By BOYCE DURR FHSU University Communications

This week, Brynn Wooten will finish an incredible four years at Fort Hays State University when she crosses the graduation stage on May 13 and receive degrees in biology and geosciences. In her time at FHSU, Wooten has had many outstanding accomplishments.

In addition to winning five national awards and two honorable mentions for her academic achievements and being <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d34c2341-11a0-404e-a206-78ad24357b62">FHSU’s first Barry Goldwater scholar</a>, Wooten was recently awarded a $147,000 graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support her graduate studies in paleontology.

“I applied for the NSF Fellowship in October mainly for the experience, not expecting that I would get it, but I thought it was a good opportunity to hone my scientific writing skills,” Wooten said. “The main aspects of the application were a three-page personal statement and a one-page research proposal.”

In her research proposal, Wooten discussed plans for a comparison study between several historical mass extensions. Her idea was to examine survival patterns from those events and apply those patterns to current animal extinctions today to see if she could create survival projections for modern mammals.

“I had a lot of fun researching and writing a proposal that was all my own,” Wooten commented. She realizes this may not be what she ends up studying, at least not right away, as her initial graduate research will depend upon where she goes to graduate school.

Completing a double major in both biology and geosciences/geology with an emphasis in paleontology, as well as certificates in museum studies and zoology, Wooten has received numerous offers for continuing her education, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;Vanderbilt&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to Biological Sciences and to Earth &amp; Environmental Sciences ◦ Awarded a five-year College of Arts &amp; Sciences Graduate Fellowship

&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Ohio State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the School of Earth Sciences ◦ Awarded a one-year University Fellowship + four-years GTA/GRA support&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Geology ◦ Awarded a one-year Graduate University Fellowship + three-year departmental Smith Fellowship

&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Idaho State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Biological Sciences ◦ Awarded a GTA assistantship

“I applied to five schools and was accepted to four,” Wooten said. After weighing all her offers, she has committed to Vanderbilt and will head to Nashville for the fall 2023 semester.

“It’s an amazing program with a great reputation, and they made me a great offer,” Wooten said.

Hard work has been one of the secrets of Wooten’s success, but it is not the only one.

“I have had so many amazing professors help me along the way,” Wooten said. “I am the biggest advocate of Fort Hays State.” While she admits that many professors deserve her thanks because they were willing to give their time, share knowledge, and write letters of recommendation, Wooten acknowledges two people in particular that she believes were key to her success.

“Dr. Laura Wilson, the paleontologist here, and Dr. Kevin Amidon, the director of the honors college, have been astronomically helpful to me in my time here,” Wooten explains. “These were the main two people that I felt like I could turn to no matter what.”

“Brynn is the rare student that is willing to take a chance, fill out applications, apply for positions she thinks will help her grow, take on leadership roles and responsibilities in clubs and organizations, and really go the extra mile,” said Dr. Laura Wilson, Professor of Geosciences and Chief Curator at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. “In addition to her studies and clubs, Brynn has been doing outstanding work at the Sternberg as well.”

Wooten admits that leaving Hays will be bittersweet.

“I stepped on campus and knew this was where I wanted to be. It is so gorgeous here. I routinely go on walks and just take in the beauty of campus. I walk around campus and look at the fossils in the walls of the buildings. Where else can you find fossils in the walls of the buildings?” Wooten asks.

“It’s a fantastic school,” Wooten said. “I genuinely believe that I have gotten a better education here than I would have at a state flagship school.” When comparing her education to that of her brother, who happened to attend a large state school, Wooten believes the personal attention she received at FHSU was something she was unlikely to get at other, larger universities. She admits this has significantly impacted her and contributed greatly to her success.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683754568749.jpeg" alt="Brynn Wooten" />
 <figcaption>Brynn Wooten</figcaption>
 </figure>By BOYCE DURR FHSU University CommunicationsThis week, Brynn Wooten will finish an incredible four years at Fort Hays State University when she crosses the graduation stage on May 13 and receive degrees in biology and geosciences. In her time at FHSU, Wooten has had many outstanding accomplishments.In addition to winning five national awards and two honorable mentions for her academic achievements and being <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d34c2341-11a0-404e-a206-78ad24357b62">FHSU’s first Barry Goldwater scholar</a>, Wooten was recently awarded a $147,000 graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support her graduate studies in paleontology.“I applied for the NSF Fellowship in October mainly for the experience, not expecting that I would get it, but I thought it was a good opportunity to hone my scientific writing skills,” Wooten said. “The main aspects of the application were a three-page personal statement and a one-page research proposal.”In her research proposal, Wooten discussed plans for a comparison study between several historical mass extensions. Her idea was to examine survival patterns from those events and apply those patterns to current animal extinctions today to see if she could create survival projections for modern mammals.“I had a lot of fun researching and writing a proposal that was all my own,” Wooten commented. She realizes this may not be what she ends up studying, at least not right away, as her initial graduate research will depend upon where she goes to graduate school.Completing a double major in both biology and geosciences/geology with an emphasis in paleontology, as well as certificates in museum studies and zoology, Wooten has received numerous offers for continuing her education, including:&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;Vanderbilt&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to Biological Sciences and to Earth &amp; Environmental Sciences ◦ Awarded a five-year College of Arts &amp; Sciences Graduate Fellowship&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Ohio State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the School of Earth Sciences ◦ Awarded a one-year University Fellowship + four-years GTA/GRA support&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;University of Kansas&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Geology ◦ Awarded a one-year Graduate University Fellowship + three-year departmental Smith Fellowship&nbsp; &nbsp;•&nbsp;Idaho State&nbsp; ◦ Admitted to the Department of Biological Sciences ◦ Awarded a GTA assistantship“I applied to five schools and was accepted to four,” Wooten said. After weighing all her offers, she has committed to Vanderbilt and will head to Nashville for the fall 2023 semester.“It’s an amazing program with a great reputation, and they made me a great offer,” Wooten said.Hard work has been one of the secrets of Wooten’s success, but it is not the only one.“I have had so many amazing professors help me along the way,” Wooten said. “I am the biggest advocate of Fort Hays State.” While she admits that many professors deserve her thanks because they were willing to give their time, share knowledge, and write letters of recommendation, Wooten acknowledges two people in particular that she believes were key to her success.“Dr. Laura Wilson, the paleontologist here, and Dr. Kevin Amidon, the director of the honors college, have been astronomically helpful to me in my time here,” Wooten explains. “These were the main two people that I felt like I could turn to no matter what.”“Brynn is the rare student that is willing to take a chance, fill out applications, apply for positions she thinks will help her grow, take on leadership roles and responsibilities in clubs and organizations, and really go the extra mile,” said Dr. Laura Wilson, Professor of Geosciences and Chief Curator at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. “In addition to her studies and clubs, Brynn has been doing outstanding work at the Sternberg as well.”Wooten admits that leaving Hays will be bittersweet.“I stepped on campus and knew this was where I wanted to be. It is so gorgeous here. I routinely go on walks and just take in the beauty of campus. I walk around campus and look at the fossils in the walls of the buildings. Where else can you find fossils in the walls of the buildings?” Wooten asks.“It’s a fantastic school,” Wooten said. “I genuinely believe that I have gotten a better education here than I would have at a state flagship school.” When comparing her education to that of her brother, who happened to attend a large state school, Wooten believes the personal attention she received at FHSU was something she was unlikely to get at other, larger universities. She admits this has significantly impacted her and contributed greatly to her success.

FHSU’s first Barry Goldwater scholar receives NSF fellowship

WASHINGTON (AP) —Peloton is recalling more than 2 million of its exercise bikes because the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Peloton-Recalls-Two-Million-Exercise-Bikes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards">Click here to read </a>the recall from the CPSC

The recall includes approximately 2.2 million of the Peloton Bikes Model PL01. The bikes were sold from January 2018 through May 2023 for about $1,400. They were sold at Peloton and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Peloton and Dick's websites.

Peloton has received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, including 13 reports of injuries including a fractured wrist, lacerations and bruises due to falling from the bike.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and to contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering a free seat post that can be self-installed.

Peloton can be reached at 866-679-9129 from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, seven days a week or online at www.onepeloton.com. Consumers can click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the Peloton website page for information on how to request the free seat post and instructions for installation.

