Fourth St. between Main St. and Fort St. in Hays will be closed to through traffic for street repairs beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday.

The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks, with the street planned to reopen on May 31.

If there are any questions, please contact the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621458704710.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysFourth St. between Main St. and Fort St. in Hays will be closed to through traffic for street repairs beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday.The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks, with the street planned to reopen on May 31.If there are any questions, please contact the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

4th St. between Main and Fort in Hays closed beginning Monday

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Cats of any description are fierce, efficient hunters, and feral cats, all-the-more. They do untold damage to pheasant and quail populations and kill large numbers of songbirds. By feral cats I mean cats that live totally in the wild and possibly haven’t had a domestic relative for years or even generations; NOT “Fluffy” next door that rolls around at your feet and plays hide and seek with you from a paper sack.

Feral cats have become so overpopulated in some states that over the years, hunting seasons have actually been proposed for them. Heck, when we were kids, we called feral cats RT’s, short for Running Targets. But I think I have some good ideas to actually utilize feral cats in today’s topsy-turvey society. For starters, and in light of all the recent “protests” at our nation’s colleges, how about using them for crowd control. Rioting crowds would probably react badly to snarling German Shepherds, which will soon be history anyway since the K-9 police units will probably be washed down the drain with the rest of law enforcement officers by those claiming animal cruelty. But who’s gonna’ notice a few fluffy cats rubbing against everyone’s legs. Really long-haired ones rolled in some sort of fairy-dust sleeping potion and turned loose to spread it through the crowd could have the “demonstrators” simply falling asleep where they stand. All that’s needed is to pile everyone against the curbs and traffic is restored; no buildings burned, no one shot, no historic statues that have stood there for generations torn down, and just look at the money saved on tear gas. Hopefully when the protestors all awake to see how pathetic they look on the evening news, they’ll just slink off into the shadows and be too ashamed to try it again.

Since it appears many 911 calls could soon be answered by only mental health professionals of some description who will undoubtedly be unarmed except for a clipboard and some colored markers, a few of the nastiest, old hag, feral cats can be trained to go with them when they enter whatever the new nations within our cities will call themselves by then. They can be carried in small cat size carriers or with those nifty little harnesses with a handle so they can be carted around like a lunch box. “A cat against a crowd of demonstrators?” you’re thinking. Remember,

these “demonstrators” that want the world to believe they are the toughest things since Dirty Harry are mostly snowflakes and tree huggers; they’ll urge violence against law enforcement officers and burn cities, but they won’t harm a cat. And if one does get out-of-line, that old hag, feral cat will lay them open like a fish with a couple lightning quick swipes of a paw; pretty good protection I’d say.

Those new nations set-up within our cities will probably become overrun with rodents, since none of the snowflakes or tree huggers would ever think of killing a mouse or rat. Heck, I have already read a report claiming someone released rats into one of the college “encampments.” Those rodents would soon spread out into the rest of the city, so a crew of feral cats released there could soon take care of the issue. Besides, the only food our feline mousers would be offered by residents there would probably only be vegan.

Well, there you have just a few examples of innovative ways to repurpose feral cats for today’s topsy-turvey world. I see it as a win-win-deal; a few feral cats are taken out of the wild, pet lovers are happy cause’ they weren’t killed and we hunters reap the benefits… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsCats of any description are fierce, efficient hunters, and feral cats, all-the-more. They do untold damage to pheasant and quail populations and kill large numbers of songbirds. By feral cats I mean cats that live totally in the wild and possibly haven’t had a domestic relative for years or even generations; NOT “Fluffy” next door that rolls around at your feet and plays hide and seek with you from a paper sack.Feral cats have become so overpopulated in some states that over the years, hunting seasons have actually been proposed for them. Heck, when we were kids, we called feral cats RT’s, short for Running Targets. But I think I have some good ideas to actually utilize feral cats in today’s topsy-turvey society. For starters, and in light of all the recent “protests” at our nation’s colleges, how about using them for crowd control. Rioting crowds would probably react badly to snarling German Shepherds, which will soon be history anyway since the K-9 police units will probably be washed down the drain with the rest of law enforcement officers by those claiming animal cruelty. But who’s gonna’ notice a few fluffy cats rubbing against everyone’s legs. Really long-haired ones rolled in some sort of fairy-dust sleeping potion and turned loose to spread it through the crowd could have the “demonstrators” simply falling asleep where they stand. All that’s needed is to pile everyone against the curbs and traffic is restored; no buildings burned, no one shot, no historic statues that have stood there for generations torn down, and just look at the money saved on tear gas. Hopefully when the protestors all awake to see how pathetic they look on the evening news, they’ll just slink off into the shadows and be too ashamed to try it again.Since it appears many 911 calls could soon be answered by only mental health professionals of some description who will undoubtedly be unarmed except for a clipboard and some colored markers, a few of the nastiest, old hag, feral cats can be trained to go with them when they enter whatever the new nations within our cities will call themselves by then. They can be carried in small cat size carriers or with those nifty little harnesses with a handle so they can be carted around like a lunch box. “A cat against a crowd of demonstrators?” you’re thinking. Remember,these “demonstrators” that want the world to believe they are the toughest things since Dirty Harry are mostly snowflakes and tree huggers; they’ll urge violence against law enforcement officers and burn cities, but they won’t harm a cat. And if one does get out-of-line, that old hag, feral cat will lay them open like a fish with a couple lightning quick swipes of a paw; pretty good protection I’d say.Those new nations set-up within our cities will probably become overrun with rodents, since none of the snowflakes or tree huggers would ever think of killing a mouse or rat. Heck, I have already read a report claiming someone released rats into one of the college “encampments.” Those rodents would soon spread out into the rest of the city, so a crew of feral cats released there could soon take care of the issue. Besides, the only food our feline mousers would be offered by residents there would probably only be vegan.Well, there you have just a few examples of innovative ways to repurpose feral cats for today’s topsy-turvey world. I see it as a win-win-deal; a few feral cats are taken out of the wild, pet lovers are happy cause’ they weren’t killed and we hunters reap the benefits… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Repurposing feral cats for today’s topsy-turvey world

OSBORNE COUNTY —A Kansas pilot avoided injury in an accident that occurred just before 9p.m. Saturday in Osborne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Air Tractor crop sprayer piloted by Garrett Handley, 24,&nbsp; Palco, lost power at west 230th drive just off U.S. 281 ten miles South of Osborne.

As the pilot attempted an emergency landing the wing struck a tree branch causing the aircraft to spin into the north ditch and&nbsp; strike a second tree.

Handley was not injured.&nbsp; The cause of the crash is remains under investigation.

OSBORNE COUNTY —A Kansas pilot avoided injury in an accident that occurred just before 9p.m. Saturday in Osborne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Air Tractor crop sprayer piloted by Garrett Handley, 24,&nbsp; Palco, lost power at west 230th drive just off U.S. 281 ten miles South of Osborne.As the pilot attempted an emergency landing the wing struck a tree branch causing the aircraft to spin into the north ditch and&nbsp; strike a second tree.Handley was not injured.&nbsp; The cause of the crash is remains under investigation.

Kan. crop sprayer makes emergency landing, strikes trees

With so much uncertainty, the Ellis Public Library Board
recently decided to opt out of a vote on a proposed Ellis County Library.

According to Ellis Public Library Board Chairperson Tracey
Andrews, the Ellis Public Library Board made the final decision, in a unanimous vote, to opt out of the
County Library at their April 29 meeting. The board informed the Ellis
City Council of its decision at the city's May 6 meeting.

Andrews said the library board's goal was to ensure the library was in the best possible place. She said that after talking
with other libraries in Kansas that have gone through something similar, there
were just too many unanswered questions.

"The lack of guaranteed funding for our library (and) there
was no guaranteed representation for us in the future and just so many other
unknown factors," Andrews said. "We couldn't sign the dotted line without some sort
of contract or something on paper for us."

Funding for all Ellis County libraries has been a driving factor in the push to put the Ellis County Library question on the ballot.

