By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

After a lengthy discussion about discipline at the high school and policy revisions, the Hays USD school board approved the Hays High School handbook on July 21.

Board member Jayme Goetz requested revisions to the handbook when it was presented to the board in June. Her primary concern was the policy on discipline.

See copies of Hays High's civility policy and discipline point system at the end of this story.&nbsp;

Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal, said at a board meeting in June the handbook had been edited for clarity and to provide administrators more flexibility in addressing individual students and circumstances.

However, Goetz argued the handbook needed to contain specific consequences for violations to maintain consistency. The handbook was revised again and brought back to the board on July 21.

Goetz&nbsp;said she had at least six complaints leading up to the meeting regarding the handbook and a lack of consistency in discipline at the high school.

Goetz taught one year at Hays High under Henderson before taking a job teaching at Fort Hays State University.

"All discipline is teamwork," Henderson told the board, "and we have to work together and we have to understand where and how the experience is implemented for our families, stakeholders and students."

He added, "We want to be as clear as we possibly can be. Behavior is communication."

Goetz said the changes brought to the July meeting put the administrators all on the same page.

"This is going to come up again next year, and I would encourage you this year to lead from the middle and create a little committee of teachers ... so you can come up with a handbook that works for everyone," she said.

"You probably know this, but before a teachers sends a student to the office, they have already tried to create a relationship with them, cut them some slack talked about what's going on in their day, given them a break, sent them on a walk to cool down, done all of these things," she said.

"So when a teacher is sending a student to you, all of those boxes should already be checked, and your job ... your part of this is to take it to the next level,"&nbsp;Goetz said.

"I don't see administrators as someone who is supposed to create a friendship with a student," Goetz said. "It's more of a professional relationship. It is more, 'This is what you did, and this is the consequence.'"

Board member Ruth Ruder, whose daughter is a Hays High student, said, "Every scenario is going to be different."

Ruder said administrators can't anticipate all of the different scenarios that they will have to deal with.

"I appreciate your staff looking into it," she said. "I didn't have an issue with it the first time."

Ruder urged teachers who had issues to come to Henderson or board members. However, she said teachers are not reaching out to her with issues.

"Until I do, I'm on the administration's side," she said.

Henderson said, "We want the communication, and we want the collaboration. I would echo that across all of our buildings. We feel that there is a lot of detail here in this handbook, and we are always open for conversation. I can't speak to every scenario."

Henderson said the high school has already been working under the same discipline framework described in the handbook for five years.

Board Vice President Ken Brooks said he thought Henderson had gone above and beyond in revising the handbook.

Allen Park asked about procedures for bathrooms at the high school.

Although some bathrooms share a common sink area, half of those restrooms will be labeled for girls and half will be labeled for boys.

The handbook states that only one person can be in a stall at a time. The bathrooms will continue to be monitored during passing periods by teachers. Cameras will also monitor the sink areas.

Goetz continued to ask questions about the discipline section of the handbook.

Ruder asked, "What does that have to do with the board?"

"It's their policy," Ruder said, referring to Henderson and the other high school administration.

Ruder argued the board hires the superintendent, and it is up to the superintendent to manage his staff and the principals to manage their schools, not the board.

"I do not want to be involved in every disciplinary action that any kid has at Hays High School," Ruder said. "I don't have that kind of time, and I bet you don't either. That is [Henderson's] job to handle discipline, not ours."

Goetz said to Ruder, "You have a really good kid."

Henderson said he is unable to share what happens during discipline procedures with specific students because he is barred from doing so by privacy laws.

Henderson said a student might say they had no repercussions, but they did, and Henderson can't release anything to the contrary.

He compared these laws to HIPAA, which prevents doctors from releasing medical information.

"When we start with someone's bad day, we start with privacy, dignity and respect," Henderson said.

"To Dr. Yarmer, I'm one more patient, but [a student is] someone's kid, friend, dad, and I don't approach education any differently, and I can't," Henderson said.

"I'm passionate about this because the things that happen in the office are super private, but I promise you, board of education and anyone listening, we function as a team," Henderson said.

"From my point of view as a principal, I can't always share all of the things that are going on," he said.