Peloton has been in the process of a corporate reorganization. In October the company announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-peloton-interactive-inc-61dfbe60d797ce293e104fbe2aa4cfce">cutting</a>&nbsp;about 500 jobs. That announcement came after the company said in August that it would cut 784 jobs, close its North America distribution network and shift delivery work to third-party providers.

Peloton experienced incredible sales growth during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The New York-based company’s share price multiplied by more than five times in 2020 amid lockdowns that made its bikes and treadmills popular among customers who pay a monthly fee to participate in its interactive workouts.

But sales began to slow in 2021 as the distribution of vaccines drew many people out of their homes and back into gyms.

Shares of Peloton Interactive Inc. fell more than 6% in Thursday morning trading.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683820965874.png" alt="Peleton -photo Consumer Product Safety Commission" />
 <figcaption>Peleton -photo Consumer Product Safety Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Peloton is recalling more than 2 million of its exercise bikes because the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards.<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Peloton-Recalls-Two-Million-Exercise-Bikes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards">Click here to read </a>the recall from the CPSCThe recall includes approximately 2.2 million of the Peloton Bikes Model PL01. The bikes were sold from January 2018 through May 2023 for about $1,400. They were sold at Peloton and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Peloton and Dick's websites.Peloton has received 35 reports of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, including 13 reports of injuries including a fractured wrist, lacerations and bruises due to falling from the bike.Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled exercise bikes and to contact Peloton for a free repair. Peloton is offering a free seat post that can be self-installed.Peloton can be reached at 866-679-9129 from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, seven days a week or online at www.onepeloton.com. Consumers can click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the Peloton website page for information on how to request the free seat post and instructions for installation.Peloton has been in the process of a corporate reorganization. In October the company announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-peloton-interactive-inc-61dfbe60d797ce293e104fbe2aa4cfce">cutting</a>&nbsp;about 500 jobs. That announcement came after the company said in August that it would cut 784 jobs, close its North America distribution network and shift delivery work to third-party providers.Peloton experienced incredible sales growth during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The New York-based company’s share price multiplied by more than five times in 2020 amid lockdowns that made its bikes and treadmills popular among customers who pay a monthly fee to participate in its interactive workouts.But sales began to slow in 2021 as the distribution of vaccines drew many people out of their homes and back into gyms.Shares of Peloton Interactive Inc. fell more than 6% in Thursday morning trading.

Peloton is recalling more than 2 million exercise bikes

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Rep. George Santos has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging financial fraud at the heart of a political campaign built on dubious boasts about his personal wealth and business success.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-05/santos.indictment.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the 13 count indictment

Santos, the New York Republican whose biography began to unravel after his election last fall, is accused of duping donors, stealing campaign funds, lying to Congress and cheating to collect unemployment benefits he didn’t deserve. Santos, 34, was released on a $500,000 bond following his arraignment Wednesday at a Long Island federal courthouse, about five hours after he surrendered to authorities. Santos told reporters he would not resign.

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos">George Santos</a>, the New York Republican infamous for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-lies-congress-new-york-republicans-9e4fd69b75894addb5bd2d4d5e8171ff">fabricating his life story</a>, has been indicted on charges that he duped donors, stole from his campaign and lied to Congress about being a millionaire, all while cheating to collect unemployment benefits he didn't deserve, prosecutors said Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-05/santos.indictment.pdf">Click here to read</a> the 13 count indictment

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23809076-george-santos-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;was a reckoning for a web of fraud and deceit that prosecutors say overlapped with Santos' fantastical public image as a wealthy businessman — a fictional biography that began to unravel after he won election last fall.

Santos surrendered on Wednesday and was taken to a federal courthouse on Long Island, where he was expected to make an initial court appearance on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to Congress.

Among the allegations, prosecutors say Santos induced supporters to donate to a company under the false pretense that the money would be used to support his campaign. Instead, they say, he used the money for personal expenses, including to buy designer clothes and to pay his credit cards and car payments.

Santos also is accused of lying about his finances on congressional disclosure forms and applying for and receiving unemployment benefits while he was employed as regional director of an investment firm that the government shut down in 2021 over allegations that it was a Ponzi scheme.

The indictment “seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “Taken together, the allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself."

Reached by The Associated Press on Tuesday, Santos said he was unaware of the charges.

Santos has defied calls to resign — some from fellow Republicans — as details of his fictitous resume came to light, though he did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-congress-house-committees-6e46e2badad39fb190d38105a800236f">decline his committee assignments</a>. He has given no indication that he plans to step aside because of his indictment. In the past, members of Congress in both parties have remained in office while facing charges.

Santos, 34, was elected to Congress last fall after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-business-bb455cc02b70e5366b9c5e347da8ad38">a campaign built partly on falsehoods</a>. He told people he was a wealthy Wall Street dealmaker with a substantial real estate portfolio who had been a star volleyball player in college, among other things.

In reality, Santos didn't work at the big financial firms he claimed had employed him, didn't go to college and struggled financially before his run for public office. He claimed he fueled his run largely with self-made riches, earned from brokering deals on expensive toys for wealthy clients, but the indictment alleges those boasts were also exaggerated.

In regulatory filings, Santos claimed he loaned his campaign and related political action committees more than $750,000, but it was unclear how he would have come into that kind of wealth so quickly after years in which he struggled to pay his rent and faced multiple eviction proceedings.

In a financial disclosure form, Santos reported making $750,000 a year from a family company, the Devolder Organization, but the charges unsealed Wednesday allege that Santos never received that sum, nor the $1 million and $5 million in dividends he listed as coming from the firm.

Santos has described the Devolder Organization as a broker for sales of luxury items like yachts and aircraft. The business was incorporated in Florida shortly after Santos stopped working as a salesman for Harbor City Capital, the company accused by federal authorities of operating an illegal Ponzi scheme.

In November 2021, Santos formed Redstone Strategies, a Florida company that federal prosecutors say he used to dupe donors into financing his lifestyle. According to the indictment, Santos told an associate to solicit contributions to the company and gave the person contact information for potential donors.

Emails to prospective donors falsely claimed that the company was formed “exclusively” to aid Santos’ election bid and that there would be no limits on how much they could contribute, the indictment said. Santos falsely claimed that the money would be spent on television ads and other campaign expenses, it said.

Last October, a month before his election, Santos transferred about $74,000 from company coffers to bank accounts he maintained, the indictment said. He also transferred money to some of his associates, it said.

Many of Santos' fellow New York Republicans called on him to resign after his fabricated life story was revealed. Some renewed those calls after news of his indictment.

"Sooner or later, whether he chooses to or not, both the truth and justice will be delivered to him,” said U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, a Republican representing parts of upstate New York.

House Republican leaders were more circumspect, with Speaker Kevin McCarthy saying, “I think in America, you’re innocent till proven guilty," and Majority Leader Steve Scalise saying, “In America there’s a presumption of innocence."

Santos has faced criminal investigations before.

When he was 19, he was the subject of a criminal investigation in Brazil over allegations he used stolen checks to buy items at a clothing shop. Brazilian authorities said they have reopened the case.

In 2017, Santos was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-george-santos-pennsylvania-theft-business-e6d41c89261061f4775c7073c6ec14e8">charged with theft</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania after authorities said he used thousands of dollars in fraudulent checks to buy puppies from dog breeders. That case was dismissed after Santos claimed his checkbook had been stolen, and that someone else had taken the dogs.