The Hays and Ellis Public libraries are funded by taxes
collected by their respective cities, while taxes collected in rural Ellis
County and Victoria fund the Central Kansas Library System.

In March, the Ellis County Commission voted to ask the rural residents
to vote on creating an Ellis County Library. If
approved, a taxing district would be created, and the county would leave the Central Kansas Library System.

It was estimated Ellis County could collect almost $300,000 in local
tax revenue, which could be distributed to the three public libraries in Ellis
County and the three public school district libraries.

Because the Ellis Library Board elected to opt out of the
vote, the Ellis community taxes will remain the same. The city collects the
taxes and then distributes the funds to the library. 

Andrews said if they had opted into the county library and it had been approved by the voters, their tax dollars would have been distributed across the county. While the Ellis Library Board members want to support Hays and the rest of the county, the current system keeps the
funds local to the Ellis community.

“We felt that we wanted to keep money in Ellis versus going
to the county,” Andrews said. “The local money stays local, and it's guaranteed. If we would have opted in and the vote was yes, we would have been proposed
to get $90,000, but that wasn't guaranteed money.”

According to the library board, the city collects
about $70,000, with a total library budget close to $87,000.

Andrews said that even though the Ellis City Library elected not to
vote on the county library, it will lose services from the Central Kansas Library System if rural
voters approve the taxing district.&nbsp;

That would then require the Ellis Public Library to contract
with the&nbsp;Central Kansas Library System for its services for $20,000, and it would also lose funding it receives from the Central Kansas Library System.

“If the rural voters vote yes to this, the money will stay
local to our communities, which is great,” Andrews said. “But then they would
not provide services to us as a whole anymore. We will have to partner with
them individually to receive services.”

Andrews said they wanted to stress to the residents of Ellis
and the surrounding communities that they really tried to “do their due diligence”
when they considered their decision. The board even brought in legal counsel to
help work through some of the issues and questions they had.

She said conversations with counsel confirmed a lot of
the questions they had following the April 22 joint meeting with
the Ellis County Commission, Ellis City Council, Hays Library Board and USD 388
Board of Education.

"Our legal counsel, who worked with a library situation very
similar to ours, just basically confirmed all of our thoughts," Andrews said. "We
knew, 'OK, we're on the right track,' This is what we probably need to do."

Many of the members present at the April 22 joint meeting said they had an issue with the timeline.

The idea of a county library was presented to most of the
board early in March, and because of the August election, they were given an early May deadline to make a decision.

Andrews said the board was first approached by Hays Public
Library Director Brandon Hines March 4, giving them roughly eight
weeks to gather all the information they could.

“We visited with the commissioners asking, you know, can we
have contracts, can we have this stuff, and things just weren’t in place yet,”
Andrews said. “I feel that if that was what would have been brought in sooner, we could
have maybe got some stuff in order, whether it be consults or agreements, or
maybe more of an understanding.”

Andrews said the board members liked the idea of a county library that did not consume the Ellis Library and thought it was worth more research.

“That was really a great thought, but it was a little too late
at that point. We couldn't explore that because we had to have an answer,” Andrews
said.

Andrews said the board has received a mixed reaction from
the public following its decision, but she said members are confident in their decision. While they are open to listening to proposals in the future, they will make sure they are doing what’s best for the Ellis Public Library.

"If we can figure out a way to make something work, I think
we'd be on board with it," Andrews said, "as long as it is a positive for our
community."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704732367210.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostWith so much uncertainty, the Ellis Public Library Board
recently decided to opt out of a vote on a proposed Ellis County Library.According to Ellis Public Library Board Chairperson Tracey
Andrews, the Ellis Public Library Board made the final decision, in a unanimous vote, to opt out of the
County Library at their April 29 meeting. The board informed the Ellis
City Council of its decision at the city's May 6 meeting.Andrews said the library board's goal was to ensure the library was in the best possible place. She said that after talking
with other libraries in Kansas that have gone through something similar, there
were just too many unanswered questions."The lack of guaranteed funding for our library (and) there
was no guaranteed representation for us in the future and just so many other
unknown factors," Andrews said. "We couldn't sign the dotted line without some sort
of contract or something on paper for us."Funding for all Ellis County libraries has been a driving factor in the push to put the Ellis County Library question on the ballot.The Hays and Ellis Public libraries are funded by taxes
collected by their respective cities, while taxes collected in rural Ellis
County and Victoria fund the Central Kansas Library System.In March, the Ellis County Commission voted to ask the rural residents
to vote on creating an Ellis County Library. If
approved, a taxing district would be created, and the county would leave the Central Kansas Library System.It was estimated Ellis County could collect almost $300,000 in local
tax revenue, which could be distributed to the three public libraries in Ellis
County and the three public school district libraries.Because the Ellis Library Board elected to opt out of the
vote, the Ellis community taxes will remain the same. The city collects the
taxes and then distributes the funds to the library. Andrews said if they had opted into the county library and it had been approved by the voters, their tax dollars would have been distributed across the county. While the Ellis Library Board members want to support Hays and the rest of the county, the current system keeps the
funds local to the Ellis community.“We felt that we wanted to keep money in Ellis versus going
to the county,” Andrews said. “The local money stays local, and it's guaranteed. If we would have opted in and the vote was yes, we would have been proposed
to get $90,000, but that wasn't guaranteed money.”According to the library board, the city collects
about $70,000, with a total library budget close to $87,000.Andrews said that even though the Ellis City Library elected not to
vote on the county library, it will lose services from the Central Kansas Library System if rural
voters approve the taxing district.&nbsp;That would then require the Ellis Public Library to contract
with the&nbsp;Central Kansas Library System for its services for $20,000, and it would also lose funding it receives from the Central Kansas Library System.“If the rural voters vote yes to this, the money will stay
local to our communities, which is great,” Andrews said. “But then they would
not provide services to us as a whole anymore. We will have to partner with
them individually to receive services.”Andrews said they wanted to stress to the residents of Ellis
and the surrounding communities that they really tried to “do their due diligence”
when they considered their decision. The board even brought in legal counsel to
help work through some of the issues and questions they had.She said conversations with counsel confirmed a lot of
the questions they had following the April 22 joint meeting with
the Ellis County Commission, Ellis City Council, Hays Library Board and USD 388
Board of Education."Our legal counsel, who worked with a library situation very
similar to ours, just basically confirmed all of our thoughts," Andrews said. "We
knew, 'OK, we're on the right track,' This is what we probably need to do."Many of the members present at the April 22 joint meeting said they had an issue with the timeline.The idea of a county library was presented to most of the
board early in March, and because of the August election, they were given an early May deadline to make a decision.Andrews said the board was first approached by Hays Public
Library Director Brandon Hines March 4, giving them roughly eight
weeks to gather all the information they could.“We visited with the commissioners asking, you know, can we
have contracts, can we have this stuff, and things just weren’t in place yet,”
Andrews said. “I feel that if that was what would have been brought in sooner, we could
have maybe got some stuff in order, whether it be consults or agreements, or
maybe more of an understanding.”Andrews said the board members liked the idea of a county library that did not consume the Ellis Library and thought it was worth more research.“That was really a great thought, but it was a little too late
at that point. We couldn't explore that because we had to have an answer,” Andrews
said.Andrews said the board has received a mixed reaction from
the public following its decision, but she said members are confident in their decision. While they are open to listening to proposals in the future, they will make sure they are doing what’s best for the Ellis Public Library."If we can figure out a way to make something work, I think
we'd be on board with it," Andrews said, "as long as it is a positive for our
community."

Ellis Public Library opts out on county library vote

Wichita, Kan. – The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Tele-Emergency Care service. Tele-emergency care offers immediate access to medical assistance. Veteran patients can dial 888-878-6881, then press 3 to connect with a health care provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment is necessary, and&nbsp;there is no copayment for your visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our team of experienced nurses and emergency medicine providers will quickly assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate care for your condition. Sometimes, a quick phone or video appointment can get your health back on track! Best of all, we coordinate with your primary care physician and specialists to cover your follow-up needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Conditions that can be managed virtually:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Note: Tele Emergency Care supports but does not replace in-person care. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department if you believe your condition is life-threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As part of our ongoing efforts to support Veteran health and well-being, Dole VA encourages Veterans across the region to take advantage of the Tele Emergency Care service and access medical assistance anytime, day or night.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information about Tele Emergency Care and how to access our services, please visit Dole VA’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/wichita-health-care/health-services/#other-services">https://www.va.gov/wichita-health-care/health-services/#other-services</a>&nbsp;and click on the Telehealth tab, or call 316-685-2221, ext. 57875.

