drove in a pair of runs for the Larks as they won their fourth in a row. 

The
Larks are 2-0 in Rocky Mountain Baseball League play. 

They have Monday off
before hosting the Dodge City A’s in a league game on Tuesday. 

Hays PostThe Hays Larks closed out a three-game weekend sweep of the Denver Cougars with a 10-2 win Sunday at Larks Park. Wilbert Espinal was three for four
and drove in a pair of runs for the Larks as they won their fourth in a row. The
Larks are 2-0 in Rocky Mountain Baseball League play. They have Monday off
before hosting the Dodge City A’s in a league game on Tuesday.

⚾Larks complete sweep of Cougars

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Participants in this year’s Thunder on the Plains vehicle show and fundraiser in Hays experienced more than the thunder of loud cars and motorcycles Friday evening.

A storm with thunder, lightning and rain hit the area just after the classic vehicles left Municipal Park following their cruise down Main Street to the park on South Main.&nbsp;

But Saturday dawned bright and beautiful for the ninth-annual show that also includes trucks and tractors.

Almost 200 vehicles from around the state and a couple of neighboring states covered the park's grounds, where folks enjoyed a pleasant day of walking after Friday's storm.

Committee members were pleased with the turnout, especially since the date was changed from its former weekend in September to the second weekend of June.

Many awards were given to vehicle owners, including the one that traveled the farthest (Dan Rosenblatt from Littleton, Colorado) and the oldest (a 1930 five-window coupe owned by Shorty Lawrence from Scott City). An even older vehicle, Hays’ first motorized fire truck (a 1921 model), also was on display at the event.

While visitors enjoyed browsing the park and checking out the shiny restored vehicles, the Thunder committee says the show's primary purpose has always been to raise money for charity.

The organization awards up to four scholarships for graduating seniors who will attend NCK Tech in either the auto mechanics or auto body repair program.

On Saturday, the committee presented $2,000 checks to seven different local organizations, using money gathered from local and area sponsors.

Thunder had decided beforehand to gift the entire proceeds from the live auction to Make-A-Wish Missouri &amp; Kansas, a nonprofit organization that helps fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is nationwide, and the Thunder donations are awarded to children in Ellis County.

The auction garnered $11,710, most of which came from a red leather sofa with working LED tail lights made from the back of a 1955 Chevrolet.

Auctioneer Roger Legleiter from Farmland Auction and Realty Co., who volunteered his services for the auction, included the crowd in the bidding, helping urge on Mike Hertel from Hays and Don Kopfman from Munjor in a bidding war for the couch.

Kopfman ended up winning the bid of $8,100. Make-A-Wish also earned $3,000 from a raffle for a grill and another $500-pluis from a 50-50 raffle.

Make-A-Wish is near and dear to Jackie Lang, a long-time member of the Thunder organization with her late husband, Mark. And Saturday was an especially emotional day for Jackie.

The Langs took their oldest son, Brett, to Disney World in 2010, thanks to Make-A-Wish when they lived in Oklahoma, and Brett died from cancer two years later.&nbsp;

Mark Lang, who had done much of the bodywork on the vehicle part of the couch for this year’s auction, died unexpectedly this past Christmas Eve. Others helped finish the couch in time for Saturday’s auction. Mark’s employer, Oldham Sales in Hays, donated the grill that was raffled off.

Thunder volunteers had fun posing for pictures with Hertel and Kopfman sitting on the couch with Make-A-Wish recipient Angelina Molstad between them.

Angelina and Macie Kieffer, both from Hays, have enjoyed trips to Disney World – thanks to generous donors such as Thunder on the Plains – and attended Saturday’s activities.&nbsp;

Thunder had planned to do a public Make-A-Wish reveal on Saturday for 3-year-old Damon Sheeley from Victoria, whose family makes frequent trips to Kansas City for his leukemia treatments at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

However, Damon was not feeling well on Saturday and couldn’t attend the car show and auction.

Damon and his family—Mom Kylie, Dad Joseph, and four older siblings—will visit Disney World in December.

“We are so thankful to Make-A-Wish for this trip,” Damon’s mother said. “When we learned of Damon’s condition, it changed our lives, of course. We have friends who help out a lot with our other kids. We just had to build an army to help. And our older kids are a big help, too. It’s a family effort.”

Jackie Lang said it also takes a family effort to make Thunder on the Plains a success.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for all our families helping out,” she said. “The day of the show, we all bring spouses and children and other family members.”

Addie Foster from Stockton, the Wish specialist for the area, works with families to learn their child’s wish and fill out paperwork, etc. Wishes often involve trips, but Foster stressed that it’s something the child wishes for.

One child wished for a special birthday party and another for a camper for her family. Make-A-Wish Missouri &amp; Kansas's motto is “transform lives, one wish at a time.”