Federal authorities have separately been looking into complaints about Santos' work raising money for a group that purported to help neglected and abused pets. One New Jersey veteran accused Santos of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-york-city-jersey-george-santos-surgery-f72a4d8a505783d7c558c8cbf4b6d55a">failing to deliver $3,000</a>&nbsp;he had raised to help his pet dog get a needed surgery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683736676254.png" alt="United State's Attorney's office" />
 <figcaption>United State's Attorney's office</figcaption>
 </figure>CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Rep. George Santos has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging financial fraud at the heart of a political campaign built on dubious boasts about his personal wealth and business success.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-05/santos.indictment.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the 13 count indictmentSantos, the New York Republican whose biography began to unravel after his election last fall, is accused of duping donors, stealing campaign funds, lying to Congress and cheating to collect unemployment benefits he didn’t deserve. Santos, 34, was released on a $500,000 bond following his arraignment Wednesday at a Long Island federal courthouse, about five hours after he surrendered to authorities. Santos told reporters he would not resign.----------CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-santos">George Santos</a>, the New York Republican infamous for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-lies-congress-new-york-republicans-9e4fd69b75894addb5bd2d4d5e8171ff">fabricating his life story</a>, has been indicted on charges that he duped donors, stole from his campaign and lied to Congress about being a millionaire, all while cheating to collect unemployment benefits he didn't deserve, prosecutors said Wednesday.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/d9/2023-05/santos.indictment.pdf">Click here to read</a> the 13 count indictment<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23809076-george-santos-indictment">The indictment</a>&nbsp;was a reckoning for a web of fraud and deceit that prosecutors say overlapped with Santos' fantastical public image as a wealthy businessman — a fictional biography that began to unravel after he won election last fall.Santos surrendered on Wednesday and was taken to a federal courthouse on Long Island, where he was expected to make an initial court appearance on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements to Congress.Among the allegations, prosecutors say Santos induced supporters to donate to a company under the false pretense that the money would be used to support his campaign. Instead, they say, he used the money for personal expenses, including to buy designer clothes and to pay his credit cards and car payments.Santos also is accused of lying about his finances on congressional disclosure forms and applying for and receiving unemployment benefits while he was employed as regional director of an investment firm that the government shut down in 2021 over allegations that it was a Ponzi scheme.The indictment “seeks to hold Santos accountable for various alleged fraudulent schemes and brazen misrepresentations,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “Taken together, the allegations in the indictment charge Santos with relying on repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself."Reached by The Associated Press on Tuesday, Santos said he was unaware of the charges.Santos has defied calls to resign — some from fellow Republicans — as details of his fictitous resume came to light, though he did&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/george-santos-congress-house-committees-6e46e2badad39fb190d38105a800236f">decline his committee assignments</a>. He has given no indication that he plans to step aside because of his indictment. In the past, members of Congress in both parties have remained in office while facing charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636785376.png" alt="Rep. Santos -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Santos -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Santos, 34, was elected to Congress last fall after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-business-bb455cc02b70e5366b9c5e347da8ad38">a campaign built partly on falsehoods</a>. He told people he was a wealthy Wall Street dealmaker with a substantial real estate portfolio who had been a star volleyball player in college, among other things.In reality, Santos didn't work at the big financial firms he claimed had employed him, didn't go to college and struggled financially before his run for public office. He claimed he fueled his run largely with self-made riches, earned from brokering deals on expensive toys for wealthy clients, but the indictment alleges those boasts were also exaggerated.In regulatory filings, Santos claimed he loaned his campaign and related political action committees more than $750,000, but it was unclear how he would have come into that kind of wealth so quickly after years in which he struggled to pay his rent and faced multiple eviction proceedings.In a financial disclosure form, Santos reported making $750,000 a year from a family company, the Devolder Organization, but the charges unsealed Wednesday allege that Santos never received that sum, nor the $1 million and $5 million in dividends he listed as coming from the firm.Santos has described the Devolder Organization as a broker for sales of luxury items like yachts and aircraft. The business was incorporated in Florida shortly after Santos stopped working as a salesman for Harbor City Capital, the company accused by federal authorities of operating an illegal Ponzi scheme.In November 2021, Santos formed Redstone Strategies, a Florida company that federal prosecutors say he used to dupe donors into financing his lifestyle. According to the indictment, Santos told an associate to solicit contributions to the company and gave the person contact information for potential donors.Emails to prospective donors falsely claimed that the company was formed “exclusively” to aid Santos’ election bid and that there would be no limits on how much they could contribute, the indictment said. Santos falsely claimed that the money would be spent on television ads and other campaign expenses, it said.Last October, a month before his election, Santos transferred about $74,000 from company coffers to bank accounts he maintained, the indictment said. He also transferred money to some of his associates, it said.Many of Santos' fellow New York Republicans called on him to resign after his fabricated life story was revealed. Some renewed those calls after news of his indictment."Sooner or later, whether he chooses to or not, both the truth and justice will be delivered to him,” said U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, a Republican representing parts of upstate New York.House Republican leaders were more circumspect, with Speaker Kevin McCarthy saying, “I think in America, you’re innocent till proven guilty," and Majority Leader Steve Scalise saying, “In America there’s a presumption of innocence."Santos has faced criminal investigations before.When he was 19, he was the subject of a criminal investigation in Brazil over allegations he used stolen checks to buy items at a clothing shop. Brazilian authorities said they have reopened the case.In 2017, Santos was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-george-santos-pennsylvania-theft-business-e6d41c89261061f4775c7073c6ec14e8">charged with theft</a>&nbsp;in Pennsylvania after authorities said he used thousands of dollars in fraudulent checks to buy puppies from dog breeders. That case was dismissed after Santos claimed his checkbook had been stolen, and that someone else had taken the dogs.Federal authorities have separately been looking into complaints about Santos' work raising money for a group that purported to help neglected and abused pets. One New Jersey veteran accused Santos of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-new-york-city-jersey-george-santos-surgery-f72a4d8a505783d7c558c8cbf4b6d55a">failing to deliver $3,000</a>&nbsp;he had raised to help his pet dog get a needed surgery.___

GOP congressman surrenders; read the indictment of fraud, theft

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The ARC Park Phase 3 expansion in Hays' Seven Hills Optimist Park, 33rd and Hillcrest, was originally proposed as an accessible baseball field.

Instead, it is now planned to be a multi-recreation area with permanent cornhole lanes, another picnic shelter, open green space, and a Quantis play structure for older kids.

The pivotal change in design plans came after the addition of turf fields at the Bickle-Schmidt Sport Complex, and the cost of the special accessible ball field tripled to nearly a million dollars.

Local athletes with The Arc Central Plains had the opportunity to practice at Bickle-Schmidt last fall and it was a perfect fit.

"The Special Olympics size for a ball field is 120 feet and there are at least two fields out at Bickle-Schmidt that are at least 150 feet. So, in cooperation with the city of Hays and Hays Rec, we did a sort of a beta test in October for our baseball/softball season. It went great," said Sarah Meitner, Arc of the Central Plains advisory board member. "The athletes loved it."

"There are some minor adjustments that will be made to the bases. We'll need to have a fence. The Arc is willing to make that investment," Meitner told Hays city commissioners.

Community needs and plans for phase 3 were then reevaluated by the advisory board.

"It was our goal to stay true to the initial mission of an inclusive playground."

The new recreational space will also include more sensory play equipment including two pulse tennis stations and an interactive sensory mural.

Cornhole, a favorite sport of many people, is a new Special Olympics Kansas sport with regional and state play.

"It's a great sport because it's accessible for all ages," Meitner said. "Athletes that are not able to keep up on the basketball court can still participate in the social aspects and the athletic fun."

The cornhole lanes will have turf in between them with shaded dugouts.

Commissioners had the most questions about the Quantis, manufactured by Landscape Structures. It's compared to a 'ninja course' and it's expensive - $465,000. There are currently only eight in the United States and none in Kansas.

The look and feel of playground equipment is changing, and it's more expensive, "especially if you put the label accessible or inclusive on it," Meitner said.&nbsp;

"The Quantis would put us ahead of the curve by building things like this in our community.

"It would be driving older kids to come and play at this versus playing at the [ARC] playground," Meitner added.

There have been incidents and complaints of misuse of the specialized accessible equipment with too many kids on it or those who are too big.&nbsp;

More fundraising and donations allowed for lighting and security cameras to be installed.&nbsp;

"This would make the park more family-friendly because it gets the big kids off the playground, and they can roughhouse a little bit.

"It also just continues to spread out the users."

The high-end cost estimate for the project is $1.67 million, according to Meitner. "We think there is some cushion in there to bring this down."

Fundraising has been underway for a while for phase 3 and is currently at a little more than $400,000.

Grant applications are in the works along with more fundraisers, including another lemonade stand challenge at the end of June.

The commission voted to approve the request to proceed with phase 3 after Kathy McAdoo, Arc executive director told commissioner the Arc organization already has enough of its own funds to cover the remaining cost.&nbsp;

"We could fund it today, although it would empty our accounts," McAdoo said.

The ARC Park has been gifted to the city of Hays which maintains it. The Arc plans to create an endowed designated fund for maintenance and equipment replacement expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jeff Boyle, parks department director, says the ARC Park maintenance is "pretty much self-sufficient. We're looking at dumping trash cans, cleaning the shelter, routine things that we do at all our shelters."

