By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

After serving for more than a decade as a district court
judge in the 23rd judicial district, Judge Glenn Braun’s time on the
bench ended this week.

Braun was first appointed as a district judge in 2012 and
then was re-elected in 2016 and 2020, serving as chief judge of the 23rd
judicial district since 2016. 

He chose not to seek re-election in 2024, and his last day
was Monday, Jan. 13. Hays attorney Curtis Brown was elected in November to fill
Braun’s seat on the bench.

Braun was born in Hays in 1956 and attended many schools
throughout his youth before settling in for four years at Thomas More-Prep in
Hays while his father worked as an attorney in Garden City.

Braun, whose family is from Victoria and Schoenchen, said he
knew from a young age that he would follow in the footsteps of his
father, a well-known trial attorney.

When Braun was in sixth grade, his father took him out of
school to watch a murder trial. His father was the defense attorney in the
trial.

“I watched the trial, from the jury selection all the way to
verdict,” Braun said. “It took a week, and I was hooked. It was the best
education I could get.”

After he got his driver’s permit, he served as his dad’s
chauffeur when he was home in the summer. 

“I went and watched a lot of court at different locations,”
Braun said. “I watched him try a case in federal court. I watched him try
divorce cases way up, east (and in) northeast Kansas. So, I was his chauffeur,
and it was really, really educational.”

He also learned about the profession while playing golf in
the summers with Judge Burt Vance in Garden City. 

"He spoke to me a lot about being a lawyer because he kind
of knew that's where I was going," Braun said.

Braun’s high school graduating class was the first to attend
all four years at TMP, and he went on to graduate from Kansas State and Washburn
School of Law in Topeka, his father’s alma mater. 

While in his second year at law school, Braun took advantage
of an opportunity to work in the Ellis County Attorney’s office for Bill Jeter,
gaining valuable experience and contacts.

He graduated from law school in 1981, and two days after
taking the bar exam, he was back in Hays working for Bob Glassman.

Braun served in private practice for more than three decades, from 1981 to 2012.

He was the Ellis County Attorney from 1989 to 1997. He also
worked as a special DUI prosecutor and then Prosecutor for the City of Hays. 

Braun said serving in those positions kept him and his staff
busy and offered many opportunities. 

“Before I went on the bench, I tried over 100 jury cases,
not just DUIs, as county attorney,” Braun said. “I tried everything from rape,
arson, aggravated robbery, you name it.”

Braun also served on the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
for seven years. He called those seven years some of the busiest of his life
because the Kansas Legislature allowed the state to own and operate casinos.

“We were involved in the opening of the first three casinos.
Dodge City was the first one. Then was Kansas City, Hollywood, and then down in
Wichita, now actually Mulvane,” Braun said. “It was a fascinating experience.”

He also hired Hays attorney Tom Drees while serving as Ellis
County Attorney. Drees served as assistant county attorney until becoming
county attorney in 1997 when Braun was appointed to the district judge
position.

Drees held that position until he was elected district
judge in the 23rd judicial district in 2020. He was re-elected this fall.

Braun has worked in the legal system for four decades, only 12 of which were as a judge, but he said that time feels like the
equivalent of 25 years. 

He experienced three significant disruptions in court services in
his decade on the bench, but they eventually worked out.

First was the Ellis County Courthouse remodel early in his
time as judge. 

"I came on board, and that was almost from day one with
Judge (Edward) Bougher, we had to figure out, first packing up and leaving the
courthouse and then moving back in,” Braun said. “We moved out in 2014, moved back into 2016, you know, that was a huge undertaking. All the planning that
went in, plus you start to do the regular job.”

Not long after settling in, Judge Bougher was offered a
senior judge position and retired. Braun then handled two dockets for
several months in 2016 before Judge Blake Bittle was appointed. 

&nbsp;Once again, things
appeared to be back to normal, and in 2019, COVID struck a “nightmare” for
Braun and the entire judicial system. 

Braun said they were tasked with abiding by administrative rules and COVID restrictions while still doing their jobs, but they were able to gain some benefits from the pandemic changes.

"You know, there's an old saying, 'Never waste a good
crisis,'" Braun said. "And a lot of good things came of it. We're doing a lot more
remote hearings, which is a great cost savings for litigants and attorneys. All of
that came into where it became more standard out of COVID."

Finally, in October 2023, a cyberattack on the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration network brought the courts' new online system to a standstill.

Braun said they had to completely reverse course, going from
a paperless, electronic-centered way of doing things back to the old paper way.

“Fortunately, the county attorney's office during that
cyberattack, had kept paper files,” Braun said. “We would get copies of
pleadings just so we could get ready for a hearing,” Braun said. 

"We would make do, and everybody cooperated to keep the
administration of justice moving forward. Not violating any ethical rules,"
Braun said. "We are very careful on that, and we got through it until we're
back up and running again."

He said he is extremely proud and impressed with how
district court staff handled the situation.

“They have weathered everything with very few complaints,”
Braun said. “I honestly can say I never heard any of them complain. They just
buckled up, and they did it.”

One of Braun’s most lasting legacies will be
helping to launch the Ellis County Recovery Court.

Created in 2018 as Ellis County Drug Court, now called
Recovery Court, it serves as an alternative to jail and aims to combat substance
abuse addiction.