“It’s very rewarding working with these families,” Foster said, “and we are so very grateful for donations such as these.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980131749.jpeg" alt="There was even a miniature convertible on display, and Nicole Dreiling from Antonino enjoyed giving her friend, Kelsey Jo Thompson, a ride around the park in the car owned by Dreiling’s dad, John Dreiling. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>There was even a miniature convertible on display, and Nicole Dreiling from Antonino enjoyed giving her friend, Kelsey Jo Thompson, a ride around the park in the car owned by Dreiling’s dad, John Dreiling. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostParticipants in this year’s Thunder on the Plains vehicle show and fundraiser in Hays experienced more than the thunder of loud cars and motorcycles Friday evening.A storm with thunder, lightning and rain hit the area just after the classic vehicles left Municipal Park following their cruise down Main Street to the park on South Main.&nbsp;But Saturday dawned bright and beautiful for the ninth-annual show that also includes trucks and tractors.Almost 200 vehicles from around the state and a couple of neighboring states covered the park's grounds, where folks enjoyed a pleasant day of walking after Friday's storm.Committee members were pleased with the turnout, especially since the date was changed from its former weekend in September to the second weekend of June.Many awards were given to vehicle owners, including the one that traveled the farthest (Dan Rosenblatt from Littleton, Colorado) and the oldest (a 1930 five-window coupe owned by Shorty Lawrence from Scott City). An even older vehicle, Hays’ first motorized fire truck (a 1921 model), also was on display at the event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980361713.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While visitors enjoyed browsing the park and checking out the shiny restored vehicles, the Thunder committee says the show's primary purpose has always been to raise money for charity.The organization awards up to four scholarships for graduating seniors who will attend NCK Tech in either the auto mechanics or auto body repair program.On Saturday, the committee presented $2,000 checks to seven different local organizations, using money gathered from local and area sponsors.Thunder had decided beforehand to gift the entire proceeds from the live auction to Make-A-Wish Missouri &amp; Kansas, a nonprofit organization that helps fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is nationwide, and the Thunder donations are awarded to children in Ellis County.The auction garnered $11,710, most of which came from a red leather sofa with working LED tail lights made from the back of a 1955 Chevrolet.Auctioneer Roger Legleiter from Farmland Auction and Realty Co., who volunteered his services for the auction, included the crowd in the bidding, helping urge on Mike Hertel from Hays and Don Kopfman from Munjor in a bidding war for the couch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980510079.jpeg" alt="Don Kopfman, right, poses for photos with his top bidding opponent Mike Hertel, Make-A-Wish recipient Angelina Moldstad and Thunder on the Plains volunteers. Photo courtesy of Roberta Molstad" />
 <figcaption>Don Kopfman, right, poses for photos with his top bidding opponent Mike Hertel, Make-A-Wish recipient Angelina Moldstad and Thunder on the Plains volunteers. Photo courtesy of Roberta Molstad</figcaption>
 </figure>Kopfman ended up winning the bid of $8,100. Make-A-Wish also earned $3,000 from a raffle for a grill and another $500-pluis from a 50-50 raffle.Make-A-Wish is near and dear to Jackie Lang, a long-time member of the Thunder organization with her late husband, Mark. And Saturday was an especially emotional day for Jackie.The Langs took their oldest son, Brett, to Disney World in 2010, thanks to Make-A-Wish when they lived in Oklahoma, and Brett died from cancer two years later.&nbsp;Mark Lang, who had done much of the bodywork on the vehicle part of the couch for this year’s auction, died unexpectedly this past Christmas Eve. Others helped finish the couch in time for Saturday’s auction. Mark’s employer, Oldham Sales in Hays, donated the grill that was raffled off.Thunder volunteers had fun posing for pictures with Hertel and Kopfman sitting on the couch with Make-A-Wish recipient Angelina Molstad between them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980640027.jpeg" alt="Macie Kieffer, left, and Angelina Molstad, Make-A-Wish recipients from Hays, enjoy looking at a photo album with Addie Foster, Stockton, a Wish specialist for the area. Photo courtesy of Roberta Molstad" />
 <figcaption>Macie Kieffer, left, and Angelina Molstad, Make-A-Wish recipients from Hays, enjoy looking at a photo album with Addie Foster, Stockton, a Wish specialist for the area. Photo courtesy of Roberta Molstad</figcaption>
 </figure>Angelina and Macie Kieffer, both from Hays, have enjoyed trips to Disney World – thanks to generous donors such as Thunder on the Plains – and attended Saturday’s activities.&nbsp;Thunder had planned to do a public Make-A-Wish reveal on Saturday for 3-year-old Damon Sheeley from Victoria, whose family makes frequent trips to Kansas City for his leukemia treatments at Children’s Mercy Hospital.However, Damon was not feeling well on Saturday and couldn’t attend the car show and auction.Damon and his family—Mom Kylie, Dad Joseph, and four older siblings—will visit Disney World in December.“We are so thankful to Make-A-Wish for this trip,” Damon’s mother said. “When we learned of Damon’s condition, it changed our lives, of course. We have friends who help out a lot with our other kids. We just had to build an army to help. And our older kids are a big help, too. It’s a family effort.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717980778629.jpeg" alt="A 1930 yellow Ford coupe was one of almost 200 classic vehicles that visited Municipal Park this weekend. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A 1930 yellow Ford coupe was one of almost 200 classic vehicles that visited Municipal Park this weekend. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Lang said it also takes a family effort to make Thunder on the Plains a success.“We wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for all our families helping out,” she said. “The day of the show, we all bring spouses and children and other family members.”Addie Foster from Stockton, the Wish specialist for the area, works with families to learn their child’s wish and fill out paperwork, etc. Wishes often involve trips, but Foster stressed that it’s something the child wishes for.One child wished for a special birthday party and another for a camper for her family. Make-A-Wish Missouri &amp; Kansas's motto is “transform lives, one wish at a time.”“It’s very rewarding working with these families,” Foster said, “and we are so very grateful for donations such as these.”

Thunder on the Plains: Classic way of making children’s wishes come true

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Residents wishing to drive UTVs, or utility task vehicles, on Hays city streets, will soon have an easier process in permitting the request.

The current ordinance approved by city commissioners requires inspection by the Hays Police Department with an annual fee of $100, plus registration.&nbsp;

This year the city approved golf carts to be driven on certain city streets and no inspection or registration is necessary.&nbsp;

Commissioners recently discussed amending the UTV ordinance to mirror the less restrictive golf cart ordinance.

"City staff has already discussed this very issue, and I appreciate the opportunity to bring it forward," said Don Scheibler, police chief, at Thursday's city commission work session.&nbsp;

"The amended UTV ordinance would repeal existing registrations, licenses and fee requirements," he said. "It does not remove any requirements for safety equipment or the insurance requirements and the drivers must still follow the rules of the road," he said.

UTVs may travel on 35-mph city streets but not highways, according to state ordinance.

Scheibler estimated the city registers approximately 27 UTVs annually, bringing in about $2,300 dollars.

"By the time the community service officer schedules the appointment, brings them in, does the inspection, and the records clerk enters the tag data, it's really a financial wash."&nbsp;

Scheibler called the police department an enforcement agency, not an registration agency.

"We've been able to do it for the ordinance requirements, but if we could stop doing it, that'd be helpful."

The police have issued about 60 UTV tags, although about half of those were not renewed by the owners. 

Scheibler said to date no tickets&nbsp; have been issued to UTV drivers.

Mayor Shaun Musil said he's talked to one local seller of UTVs who believes they may sell more UTVs if registration and inspections are eliminated.

"That'd mean more sales tax for the city," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor.

The city of Hays' general fund is primarily financed by the city sales tax.&nbsp;

Commissioners will vote on the changes at the June 13 meeting.

An update on the&nbsp;proposed construction delivery method for the new police station and municipal court facility, was  presented by Collin Bielser advise, deputy city manager.&nbsp;

Design-build is a construction delivery method that brings together the architectural/engineering team and construction company at the beginning of the project. The early collaboration can reduce change orders and other minor oversights typical of a multi-million dollar building project. The early collaboration also results in a condensed project schedule.&nbsp;

The city has purchased the Astra Bank building at 1100 Fort and will remodel the facility.&nbsp;

Hays police and Ellis County law enforcement have jointly occupied the space at 105 W. 12th since 1976.