Henderson said he would appreciate it if issues were directed through the chain of command. He added that the most common complaint the administration receives is from parents who don't want their students held accountable.

Henderson said he, as a non-elected school staff member, is being put in a difficult place if he is going to be called out in a public meeting every time someone calls a board member.

"There will always be comments about the person who holds people accountable for a living. I know that. I know that is going to come," he said.&nbsp;

"If anyone who stands here is going to be talked about in this way, I don't know if this is the right way," Henderson said.

The school board approved the elementary, middle and virtual school handbooks without discussion during the June meeting.

The high school handbook was approved at the July 21 meeting on a vote of 6-1, with Allen Park voting against.

Hays USD 489 board squabbles over discipline policy in high school handbook

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Russell County Rural Water District 3 public water supply system located in Russell County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on July 28 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 620-653-2649, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019852f13906-7103a035-e9e9-4412-a2b9-b37f6c5b5ce2-000000/B7Jukr0PIg60Xj1doyrzAzUe7uUS_PICua6dDa8wKXQ=415">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

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

Boil Water Advisory issued for Russell County Rural Water District 3

July 31, 2025 is a fifth Thursday; therefore, there won't be a Hays City Commission work session that day.&nbsp;

No Hays City Commission work session this week

Beginning Monday, July 28, the 13th Street intersection in the 1300 block of Walnut in Hays, will be closed to traffic for pavement repairs.

 Work is anticipated to be completed by Friday, August 1, 2025, weather permitting. Traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed. 

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

13th Street intersection at Walnut to close for pavement repairs starting Monday in Hays

As a valued contributing partner, Kansas Black Farmers Association will have events this weekend as part of the Nicodemus Homecoming Emancipation Celebration with events centered on agriculture, health and community. 

 While Homecoming is organized and hosted by NHEC, the farmer's association is excited to be part of the weekend’s programming.

Saturday, July 26 – 5K Run/Walk and pancake breakfast A fun, family-friendly race followed by a free pancake breakfast sponsored by the association and Lehi Mills.

Check-in: 7:30 a.m. &nbsp;Race Start: 8 a.m. &nbsp;Breakfast: 8:30 a.m.

 Free online registration through July 25

 $25 on-site registration (waiver required)

 Donations support the farmer's association programs.

Learn more: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbfa.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWmZXR1lyMUU4d3VEb0taTgEemkxhoCKzOWG6JdSuFMiOe4rpCw3L9EMXZxpk3msFKNrC63JcuR-jbUD2mwA_aem_o2-IQSLeOy6Ii5ytn5lchg&amp;h=AT3kS6qwt5JknlWUfYO4kN_LLOJoX38xyhHBSdHy22fBKFb5i50JZeDvh5A9jKxldcYVk3MyyvmpUa_bZx0zUWRk3VI1oE7D9gPEJUndJ2FUI-52miM8k0MRL1ttUofbtd7b9wjxGSYrIBqsuNlYcQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-y-R&amp;c[0]=AT1hOkzCfFmdJKX4cYAyZm163Ip4kSSI3FOBBUz4R1x-ZcaqJF4xEW1kgW7BJs2cu8cYIQlURBIoRFJUdLkpI6-pjnqUY6wjjkzFTK3vT-F9IFg0w352c4lvzEVAxSmVRiL6RWN1HwY9iuABK2ys6V4yPIGTFb8GflMkHH71b_rGbNgjSNggncApYAJYGfL_hgyKq7U96bk1cgXE1RxGTWs" target="_blank">www.kbfa.org</a>

Kansas Black Farmers Association set events during Nicodemus Homecoming this weekend

The Women Who Lead still has raffle tickets left for its 31 Days of Cash drawing in August.&nbsp;

Tickets will be on sale Saturday in downtown Hays during Bazaar on the Bricks from 7:30 a.m. to noon or until sell out.

The Women Who Lead booth will be across the street from Diamond R Jewelers, between Eighth and Ninth streets.

Tickets are $25 each. A maximum of 500 tickets will be sold.

A drawing will be conducted each day in August. 