SubmittedWichita, Kan. – The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Tele-Emergency Care service. Tele-emergency care offers immediate access to medical assistance. Veteran patients can dial 888-878-6881, then press 3 to connect with a health care provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment is necessary, and&nbsp;there is no copayment for your visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our team of experienced nurses and emergency medicine providers will quickly assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate care for your condition. Sometimes, a quick phone or video appointment can get your health back on track! Best of all, we coordinate with your primary care physician and specialists to cover your follow-up needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Conditions that can be managed virtually:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Cough, cold, flu and COVID symptoms&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Sore throat&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>COPD and asthma flares&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Eye redness &amp; irritation&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Tick and other insect bites&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Rashes&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Skin infections&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Minor allergic reactions&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>GI illness&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Urinary tract infections&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Gout flares&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Muscle sprains/strains&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Note: Tele Emergency Care supports but does not replace in-person care. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department if you believe your condition is life-threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;As part of our ongoing efforts to support Veteran health and well-being, Dole VA encourages Veterans across the region to take advantage of the Tele Emergency Care service and access medical assistance anytime, day or night.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about Tele Emergency Care and how to access our services, please visit Dole VA’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/wichita-health-care/health-services/#other-services">https://www.va.gov/wichita-health-care/health-services/#other-services</a>&nbsp;and click on the Telehealth tab, or call 316-685-2221, ext. 57875.# # #

Dole VA Medical Center launches tele emergency care service 24/7 for veterans

The Hays Recreation Commission’s 13th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities is right around the corner. The fun run is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th at 8:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main). Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m. This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk.

There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before June 5th. Cost after June 5th is $12.

The run is for people of all abilities, will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the programs coordinated by the Hays Recreation Commission that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.

Dash 4 Disabilities is sponsored by Hess Services, Papa Murphys and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org or go to www.haysrec.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715622805803.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Recreation Commission’s 13th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities is right around the corner. The fun run is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th at 8:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main). Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m. This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk.There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before June 5th. Cost after June 5th is $12.The run is for people of all abilities, will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the programs coordinated by the Hays Recreation Commission that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.Dash 4 Disabilities is sponsored by Hess Services, Papa Murphys and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org or go to www.haysrec.org.

Dash 4 Disabilities fast approaching

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

Kansas policymakers are abuzz about the recent defeat of a sports stadium tax in Jackson County, MO.&nbsp; Unfortunately, they’re saying all the wrong things.&nbsp; To paraphrase James Carville, “it’s affordable housing, stupid.”

If the tax had been approved, the money would have gone to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs.&nbsp; The three eights cent sales tax extension would also have partially financed a new, downtown stadium for the Royals. Before the vote, nearly all publicity was on the Royals, who confused voters by&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/future-chiefs-royals-kc-could-124519748.html">repeatedly changing plans and venues</a>&nbsp;for months prior to the vote.&nbsp; The opposition was led by KC Tenants, who had a<a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2024-04-03/kc-tenants-leader-says-regressive-tax-ask-from-billionaire-owners-motivated-opposition">&nbsp;simple message</a>– why subsidize billionaire-owned, for-profit sports teams with a regressive sales tax that falls hardest on the poor, when Kansas Citians cannot find decent, affordable housing? This problem extends well into Kansas.

Few observers believe the defeat had anything to do with Arrowhead Stadium, or the Chiefs. Arrowhead will already be the&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/sports/2026-world-cup/chiefs-sporting-execs-say-world-cup-stadium-updates-will-begin-soon/">site of renovations&nbsp;</a>in advance of the 2026 World Cup, which will feature games played there. For additional improvements, the Chiefs and Royals now plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffedotin/2024/04/28/why-the-chiefs-and-royals-will-go-their-separate-ways-on-future-stadium-plans/?sh=6f700328f0b7">seek support separately</a>. The Chiefs have a stronger case, and they wish to remain at Arrowhead.

Of course, none of this kept the hype machine from springing into action.&nbsp; Proposals came from as far away as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/article/chiefs-consider-san-antonio-move-19454861.php">San Antonio</a>, suggesting that the Chiefs move (they have a fiercely loyal fan base here and no plans to move).&nbsp; Ignoring the caution of Governor Kelly, Kansas Legislators also leapt into the act, suggesting an&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-lawmakers-get-glimpse-of-chiefs-future-as-they-consider-star-bond-package/">extravagant new Chiefs stadium in Wyandotte County,</a>&nbsp;with a ludicrous plan to fund it with STAR bonds.&nbsp; Considering that the more modest Prairie Fire project in Overland Park recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/johnson-county-mega-development-defaults-123000389.html">defaulted&nbsp;on its STAR bonds</a>, the idea that a multibillion dollar football stadium could be entirely financed this way is outrageous. Granted, Sporting Kansas City’s Children's Mercy soccer stadium in Wyandotte County was a successful STAR bonds project–but it is much smaller and only a fraction the cost of a new football stadium.&nbsp; When STAR bonds default, Kansas and/or local taxpayers are on the hook, as with Prairie Fire.

All this hype completely misses the point.&nbsp; The real story of that Jackson County vote is not about sports at all.&nbsp; It is about housing costs.

KC Tenants is a&nbsp;<a href="https://kctenants.org/">new group</a>&nbsp;formed out of backlash against the KC area’s skyrocketing housing costs and substandard rental housing. Last year, they upset an establishment candidate to win a seat on the KCMO city council, and now this. The housing problem is also hitting hard in Kansas, and it is only a matter of time before KC Tenants or similar groups start popping up here. They secured a 58% “no” vote on the sports tax in Jackson County, despite being outspent by about 20 to 1.&nbsp;

Housing costs are shooting up all over Kansas.&nbsp; In the last year, they rose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article288145480.html">6.9% in KC</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/32452/lawrence-ks/">5.5% in Lawrence</a>&nbsp;(where they were already high), and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/city/19878/KS/Wichita/housing-market">whopping 10.9% in Wichita</a>. In Topeka, a recent KSNT story found that housing costs have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/sell-incredibly-quickly-topekas-home-prices-continue-to-climb/#:~:text=The%20data%20shows%20that%20since,home%20in%20Topeka%20is%20%24183%2C992.">nearly doubled in the last two decades</a>.&nbsp; In many places where affordable housing can still be found, it is in poor condition.&nbsp; This includes&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/11/as-rural-homelessness-increases-hud-aims-money-at-helping-people-without-access-to-shelters/">large swaths of rural Kansas</a>.