• Heard a recommended low bid of $227,740 for four pickups from Lewis Ford of Hays for the public works and water resources departments.

• Heard&nbsp; a recommended low bid from Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard, not to exceed the budget of $150,000, for rehabilitation of 102 manholes.

•  Heard  a recommended low bid for sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection by&nbsp;CC Steel, LLC, Fargo, North Dakota, to&nbsp;perform light cleaning and video inspection of 22.2 miles of sanitary sewer.

• Heard an update from Bielser that June 13 will be the date for a public hearing&nbsp;and an ordinance levying a 2% district sales tax  for the proposed Vernie's Trux-N-Equip community improvement district, and approving the development agreement with the city, located northwest of the intersection of 48th Street and General Hays Road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717958080508.png" alt="UTV courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>UTV courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostResidents wishing to drive UTVs, or utility task vehicles, on Hays city streets, will soon have an easier process in permitting the request.The current ordinance approved by city commissioners requires inspection by the Hays Police Department with an annual fee of $100, plus registration.&nbsp;This year the city approved golf carts to be driven on certain city streets and no inspection or registration is necessary.&nbsp;Commissioners recently discussed amending the UTV ordinance to mirror the less restrictive golf cart ordinance."City staff has already discussed this very issue, and I appreciate the opportunity to bring it forward," said Don Scheibler, police chief, at Thursday's city commission work session.&nbsp;"The amended UTV ordinance would repeal existing registrations, licenses and fee requirements," he said. "It does not remove any requirements for safety equipment or the insurance requirements and the drivers must still follow the rules of the road," he said.UTVs may travel on 35-mph city streets but not highways, according to state ordinance.Scheibler estimated the city registers approximately 27 UTVs annually, bringing in about $2,300 dollars."By the time the community service officer schedules the appointment, brings them in, does the inspection, and the records clerk enters the tag data, it's really a financial wash."&nbsp;Scheibler called the police department an enforcement agency, not an registration agency."We've been able to do it for the ordinance requirements, but if we could stop doing it, that'd be helpful."The police have issued about 60 UTV tags, although about half of those were not renewed by the owners. Scheibler said to date no tickets&nbsp; have been issued to UTV drivers.Mayor Shaun Musil said he's talked to one local seller of UTVs who believes they may sell more UTVs if registration and inspections are eliminated."That'd mean more sales tax for the city," said Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor.The city of Hays' general fund is primarily financed by the city sales tax.&nbsp;Commissioners will vote on the changes at the June 13 meeting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717959210368.png" alt="The design-build construction delivery method will be used for the new&nbsp; Hays&nbsp;police station and municipal court facility. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>The design-build construction delivery method will be used for the new&nbsp; Hays&nbsp;police station and municipal court facility. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>An update on the&nbsp;proposed construction delivery method for the new police station and municipal court facility, was presented by Collin Bielser advise, deputy city manager.&nbsp;Design-build is a construction delivery method that brings together the architectural/engineering team and construction company at the beginning of the project. The early collaboration can reduce change orders and other minor oversights typical of a multi-million dollar building project. The early collaboration also results in a condensed project schedule.&nbsp;The city has purchased the Astra Bank building at 1100 Fort and will remodel the facility.&nbsp;Hays police and Ellis County law enforcement have jointly occupied the space at 105 W. 12th since 1976.In other business, commissioners:• Heard a recommended low bid of $227,740 for four pickups from Lewis Ford of Hays for the public works and water resources departments.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717959852943.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>• Heard&nbsp; a recommended low bid from Mayer Specialty Services, Goddard, not to exceed the budget of $150,000, for rehabilitation of 102 manholes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717960122748.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>• Heard a recommended low bid for sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection by&nbsp;CC Steel, LLC, Fargo, North Dakota, to&nbsp;perform light cleaning and video inspection of 22.2 miles of sanitary sewer.• Heard an update from Bielser that June 13 will be the date for a public hearing&nbsp;and an ordinance levying a 2% district sales tax for the proposed Vernie's Trux-N-Equip community improvement district, and approving the development agreement with the city, located northwest of the intersection of 48th Street and General Hays Road.

Commissioners consider lessening restrictions for driving UTVs on Hays city streets  

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a drug sale death.

&nbsp;Last week, Mason Duane Robinson, 28, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 49 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for distribution of a controlled substance in a case related to the fentanyl-overdose death of a Lawrence woman, according to Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.

“One fentanyl-laced pill can have a devastating impact on so many,” District Attorney Valdez said. “The resolve to stem the tide of this epidemic by my office and our law enforcement partners remains steadfast.”

Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Robinson, who pleaded no contest in April, to 24 months of post-release supervision. Robinson must register as a drug offender for 15 years.

Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 14, 2022, when a 23-year-old woman was discovered unresponsive in front of a home in the 1900 block of Miller Drive in Lawrence.&nbsp;

For those seeking substance abuse treatment resources in Kansas, call 211. Visit the website for Lawrence-based nonprofit DCCCA, which provides free naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, fentanyl test strips and training to community organizations and Kansas residents, at http://bit.ly/3xyc9lU.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717791959218.png" alt="Robinson-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Robinson-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a drug sale death.&nbsp;Last week, Mason Duane Robinson, 28, of Lawrence, was sentenced to 49 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for distribution of a controlled substance in a case related to the fentanyl-overdose death of a Lawrence woman, according to Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.“One fentanyl-laced pill can have a devastating impact on so many,” District Attorney Valdez said. “The resolve to stem the tide of this epidemic by my office and our law enforcement partners remains steadfast.”Judge Sally Pokorny also sentenced Robinson, who pleaded no contest in April, to 24 months of post-release supervision. Robinson must register as a drug offender for 15 years.Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 14, 2022, when a 23-year-old woman was discovered unresponsive in front of a home in the 1900 block of Miller Drive in Lawrence.&nbsp;For those seeking substance abuse treatment resources in Kansas, call 211. Visit the website for Lawrence-based nonprofit DCCCA, which provides free naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray, fentanyl test strips and training to community organizations and Kansas residents, at http://bit.ly/3xyc9lU.

Man going to prison for Kan. woman's fentanyl overdose death

SISTERS, Ore. (AP) — A rodeo bull hopped a fence surrounding an Oregon arena and ran through a concession area into a parking lot, injuring at least three people before wranglers caught up with it, officials said.

The crowd at the 84th Sisters Rodeo in the city of Sisters was singing along with Lee Greenwood's “God Bless the U.S.A." on Saturday night, most with their cellphone flashlights on, as the bull ran around the arena before what was to be the final bull ride of the night, when the bull hopped the fence, according to a video shot by a fan.