Prizes will be $75 each day Aug. 1-15 $125 each day Aug. 16-28 $250 on Aug. 29 $500 on Aug. 30 $1,000 on Aug 31

All proceeds from the raffle will support scholarships for women in Ellis County pursuing post-secondary education.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/eb1eab34-3efe-439b-b038-a0dc1afb6465">This spring, Women Who Lead awarded eight $1,000 scholarships.</a> Help us continue to support women's education in 2026 with your generous donation and maybe win some cash in the process.

If any tickets remain, tickets can be purchased from Renee Moritz at the Bank of Hays, by calling Moritz at 785-650-1095 or emailing rmoritz@bankofhays.com.

You can also purchase tickets at the Eagle Radio Media Center, 2300 Hall St., Hays. Ask for Scarlett Deutscher or Cristina Janney. You may also contact Janney at crisksu@gmail.com or 785-301-2077.

Tickets on sale for Women Who Lead raffle Saturday at Bazaar on Bricks

WAKEENEY —&nbsp;The Hoxie Hotrodders are coming to show an outdoor movie at our location at the Trego SkyView Drive-In Theater in WaKeeney on Friday, July 25.

Mini car show, 1950s costume contest and a taste of a drive-in.&nbsp; This will be a small taste of what is to come. Join us with your own hot rod and dress the part.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gates open at 7 p.m. Movie starts at dusk. Concessions will be available.&nbsp;

Suggested donation is $5 per person.&nbsp;

&nbsp;We are still raising funds for our big projector and bathrooms.&nbsp;

Hoxie Hotrodders, 'Grease' Friday night fundraiser at Trego SkyView Drive-In Theater

The Kansas Office of Veterans Services Office in partnership with the Garden City American Legion Post 9 invites all Veterans, military, and family members to attend the Garden City, Kansas Veterans Claims and Resource Fair at American Legion Post 9, 405 S. Main St., Garden City, Kansas on August 15-16, 2025. Benefits experts will offer on-site one-on-one assistance for claims, benefits, PACT Act issues and all Veteran benefits. No appointments are needed.

Accredited Veteran Service Representatives will be available to assist Veterans, active military members near their separation date, family members, and the public with all types of VA claims and benefits. KOVS Director Bill Turner said “These professionals are experts on State and Federal benefits available to Veterans and surviving spouses. We urge Veterans not to miss this opportunity to apply for benefits you have earned through your service to this country.”

“We also encourage community and business leaders to visit and learn about those benefits as well, in order to best support Veterans in your community,” Turner stated.

Some benefits include VA health care, service-connected claims, readjustment counseling information, Veteran Employment Services, and much more.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring discharge paperwork (DD-214) or claim file number, marriage certificate, and available medical records to help simplify the application for benefits. 


What: GARDEN CITY, KANSAS VETERAN CLAIMS AND RESOURCE FAIR When: 9:00am-6:00pm August 15, 2025 / 8:00am-Noon August 16, 2025 Where: American Legion Post 9, 405 S. Main St., Garden City, KS

NOTE: Final claim taken at 1700 August 15 / 1100 August 16. If Claim is already developed/ready to rate, must notify KOVS at 785.296.3977 by August 12

For questions or comments please contact Michelle Sweeney, Director of Public Affairs, at 785.940.1221 or michelle.sweeney@ks.gov

Garden City, Kansas veteran claims, resource fair

Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners

Saturday, July 26, from 7:30 a.m. until noon, Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners will demonstrate the dividing and planting of irises at the Downtown Market at the Pavilion, 10th and Main, Hays. 

Rhizomes will be available for a suggested donation of $1.00 each. The proceeds will benefit Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners.

Iris planting demonstration, plant sale Saturday at Downtown Hays Market by Ellis County Extension Master Gardeners

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;Unite Free Shelves (inside The Gamers Guild), 200 E. 8th Street in Hays, on Tuesday, July 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.&nbsp;Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.