Boyle estimated the park's maintenance cost is about $5,000 a year.&nbsp;

"We made a commitment to the community. Phase 3 was part of that commitment. We have fundraised with the ball field in mind so there is money to put toward this area.

"But we want a place that will still have wide community use," Meitner said.

"After the playground opened (in September 2021) we saw a need for giving our middle school and high school kids a place to play as well. They're asking for it. They've been utilizing it. This (the amended phase 3 and the Quantis) answers that. It still expands the park, and then I think we'll be done," she said with a big smile.

The playground equipment is expected to be ordered later this year with installation and construction in the northwest corner of the park in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683671903442.jpeg" alt="ARC Park redesign for Phase 3 with no baseball field. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>ARC Park redesign for Phase 3 with no baseball field. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe ARC Park Phase 3 expansion in Hays' Seven Hills Optimist Park, 33rd and Hillcrest, was originally proposed as an accessible baseball field.Instead, it is now planned to be a multi-recreation area with permanent cornhole lanes, another picnic shelter, open green space, and a Quantis play structure for older kids.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683652534060.jpeg" alt="Proposed Phase 3 of the Hays ARC Park. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Proposed Phase 3 of the Hays ARC Park. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The pivotal change in design plans came after the addition of turf fields at the Bickle-Schmidt Sport Complex, and the cost of the special accessible ball field tripled to nearly a million dollars.Local athletes with The Arc Central Plains had the opportunity to practice at Bickle-Schmidt last fall and it was a perfect fit."The Special Olympics size for a ball field is 120 feet and there are at least two fields out at Bickle-Schmidt that are at least 150 feet. So, in cooperation with the city of Hays and Hays Rec, we did a sort of a beta test in October for our baseball/softball season. It went great," said Sarah Meitner, Arc of the Central Plains advisory board member. "The athletes loved it.""There are some minor adjustments that will be made to the bases. We'll need to have a fence. The Arc is willing to make that investment," Meitner told Hays city commissioners.Community needs and plans for phase 3 were then reevaluated by the advisory board."It was our goal to stay true to the initial mission of an inclusive playground."The new recreational space will also include more sensory play equipment including two pulse tennis stations and an interactive sensory mural.Cornhole, a favorite sport of many people, is a new Special Olympics Kansas sport with regional and state play."It's a great sport because it's accessible for all ages," Meitner said. "Athletes that are not able to keep up on the basketball court can still participate in the social aspects and the athletic fun."The cornhole lanes will have turf in between them with shaded dugouts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683671426053.jpeg" alt="The Quantis is often compared to a ninja course. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Quantis is often compared to a ninja course. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners had the most questions about the Quantis, manufactured by Landscape Structures. It's compared to a 'ninja course' and it's expensive - $465,000. There are currently only eight in the United States and none in Kansas.The look and feel of playground equipment is changing, and it's more expensive, "especially if you put the label accessible or inclusive on it," Meitner said.&nbsp;"The Quantis would put us ahead of the curve by building things like this in our community."It would be driving older kids to come and play at this versus playing at the [ARC] playground," Meitner added.There have been incidents and complaints of misuse of the specialized accessible equipment with too many kids on it or those who are too big.&nbsp;More fundraising and donations allowed for lighting and security cameras to be installed.&nbsp;"This would make the park more family-friendly because it gets the big kids off the playground, and they can roughhouse a little bit."It also just continues to spread out the users."<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/uhWI09wn-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Sarah Meitner Phase 3" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The high-end cost estimate for the project is $1.67 million, according to Meitner. "We think there is some cushion in there to bring this down."Fundraising has been underway for a while for phase 3 and is currently at a little more than $400,000.Grant applications are in the works along with more fundraisers, including another lemonade stand challenge at the end of June.The commission voted to approve the request to proceed with phase 3 after Kathy McAdoo, Arc executive director told commissioner the Arc organization already has enough of its own funds to cover the remaining cost.&nbsp; "We could fund it today, although it would empty our accounts," McAdoo said.The ARC Park has been gifted to the city of Hays which maintains it. The Arc plans to create an endowed designated fund for maintenance and equipment replacement expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeff Boyle, parks department director, says the ARC Park maintenance is "pretty much self-sufficient. We're looking at dumping trash cans, cleaning the shelter, routine things that we do at all our shelters."Boyle estimated the park's maintenance cost is about $5,000 a year.&nbsp;"We made a commitment to the community. Phase 3 was part of that commitment. We have fundraised with the ball field in mind so there is money to put toward this area."But we want a place that will still have wide community use," Meitner said."After the playground opened (in September 2021) we saw a need for giving our middle school and high school kids a place to play as well. They're asking for it. They've been utilizing it. This (the amended phase 3 and the Quantis) answers that. It still expands the park, and then I think we'll be done," she said with a big smile.The playground equipment is expected to be ordered later this year with installation and construction in the northwest corner of the park in 2024.

🎥Hays ARC Park Phase 3 revised for more inclusive recreation 

<a href="https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/elvern-borell/5189002/index.php">https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/elvern-borell/5189002/index.php</a>

&nbsp; DIGHTON - Elvern Dean Borell, 88, died on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Lane County Hospital in Dighton. He was born on September 3, 1934 at the family farm in Russell County the son of Edwin Alexander and Alta Vera (Wire) Borell. As an infant Elvern was baptized in the Lutheran faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson on October 14, 1934 by his uncle, Rev. William J. Lind. Carl and Minnie E. (Borell) Heinze were his baptismal sponsors. Elvern was confirmed in to the Lutheran faith on June 20, 1948 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dubuque. His conformation verse: “Love not the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). In 1949, Elvern transferred his church membership to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City and finally to Christ The King Lutheran Church in Dighton until its closure. Elvern’s education began at Crabtree Rural School in Russell County and then the family moved to Wilson for four years. In 1946 the family moved to Lane county and he graduated from Dighton Grade School in 1948 and Dighton High School in 1952. While growing up he enjoyed helping his dad on the family farm where he acquired his knowledge about farming and raising cattle while also being active in 4-H and enjoyed showing cattle at the Lane County Fair. In addition to farming and raising cattle for over 70 years, he took care of his father for 17 years.

Family was important to him and he enjoyed giving each one a monetary gift in hopes of receiving a card in return that he could display. He was really proud of the plants he received from family and showing them off. He is survived by his sister Sharen (Brant) Hempler of Almena;&nbsp; nephews Von (Denise) Borell, Kent (Carrie) Borell, Tory (Melinda) Borell, all of Dighton, Mitchell (Shannan) Hempler of Norton, and Luke Hempler of Almena, and Lon’s wife Vicky Borell; nieces Sue Ann (Keith) Roberts of Orleans, Nebraska, Cindy Borell and Kay Conrady, both of Dodge City, and Janet (Douglas) Meili of Overland Park, Kansas; and sister-in-law Mary Lou Borell of Dighton; and great-nephews and nieces and great-great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gene (Alice) Borell, Ronald Borell and Loren (Ruth) Borell; and nephew Lon Ray Borell. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Dorrance with Brenda Rodger, PMA officiating. Burial will be in Hyde Park Cemetery in Russell County.

Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home, Box 891,&nbsp; Dighton, KS 67839, 620-397-5792.

Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com. A special thank you to Von Lee and Denise and family for taking care of Elvern since 2012.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Elvern Dean Borell</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683677995208.jpeg" alt="Elvern Dean Borell" />
 <figcaption>Elvern Dean Borell</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/elvern-borell/5189002/index.php">https://www.garnandfuneralhomes.com/memorials/elvern-borell/5189002/index.php</a>&nbsp; DIGHTON - Elvern Dean Borell, 88, died on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Lane County Hospital in Dighton. He was born on September 3, 1934 at the family farm in Russell County the son of Edwin Alexander and Alta Vera (Wire) Borell. As an infant Elvern was baptized in the Lutheran faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson on October 14, 1934 by his uncle, Rev. William J. Lind. Carl and Minnie E. (Borell) Heinze were his baptismal sponsors. Elvern was confirmed in to the Lutheran faith on June 20, 1948 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dubuque. His conformation verse: “Love not the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). In 1949, Elvern transferred his church membership to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Scott City and finally to Christ The King Lutheran Church in Dighton until its closure. Elvern’s education began at Crabtree Rural School in Russell County and then the family moved to Wilson for four years. In 1946 the family moved to Lane county and he graduated from Dighton Grade School in 1948 and Dighton High School in 1952. While growing up he enjoyed helping his dad on the family farm where he acquired his knowledge about farming and raising cattle while also being active in 4-H and enjoyed showing cattle at the Lane County Fair. In addition to farming and raising cattle for over 70 years, he took care of his father for 17 years. Family was important to him and he enjoyed giving each one a monetary gift in hopes of receiving a card in return that he could display. He was really proud of the plants he received from family and showing them off. He is survived by his sister Sharen (Brant) Hempler of Almena;&nbsp; nephews Von (Denise) Borell, Kent (Carrie) Borell, Tory (Melinda) Borell, all of Dighton, Mitchell (Shannan) Hempler of Norton, and Luke Hempler of Almena, and Lon’s wife Vicky Borell; nieces Sue Ann (Keith) Roberts of Orleans, Nebraska, Cindy Borell and Kay Conrady, both of Dodge City, and Janet (Douglas) Meili of Overland Park, Kansas; and sister-in-law Mary Lou Borell of Dighton; and great-nephews and nieces and great-great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gene (Alice) Borell, Ronald Borell and Loren (Ruth) Borell; and nephew Lon Ray Borell. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Dorrance with Brenda Rodger, PMA officiating. Burial will be in Hyde Park Cemetery in Russell County. Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home, Box 891,&nbsp; Dighton, KS 67839, 620-397-5792.Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com. A special thank you to Von Lee and Denise and family for taking care of Elvern since 2012.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Elvern Dean Borell

NEW YORK (AP) — A jury found Donald Trump liable Tuesday for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996, awarding her $5 million in a judgment that could haunt the former president as he campaigns to regain the White House.

The verdict was announced in a federal courtroom in New York City on the first day of jury deliberations. Jurors rejected Carroll’s claims that she was raped, but found Trump liable for sexual abuse and for defaming Carroll after she made her allegations public.

Trump chose not to attend the civil trial and was absent when the verdict was read.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?527931-1/president-trump-deposition-e-jean-carroll-civil-case">CLICK here to watch&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;deposition&nbsp;

Carroll nodded as the verdict was read. Afterward, her lawyers put their arms around her, and she hugged supporters in the gallery, smiling through tears.

Trump’s lawyer, Joseph Tacopina, shook hands with Carroll and hugged her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. As the courtroom cleared, Carroll could be heard laughing and crying.

Trump immediately lashed out with a statement on his social media site, claiming again that he does not know Carroll and referring to the verdict as “a disgrace” and “a continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time.”

The trial’s outcome was a validation for Carroll, one of more than a dozen women who accused Trump of sexual assault or harassment. She went public in 2019 with her allegation that the Republican raped her in the dressing room of a posh Manhattan department store.

Trump, 76, denied it, saying he never encountered Carroll at the store and didn’t know her. He has called her a “nut job” who invented “a fraudulent and false story” to sell a memoir.

Carroll, 79, had sought unspecified damages, plus a retraction of what she said were Trump’s defamatory denials of her claims.

The trial revisited the lightning-rod topic of Trump’s conduct toward women.

Carroll gave multiple days of frank, occasionally emotional testimony, buttressed by two friends who told jurors she reported the alleged attack to them in the moments and day afterward.

Jurors also heard from Jessica Leeds, a former stockbroker who testified that Trump abruptly groped her against her will on an airplane in the 1970s, and from Natasha Stoynoff, a writer who said Trump forcibly kissed her against her will while she was interviewing him for a 2005 article.

The six-man, three-woman jury also saw the well-known 2005 “Access Hollywood” hot mic recording of Trump talking about kissing and grabbing women without asking.

The Associated Press typically does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Carroll, Leeds and Stoynoff have done.

Tacopina told the jury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-carroll-trial-1041ad0dcfbca5d9f9f9ed962b48bc7b">in closing arguments Monday</a>&nbsp;that Carroll's account is too far fetched to be believed. He said she made it up to fuel sales of a 2019 memoir in which she first publicly revealed her claims and to disparage Trump for political reasons.

Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, cited excerpts from Trump's October deposition and his notorious comments on a 2005 “Access Hollywood” video in which he said celebrities can grab women between the legs without asking.

“He didn’t even bother to show up here in person,” Kaplan said. She said much of what he said in his deposition and in public statements “actually supports our side of the case.”

“In a very real sense, Donald Trump is a witness against himself,” she said. “He knows what he did. He knows that he sexually assaulted E. Jean Carroll.”

Carroll testified that she had a chance encounter with Trump at the Bergdorf Goodman store across the street from Trump Tower. She said it was a lighthearted interaction in which they teased each other about trying on a piece of lingerie before Trump became violent inside a dressing room.

Tacopina told jurors there was no reason to call Trump as a witness when Carroll can't even recall when her encounter with Trump happened.

He told the jury Carroll made up her claims after hearing about a 2012 “Law and Order” episode in which a woman is raped in the dressing room of the lingerie section of a Bergdorf Goodman store.

“They modeled their secret scheme on an episode of one of the most popular shows on television,” he said of Carroll.

Two of Carroll's friends testified that she told them about the encounter with Trump shortly after it happened, many years before the “Law and Order” episode aired.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683662188422.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A jury found Donald Trump liable Tuesday for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996, awarding her $5 million in a judgment that could haunt the former president as he campaigns to regain the White House.The verdict was announced in a federal courtroom in New York City on the first day of jury deliberations. Jurors rejected Carroll’s claims that she was raped, but found Trump liable for sexual abuse and for defaming Carroll after she made her allegations public.Trump chose not to attend the civil trial and was absent when the verdict was read.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683335527038.png" alt="Image from the video deposition that was made available Friday to the media" />
 <figcaption>Image from the video deposition that was made available Friday to the media</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?527931-1/president-trump-deposition-e-jean-carroll-civil-case">CLICK here to watch&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;deposition&nbsp;Carroll nodded as the verdict was read. Afterward, her lawyers put their arms around her, and she hugged supporters in the gallery, smiling through tears.Trump’s lawyer, Joseph Tacopina, shook hands with Carroll and hugged her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. As the courtroom cleared, Carroll could be heard laughing and crying.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683662295741.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump immediately lashed out with a statement on his social media site, claiming again that he does not know Carroll and referring to the verdict as “a disgrace” and “a continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683661624711.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The trial’s outcome was a validation for Carroll, one of more than a dozen women who accused Trump of sexual assault or harassment. She went public in 2019 with her allegation that the Republican raped her in the dressing room of a posh Manhattan department store.Trump, 76, denied it, saying he never encountered Carroll at the store and didn’t know her. He has called her a “nut job” who invented “a fraudulent and false story” to sell a memoir.Carroll, 79, had sought unspecified damages, plus a retraction of what she said were Trump’s defamatory denials of her claims.The trial revisited the lightning-rod topic of Trump’s conduct toward women.Carroll gave multiple days of frank, occasionally emotional testimony, buttressed by two friends who told jurors she reported the alleged attack to them in the moments and day afterward.Jurors also heard from Jessica Leeds, a former stockbroker who testified that Trump abruptly groped her against her will on an airplane in the 1970s, and from Natasha Stoynoff, a writer who said Trump forcibly kissed her against her will while she was interviewing him for a 2005 article.The six-man, three-woman jury also saw the well-known 2005 “Access Hollywood” hot mic recording of Trump talking about kissing and grabbing women without asking.The Associated Press typically does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Carroll, Leeds and Stoynoff have done.Tacopina told the jury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-carroll-trial-1041ad0dcfbca5d9f9f9ed962b48bc7b">in closing arguments Monday</a>&nbsp;that Carroll's account is too far fetched to be believed. He said she made it up to fuel sales of a 2019 memoir in which she first publicly revealed her claims and to disparage Trump for political reasons.Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, cited excerpts from Trump's October deposition and his notorious comments on a 2005 “Access Hollywood” video in which he said celebrities can grab women between the legs without asking.She urged jurors to believe her client.“He didn’t even bother to show up here in person,” Kaplan said. She said much of what he said in his deposition and in public statements “actually supports our side of the case.”“In a very real sense, Donald Trump is a witness against himself,” she said. “He knows what he did. He knows that he sexually assaulted E. Jean Carroll.”Carroll testified that she had a chance encounter with Trump at the Bergdorf Goodman store across the street from Trump Tower. She said it was a lighthearted interaction in which they teased each other about trying on a piece of lingerie before Trump became violent inside a dressing room.Tacopina told jurors there was no reason to call Trump as a witness when Carroll can't even recall when her encounter with Trump happened.He told the jury Carroll made up her claims after hearing about a 2012 “Law and Order” episode in which a woman is raped in the dressing room of the lingerie section of a Bergdorf Goodman store.“They modeled their secret scheme on an episode of one of the most popular shows on television,” he said of Carroll.Two of Carroll's friends testified that she told them about the encounter with Trump shortly after it happened, many years before the “Law and Order” episode aired.