Other videos posted online showed the bull running through a concession area, knocking over a garbage can and sending people scrambling. The bull lifted one person off the ground, spun them end over end, and bounced them off its horns before the person hit the ground.

The Sisters Rodeo Association issued a statement Sunday saying three people were injured “as a direct result of the bull, two of whom were transported to a local hospital,"&nbsp;<a href="https://ktvz.com/cnn-regional/2024/06/09/bull-jumps-sisters-rodeo-arena-fence-escapes-3-struck-injured-by-bull-as-crowd-scrambles-out-of-the-way/">KTVZ-TV reported</a>. Rodeo livestock professionals secured the bull next to livestock holding pens and placed it in a pen, the association said.

Deschutes County sheriff’s Sergeant Joshua Spano said several ambulances were called to the scene. Deputies transported one patient with non-life-threatening injuries to a hospital, and a deputy also sustained minor injuries when responding to the bull's escape, Lt. Jayson Janes told KTVZ on Sunday.

Danielle Smithers was among the rodeo fans with her cellphone flashlight on as the bull named Party Bus was moving around the ring with two riders on horseback as the crowd sang and swayed to the music.

“And about 30 seconds into it I stopped and I looked at it and I thought to myself, ‘this is just too beautiful not to have a video,’" Smithers said. She shut off her flashlight and “started recording the bull, just following him, making his loop and as he started coming around his second loop in my video, he goes right over” the fence, she said.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association said Saturday's incident is a reminder that “while rodeo is a highly-entertaining sport, on very rare occasions it can also pose some risk.”

“PRCA sends our thoughts and well wishes to those who were injured or otherwise impacted by this frightening and very rare incident," the association said.

Officials with the Sisters Rodeo couldn’t be reached to ask if an investigation is planned.

The rodeo's final performance on Sunday went on as scheduled.

SISTERS, Ore. (AP) — A rodeo bull hopped a fence surrounding an Oregon arena and ran through a concession area into a parking lot, injuring at least three people before wranglers caught up with it, officials said.The crowd at the 84th Sisters Rodeo in the city of Sisters was singing along with Lee Greenwood's “God Bless the U.S.A." on Saturday night, most with their cellphone flashlights on, as the bull ran around the arena before what was to be the final bull ride of the night, when the bull hopped the fence, according to a video shot by a fan.Other videos posted online showed the bull running through a concession area, knocking over a garbage can and sending people scrambling. The bull lifted one person off the ground, spun them end over end, and bounced them off its horns before the person hit the ground.The Sisters Rodeo Association issued a statement Sunday saying three people were injured “as a direct result of the bull, two of whom were transported to a local hospital,"&nbsp;<a href="https://ktvz.com/cnn-regional/2024/06/09/bull-jumps-sisters-rodeo-arena-fence-escapes-3-struck-injured-by-bull-as-crowd-scrambles-out-of-the-way/">KTVZ-TV reported</a>. Rodeo livestock professionals secured the bull next to livestock holding pens and placed it in a pen, the association said.Deschutes County sheriff’s Sergeant Joshua Spano said several ambulances were called to the scene. Deputies transported one patient with non-life-threatening injuries to a hospital, and a deputy also sustained minor injuries when responding to the bull's escape, Lt. Jayson Janes told KTVZ on Sunday.Danielle Smithers was among the rodeo fans with her cellphone flashlight on as the bull named Party Bus was moving around the ring with two riders on horseback as the crowd sang and swayed to the music.“And about 30 seconds into it I stopped and I looked at it and I thought to myself, ‘this is just too beautiful not to have a video,’" Smithers said. She shut off her flashlight and “started recording the bull, just following him, making his loop and as he started coming around his second loop in my video, he goes right over” the fence, she said.The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association said Saturday's incident is a reminder that “while rodeo is a highly-entertaining sport, on very rare occasions it can also pose some risk.”“PRCA sends our thoughts and well wishes to those who were injured or otherwise impacted by this frightening and very rare incident," the association said.Officials with the Sisters Rodeo couldn’t be reached to ask if an investigation is planned.The rodeo's final performance on Sunday went on as scheduled.

Bull hops fence at rodeo arena, injures 3 before being captured

KANSAS CITY (AP) —From its towering white steeple and red-brick facade to its Sunday services filled with rousing gospel hymns and evangelistic sermons, First Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, bears many of the classic hallmarks of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/religion">Southern Baptist church</a>.

On a recent Sunday, its pastor for women and children, Kim Eskridge, urged members to invite friends and neighbors to an upcoming vacation Bible school — a perennial Baptist activity — to help “reach families in the community with the gospel.”

But because that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-saddleback-vote-women-pastors-new-orleans-7ee6606b57d0bf0c4c7ed91316af12b1">pastor is a woman</a>, First Baptist’s days in the Southern Baptist Convention may be numbered.

At the SBC’s annual meeting June 11-12 in Indianapolis, representatives will vote on whether to amend the denomination’s constitution to essentially ban churches with any women pastors — and not just in the top job. That measure received overwhelming approval in a preliminary vote last year.

Leaders of First Baptist – which has given millions to Southern Baptist causes and has been involved with the convention since its 19th century founding — are bracing for a possible expulsion.

“We are grieved at the direction the SBC has taken,” the church said in a statement.

By some estimates, the proposed ban could affect hundreds of congregations and have a disproportionate impact on predominantly Black churches.

The vote is partly the culmination of events set in motion two years ago.

That’s when a Virginia pastor contacted SBC officials to contend that First Baptist and four nearby churches were “out of step” with denominational doctrine that says only men can be pastors. The SBC Credentials Committee launched a formal inquiry in April.

Southern Baptists disagree on which ministry jobs this doctrine refers to. Some say it’s just the senior pastor, others that a pastor is anyone who preaches and exercises spiritual authority.

And in a Baptist tradition that prizes local church autonomy, critics say the convention shouldn’t enshrine a constitutional rule based on one interpretation of its non-binding doctrinal statement.

By some estimates, women are working in pastoral roles in hundreds of SBC-linked churches, a fraction of the nearly 47,000 across the denomination.

But critics say the amendment would amount to a further narrowing in numbers and mindset for the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, which has moved steadily rightward in recent decades.

They also wonder if the SBC has better things to do.

It has struggled to respond to sexual abuse cases in its churches. A former professor at a Southern Baptist seminary in Texas was indicted in May on a charge of falsifying a record about alleged sexual abuse by a student in order to obstruct a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptist-convention-sex-abuse-investigation-58b037e49e8f305978596c3836db5329">federal investigation</a>&nbsp;into sexual misconduct in the convention.