To be eligible for commodities, your household's total monthly income must be below: $2,413&nbsp;Household of one $3,261&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of two $4,109&nbsp;Household of three $4,957&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of four $5,805&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of five $6,653&nbsp;Household of six $7,501&nbsp;Household of seven $8,349&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of eight

*Add&nbsp; $848&nbsp;for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be  kidney beans, dehydrated potatoes, instant milk, chicken breast, apple juice, crackers, chicken leg quarters, peanut butter, and cut beans.&nbsp;

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;

****Future Anticipated Commodities Dates for 2025****

Future commodity distribution times will be posted at:&nbsp;(<a target="_blank" href="http://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/">https://unitehays.com/index.php/hays-commodity-distribution/</a>)

Government surplus commodities to be distributed Tuesday in Hays

COLBY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Colby Community College is proud to announce the hiring of Sandra Glover as the new head coach for the Trojan Track and Field program.

Glover is a former Olympian, world medalist, and decorated collegiate coach who brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and championship pedigree to Colby's athletics department.

A 2000 U.S. Olympian and University of Houston graduate, Glover boasts an exceptional resume as both an athlete and a coach. She is a World Championships silver medalist (2003) and bronze medalist (2005) in the 400-meter hurdles and was a four-time USA Track &amp; Field Trials Champion (1999–2002). Glover was also an NCAA All-American in 1991 during her collegiate career.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Glover to Colby," said Colby Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez. "Her background as an elite competitor and a mentor to dozens of high-performing student-athletes makes her the perfect fit to lead our program. Her commitment to academic and athletic excellence aligns with the mission of Colby Community College."

Glover most recently served as an assistant track &amp; field coach at Western New Mexico University, where she oversaw sprints, hurdles, jumps, and mid-distance events. Prior to that, she spent five highly successful years at her alma mater, the University of Houston (2019–2024), coaching long sprinters, hurdlers, and middle-distance athletes.

During her tenure with the Cougars, she played a key role in developing elite talent, coaching nine NCAA First Team All-Americans, four NCAA Second Team All-Americans, and seven NCAA National Qualifiers. She also guided three athletes to Big 12 Conference championships and helped produce 30 American Conference First Team selections.

Among her standout athletes was Kelly-Ann Beckford, the 2024 Big 12 Female Indoor Athlete of the Year, who set a University of Houston school record in the 800m with a time of 2:00.70. She also coached Sydni Townsend, who represented Houston in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials and is the program's 400m hurdles record holder (55.00). Another standout, Lloyd Frilot, captured the American Conference 800m title and school record under Glover's guidance.

Before her time at Houston, Glover coached at Alcorn State University (2015–2018), where she produced two SWAC Conference Champions and helped set 11 school records, and Prairie View A&amp;M University (2014–2015), where she focused on sprints, hurdles, and jumps. She began her collegiate coaching journey at Houston Christian University (2011–2013) as a volunteer assistant.

When asked about what excites her about this new opportunity, Glover shared, "At the junior college level, you're building a foundation. You're preparing student-athletes for the next step in their journey, and it's important to develop a strong, competitive product that encourages four-year coaches to keep coming back for more."

Glover is a USATF Level 1 certified coach and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston (1993). Beyond her athletic and coaching accolades, she brings strong leadership skills and a passion for mentorship. She is known for fostering student-athlete development both on the track and in the classroom, emphasizing effective communication, goal setting, and accountability.

Looking ahead, Glover expressed her vision for the program, stating, "I'm excited to develop exceptional talent and help elevate Colby into a highly respected and competitive program."

At Colby, Glover will lead both the men's and women's track &amp; field programs. She will be responsible for recruiting, training, competition scheduling, and building on the Trojans' growing tradition of athletic and academic success.

👟Olympian Sandra Glover Hired as Head Track and Field Coach

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Recent obituaries and service times

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Crude oil production on federal lands set a record last year, topping all but two states. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports record high production of 1.7 million barrels per day on federal lands, which would would place onshore federal leases third in the rankings of crude-producing states. 

Total U.S. output has nearly tripled in the last 16 years, while output from federal lands is nearly six times higher during that same period. Most of the growth came in New Mexico within the Permian Basin.