Jury rejects rape claim, finds Trump liable; read the verdict form

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —A petition to disorganize the USD 112 Central Plains school district has been filed. The Wilson High School Future Committee asked the USD 112 Board of Education to delay the closure of Wilson High School for one year. With no action regarding the issue taken at Monday's board meeting, the petition was filed with Ellsworth County Tuesday morning.

Long-time educator Roberta Meier, who helped file the petition, was disappointed the issue was not discussed Monday.

"That was very surreal because, with something this serious and historic, it shows their lack of understanding for what a disorganization is and how it will proceed," she said. "The only discussion was about who would pay for the election and the date."

Disorganization was brought up twice during Monday's board meeting. The body heard from Claflin resident Dave Wirth, who expressed frustration that only three of Wilson's 73 students visited Central Plains High School in Claflin after hearing about the closure in Wilson. 

He expressed further concern that voters may be willing to shut down their own elementary school in Wilson, and that no one is quite sure what disorganization would mean for USD 112.

"If you don't have any idea, you better find out, including the board members from Wilson, because I understand you're supporting this," Wirth said. "If you're not, I need to know now whether you are or aren't supporting this petition. Yes or no?"

Board Member Roger Robinson asked Wirth why he needed to know, and said Wirth did not need to know anything about him.  

"You're serving a public board?" Wirth asked. "Yes or no?"

Monday's meeting lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours. Late in the meeting, Superintendent Bill Lowry addressed the disorganization petition. He's been in touch with the Ellsworth County clerk's office and the state board of education, but answers about when the matter will be put on a ballot or who will pay for it are still undetermined.

"I just think it's important, if we get to that point, to try to educate all patrons on what 'yes' or 'no' means," Lowry told the board.

On Jan. 9, 2023, the USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education voted 5-2 to close Wilson High School at the close of the 2022-23 school year. The Wilson High School Future Committee was formed in October. The group visited Topeka several times to speak with state legislators about possible solutions. The disorganization petition will put the matter before voters in the district. If approved, the fate of the district would go before the state board of education. Beyond that, answers are few and far between.

"As far as precedence, there is none," Meier said. "When we asked the state how this would all play out and for advice, they just said basically we can ask the questions but there are no answers yet. We took an extra week to try to make sure we were getting this right."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683639987601.png" alt="The USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education met Monday night. A petition to disorganize the district was filed Tuesday morning in Ellsworth County." />
 <figcaption>The USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education met Monday night. A petition to disorganize the district was filed Tuesday morning in Ellsworth County.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostELLSWORTH COUNTY —A petition to disorganize the USD 112 Central Plains school district has been filed. The Wilson High School Future Committee asked the USD 112 Board of Education to delay the closure of Wilson High School for one year. With no action regarding the issue taken at Monday's board meeting, the petition was filed with Ellsworth County Tuesday morning.(Click below to watch Monday's meeting)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/80PL_WxEKWE?start=804" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Long-time educator Roberta Meier, who helped file the petition, was disappointed the issue was not discussed Monday."That was very surreal because, with something this serious and historic, it shows their lack of understanding for what a disorganization is and how it will proceed," she said. "The only discussion was about who would pay for the election and the date."Disorganization was brought up twice during Monday's board meeting. The body heard from Claflin resident Dave Wirth, who expressed frustration that only three of Wilson's 73 students visited Central Plains High School in Claflin after hearing about the closure in Wilson. He expressed further concern that voters may be willing to shut down their own elementary school in Wilson, and that no one is quite sure what disorganization would mean for USD 112."If you don't have any idea, you better find out, including the board members from Wilson, because I understand you're supporting this," Wirth said. "If you're not, I need to know now whether you are or aren't supporting this petition. Yes or no?"Board Member Roger Robinson asked Wirth why he needed to know, and said Wirth did not need to know anything about him. "You're serving a public board?" Wirth asked. "Yes or no?"Monday's meeting lasted nearly two-and-a-half hours. Late in the meeting, Superintendent Bill Lowry addressed the disorganization petition. He's been in touch with the Ellsworth County clerk's office and the state board of education, but answers about when the matter will be put on a ballot or who will pay for it are still undetermined."I just think it's important, if we get to that point, to try to educate all patrons on what 'yes' or 'no' means," Lowry told the board.On Jan. 9, 2023, the USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education voted 5-2 to close Wilson High School at the close of the 2022-23 school year. The Wilson High School Future Committee was formed in October. The group visited Topeka several times to speak with state legislators about possible solutions. The disorganization petition will put the matter before voters in the district. If approved, the fate of the district would go before the state board of education. Beyond that, answers are few and far between."As far as precedence, there is none," Meier said. "When we asked the state how this would all play out and for advice, they just said basically we can ask the questions but there are no answers yet. We took an extra week to try to make sure we were getting this right."

🎥Petition to disorganize USD 112 filed Tuesday morning

<a href="https://www.beckwithfuneralhome.com/obituary/odessie-smith">https://www.beckwithfuneralhome.com/obituary/odessie-smith</a>

JETMORE&nbsp; - Odessie Laura (Fakes) (Simpson) Smith, 92, passed away May 7, 2023 at Hodgeman County Health Center, Jetmore.

She was born October 17, 1930 in Hanston, Kansas, the daughter of Roy B. and Ammie E. Killgore Fakes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A longtime area resident, she worked as a bank teller, was the clerk at the Register of Deeds and&nbsp;&nbsp;a secretary at the Hodgeman County Health Department

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Hodgeman County Health Center Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and a former past Noble Grand and District Deputy for the Rebekah Lodge, all of Jetmore.

On June 12, 1948 she married Richard Simpson in Spearville, he passed away September 28, 1951.&nbsp;&nbsp;On June 20, 1958 she married Jack Smith in Jetmore; he passed away March 31, 1997.

Survivors include two daughters, Janice (Dee) Kolzow, Salina and Shelia (Craig Dill) Erickson, Bucklin; a brother, Clarence Fakes, Abilene; three grandchildren, Ryan (Kylee) Kolzow, Salina, Kerry Kolzow, Manhattan and Taylor (Justin Hill) Erickson, Wichita; and three great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Brixen and Emma.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Lola Holl, son-in-law Steve Holl, three sisters, Rosie Berger, Bertie Simpson and Eva Thomas and four brothers, Virgil Fakes, Herman Fakes, Mervin Fakes and Howard Stephenson.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13th, 2023 at Jetmore United Methodist Church, with Carolyn Tarman and Harmon Bliss presiding.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore.&nbsp;&nbsp;Interment will be in the Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to United Methodist Church or the Jetmore Senior Center, both in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 663, Jetmore, KS 67854.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Personal condolences may be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beckwithfuneralhome.com/">www.beckwithfuneralhome.com</a>.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Odessie Laura Smith, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.beckwithfuneralhome.com/obituary/odessie-smith/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