SBC membership has dipped below 13 million, nearly a half-century low. Baptismal rates are in long-term decline.

The amendment, if passed, wouldn’t prompt an immediate purge. But it could keep the denomination’s leaders busy for years, investigating and ousting churches.

Many predominantly Black churches have men as lead pastors but assign pastor titles to women in other areas, such as worship and children’s ministries.

“To disfellowship like-minded churches ... based on a local-church governance decision dishonors the spirit of cooperation and the guiding tenets of our denomination,” wrote Pastor Gregory Perkins, president of the SBC’s National African American Fellowship, to denominational officials.

The controversy complicates the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/racial-injustice-baptist-race-and-ethnicity-religion-900a3edd93c6ab0e7836a48751048c91">already-choppy efforts</a>&nbsp;by the mostly white denomination to diversify and overcome its legacy of slavery and segregation.

Amendment proponents say the convention needs to reinforce its doctrinal statement, the Baptist Faith and Message, which says the office of pastor is “limited to men as qualified by Scripture.”

“If we won’t stand on this issue and be unapologetically biblical, then we won’t stand on anything,” said amendment proponent Mike Law, pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Virginia.

Since Baptist churches are independent, the convention can’t tell them what to do or whom to appoint as a pastor.

But the convention can decide which churches are in and which are out. And even without a formal amendment, its Executive Committee has begun telling churches with women pastors that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-women-pastors-sex-abuse-45439f49cead56de4d363765409f486c">they’re out</a>. That included one of its largest, Saddleback Church of California.

When Saddleback and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptist-convention-women-pastors-church-appeals-7c2d7f248b2156721616387d77528cb5">small Kentucky church</a>&nbsp;appealed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-saddleback-vote-women-pastors-new-orleans-7ee6606b57d0bf0c4c7ed91316af12b1">annual meeting in 2023,</a>&nbsp;delegates overwhelmingly refused to take them back.

The amendment would give such enforcement actions more teeth.

Some churches with women pastors quit on their own in the past year. They range from Elevation Church, a North Carolina megachurch, to First Baptist of Richmond, Virginia, which had close SBC ties from the convention’s founding.

Law contended the issue has been a “canary in the coalmine” for liberal denominations, several of which began ordaining women and later LGBTQ+ people.

“Southern Baptists are facing a decisive moment,” he said in a video on a pro-amendment website. “Here’s the trajectory of doing nothing: Soon Southern Baptist churches will start openly supporting homosexual clergy, same-sex marriage and eventually transgenderism.”

Others point out that Pentecostal and other denominations have had women pastors for generations and remain theologically conservative.

Some SBC churches with women pastors are heavily involved with the convention, while others have minimal connections and identify more closely with historically Black or other progressive denominations.

Also, some SBC churches interpret the 2000 faith statement as only applying to senior pastors. As long as a the church leader is male, women can serve other pastoral roles, they say.

Such churches may leave if SBC leaders interfere with congregations following “their conscience, biblical convictions, and values by recognizing women can receive a pastoral gift from God in partnership with male leadership,” said Dwight McKissic, a pastor from Arlington, Texas, on the social media platform X.

Other churches say women can be in any role, including senior pastor, and churches can agree to disagree if they embrace most of the SBC faith statement.

That category includes First Baptist of Alexandria. Though its current senior pastor is male, it recognizes “God’s calling to ordain any qualified individual, male or female, for pastoral ministry,” the church said in a statement.

First Baptist leaders declined interview requests, but it has posted extensively about the issue on its website.

It said while it plans to send representatives to the SBC annual meeting, it was warned to expect a motion to deny them voting privileges.

“I do believe we need to be heard and represented,” Senior Pastor Robert Stephens told members in a video-recorded meeting.

The SBC’s top administrative body opposes the amendment. Investigating churches’ compliance would consume an unsustainable amount of time and energy over something that shouldn’t be a litmus test for fellowship, wrote Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, in a Baptist Press commentary.

Baptist Women in Ministry, which began within the SBC in the 1980s but now works in multiple Baptist denominations, has taken note. The Rev. Meredith Stone, its executive director, said some women pastors within the SBC have reached out for support.

The group plans to release a documentary, “Midwives of a Movement,” about 20th century trailblazers for women in Baptist ministry, on the eve of the SBC meeting.