Nationally, housing costs are rising&nbsp;<a href="https://lbmjournal.com/home-prices-are-rising-2x-faster-than-income/">twice as fast as wages</a>.&nbsp; This drains money from other needs, lowers the quality of life, and worsens homelessness.&nbsp; Expect this new movement’s influence to keep spreading across both states, until policymakers start listening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasKansas policymakers are abuzz about the recent defeat of a sports stadium tax in Jackson County, MO.&nbsp; Unfortunately, they’re saying all the wrong things.&nbsp; To paraphrase James Carville, “it’s affordable housing, stupid.”If the tax had been approved, the money would have gone to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs.&nbsp; The three eights cent sales tax extension would also have partially financed a new, downtown stadium for the Royals. Before the vote, nearly all publicity was on the Royals, who confused voters by&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/future-chiefs-royals-kc-could-124519748.html">repeatedly changing plans and venues</a>&nbsp;for months prior to the vote.&nbsp; The opposition was led by KC Tenants, who had a<a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2024-04-03/kc-tenants-leader-says-regressive-tax-ask-from-billionaire-owners-motivated-opposition">&nbsp;simple message</a>– why subsidize billionaire-owned, for-profit sports teams with a regressive sales tax that falls hardest on the poor, when Kansas Citians cannot find decent, affordable housing? This problem extends well into Kansas.Few observers believe the defeat had anything to do with Arrowhead Stadium, or the Chiefs. Arrowhead will already be the&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/sports/2026-world-cup/chiefs-sporting-execs-say-world-cup-stadium-updates-will-begin-soon/">site of renovations&nbsp;</a>in advance of the 2026 World Cup, which will feature games played there. For additional improvements, the Chiefs and Royals now plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffedotin/2024/04/28/why-the-chiefs-and-royals-will-go-their-separate-ways-on-future-stadium-plans/?sh=6f700328f0b7">seek support separately</a>. The Chiefs have a stronger case, and they wish to remain at Arrowhead.Of course, none of this kept the hype machine from springing into action.&nbsp; Proposals came from as far away as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/article/chiefs-consider-san-antonio-move-19454861.php">San Antonio</a>, suggesting that the Chiefs move (they have a fiercely loyal fan base here and no plans to move).&nbsp; Ignoring the caution of Governor Kelly, Kansas Legislators also leapt into the act, suggesting an&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-lawmakers-get-glimpse-of-chiefs-future-as-they-consider-star-bond-package/">extravagant new Chiefs stadium in Wyandotte County,</a>&nbsp;with a ludicrous plan to fund it with STAR bonds.&nbsp; Considering that the more modest Prairie Fire project in Overland Park recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/johnson-county-mega-development-defaults-123000389.html">defaulted&nbsp;on its STAR bonds</a>, the idea that a multibillion dollar football stadium could be entirely financed this way is outrageous. Granted, Sporting Kansas City’s Children's Mercy soccer stadium in Wyandotte County was a successful STAR bonds project–but it is much smaller and only a fraction the cost of a new football stadium.&nbsp; When STAR bonds default, Kansas and/or local taxpayers are on the hook, as with Prairie Fire.All this hype completely misses the point.&nbsp; The real story of that Jackson County vote is not about sports at all.&nbsp; It is about housing costs.KC Tenants is a&nbsp;<a href="https://kctenants.org/">new group</a>&nbsp;formed out of backlash against the KC area’s skyrocketing housing costs and substandard rental housing. Last year, they upset an establishment candidate to win a seat on the KCMO city council, and now this. The housing problem is also hitting hard in Kansas, and it is only a matter of time before KC Tenants or similar groups start popping up here. They secured a 58% “no” vote on the sports tax in Jackson County, despite being outspent by about 20 to 1.&nbsp;Housing costs are shooting up all over Kansas.&nbsp; In the last year, they rose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article288145480.html">6.9% in KC</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/32452/lawrence-ks/">5.5% in Lawrence</a>&nbsp;(where they were already high), and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/city/19878/KS/Wichita/housing-market">whopping 10.9% in Wichita</a>. In Topeka, a recent KSNT story found that housing costs have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/sell-incredibly-quickly-topekas-home-prices-continue-to-climb/#:~:text=The%20data%20shows%20that%20since,home%20in%20Topeka%20is%20%24183%2C992.">nearly doubled in the last two decades</a>.&nbsp; In many places where affordable housing can still be found, it is in poor condition.&nbsp; This includes&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/11/as-rural-homelessness-increases-hud-aims-money-at-helping-people-without-access-to-shelters/">large swaths of rural Kansas</a>.Nationally, housing costs are rising&nbsp;<a href="https://lbmjournal.com/home-prices-are-rising-2x-faster-than-income/">twice as fast as wages</a>.&nbsp; This drains money from other needs, lowers the quality of life, and worsens homelessness.&nbsp; Expect this new movement’s influence to keep spreading across both states, until policymakers start listening.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas needs affordable housing, not a football stadium

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716074277514.jpeg" alt="" />
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Three-day weather outlook

Conservation district employees organization meets

Enter the Teachers Appreciation Sweepstakes!

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Although soybeans are grown more north and east of Ellis County, I felt this information on a new pest of soybeans would be of interest to the agriculture community as a whole.

In 2023, soybean gall midge was found infesting soybean and sweet clover in Marshall and Nemaha counties. Since this pest can overwinter in Kansas, producers should be on the lookout for additional infestations in 2024.

The Soybean Gall Midge (Resseliella maxima) was first observed in Nebraska in 2011 but was not officially described as a new species until 2018 when this tiny fly established itself as an emerging pest of soybeans in South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa. New infestations have been documented every year since and its range has expanded into Missouri. Soybean gall midge has been documented in Nebraska along the Kansas border as recently as 2021. This pest should be actively scouted for during the growing season, especially in counties along the Nebraska border.

Losses from soybean gall midge infestation are due to plant death and lodging. Heavily infested fields have shown the potential for complete yield losses from the edge of the field up to 100 feet into the field and a 20% yield loss from 200 to 400 feet into the field.

Identification and Lifecycle -Adults: tiny (2-3mm), delicate flies with an orange abdomen, slender bodies and mottled wings. Long legs are banded with alternating light and dark markings. Larvae: small, legless, maggots that are clear to white-colored when young but turn bright orange when mature.

Soybean gall midge overwinters as larvae in the first few inches of soil. After pupation in the early spring, adult midges emerge and lay their eggs on the lower portions of stems or at the base of soybean plants. The eggs hatch and the larvae feed within the stems. Infestation does not occur until the V2 stage when natural fissures and cracks appear in stems allowing entry by larvae. Infestation can continue into the reproductive growth stages. So far, there appear to be at least two generations per growing season. The adult soybean gall midges do not feed on soybeans.

Scouting - begin scouting soybean plants at the V2 growth stage. Symptoms of infestation include:

1. wilting or dead soybeans along field edges with decreasing damage into the center of the field,

2. darkening and swelling at the base of stems,

3. brittle stems that break easily near their base, and

4. small orange larvae present in split open stems.

Management - as such a new pest, no published research-based management recommendations are currently available. On-farm studies in impacted states are examining the effects of cultural practices and insecticides on preventing losses. Seed treatments have not been shown to be effective.

Please report any occurrence of soybean gall midge to your local extension professional or contact the K-State Entomology Department. The Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network, https://soybeangallmidge.org/, can be used to track developments regarding this new pest.

Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomology, Southwest Research and Extension Center.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAlthough soybeans are grown more north and east of Ellis County, I felt this information on a new pest of soybeans would be of interest to the agriculture community as a whole.In 2023, soybean gall midge was found infesting soybean and sweet clover in Marshall and Nemaha counties. Since this pest can overwinter in Kansas, producers should be on the lookout for additional infestations in 2024.The Soybean Gall Midge (Resseliella maxima) was first observed in Nebraska in 2011 but was not officially described as a new species until 2018 when this tiny fly established itself as an emerging pest of soybeans in South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa. New infestations have been documented every year since and its range has expanded into Missouri. Soybean gall midge has been documented in Nebraska along the Kansas border as recently as 2021. This pest should be actively scouted for during the growing season, especially in counties along the Nebraska border.Losses from soybean gall midge infestation are due to plant death and lodging. Heavily infested fields have shown the potential for complete yield losses from the edge of the field up to 100 feet into the field and a 20% yield loss from 200 to 400 feet into the field.Identification and Lifecycle -Adults: tiny (2-3mm), delicate flies with an orange abdomen, slender bodies and mottled wings. Long legs are banded with alternating light and dark markings. Larvae: small, legless, maggots that are clear to white-colored when young but turn bright orange when mature.Soybean gall midge overwinters as larvae in the first few inches of soil. After pupation in the early spring, adult midges emerge and lay their eggs on the lower portions of stems or at the base of soybean plants. The eggs hatch and the larvae feed within the stems. Infestation does not occur until the V2 stage when natural fissures and cracks appear in stems allowing entry by larvae. Infestation can continue into the reproductive growth stages. So far, there appear to be at least two generations per growing season. The adult soybean gall midges do not feed on soybeans.Scouting - begin scouting soybean plants at the V2 growth stage. Symptoms of infestation include:1. wilting or dead soybeans along field edges with decreasing damage into the center of the field,2. darkening and swelling at the base of stems,3. brittle stems that break easily near their base, and4. small orange larvae present in split open stems.Management - as such a new pest, no published research-based management recommendations are currently available. On-farm studies in impacted states are examining the effects of cultural practices and insecticides on preventing losses. Seed treatments have not been shown to be effective.Please report any occurrence of soybean gall midge to your local extension professional or contact the K-State Entomology Department. The Soybean Gall Midge Alert Network, https://soybeangallmidge.org/, can be used to track developments regarding this new pest.Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, K-State Extension Entomology, Southwest Research and Extension Center.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Be on the lookout for Soybean Gall Midge

By RACHEL MIRO Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — All six of Kansas’ state universities have proposed tuition increases for the 2024-2025 school year, citing inflation, declining enrollment and staff retention costs.