Total U.S. crude production drops for the fourth week in a row. EIA reports average output of 13.27 million barrels a day, down 102,000 barrels from last week. The four-week average is still up slightly from a year ago. Output so far this year is two percent higher than last year at this time, at over 13.4 million barrels a day.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) increased by 200,000 barrels to 402.5 million. 

The government has not yet updated its announcement last week of the Emergency Exchange with ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where the sixth largest refinery in the U.S. is dealing with supply complications brought on by tropical storms. Meanwhile maintenance issues at the SPR that could delay future refills. 

Commercial crude oil inventories, excluding those in the SPR, dropped to 419 million barrels as of July 18. That's down by 3.2 million barrels from last week. EIA says U.S. crude oil inventories are about nine percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The U.S. is a net petroleum exporter by nearly three million barrels a day.&nbsp; The government says crude oil imports surpass exports by 2.1 million barrels a day, but exports of refined products outpace imports by nearly five million. &nbsp;

Crude imports drop nearly half a million barrels a day from last week to just under six million.&nbsp; The four-week average is down seven percent from last year. Weekly exports are up more than 300-thousand barrels a day to nearly 3.86 million.

There are some big swings among the details in this week's Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes. The total of 415 oil rigs is down by seven from a week ago, while the gas tally of 122 rigs is up five. The report from Texas is down four rigs, New Mexico is down one, Wyoming is down two. Colorado is up three rigs, while Louisiana rose by two rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down 18 percent from a week ago, up 64% from a month ago and down 33% from a year ago. In western Kansas, the tally was up three rigs a week ago, but it's down four rigs today at seven active rigs.

Kansas operators completed 27 wells this week including three in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Completions are down 18 wells from a year ago.

Regulators okayed 18 new drilling locations in Kansas, including one in Ellis County out of eight located in the western half of the state.

Permits, year-to-date, total 409 statewide, which is down from 570 a year ago. 

The top ten operators in western Kansas for the first half of this year account for 79 wells and more than 342,000 feet of well bore drilled between them. Independent Oil and Gas Service ranks the most prolific Western Kansas operators for the first six months of 2025. The top five are Merit Energy, Berexco, Murfin Drilling, American Warrior, and Darrah Oil. The next five: Ritchie Exploration, Grand Mesa, Downing-Nelson, Carmen Schmidt and Shakespeare Oil.

The top operators east of Wichita include R-J Energy, Colt Energy, A-G-V Corp. HYT Operating, and VAL Energy. Those are followed by RH Capital-Beets, L&amp;A Energy, MLT Energy. Altavista Energy and Utah Oil.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude production on public lands surges to record

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK), was recently announced as the recipient of a $1,000 grant from Midwest Energy, Inc. This award will be used in DSNWK’s Kid-Link Early Intervention Program to provide Transition Backpacks.

The Transition Backpacks are provided to every Kid-Link child in the program upon turning 3 years old. Each Transition Backpack includes items from the developmental areas that are of importance for the child as they grow in their communication, social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills.

“These backpacks have been helpful to parents in continuing their children’s learning,” stated DSNWK president Jerry Michaud. “We are grateful for Midwest Energy’s support and the children are always excited to get the backpacks.”

The DSNWK Kid-Link Early Intervention Program provides a system of services to help infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have a developmental delay, diagnosed disability, or are at risk for a developmental delay including vision and hearing impairments.

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

Midwest Energy supports DSNWK’s Kid-Link with grant

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) has received two American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association <a href="//www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303">2025 Statistical Update</a>. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, HaysMed qualified for the awards by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care.

“HaysMed is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Joben Rieth, HaysMed vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. “Get With The Guidelines programs make it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in western Kansas and beyond experience longer, healthier lives.”

HaysMed was honored with two national achievement awards for 2025:

· Get With The Guidelines®-Rural Stroke Gold ·&nbsp;Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

“These awards show Hays Medical Center's commitment to caring for those in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Hays Medical Center can help realize our shared vision of improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

About Get With The Guidelines

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001.

For more information, visit <a href="https://www.heart.org/">heart.org</a>.

HaysMed nationally recognized for providing high-quality cardiovascular care

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

August marks National Breastfeeding Month, a time to recognize and support one of the most natural and essential forms of infant nutrition. 