“As they are saying women have less value to God than men in the church, we want to make sure that women know they do have equal value and that there are no limits to how they follow Christ in the work of the church,” Stone said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660444151062.png" alt="Photo courtesy Southern Baptist Convention" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Southern Baptist Convention</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —From its towering white steeple and red-brick facade to its Sunday services filled with rousing gospel hymns and evangelistic sermons, First Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, bears many of the classic hallmarks of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/religion">Southern Baptist church</a>.On a recent Sunday, its pastor for women and children, Kim Eskridge, urged members to invite friends and neighbors to an upcoming vacation Bible school — a perennial Baptist activity — to help “reach families in the community with the gospel.”But because that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-saddleback-vote-women-pastors-new-orleans-7ee6606b57d0bf0c4c7ed91316af12b1">pastor is a woman</a>, First Baptist’s days in the Southern Baptist Convention may be numbered.At the SBC’s annual meeting June 11-12 in Indianapolis, representatives will vote on whether to amend the denomination’s constitution to essentially ban churches with any women pastors — and not just in the top job. That measure received overwhelming approval in a preliminary vote last year.Leaders of First Baptist – which has given millions to Southern Baptist causes and has been involved with the convention since its 19th century founding — are bracing for a possible expulsion.“We are grieved at the direction the SBC has taken,” the church said in a statement.And it’s not alone.By some estimates, the proposed ban could affect hundreds of congregations and have a disproportionate impact on predominantly Black churches.The vote is partly the culmination of events set in motion two years ago.That’s when a Virginia pastor contacted SBC officials to contend that First Baptist and four nearby churches were “out of step” with denominational doctrine that says only men can be pastors. The SBC Credentials Committee launched a formal inquiry in April.Southern Baptists disagree on which ministry jobs this doctrine refers to. Some say it’s just the senior pastor, others that a pastor is anyone who preaches and exercises spiritual authority.And in a Baptist tradition that prizes local church autonomy, critics say the convention shouldn’t enshrine a constitutional rule based on one interpretation of its non-binding doctrinal statement.By some estimates, women are working in pastoral roles in hundreds of SBC-linked churches, a fraction of the nearly 47,000 across the denomination.But critics say the amendment would amount to a further narrowing in numbers and mindset for the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, which has moved steadily rightward in recent decades.They also wonder if the SBC has better things to do.It has struggled to respond to sexual abuse cases in its churches. A former professor at a Southern Baptist seminary in Texas was indicted in May on a charge of falsifying a record about alleged sexual abuse by a student in order to obstruct a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptist-convention-sex-abuse-investigation-58b037e49e8f305978596c3836db5329">federal investigation</a>&nbsp;into sexual misconduct in the convention.SBC membership has dipped below 13 million, nearly a half-century low. Baptismal rates are in long-term decline.The amendment, if passed, wouldn’t prompt an immediate purge. But it could keep the denomination’s leaders busy for years, investigating and ousting churches.Many predominantly Black churches have men as lead pastors but assign pastor titles to women in other areas, such as worship and children’s ministries.“To disfellowship like-minded churches ... based on a local-church governance decision dishonors the spirit of cooperation and the guiding tenets of our denomination,” wrote Pastor Gregory Perkins, president of the SBC’s National African American Fellowship, to denominational officials.The controversy complicates the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/racial-injustice-baptist-race-and-ethnicity-religion-900a3edd93c6ab0e7836a48751048c91">already-choppy efforts</a>&nbsp;by the mostly white denomination to diversify and overcome its legacy of slavery and segregation.Amendment proponents say the convention needs to reinforce its doctrinal statement, the Baptist Faith and Message, which says the office of pastor is “limited to men as qualified by Scripture.”“If we won’t stand on this issue and be unapologetically biblical, then we won’t stand on anything,” said amendment proponent Mike Law, pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Virginia.Since Baptist churches are independent, the convention can’t tell them what to do or whom to appoint as a pastor.But the convention can decide which churches are in and which are out. And even without a formal amendment, its Executive Committee has begun telling churches with women pastors that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-women-pastors-sex-abuse-45439f49cead56de4d363765409f486c">they’re out</a>. That included one of its largest, Saddleback Church of California.When Saddleback and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptist-convention-women-pastors-church-appeals-7c2d7f248b2156721616387d77528cb5">small Kentucky church</a>&nbsp;appealed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-baptists-saddleback-vote-women-pastors-new-orleans-7ee6606b57d0bf0c4c7ed91316af12b1">annual meeting in 2023,</a>&nbsp;delegates overwhelmingly refused to take them back.The amendment would give such enforcement actions more teeth.Some churches with women pastors quit on their own in the past year. They range from Elevation Church, a North Carolina megachurch, to First Baptist of Richmond, Virginia, which had close SBC ties from the convention’s founding.Law contended the issue has been a “canary in the coalmine” for liberal denominations, several of which began ordaining women and later LGBTQ+ people.“Southern Baptists are facing a decisive moment,” he said in a video on a pro-amendment website. “Here’s the trajectory of doing nothing: Soon Southern Baptist churches will start openly supporting homosexual clergy, same-sex marriage and eventually transgenderism.”Others point out that Pentecostal and other denominations have had women pastors for generations and remain theologically conservative.Some SBC churches with women pastors are heavily involved with the convention, while others have minimal connections and identify more closely with historically Black or other progressive denominations.Also, some SBC churches interpret the 2000 faith statement as only applying to senior pastors. As long as a the church leader is male, women can serve other pastoral roles, they say.Such churches may leave if SBC leaders interfere with congregations following “their conscience, biblical convictions, and values by recognizing women can receive a pastoral gift from God in partnership with male leadership,” said Dwight McKissic, a pastor from Arlington, Texas, on the social media platform X.Other churches say women can be in any role, including senior pastor, and churches can agree to disagree if they embrace most of the SBC faith statement.That category includes First Baptist of Alexandria. Though its current senior pastor is male, it recognizes “God’s calling to ordain any qualified individual, male or female, for pastoral ministry,” the church said in a statement.First Baptist leaders declined interview requests, but it has posted extensively about the issue on its website.It said while it plans to send representatives to the SBC annual meeting, it was warned to expect a motion to deny them voting privileges.“I do believe we need to be heard and represented,” Senior Pastor Robert Stephens told members in a video-recorded meeting.The SBC’s top administrative body opposes the amendment. Investigating churches’ compliance would consume an unsustainable amount of time and energy over something that shouldn’t be a litmus test for fellowship, wrote Jeff Iorg, president of the SBC Executive Committee, in a Baptist Press commentary.Baptist Women in Ministry, which began within the SBC in the 1980s but now works in multiple Baptist denominations, has taken note. The Rev. Meredith Stone, its executive director, said some women pastors within the SBC have reached out for support.The group plans to release a documentary, “Midwives of a Movement,” about 20th century trailblazers for women in Baptist ministry, on the eve of the SBC meeting.“As they are saying women have less value to God than men in the church, we want to make sure that women know they do have equal value and that there are no limits to how they follow Christ in the work of the church,” Stone said.

Southern Baptists are poised to ban churches with women pastors

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

WILSON—Take cover and spend the night in an underground missile base in Wilson, transformed into a tourist stop and Airbnb.

Built during the Cold War, the Atlas F Missile Base once housed a weapon of mass destruction but is now a site for camping, an RV park, hiking trails and campfires.

Owner Matthew Fulkerson of Ad Astra Missile Silo purchased the bunker in 2013 but couldn't do much with it initially due to financial issues.

"In 2017, I realized that 'You know what, nothing is going to happen here unless you come out and start working,'" he said.

The Adventure Resort, 354 Fourth Road, is on the 24-acre property and is accessed through a steel door and a flight of stairs.

Around a few corners and behind two massive 2,000-pound doors, guests will find the Launch Control Center, now equipped with home utilities and living spaces.

Fulkerson began remodeling the property, and since 2019, visitors from around the globe have been able to travel through time.

"Most missile base owners will keep it very private, but I'm one of the few people in the world that opened up a place for people to tour and stay," he said.

For $350 a night for up to six guests, you can <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/655066825417773535?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3_Q-civBDYSztjEqVKfIhOJN8jHGKKti6E7jYnDDMSju3MCK6-Wv0tj74_aem_AbBQ24HI1tbmYXpX4p3KsXEcm3cozROxgH23gE3R3zWMOWhwKdOXVOniUAJDrml8hWtBeHSoUhixCrXmPqbVvrSE&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1717427997_ETZKlLQqP0mYlaaS&amp;guests=1&amp;adults=1">book a stay</a> at Atlas Ad Astra or schedule a <a href="https://atlas-ad-astra.checkfront.com/reserve/">one-hour tour</a> to learn about the Atlas Program and structures built by the U.S. Army.