Emporia State University, diverging from the other institutions, proposed cutting student fees to fully offset the increase in tuition.

University officials on Wednesday had a preliminary discussion about the proposed increases with the Kansas Board of Regents. KBOR sets tuition and fee rates for the state’s public university and usually formally implements these changes through a vote in the later summer months.

Jeff DeWitt, chief financial officer for the University of Kansas, said KU is proposing a 3.5% tuition increase for both undergraduate and graduate students. DeWitt chalked the change up to inflation pressures, market pay to retain faculty and staff, facility maintenance, and cybersecurity and technology costs. The change would add $28.6 million in tuition revenue for the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.

DeWitt said the university failed to attract top-shelf researchers on multiple occasions because it couldn’t afford to match other offers. He said many staff and faculty members at KU are also paid less than their peers at other institutions.

“If you want to be great, you gotta have a great workforce to do that, and you gotta bring in those top researchers and those top faculty to develop the workforce of the future,” DeWitt said.

At Kansas State University, officials proposed a 2.8% tuition increase for undergraduates and graduate students, an adjustment projected to generate approximately $5,583,399 in additional funds. According to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/About/Board_Meetings/FY_2024/Final_Tuition_with_Supplemental_Information.pdf">K-State’s document</a>,&nbsp;the university has struggled with the pandemic, years-long enrollment decline and cybersecurity threats.

Wichita State University is proposing a 3.9% tuition increase for all students, estimated to generate $3.6 million in tuition revenue to offset operating costs such as student scholarships and utilities. The university froze tuition hikes through 2022 and 2023 but increased rates by 5.9% in 2024.&nbsp;

Pittsburg State University is asking for a 3.5% increase in 1.2% increase in fees. The proposed tuition change would be an increase of $107 per semester for undergraduates and $125 per semester for graduate students. A proposed $60 fee per semester would support the College of Technology.

“During a time of significant inflation impacts to students and the university, this proposal will continue to represent significant value to students and families by keeping tuition rate changes greatly below general inflation, while allowing important investments in key strategic goals and student success and experience initiatives,” the university said in its written request.

Fort Hays State University is proposing a 6% tuition increase, citing uncertain future enrollment. Even with the increase, FHSU plans to reduce its budget by an estimated $825,000 next year, according to the university’s proposal outline. The tuition increase would generate about $960,000.

“As we progress through the uncertainty of the future and the challenges facing higher education, including record inflation, declining high school senior graduates, increased competition, and wage pressures, the university has instituted several measures to keep costs down,” FHSU said in its proposal. “… While we continue to see savings from our actions, we also plan for additional financial challenges.”

Emporia State University is seeking a 4% tuition increase for undergraduates and a 2%&nbsp;increase for graduate students. However, the university is also cutting campus fees by 17%, allowing for a net decrease in costs of $14.28 per semester for a full-time resident undergraduate student and $109.21 for a full-time resident graduate student.

“Our combined goal is always affordability for all students,” said Angela Wolgram, ESU assistant vice president and deputy chief financial officer. “Our students will actually be paying less next year to attend ESU than they did this fall.”

The request follows continued public outcry over the school’s mass firing of professors in 2022 and rapidly declining enrollment.

ESU fired 30 professors and eliminated programs and majors in 2022 before investing in new programs. The Legislature allocated&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/12/emporia-state-university-forges-new-identity-with-9m-earmark-from-kansas-legislature/">a $9 million earmark</a>&nbsp;in the state budgets last year and this year to support the endeavor, known as the “ESU model.” The governor used a line-item veto on the earmark earlier this year but allowed it to remain in legislation passed shortly before lawmakers adjourned.

In the university’s written proposal, ESU officials said they expected enrollment numbers to stabilize in 2025, following&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/27/kansas-public-university-college-enrollment-grows-despite-12-5-plunge-at-emporia-state/">a 12.5% plunge</a>&nbsp;last fall. The university said it will focus on “programs most aligned with workforce needs and enhancing marketing to build the university’s brand and attract more students from the shrinking college-going population.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715974163887.jpeg" alt="Emporia State University has proposed to cut a campus fee to cut down on net student costs. It joins other state universities in proposals to raise tuition. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Emporia State University has proposed to cut a campus fee to cut down on net student costs. It joins other state universities in proposals to raise tuition. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIRO Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — All six of Kansas’ state universities have proposed tuition increases for the 2024-2025 school year, citing inflation, declining enrollment and staff retention costs.Emporia State University, diverging from the other institutions, proposed cutting student fees to fully offset the increase in tuition.University officials on Wednesday had a preliminary discussion about the proposed increases with the Kansas Board of Regents. KBOR sets tuition and fee rates for the state’s public university and usually formally implements these changes through a vote in the later summer months.Jeff DeWitt, chief financial officer for the University of Kansas, said KU is proposing a 3.5% tuition increase for both undergraduate and graduate students. DeWitt chalked the change up to inflation pressures, market pay to retain faculty and staff, facility maintenance, and cybersecurity and technology costs. The change would add $28.6 million in tuition revenue for the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.DeWitt said the university failed to attract top-shelf researchers on multiple occasions because it couldn’t afford to match other offers. He said many staff and faculty members at KU are also paid less than their peers at other institutions.“If you want to be great, you gotta have a great workforce to do that, and you gotta bring in those top researchers and those top faculty to develop the workforce of the future,” DeWitt said.At Kansas State University, officials proposed a 2.8% tuition increase for undergraduates and graduate students, an adjustment projected to generate approximately $5,583,399 in additional funds. According to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/About/Board_Meetings/FY_2024/Final_Tuition_with_Supplemental_Information.pdf">K-State’s document</a>,&nbsp;the university has struggled with the pandemic, years-long enrollment decline and cybersecurity threats.Wichita State University is proposing a 3.9% tuition increase for all students, estimated to generate $3.6 million in tuition revenue to offset operating costs such as student scholarships and utilities. The university froze tuition hikes through 2022 and 2023 but increased rates by 5.9% in 2024.&nbsp;Pittsburg State University is asking for a 3.5% increase in 1.2% increase in fees. The proposed tuition change would be an increase of $107 per semester for undergraduates and $125 per semester for graduate students. A proposed $60 fee per semester would support the College of Technology.“During a time of significant inflation impacts to students and the university, this proposal will continue to represent significant value to students and families by keeping tuition rate changes greatly below general inflation, while allowing important investments in key strategic goals and student success and experience initiatives,” the university said in its written request.Fort Hays State University is proposing a 6% tuition increase, citing uncertain future enrollment. Even with the increase, FHSU plans to reduce its budget by an estimated $825,000 next year, according to the university’s proposal outline. The tuition increase would generate about $960,000.“As we progress through the uncertainty of the future and the challenges facing higher education, including record inflation, declining high school senior graduates, increased competition, and wage pressures, the university has instituted several measures to keep costs down,” FHSU said in its proposal. “… While we continue to see savings from our actions, we also plan for additional financial challenges.”Emporia State University is seeking a 4% tuition increase for undergraduates and a 2%&nbsp;increase for graduate students. However, the university is also cutting campus fees by 17%, allowing for a net decrease in costs of $14.28 per semester for a full-time resident undergraduate student and $109.21 for a full-time resident graduate student.“Our combined goal is always affordability for all students,” said Angela Wolgram, ESU assistant vice president and deputy chief financial officer. “Our students will actually be paying less next year to attend ESU than they did this fall.”The request follows continued public outcry over the school’s mass firing of professors in 2022 and rapidly declining enrollment.ESU fired 30 professors and eliminated programs and majors in 2022 before investing in new programs. The Legislature allocated&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/12/emporia-state-university-forges-new-identity-with-9m-earmark-from-kansas-legislature/">a $9 million earmark</a>&nbsp;in the state budgets last year and this year to support the endeavor, known as the “ESU model.” The governor used a line-item veto on the earmark earlier this year but allowed it to remain in legislation passed shortly before lawmakers adjourned.In the university’s written proposal, ESU officials said they expected enrollment numbers to stabilize in 2025, following&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/27/kansas-public-university-college-enrollment-grows-despite-12-5-plunge-at-emporia-state/">a 12.5% plunge</a>&nbsp;last fall. The university said it will focus on “programs most aligned with workforce needs and enhancing marketing to build the university’s brand and attract more students from the shrinking college-going population.”