<h2>Odessie Laura Smith, Jetmore</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683640393532.jpeg" alt="Odessie Laura Smith" />
 <figcaption>Odessie Laura Smith</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.beckwithfuneralhome.com/obituary/odessie-smith">https://www.beckwithfuneralhome.com/obituary/odessie-smith</a>October 17, 1930 - May 7, 2023JETMORE&nbsp; - Odessie Laura (Fakes) (Simpson) Smith, 92, passed away May 7, 2023 at Hodgeman County Health Center, Jetmore.She was born October 17, 1930 in Hanston, Kansas, the daughter of Roy B. and Ammie E. Killgore Fakes.&nbsp;&nbsp;A longtime area resident, she worked as a bank teller, was the clerk at the Register of Deeds and&nbsp;&nbsp;a secretary at the Hodgeman County Health DepartmentShe was a member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Hodgeman County Health Center Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and a former past Noble Grand and District Deputy for the Rebekah Lodge, all of Jetmore.On June 12, 1948 she married Richard Simpson in Spearville, he passed away September 28, 1951.&nbsp;&nbsp;On June 20, 1958 she married Jack Smith in Jetmore; he passed away March 31, 1997.Survivors include two daughters, Janice (Dee) Kolzow, Salina and Shelia (Craig Dill) Erickson, Bucklin; a brother, Clarence Fakes, Abilene; three grandchildren, Ryan (Kylee) Kolzow, Salina, Kerry Kolzow, Manhattan and Taylor (Justin Hill) Erickson, Wichita; and three great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Brixen and Emma.She was preceded in death by a daughter, Lola Holl, son-in-law Steve Holl, three sisters, Rosie Berger, Bertie Simpson and Eva Thomas and four brothers, Virgil Fakes, Herman Fakes, Mervin Fakes and Howard Stephenson.Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13th, 2023 at Jetmore United Methodist Church, with Carolyn Tarman and Harmon Bliss presiding.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore.&nbsp;&nbsp;Interment will be in the Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore, Kansas.Memorials may be given to United Methodist Church or the Jetmore Senior Center, both in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 663, Jetmore, KS 67854.&nbsp;&nbsp;Personal condolences may be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beckwithfuneralhome.com/">www.beckwithfuneralhome.com</a>.To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Odessie Laura Smith, please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.beckwithfuneralhome.com/obituary/odessie-smith/gifts?campaign=obituaryInline-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.

Odessie Laura Smith

Jennifer K. Phillips, age 56, passed away from cancer December 8, 2019, at home in Denver, Colorado.

Jennifer was born October 30, 1963, in Colby, Kansas.&nbsp; She graduated 
from Goodland High School in 1982.&nbsp; On July 13, 1985, she and Andrew 
Phillips were married. They moved to Denver in 1986 where she worked at 
K-Mart in Englewood Colorado for more than 10 years.&nbsp; She left work to 
stay home and raise her children and eventually went back to work at 
Michaels as a cake decorating instructor for Wilton Cakes where she 
worked for more than 8 years before cancer prevented her from doing that
 anymore.

At Jennifer’s passing she was survived by her husband of 34 years, M.
 Andrew Phillips, her daughter Gessica Phillips, and grandson Nosyah 
Phillips, her son Mathew (Maria) Phillips, her parents Robert and Judith
 McKnight, stepmother Carolyn Bird, her brothers and sisters William 
“Bill” McKnight, Bobbie Jo McKnight, Cheryl (John) Baker, Tina (Bruce) 
Gleason, A.R.(Sunday) McKnight, along with a host of nieces and nephews,
 mother-in-law Peggy Phillips and sister-in-law Amanda (Chris) Ross.

She is preceded in death by her biological father Claude Miller, 
brother Larry McKnight, Grandmother Mary David, Grandpa Francis David, 
and father-in-law Martin Phillips.

Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Jennifer-Phillips">HERE</a> for service details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682553687567.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jennifer K. Phillips, age 56, passed away from cancer December 8, 2019, at home in Denver, Colorado.Jennifer was born October 30, 1963, in Colby, Kansas.&nbsp; She graduated 
from Goodland High School in 1982.&nbsp; On July 13, 1985, she and Andrew 
Phillips were married. They moved to Denver in 1986 where she worked at 
K-Mart in Englewood Colorado for more than 10 years.&nbsp; She left work to 
stay home and raise her children and eventually went back to work at 
Michaels as a cake decorating instructor for Wilton Cakes where she 
worked for more than 8 years before cancer prevented her from doing that
 anymore.At Jennifer’s passing she was survived by her husband of 34 years, M.
 Andrew Phillips, her daughter Gessica Phillips, and grandson Nosyah 
Phillips, her son Mathew (Maria) Phillips, her parents Robert and Judith
 McKnight, stepmother Carolyn Bird, her brothers and sisters William 
“Bill” McKnight, Bobbie Jo McKnight, Cheryl (John) Baker, Tina (Bruce) 
Gleason, A.R.(Sunday) McKnight, along with a host of nieces and nephews,
 mother-in-law Peggy Phillips and sister-in-law Amanda (Chris) Ross.She is preceded in death by her biological father Claude Miller, 
brother Larry McKnight, Grandmother Mary David, Grandpa Francis David, 
and father-in-law Martin Phillips.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683548434317.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com/obituary/Jennifer-Phillips">HERE</a> for service details.

Jennifer K. Phillips

NEW YORK (AP) — A video recording of former President Donald Trump being questioned about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-trial-carroll-columnist-2024-b3c1a4b254b8d16d76e2ce39342d9856">rape allegations against him</a>&nbsp;was made public for the first time Friday, providing a glimpse of the Republican's emphatic, often colorful denials.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?527931-1/president-trump-deposition-e-jean-carroll-civil-case">CLICK here to watch </a>the deposition&nbsp;

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-trial-carroll-columnist-7e4d44c7e8f65c1bd4ebde27ea3b7d7f">Jurors got to see the video</a>&nbsp;of Trump's October 2022 deposition over the past few days at the trial over a lawsuit filed against him by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. Written transcripts of Trump's testimony had also previously been made public, but not the recording itself.

The video was made available Friday to news organizations covering the proceedings.

The video shows Trump answering questions in his trademark navy suit and a bright blue tie. He called Carroll's claim that he raped her in a luxury Manhattan department store "a false, disgusting lie.”

“It’s a disgrace. Frankly it’s a disgrace that something like this can be brought,” Trump said.

Trump reiterated his assertion that Carroll is “not my type,” but also mistook her for his second wife, Marla Maples, when shown a photo of him meeting Carroll and her then-husband at an event in the 1980s.

Trump was also asked about the infamous “Access Hollywood” video in which Trump bragged about grabbing women’s genitals. He said, as he has previously, that he was was engaging in “locker room talk.” Trump justified his comments about famous people being able to have their way with women, saying: “Historically that’s true with stars.”

All planned testimony in the trial concluded Thursday, clearing the way for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-accuser-carroll-golf-ireland-765e105fb21896b147ef9bf380487af7">closing arguments</a>&nbsp;by the lawyers to happen Monday barring a last-minute decision by Trump to testify.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683335527038.png" alt="Image from the video that was made available Friday to news organizations covering the proceedings." />
 <figcaption>Image from the video that was made available Friday to news organizations covering the proceedings.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A video recording of former President Donald Trump being questioned about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-trial-carroll-columnist-2024-b3c1a4b254b8d16d76e2ce39342d9856">rape allegations against him</a>&nbsp;was made public for the first time Friday, providing a glimpse of the Republican's emphatic, often colorful denials.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?527931-1/president-trump-deposition-e-jean-carroll-civil-case">CLICK here to watch </a>the deposition&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-trial-carroll-columnist-7e4d44c7e8f65c1bd4ebde27ea3b7d7f">Jurors got to see the video</a>&nbsp;of Trump's October 2022 deposition over the past few days at the trial over a lawsuit filed against him by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. Written transcripts of Trump's testimony had also previously been made public, but not the recording itself.The video was made available Friday to news organizations covering the proceedings.The video shows Trump answering questions in his trademark navy suit and a bright blue tie. He called Carroll's claim that he raped her in a luxury Manhattan department store "a false, disgusting lie.”“It’s a disgrace. Frankly it’s a disgrace that something like this can be brought,” Trump said.Trump reiterated his assertion that Carroll is “not my type,” but also mistook her for his second wife, Marla Maples, when shown a photo of him meeting Carroll and her then-husband at an event in the 1980s.Trump was also asked about the infamous “Access Hollywood” video in which Trump bragged about grabbing women’s genitals. He said, as he has previously, that he was was engaging in “locker room talk.” Trump justified his comments about famous people being able to have their way with women, saying: “Historically that’s true with stars.”All planned testimony in the trial concluded Thursday, clearing the way for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-accuser-carroll-golf-ireland-765e105fb21896b147ef9bf380487af7">closing arguments</a>&nbsp;by the lawyers to happen Monday barring a last-minute decision by Trump to testify.

🎥Trump's video deposition in rape lawsuit made public

<a href="https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick">https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick</a>

Daniel E. Frick, 67, passed away on Sunday, April 30 2023 at Via Christi St. Francis hospital in Wichita.