Championed by the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee and support by healthcare advocates nationwide, this month highlights the importance of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers—while calling for stronger community, workplace and policy support for families.

Breastfeeding is more than just a feeding choice. It’s a powerful tool for lifelong health and development. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding offers optimal nutrition, boosts babies’ immune system, reduces risks of chronic illnesses and fosters attachment between mother and child. Mothers also benefit with reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and postpartum depression. 

According to an epidemiological study published in the The Lancet, breastfeeding is dose specific, which means the longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk for developing breast cancer. For every 12 months of breastfeeding, the risk of breast cancer goes down by 4.3%. This can be for one child or a combination of children.

Yet despite the well-documented benefits, many families face significant barriers to breastfeeding—from lack of parental leave and workplace accommodations to misinformation and social stigma.

The 2025 theme is “Forward Together” which emphasizes the importance of connecting families with evidence-based information, peer support and community networks. It’s a call to action for healthcare providers, employers, policy makers and communities to create environments where breastfeeding is normalized, encouraged, and supported.

· Support local breastfeeding-friendly policies and businesses

· Advocate for paid family leave and lactation accommodations in workplaces

· Share resources with new parents such as La Leche League, Breastfeeding Coalitions, and Lactation Consultants

· Celebrate and support parents in your life who choose to breastfeed

Breastfeeding is a personal journey, but no one should have to do it alone. This National Breastfeeding Month let’s ensure that every family has the support they need to thrive—from the first latch to the last.

 Join us to celebrate mothers and to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and human milk feeding for National Breastfeeding Month. 

In Hays and Ellis County, Cottonwood Extension District will hold a celebration on August 6, 2024 at 4 p.m. during a Chamber Catch Up at the Hays Public Library. Come see what breastfeeding support in Ellis County is all about and help us celebrate breastfeeding in Ellis County. Refreshments will be served. 

<a href="https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/">https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/</a> <a href="https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.html">https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.html</a>

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

KOERNER: Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month

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Three-day weather outlook

HAYS, Kan. — Local Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid is shining a spotlight on the importance of workers’ compensation coverage for area businesses, emphasizing that smart, tailored insurance solutions can help business owners better manage both cost and complexity.

As local businesses continue to navigate rising operational expenses, Proehl-Kofoid is reminding employers that Farmers Insurance offers a workers’ comp program designed with flexibility and simplicity in mind.

“Many business owners don’t realize how manageable work comp can be when it's set up properly,” said Proehl-Kofoid. “At Farmers, we help clients understand the ins and outs of their policy so they’re not left with surprises — just peace of mind.”

One standout feature she promotes is Real Time Billing, a service that aligns workers’ comp premiums with actual payroll. This pay-as-you-go option ensures that businesses aren’t overpaying or underpaying throughout the year. It also helps with cash flow and simplifies the audit process — something many business owners find stressful.

“Real Time Billing is a game changer,” Proehl-Kofoid added. “It allows businesses to stay accurate and up to date, which makes managing insurance that much easier.”

By working with Farmers Insurance, Hays-area businesses not only gain access to customizable coverage, but also benefit from local, responsive service that understands the unique needs of Kansas entrepreneurs.

For more information on workers’ compensation or to schedule a consultation, contact Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid at her Farmers Insurance office, 2703 Hall in Hays.&nbsp; You can also visit the below website:

<a href="https://www.farmers.com/business/workers-compensation/">https://www.farmers.com/business/workers-compensation/</a>

⚾🎥 LIVE: Hays Larks take on Lonestar Kracken at NBC Word Series

WICHITA – The Hays Larks remained unbeaten at the NBC World
Series in Wichita Monday as they knocked off the Lonestar Kracken 7-4, in a
battle of 2-0 teams, and claimed a first-round bye with a 3-0 record. 

The Larks (31-4-1) jumped out early, scoring three runs in
the first inning, taking advantage of three walks and a hit by pitch. They
scored single runs on a hit by pitch by Lorenzo Rios, a bases-loaded walk by
Kaleb Duncan and a ground out by Thomas Lyssy.

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