All Kansas universities request tuition hikes; FHSU to cut budget

The Hays Area Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in Hays City Hall to consider the rezoning request from public and institutional to neighborhood shopping district and residential multi-family district for the property at 27th and Main St.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Plans for the site currently owned by the city include the new location of Astra Bank and future mixed-use housing.

Other discussion will involve the preliminary and final planned developments of The Grove, north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive.&nbsp;

Commissioners will be asked to set public hearing dates of June 17 for both matters.

In other business, the commission will discuss the recent designation of the Hays Area Planning Commission as the Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Area Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in Hays City Hall to consider the rezoning request from public and institutional to neighborhood shopping district and residential multi-family district for the property at 27th and Main St.&nbsp;&nbsp;Plans for the site currently owned by the city include the new location of Astra Bank and future mixed-use housing.Other discussion will involve the preliminary and final planned developments of The Grove, north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive.&nbsp;Commissioners will be asked to set public hearing dates of June 17 for both matters.In other business, the commission will discuss the recent designation of the Hays Area Planning Commission as the Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals.

Hays Area Planning Commission to meet to rezone future Astra Bank property

First Responders Appreciation Barbeque planned

TOPEKA — The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force has named 97 schools as recipients of the 2023 Challenge Awards based on criteria met during the 2022-23 school year.

The awards recognize Kansas schools that are making a notable difference in student achievement despite facing significant challenges in their school population. Since its inception in 2002, more than 1,900 awards have been presented to schools across the state.

The Challenge Award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishments based on Kansas assessment results in math and reading, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism rates and the socio-economic status of those taking the test.

For more information about the Challenge Awards program, call Tamla Miller, public service administrator for Communications and Recognition Programs at the Kansas State Department of Education, at (785) 296-4950.

SubmittedTOPEKA — The Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force has named 97 schools as recipients of the 2023 Challenge Awards based on criteria met during the 2022-23 school year.The awards recognize Kansas schools that are making a notable difference in student achievement despite facing significant challenges in their school population. Since its inception in 2002, more than 1,900 awards have been presented to schools across the state.The Challenge Award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishments based on Kansas assessment results in math and reading, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism rates and the socio-economic status of those taking the test.For more information about the Challenge Awards program, call Tamla Miller, public service administrator for Communications and Recognition Programs at the Kansas State Department of Education, at (785) 296-4950.2023 Challenge Award Schools<ul>
 <li>McKinley Elementary School, Abilene USD 435</li><li>Roosevelt Elementary School, Arkansas City USD 470</li><li>Robert E. Clark Middle School, Bonner Springs USD 204</li><li>Caldwell Elementary School, Caldwell USD 360</li><li>Caldwell High School, Caldwell USD 360</li><li>Central Plains Elementary School-Holyrood, Central Plains USD 112</li><li>Anthony Elementary School, Chaparral USD 361</li><li>Harper Elementary School, Chaparral USD 361</li><li>Southeast Elementary School, Cherokee USD 247</li><li>Southeast Middle School, Cherokee USD 247</li><li>Chetopa High School, Chetopa-St. Paul USD 505</li><li>St. Paul High School, Chetopa-St. Paul USD 505</li><li>Concordia Middle School, Concordia USD 333</li><li>Deerfield Middle School, Deerfield USD 216</li><li>Dexter Elementary School, Dexter USD 471</li><li>Miller Elementary School, Dodge City USD 443</li><li>Northwest Elementary School, Dodge City USD 443</li><li>Sunnyside Elementary School, Dodge City USD 443</li><li>Blackmore Elementary School, El Dorado USD 490</li><li>Elk Valley Elementary School, Elk Valley USD 283</li><li>Marshall Elementary School, Eureka USD 389</li><li>Galena Middle School, Galena USD 499</li><li>Liberty Elementary School, Galena USD 499</li><li>Buffalo Jones Elementary School, Garden City USD 457</li><li>Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center, Garden City USD 457</li><li>Edith Scheuerman Elementary School, Garden City USD 457</li><li>Georgia Matthews Elementary School, Garden City USD 457</li><li>Victor Ornelas Elementary School, Garden City USD 457</li><li>Moonlight Elementary School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231</li><li>Grandview Elementary School, Geary County USD 475</li><li>Washington Elementary School, Geary County USD 475</li><li>Golden Plains High School, Golden Plains USD 316</li><li>Riley Elementary School, Great Bend USD 428</li><li>Lincoln Elementary School, Hays USD 489</li><li>Hugoton Middle School, Hugoton USD 210</li><li>Lincoln Elementary School, Hutchinson USD 308</li><li>Jefferson Elementary School, Independence USD 446</li><li>Emerson Elementary School, Kansas City USD 500</li><li>Frank Rushton Elementary School, Kansas City USD 500</li><li>John Fiske Elementary School, Kansas City USD 500</li><li>Thomas A Edison Elementary School, Kansas City USD 500</li><li>Lakin Middle School, Lakin USD 215</li><li>Lewis Elementary School, Lewis USD 502</li><li>Lyons Central Elementary School, Lyons USD 405</li><li>Lyons Middle School, Lyons USD 405</li><li>Macksville Elementary School, Macksville USD 351</li><li>Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383</li><li>Prairie Heights Elementary School, Morris County USD 417</li><li>Moscow Elementary School, Moscow USD 209</li><li>South Breeze Elementary School, Newton USD 373</li><li>Nickerson Elementary School, Nickerson USD 309</li><li>Long Island Middle School, Northern Valley USD 212</li><li>Westview Elementary School, Olathe USD 233</li><li>Oswego Jr/Sr High School, Oswego USD 504</li><li>Lincoln Elementary School, Ottawa USD 290</li><li>Garfield Elementary School, Parsons USD 503</li><li>Guthridge Elementary School, Parsons USD 503</li><li>Pittsburg Middle School, Pittsburg USD 250</li><li>Westside Elementary School, Pittsburg USD 250</li><li>Pleasanton Elementary School, Pleasanton USD 344</li><li>Remington Middle School, Remington-Whitewater USD 206</li><li>Rock Hills Jr/Sr High School, Rock Hills USD 107</li><li>Rolla Jr/Sr High School, Rolla USD 217</li><li>Cottonwood Elementary School, Salina USD 305</li><li>Lakewood Middle School, Salina USD 305</li><li>Comanche Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512</li><li>Shawanoe Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512</li><li>Glasco Elementary School, Southern Cloud USD 334</li><li>Sublette Elementary School, Sublette USD 374</li><li>Chase Middle School, Topeka USD 501</li><li>Marjorie French Middle School, Topeka USD 501</li><li>McCarter Elementary School, Topeka USD 501</li><li>McEachron Elementary School, Topeka USD 501</li><li>Quincy Elementary School, Topeka USD 501</li><li>Scott Dual Language Magnet, Topeka USD 501</li><li>State Street Elementary School, Topeka USD 501</li><li>Whitson Elementary School, Topeka USD 501</li><li>Junction Elementary School, Turner USD 202</li><li>Midland Trail Elementary School, Turner USD 202</li><li>Tescott Elementary School, Twin Valley USD 240</li><li>Lakeside Elementary School, Waconda USD 272</li><li>Lakeside Jr/Sr High School, Waconda USD 272</li><li>Lincoln Elementary School, Wellington USD 353</li><li>Allison Traditional Magnet Middle School, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Cleaveland Traditional Magnet Elementary School, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Earhart Environmental Magnet Elementary School, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Enterprise Elementary School, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Franklin Elementary School, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Kensler Elementary School, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Mayberry Cultural and Fine Arts Magnet, Wichita USD 259</li><li>McLean Science and Technology Magnet Elementary School, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Minneha Core Knowledge Elementary School, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Pleasant Valley Middle School, Wichita USD 259</li><li>Price-Harris Communications Magnet Elementary School, Wichita USD 259</li>
 </ul>

Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force names Lincoln as award recipient

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715978640936.jpeg" alt="" />
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Green & Growing Harvesting Rain Water

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

<div></div>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561995642681.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8_QapUV_xYo?si=MR_64btnWHxJsyzR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

🎤Forward Ever: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall

Morgan Brothers Construction will begin work on the pavement on 28th Street between Fort and Oak at about 8 a.m. Monday.

The area will remain open at this time, and traffic control will be set in areas where work is being completed. 

 If you have any questions, call Morgan Brother Construction at 785-394-1777 or 785-432-3104 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

City of HaysMorgan Brothers Construction will begin work on the pavement on 28th Street between Fort and Oak at about 8 a.m. Monday.The area will remain open at this time, and traffic control will be set in areas where work is being completed. If you have any questions, call Morgan Brother Construction at 785-394-1777 or 785-432-3104 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

Reconstruction of 28th St. in Hays to start next week

The unemployment rate in Ellis County for April dipped only slightly from 2.2% in March to 2.1% in April.

The jobless rate across northwest Kansas remained very low at 3.1% or less. Trego County's unemployment rate dropped almost a percentage point from 3.7% to 2.9%.

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8% in April. This is an increase from 2.7% in March and an increase from 2.7% in April 2023.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,000 from March. The total number of nonfarms includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 1,700 over the month, while government increased by 300.

Since April 2023, Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 23,000. This change is due to an increase of 17,500 private sector jobs and 5,500 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715954877089.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of LaborThe unemployment rate in Ellis County for April dipped only slightly from 2.2% in March to 2.1% in April.The jobless rate across northwest Kansas remained very low at 3.1% or less. Trego County's unemployment rate dropped almost a percentage point from 3.7% to 2.9%.Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8% in April. This is an increase from 2.7% in March and an increase from 2.7% in April 2023.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,000 from March. The total number of nonfarms includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 1,700 over the month, while government increased by 300.Since April 2023, Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 23,000. This change is due to an increase of 17,500 private sector jobs and 5,500 government jobs.

Ellis County unemployment rate steady; still low across northwest Kansas

The Chamber in Hays, alongside the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County, is thrilled to announce that sponsorships are now open for the highly anticipated 3rd Annual Child Care Provider Appreciation event.

This year's event is proudly title sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, and promises to be a heartwarming celebration of the invaluable contributions made by child care providers in the Ellis County area.

Scheduled from 6:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m., at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350 E 8th St., the event aims to honor and thank child care providers for their dedication to nurturing and caring for our community's youth.

"We are excited to once again host this special event to express our gratitude to the child care providers who play such a vital role in the development of our children," said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Chamber in Hays. "Their tireless efforts and commitment deserve recognition and appreciation."

The event will feature a complimentary dinner and dessert for all attending child care providers, as well as exciting opportunities to win prizes generously provided by our sponsors.

Additionally, the first 100 providers to arrive will receive swag bags courtesy of event sponsors.

Sponsorship opportunities range from a $25 door prize sponsor to the prestigious $500 Child Care Champion level.

The Champion level sponsorship includes three tickets to attend the event, booth space, a $25 Chamber Cheque donation, inclusion in all market materials, and placement of a promotional item in the swag bags provided to attendees."We encourage businesses and individuals alike to consider becoming sponsors of this meaningful event," Wasinger said. "By supporting the Child Care Provider Appreciation event, sponsors not only demonstrate their appreciation for our dedicated child care providers but also contribute to the overall well-being of our community."In addition to the Child Care Champion sponsorship, other levels of sponsorship are available, including the $250 Advocate and the $100 Supporter levels.

Sponsorship funds will go directly towards ensuring the success of the event and providing a memorable experience for all attendees.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to become a sponsor, please contact the Chamber in Hays.“Don't miss this opportunity to show your support and appreciation for our hardworking child care providers. Mark your calendars for June 20 and join us in celebrating these unsung heroes of our community,” Wasinger said.

For more information, visit the Chamber in Hays website,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634743366242.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Chamber in Hays, alongside the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County, is thrilled to announce that sponsorships are now open for the highly anticipated 3rd Annual Child Care Provider Appreciation event.This year's event is proudly title sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, and promises to be a heartwarming celebration of the invaluable contributions made by child care providers in the Ellis County area.Scheduled from 6:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m., at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350 E 8th St., the event aims to honor and thank child care providers for their dedication to nurturing and caring for our community's youth."We are excited to once again host this special event to express our gratitude to the child care providers who play such a vital role in the development of our children," said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Chamber in Hays. "Their tireless efforts and commitment deserve recognition and appreciation."The event will feature a complimentary dinner and dessert for all attending child care providers, as well as exciting opportunities to win prizes generously provided by our sponsors.Additionally, the first 100 providers to arrive will receive swag bags courtesy of event sponsors.Sponsorship opportunities range from a $25 door prize sponsor to the prestigious $500 Child Care Champion level.The Champion level sponsorship includes three tickets to attend the event, booth space, a $25 Chamber Cheque donation, inclusion in all market materials, and placement of a promotional item in the swag bags provided to attendees."We encourage businesses and individuals alike to consider becoming sponsors of this meaningful event," Wasinger said. "By supporting the Child Care Provider Appreciation event, sponsors not only demonstrate their appreciation for our dedicated child care providers but also contribute to the overall well-being of our community."In addition to the Child Care Champion sponsorship, other levels of sponsorship are available, including the $250 Advocate and the $100 Supporter levels.Sponsorship funds will go directly towards ensuring the success of the event and providing a memorable experience for all attendees.To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to become a sponsor, please contact the Chamber in Hays.“Don't miss this opportunity to show your support and appreciation for our hardworking child care providers. Mark your calendars for June 20 and join us in celebrating these unsung heroes of our community,” Wasinger said.For more information, visit the Chamber in Hays website,&nbsp;<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sponsorship opportunities available for 3rd-annual Child Care Provider Appreciation

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

Brett Meyer was disappointed three years ago when he barely missed qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 1,500-meter run.

But he knew he still had time to realize that dream.

“Generally, the best middle-distance runners are around 27 to 28 years old,” he said. “I knew I had more opportunities ahead of me.”

That theory – along with a lot of hard work – has paid off.

The 27-year-old Meyer, a former national champion at Fort Hays State University who now coaches distance runners on the Tiger track team, will compete in the 1,500 meters at this summer’s U.S. Olympic Trials.

He recorded a personal-best time of 3 minutes, 36.8 seconds at a race in California last July, and he has been training ever since for the Trials, set for June 21-30 in Eugene, Oregon.

Following that race, he anxiously awaited the release of the Olympic standards for 2024 and received a huge Christmas present in December when he learned the 1,500 standard was 3:37.0.

Meyer said that was a big relief. Three years ago, he raced right up to the time of the Trials in an effort to meet the qualifying mark and “every race I was in three weeks before the Trials, I was under a lot of pressure.”

“I was excited to get the Olympic standard out of the way this time, because I didn’t want to be chasing it the whole year,” he said. “This way, I wasn’t stressed about trying to find races to better my time, and I could focus on my mental state.”

Handling one’s emotions is key to racing success, said Meyer, who trains on his own. And it has been an emotional roller-coaster year for Meyer and his family.