Dan was born April 18, 1956 to Elmer T. and Donna Kay (Anderson) Frick of Kinsley. He married Sherry L. Wassinger in Ness City on October 24, 1981; they separated in 1996. He later moved to Cunningham.

Dan was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. Along with a passion for his work he always dedicated time to his friends, family, and community, and brought joy to all who knew him.

He was a member of the Cunningham Christian Church.

Dan is survived by his mother Donna Kay Frick of Kinsley; brother Steven Frick of McPherson and sister Karen Frick of Manhattan; sons Christopher Frick of Grinnell and Brandon (Carrie) Frick of Hays; and one grandson, Jasper Frick of Hays. He was predeceased by his father Elmer Frick and sister Karol Frick.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in Kinsley. The family will have private graveside service afterwards, followed by a reception at the United Methodist Church fellowship hall.

Contributions to the Cunningham Christian Church, United Methodist Church of Kinsley, or the Salvation Army in memory of Dan may be sent c/o McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, P.O. Box 304, Kinsley KS 67547.

To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick/sympathy-landing">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick/1080815/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Daniel E. Frick, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick/sympathy-landing">visit our floral store.</a>

<h2>Daniel E. Frick</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683200356173.jpeg" alt="Daniel E. Frick" />
 <figcaption>Daniel E. Frick</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick">https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick</a>April 18, 1956 ~ April 30, 2023 (age 67)Daniel E. Frick, 67, passed away on Sunday, April 30 2023 at Via Christi St. Francis hospital in Wichita.Dan was born April 18, 1956 to Elmer T. and Donna Kay (Anderson) Frick of Kinsley. He married Sherry L. Wassinger in Ness City on October 24, 1981; they separated in 1996. He later moved to Cunningham.Dan was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. Along with a passion for his work he always dedicated time to his friends, family, and community, and brought joy to all who knew him.He was a member of the Cunningham Christian Church.Dan is survived by his mother Donna Kay Frick of Kinsley; brother Steven Frick of McPherson and sister Karen Frick of Manhattan; sons Christopher Frick of Grinnell and Brandon (Carrie) Frick of Hays; and one grandson, Jasper Frick of Hays. He was predeceased by his father Elmer Frick and sister Karol Frick.Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in Kinsley. The family will have private graveside service afterwards, followed by a reception at the United Methodist Church fellowship hall.Contributions to the Cunningham Christian Church, United Methodist Church of Kinsley, or the Salvation Army in memory of Dan may be sent c/o McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, P.O. Box 304, Kinsley KS 67547.To&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick/sympathy-landing">send flowers</a>&nbsp;to the family or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick/1080815/memorial-tree">plant a tree</a>&nbsp;in memory of Daniel E. Frick, please&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mckillipfuneralhome.com/obituary/Daniel-Frick/sympathy-landing">visit our floral store.</a>

Daniel E. Frick

In a packed conference room on the campus of Fort Hays State University, 12 College of Education students were recognized for their commitment to teaching science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in a rural setting. 

The students are all participants in a National Science Foundation-sponsored program named in honor of Robert Norton Noyce, a technology innovator known as the “Mayor of Silicon Valley” for his contributions to the development of the monolithic integrated circuits or microchips that power modern personal computers.

Students who enroll in the program receive $14,591 annually in financial support from the National Science Foundation. Noyce Scholars also build a professional network by participating in campus activities and attending conferences and workshops off-campus throughout their undergraduate years. The scholarship was designed to help future STEM teachers succeed in small, rural schools.

Brother and sister Emma and Tyler Reif are new Noyce Scholars from Hoisington and transfer students from Barton Community College. Emma credits Barton instructor and STEM champion Charlotte Cates with inspiring her to pursue teaching and the field of mathematics. Originally, she considered teaching at the high school level but now is focused on teaching in a rural middle school where she thinks she can have the most impact. She plans to complete her student teaching capstone experience this fall.

Brother Tyler Reif was inspired by Barton Community College Chemistry professor Amanda Alliband to change his initial focus from history to Chemistry.

“Dr. Alliband and Dr. Arvin Cruz at FHSU are great champions of STEM. They helped me solidify my interest in moving over to chemistry,”Reif said. “I’ve always loved history, but last October, I decided chemistry was where I needed to be.”

Also in attendance at the event were new participants in the most recent Noyce Scholars program-a one year post-baccalaureate program designed to transition those who have earned their bachelor’s degree in a STEM field into a career as secondary STEM teachers in rural schools. This new program, announced during a press conference last fall at Fort Hays State University, provides a stipend of approximately $22,000 to help ease the financial burden of the transition and allow these Noyce Scholars the flexibility to focus on their studies if they wish.

FHSU senior and new Post-Baccalaureate Noyce Scholar, Hannah Burks, grew up in the small rural town of Beloit. Her interest in teaching and living in a small town began at a very young age.

“My dad was a very busy as a teacher, administrator, and coach, but he always found time to walk me to school every day. I’ll never forget this experience, and it kind of showed me how great life can be in a small town,” Hannah said. In June, Hannah plans to marry a fellow FHSU alumnus currently teaching in rural Ellsworth County. She is thankful for the stipend that she and her future husband will put toward the wedding and getting started on their lives together.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682706277407.jpeg" alt="FHSU 2023 National Science Foundation&nbsp;Robert Noyce Scholars. Photo by FHSU&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>FHSU 2023 National Science Foundation&nbsp;Robert Noyce Scholars. Photo by FHSU&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsIn a packed conference room on the campus of Fort Hays State University, 12 College of Education students were recognized for their commitment to teaching science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in a rural setting. The students are all participants in a National Science Foundation-sponsored program named in honor of Robert Norton Noyce, a technology innovator known as the “Mayor of Silicon Valley” for his contributions to the development of the monolithic integrated circuits or microchips that power modern personal computers.Students who enroll in the program receive $14,591 annually in financial support from the National Science Foundation. Noyce Scholars also build a professional network by participating in campus activities and attending conferences and workshops off-campus throughout their undergraduate years. The scholarship was designed to help future STEM teachers succeed in small, rural schools.Brother and sister Emma and Tyler Reif are new Noyce Scholars from Hoisington and transfer students from Barton Community College. Emma credits Barton instructor and STEM champion Charlotte Cates with inspiring her to pursue teaching and the field of mathematics. Originally, she considered teaching at the high school level but now is focused on teaching in a rural middle school where she thinks she can have the most impact. She plans to complete her student teaching capstone experience this fall.Brother Tyler Reif was inspired by Barton Community College Chemistry professor Amanda Alliband to change his initial focus from history to Chemistry.“Dr. Alliband and Dr. Arvin Cruz at FHSU are great champions of STEM. They helped me solidify my interest in moving over to chemistry,”Reif said. “I’ve always loved history, but last October, I decided chemistry was where I needed to be.”Also in attendance at the event were new participants in the most recent Noyce Scholars program-a one year post-baccalaureate program designed to transition those who have earned their bachelor’s degree in a STEM field into a career as secondary STEM teachers in rural schools. This new program, announced during a press conference last fall at Fort Hays State University, provides a stipend of approximately $22,000 to help ease the financial burden of the transition and allow these Noyce Scholars the flexibility to focus on their studies if they wish.FHSU senior and new Post-Baccalaureate Noyce Scholar, Hannah Burks, grew up in the small rural town of Beloit. Her interest in teaching and living in a small town began at a very young age.“My dad was a very busy as a teacher, administrator, and coach, but he always found time to walk me to school every day. I’ll never forget this experience, and it kind of showed me how great life can be in a small town,” Hannah said. In June, Hannah plans to marry a fellow FHSU alumnus currently teaching in rural Ellsworth County. She is thankful for the stipend that she and her future husband will put toward the wedding and getting started on their lives together.The List of 2023 FHSU Noyce Scholars<ul>
 <li>Sarah Abernathy, Oberlin</li><li>Hannah Burks, Jewell</li><li>Haylee Hafenstein, Wamego</li><li>Alexis Heckel, Garden City</li><li>Mollie Houtz, Elkhart</li><li>Tyler Reif, Hoisington</li><li>Lili Shubert, WaKeeney</li><li>Kobi Shubert, WaKeeney</li><li>Victor Salazar, Dodge City</li><li>Erika Litson, Centennial, CO</li><li>Elizabeth Peterson, Lyons</li><li>Gabrielle Hammer, Wallace</li>
 </ul>