With required reservations, regular tours are at 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Prices vary for ages 10 and older, while children 9 and younger are free but must be supervised.

You can also <a href="https://www.campspot.com/book/atlasadastra">book </a>tent camping from March to November, car camping all year and RV parking with amenities.

"Originally, [the control center] was suspended from the ceiling at four different points around the room. If an explosion happened at the bottom, everything would be safe inside," Fulkerson said.

Below the remodeled Airbnb floor is the silo that once housed the U.S.'s first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, prepared for the Nuclear War during the 1950s and '60s.

According to Fulkerson, Kansas was a target during the height of the Cold War because it could launch a retaliatory strike.

"We had about a 30-minute window if we saw that we were being attacked," he said. "The concept was if you launched on us, then we would launch on you; nobody wins and mutually assured destruction."

The silo was decommissioned in 1965 after four years of operation. It was the first structure built to withstand a blast within a one-mile radius, making it the most hardened structure of its time.

The construction costs for the structure alone amount to more than $120 million in today's currency.

Grow Ellsworth congratulated Fulkerson on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=848275910673655&amp;set=a.554937336674182">Facebook </a>after receiving an $80,000 Attraction Development Grant from the Kansas Department of Tourism and support from Airbnb.

"It's been an incredible journey. The more hard work I put in, the more people believe in what I'm doing," Fulkerson said.

Within the silo, Fulkerson intends to transform the Launch Control Center into an Educational Center for Space Habitat Studies, offering simulations of life in a space station or colony.

Plans for the property's surface level include a gourmet coffee shop, sauna, event center, obstacle course and other amenities for travelers' convenience.

To support Fulkerson, you can donate to his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/missilesilo?attribution_id=undefined&amp;utm_campaign=unknown&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=website_widget">GoFundMe</a> campaign. For every dollar donated, you will receive two entries for a chance to win a two-night stay at the silo.

Since 2020, Fulkerson has lived on the property in his RV and a tiny house he built near the silo entrance, accompanied by the Missile Silo dog, Buddy.

"I'm super excited to have my life revolve around hospitality, meeting new people and sharing this piece of history," Fulkerson said.

You can find more information on Atlas Ad Astra-Adventure Resort and its history on its <a href="https://www.atlasadastra.com/">website</a>.

You can also follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AtlasAdAstra">Atlas Ad Astra-Missile Silo Adventure Resort</a> on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517740083.jpeg" alt="Mathew Fulkerson and Buddy the Missile Silo dog at the base entrance. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mathew Fulkerson and Buddy the Missile Silo dog at the base entrance. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717536573500.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostWILSON—Take cover and spend the night in an underground missile base in Wilson, transformed into a tourist stop and Airbnb.Built during the Cold War, the Atlas F Missile Base once housed a weapon of mass destruction but is now a site for camping, an RV park, hiking trails and campfires.Owner Matthew Fulkerson of Ad Astra Missile Silo purchased the bunker in 2013 but couldn't do much with it initially due to financial issues."In 2017, I realized that 'You know what, nothing is going to happen here unless you come out and start working,'" he said.The Adventure Resort, 354 Fourth Road, is on the 24-acre property and is accessed through a steel door and a flight of stairs.Around a few corners and behind two massive 2,000-pound doors, guests will find the Launch Control Center, now equipped with home utilities and living spaces.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717516883399.jpeg" alt="Two large 2,000-pound steel doors to prevent an explosive force from reaching inside. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Two large 2,000-pound steel doors to prevent an explosive force from reaching inside. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717516948013.jpeg" alt="The kitchen space in the Launch Control Center of the base. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The kitchen space in the Launch Control Center of the base. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717516997429.jpeg" alt="Bunk beds and kitchen utilities located in the Launch Control Center.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Bunk beds and kitchen utilities located in the Launch Control Center.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517049327.jpeg" alt="Private room with a king-size bed in the Launch Control Center of the base.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Private room with a king-size bed in the Launch Control Center of the base.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517176217.jpeg" alt="Mathew Fulkerson sitting in the living room space with a TV.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mathew Fulkerson sitting in the living room space with a TV.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Fulkerson began remodeling the property, and since 2019, visitors from around the globe have been able to travel through time."Most missile base owners will keep it very private, but I'm one of the few people in the world that opened up a place for people to tour and stay," he said.For $350 a night for up to six guests, you can <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/655066825417773535?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3_Q-civBDYSztjEqVKfIhOJN8jHGKKti6E7jYnDDMSju3MCK6-Wv0tj74_aem_AbBQ24HI1tbmYXpX4p3KsXEcm3cozROxgH23gE3R3zWMOWhwKdOXVOniUAJDrml8hWtBeHSoUhixCrXmPqbVvrSE&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1717427997_ETZKlLQqP0mYlaaS&amp;guests=1&amp;adults=1">book a stay</a> at Atlas Ad Astra or schedule a <a href="https://atlas-ad-astra.checkfront.com/reserve/">one-hour tour</a> to learn about the Atlas Program and structures built by the U.S. Army.With required reservations, regular tours are at 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Prices vary for ages 10 and older, while children 9 and younger are free but must be supervised.You can also <a href="https://www.campspot.com/book/atlasadastra">book </a>tent camping from March to November, car camping all year and RV parking with amenities."Originally, [the control center] was suspended from the ceiling at four different points around the room. If an explosion happened at the bottom, everything would be safe inside," Fulkerson said.Below the remodeled Airbnb floor is the silo that once housed the U.S.'s first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, prepared for the Nuclear War during the 1950s and '60s.According to Fulkerson, Kansas was a target during the height of the Cold War because it could launch a retaliatory strike."We had about a 30-minute window if we saw that we were being attacked," he said. "The concept was if you launched on us, then we would launch on you; nobody wins and mutually assured destruction."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517252564.jpeg" alt="The tunnel leading to the silo with a door meant to protect the base from an explosion of its own missile.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The tunnel leading to the silo with a door meant to protect the base from an explosion of its own missile.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517332843.jpeg" alt="The doorway leading to an overlook view of the silo.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The doorway leading to an overlook view of the silo.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517392630.jpeg" alt="The 176-foot-deep silo with 70 feef of water inside where the missile was once stored.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The 176-foot-deep silo with 70 feef of water inside where the missile was once stored.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517436465.jpeg" alt="The blast doors which would conceal the missile inside the silo.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The blast doors which would conceal the missile inside the silo.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The silo was decommissioned in 1965 after four years of operation. It was the first structure built to withstand a blast within a one-mile radius, making it the most hardened structure of its time.The construction costs for the structure alone amount to more than $120 million in today's currency.Grow Ellsworth congratulated Fulkerson on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=848275910673655&amp;set=a.554937336674182">Facebook </a>after receiving an $80,000 Attraction Development Grant from the Kansas Department of Tourism and support from Airbnb."It's been an incredible journey. The more hard work I put in, the more people believe in what I'm doing," Fulkerson said.Within the silo, Fulkerson intends to transform the Launch Control Center into an Educational Center for Space Habitat Studies, offering simulations of life in a space station or colony.Plans for the property's surface level include a gourmet coffee shop, sauna, event center, obstacle course and other amenities for travelers' convenience.To support Fulkerson, you can donate to his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/missilesilo?attribution_id=undefined&amp;utm_campaign=unknown&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=website_widget">GoFundMe</a> campaign. For every dollar donated, you will receive two entries for a chance to win a two-night stay at the silo.Since 2020, Fulkerson has lived on the property in his RV and a tiny house he built near the silo entrance, accompanied by the Missile Silo dog, Buddy."I'm super excited to have my life revolve around hospitality, meeting new people and sharing this piece of history," Fulkerson said.You can find more information on Atlas Ad Astra-Adventure Resort and its history on its <a href="https://www.atlasadastra.com/">website</a>.You can also follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AtlasAdAstra">Atlas Ad Astra-Missile Silo Adventure Resort</a> on Facebook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517568427.jpeg" alt="The blast doors above the missile silo made from 9 feet of concrete.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The blast doors above the missile silo made from 9 feet of concrete.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517612765.jpeg" alt="The entrance to the missile base next to a small island.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The entrance to the missile base next to a small island.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517680882.jpeg" alt="Mathew and Buddy exiting the missile base.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mathew and Buddy exiting the missile base.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: Stay the night at Wilson's missile silo turned Airbnb