He and his wife, Kelly, bought their first house last fall.

Kelly’s father, Terry Wycoff from Scott City, died of heart complications at age 66 in January.

And Kelly gave birth to their firstborn son, Judah James, in April.

“I have a lot to run for this year,” said Meyer, who added that he is proud to represent Fort Hays State as well.

The feeling is mutual for FHSU Head Coach Jason McCullough, who Meyer trained under during his collegiate career.

Meyer is just the second former FHSU athlete coached by McCullough to qualify for the Trials in the past eight years after marathoner Cory Keehn made the USA Olympic Team Trials in 2016.

“I’m proud of Brett. It takes a lot of work and a lot of persistence,” said McCullough, who also is pleased to have Meyer as one of his assistant coaches. “You have to be patient and believe in yourself.”

Meyer, a multi-sport athlete at Scott City Community High School, actually wanted to play basketball in college.

But he decided to follow his high school sweetheart, Kelly Wycoff, to Fort Hays State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715891577808.jpeg" alt="Brett Meyer from Hays hopes to be near the beginning of the pack at the end of the 1,500-meter U.S. Olympic Trials in June, just as he was here at the beginning of the race at the 2023 U.S. Outdoor Championships. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Brett Meyer from Hays hopes to be near the beginning of the pack at the end of the 1,500-meter U.S. Olympic Trials in June, just as he was here at the beginning of the race at the 2023 U.S. Outdoor Championships. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715890703398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostBrett Meyer was disappointed three years ago when he barely missed qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 1,500-meter run.But he knew he still had time to realize that dream.“Generally, the best middle-distance runners are around 27 to 28 years old,” he said. “I knew I had more opportunities ahead of me.”That theory – along with a lot of hard work – has paid off.The 27-year-old Meyer, a former national champion at Fort Hays State University who now coaches distance runners on the Tiger track team, will compete in the 1,500 meters at this summer’s U.S. Olympic Trials.He recorded a personal-best time of 3 minutes, 36.8 seconds at a race in California last July, and he has been training ever since for the Trials, set for June 21-30 in Eugene, Oregon.Following that race, he anxiously awaited the release of the Olympic standards for 2024 and received a huge Christmas present in December when he learned the 1,500 standard was 3:37.0.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715891693889.jpeg" alt="Coaching is in Brett Meyer’s blood, too. Here, he calls out time splits to FHSU sophomore steeplechaser Noah Morenz at this spring’s Alex Francis Invitational in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Coaching is in Brett Meyer’s blood, too. Here, he calls out time splits to FHSU sophomore steeplechaser Noah Morenz at this spring’s Alex Francis Invitational in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Meyer said that was a big relief. Three years ago, he raced right up to the time of the Trials in an effort to meet the qualifying mark and “every race I was in three weeks before the Trials, I was under a lot of pressure.”“I was excited to get the Olympic standard out of the way this time, because I didn’t want to be chasing it the whole year,” he said. “This way, I wasn’t stressed about trying to find races to better my time, and I could focus on my mental state.”Handling one’s emotions is key to racing success, said Meyer, who trains on his own. And it has been an emotional roller-coaster year for Meyer and his family.He and his wife, Kelly, bought their first house last fall.Kelly’s father, Terry Wycoff from Scott City, died of heart complications at age 66 in January.And Kelly gave birth to their firstborn son, Judah James, in April.“I have a lot to run for this year,” said Meyer, who added that he is proud to represent Fort Hays State as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715891745837.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State coaches Brett and Kelly Meyer introduce their young son, Judah, to his first track and field meet at the MIAA Championships in Maryville, Mo., earlier this month. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State coaches Brett and Kelly Meyer introduce their young son, Judah, to his first track and field meet at the MIAA Championships in Maryville, Mo., earlier this month. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The feeling is mutual for FHSU Head Coach Jason McCullough, who Meyer trained under during his collegiate career.Meyer is just the second former FHSU athlete coached by McCullough to qualify for the Trials in the past eight years after marathoner Cory Keehn made the USA Olympic Team Trials in 2016.“I’m proud of Brett. It takes a lot of work and a lot of persistence,” said McCullough, who also is pleased to have Meyer as one of his assistant coaches. “You have to be patient and believe in yourself.”Meyer, a multi-sport athlete at Scott City Community High School, actually wanted to play basketball in college.But he decided to follow his high school sweetheart, Kelly Wycoff, to Fort Hays State.Since she spent a lot of time at the track, Meyer thought he’d give college track a shot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715891814456.jpeg" alt="Qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials someday was far from the minds of Scott City athletes Brett Meyer and his girlfriend, Kelly Wycoff, while competing for FHSU back in 2016. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials someday was far from the minds of Scott City athletes Brett Meyer and his girlfriend, Kelly Wycoff, while competing for FHSU back in 2016. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>McCullough pegged Meyer as a natural for the mile and 1,500 from early on.“By his sophomore year, I remember telling him he would be a sub-4-minute miler,” McCullough said.“He’s really good at racing, and he loves to race,” McCullough said, checking off a list of reasons for Meyer’s success. “He’s also very smart. He plays the long game and is patient. He knows how to win.”“My wife says, ‘If I could brag Brett up, it’s his discipline,’ ” Meyer said.“I don’t know that I’m all that talented, but I don’t miss a day,” he said. “I focus on being disciplined, don’t do any crazy hard difficult workouts.”Humility also is one of Meyer’s characteristics. Anyone who knows him would agree that he is definitely talented.Meyer didn’t let the disappointment of not qualifying in 2021 get him down. He kept training – and racing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715891865705.jpeg" alt="At the U.S. Trials, Brett Meyer will be running with the likes of American standouts Matthew Centrowitz Jr., far left, the 2016 Olympic champion in the 1,500; Joe Wascome, who made the U.S. World Team last year; and Yared Nuguse, the American record holder in the mile run. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>At the U.S. Trials, Brett Meyer will be running with the likes of American standouts Matthew Centrowitz Jr., far left, the 2016 Olympic champion in the 1,500; Joe Wascome, who made the U.S. World Team last year; and Yared Nuguse, the American record holder in the mile run. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>He qualified for both the indoor and outdoor U.S. Championships in 2022. He made it all the way to the outdoor finals, where he finished seventh. He qualified for that meet again last year and finished one spot out of making the finals.Meyer has a busy schedule. Both he and his wife work for the Office of Student Affairs at FHSU. And Kelly, like her husband, is part of the Tiger track and field coaching staff.Meyer knows training takes more than putting in miles, although he does a lot of that, too, logging between 80 and 95 miles a week.“Nutrition, sleep, rest, hydration – they’re all really important,” he said.Jim Krob, who coached cross country and track and field at FHSU from 1988 to 2005 and still lives in Hays, was pleased to hear that Meyer had qualified for the U.S. Trials.“Oh, my, yes,” Krob said when talking about Meyer being a positive representation of Fort Hays State. “He is such a hard worker and such a good kid. And he does a great job of working with those Tiger runners. I hope he does well (at the Trials).”Meyer said parenthood has given him a new twist to everyday life, which includes running about 14 miles a day.“I’m never not tired. Maybe running has been preparing me for this whole parent experience,” he said with a smile.Meyer will accompany the FHSU track team to the NCAA Division II National Championships in Emporia next week, then can totally immerse himself in pre-race mode.He is excited that his young family will accompany him to Oregon, where Kelly and Judah should easily be able to spot their favorite runner.At 6-foot-3, Meyer said he is often a head taller than a lot of his competitors.Hopefully, it will be easier to see the finish line in Eugene.“My A standard would be top three,” Meyer said of the placing that would qualify him for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. “But I’m really into effort goals, and I really just want to leave no regrets.”With Eugene being the home of the University of Oregon, where late distance running icon Steve Prefontaine set the running world on fire in the 1970s, Meyer said he can’t help but think of one of Prefontaine’s famous quotes: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”“That’s what racing is all about,” Meyer said. “The main thing is to give my best effort there and give myself a shot. I don’t want to leave the track thinking I could have done something better.”

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