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going&nbsp; to prison for a crime during a shopping trip to Walmart.

Last week, a judge sentenced Maurice Anthony Mahan, 53, of Lawrence,&nbsp; to 16 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for making a criminal threat, according&nbsp; to&nbsp;Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.

In April a jury found him guilty.&nbsp; The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 21, 2023, when Mahan placed items in a suitcase while at the Walmart Superstore, located at 3300 Iowa Street and left the store without paying for the items. 

When a store employee told Mahan to stop, Mahan threatened to shoot the employee before walking away. Lawrence police officers arrested Mahan a short time later. 

 Mahan also was sentenced to 12 months of post-release supervision by Judge Amy Hanley.

Sentencing for a related misdemeanor theft conviction will be decided at a later date.

“My priority remains to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community,” District Attorney Valdez said. “This kind of behavior will not be tolerated.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717792094720.png" alt="Mahan-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Mahan-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas man is going&nbsp; to prison for a crime during a shopping trip to Walmart.Last week, a judge sentenced Maurice Anthony Mahan, 53, of Lawrence,&nbsp; to 16 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for making a criminal threat, according&nbsp; to&nbsp;Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.In April a jury found him guilty.&nbsp; The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 21, 2023, when Mahan placed items in a suitcase while at the Walmart Superstore, located at 3300 Iowa Street and left the store without paying for the items. When a store employee told Mahan to stop, Mahan threatened to shoot the employee before walking away. Lawrence police officers arrested Mahan a short time later. Mahan also was sentenced to 12 months of post-release supervision by Judge Amy Hanley.Sentencing for a related misdemeanor theft conviction will be decided at a later date.“My priority remains to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community,” District Attorney Valdez said. “This kind of behavior will not be tolerated.”

 Kan. man threatened to shoot store employee during theft

Kenneth Francis “Kenny” Goetz, 81, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away&nbsp;Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.

Kenny was born September 16, 1942, in Victoria, Kansas, the son of&nbsp;Alphonse P. and Leoba (Schmidtberger) Goetz. &nbsp;He was a resident of La&nbsp;Crosse, Kansas, since 1973, moving there from Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp;A&nbsp;1960 graduate of Plainville High School, Plainville, Kansas, he was a&nbsp;pumper working for Occidental Petroleum before his retirement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717887390428.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kenneth Francis “Kenny” Goetz, 81, La Crosse, Kansas, passed away&nbsp;Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas.Kenny was born September 16, 1942, in Victoria, Kansas, the son of&nbsp;Alphonse P. and Leoba (Schmidtberger) Goetz. &nbsp;He was a resident of La&nbsp;Crosse, Kansas, since 1973, moving there from Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp;A&nbsp;1960 graduate of Plainville High School, Plainville, Kansas, he was a&nbsp;pumper working for Occidental Petroleum before his retirement.He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, and Knights of&nbsp;Columbus Council #2970, both of La Crosse, Kansas. &nbsp;He was a member&nbsp;of the VFW and American Legion Posts both in La Crosse, Kansas, and&nbsp;Hays, Kansas, and a Past Commander of the VFW.Kenny enjoyed working in his shop and spending time with his&nbsp;grandchildren and great grandchildren.He was a United States Army veteran, serving in the Vietnam War.On December 1, 1973, he married Barbara Schrock at La Crosse, Kansas. &nbsp;Survivors include: &nbsp;his wife, Barbara Goetz, La Crosse, Kansas; one son,&nbsp;Steven Sanders (Gail), La Crosse, Kansas; one daughter, Pamela Watts&nbsp;(Jim), Tolleson, Arizona; five grandchildren, Jarrod Sanders, Hays, Kansas,&nbsp;Heather McWhirter (Dusty), Hays, Kansas, Derek Ogden (Allisann),&nbsp;Alamogordo, New Mexico, Brianne Dohrmann (Judd), Medicine Lodge,&nbsp;Kansas, and Micaela Ogden, Tolleson, Arizona; 11 great grandchildren;&nbsp;and two brothers, Norman Goetz, Green Valley, Arizona, and Jim Goetz&nbsp;(Sue), Green Valley, Arizona.He was preceded in death by his parents.Memorial service will be Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St.&nbsp;Michael’s Catholic Church, La Crosse, Kansas, with Father Stephen&nbsp;Dabanka officiating. &nbsp;Inurnment will be in the La Crosse City Cemetery, La&nbsp;Crosse, Kansas.In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests memorials to the Kansas&nbsp;Honor Flight, or the Wounded Warrior Project.Condolences or remembrances may be left for the family at&nbsp;www.janousekfuneralhome.com.Arrangements were by Janousek Funeral Home, 719 Pine Street, P O Box&nbsp;550, La Crosse, Kansas 67548, 785/222-2517.