Braun, former County Attorney Chris Lyon, Recovery Court
Coordinator Teresa Greenwood, former Director of Community Corrections John
Trembley, and Hays attorney Curtis Brown were all major players in creating the Ellis County Recovery Court, the only court of its kind in western
Kansas.

Braun said the judges he talked to told him that presiding over recovery court
would be his favorite job, and they were right. 

"Yes, I've had some heartache," Braun said. "We've had
several of our graduates that have relapsed, but to see the success stories and
to see them now, it's like, man, I was a small, tiny part of that. But at least
I was a part of somebody breaking this cycle of addiction."

Braun kept a picture of every person who graduated from
recovery court in a closet next to his office at the courthouse to
celebrate and honor those individuals’ successes.

“Specialty courts, whether it's a drug recovery court or a
behavioral health, or some people call it mental illness court, a Veterans
Treatment Court, now they have family courts. These are a new, innovative way
of trying to change the revolving door," Braun said.

"If everybody expects them
to be perfect, that doesn't happen, but they make a difference, and I am so
proud to have been involved with the recovery court team and with the
participants that we put in there and to see their change in growth."

Braun said one misconception about recovery court is that it
is easy or the court staff goes easy on participants. 

“It's a lot harder to finish recovery court than it is doing straight probation,” Braun said. “You’ve got to go to AA/NA . You’ve got to go
to a group session for drugs. You’ve got to do pro-social activities, all of
these things.

"You don't have to do that on straight probation. So, it's a
lot harder, and when ... if they can graduate, they've accomplished
something," Braun said. 

Braun said he had some great experiences during his more than 40 years in the legal profession. 

"Whether it's Kansas BAR going to United States Supreme
Court or sitting with the Kansas Supreme Court, or being president of the [Kansas Bar Association],"
Braun said.

Braun said his father loved being a lawyer “probably more
than me.” He said it allows you to learn a little bit about many topics.

"If you're in a civil case, you may learn about engineering
or medicine," Braun said. "If you're in a criminal case, you may learn about
forensics. When I tried the aggravated robbery case, we introduced hair
analysis and shoe print analysis, which are stuff that I would have never been exposed to."

Braun won’t be heading straight to retirement. He will
be taking more time for himself and his family. He and his wife, Amy, have five
children and one grandchild.

The day after his retirement from the 23rd Judicial District, Braun began serving in a senior judge position.

Braun will be assigned to special
cases around the state in that part-time position. He also plans to do some mediation work. 

Braun said he would pass on the same advice to the
next person to follow in his footsteps that Judge
Ed Bougher gave him when he first started.

“Always keep an open mind,” Braun said. “Never fall in that
trap of thinking you got it figured out.

"When you've done so much legal work, you get a feeling, 'Oh,
I got this. I know all of this. I've got this figured out. I had a case just
like this years ago," Braun said. "But they're all unique and different."

NWester: Judge Braun retires after working 40+ in local legal system

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center The mission of the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center is to heal the trauma of abuse to children and adults through prevention, support, and services.

They are currently seeking the items below for their comfort bags which they give out after each forensic interview.

After every forensic interview, each child receives a backpack filled with comfort items: school supplies, a blanket, a pillow, hygiene products, toys, books, and more. It's a heartfelt bag from caring people’s donations, a reminder that their story matters—and so do they. We are currently seeking items for our comfort bags. 

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center seeks items for comfort bags

The Chamber in Hays is pleased to announce the upcoming Child Care Provider Quarterly Professional Development Series, a free event designed to support the growth and education of local child care providers.

All area child care professionals are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to receive credit toward annual recertification requirements.

The event will be hosted Tuesday, Jan. 21 at The Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350 E. 8th St.

The professional development session will feature Josh Tanguay, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and owner of Western Kansas Therapy Associates, as the keynote speaker.

Tanguay’s presentation, titled “Having Difficult Conversations with Caregivers,” aims to help child care professionals navigate challenging discussions around children who may need additional therapy or services.

He will also address ways to manage concerning behaviors exhibited by children, address problematic interactions between caregivers, and set realistic expectations for everyone involved.

This presentation will teach attendees effective communication strategies, gain insights into conflict resolution, and improve their approach to fostering positive relationships with caregivers.

In addition to the keynote address, The Chamber will provide free fingerprinting services from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Attendees will have the chance to get fingerprinted on-site, which assists them in meeting the requirements for their professional licenses.

Preference for fingerprinting will be given to child care providers and their spouses whose fingerprints expire within 45 to 60 days of each scheduled event.

This convenient service is designed to help area child care professionals stay current with regulatory obligations while saving them time and resources.

“We believe in providing valuable resources and support to our local child care community,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber in Hays. 

“With presentations that focus on essential skills and knowledge, as well as services such as complimentary fingerprinting, we aim to empower providers and contribute to the overall well-being of the children in our region.”

Child care professionals who attend the series can expect a welcoming atmosphere that fosters collaboration and networking among their peers.

In addition to educational sessions, attendees will also be entered into a prize drawing, adding an element of excitement to the evening’s events.

“We are proud to bring industry experts and essential resources together under one roof,” Wasinger said. “It is part of our commitment at The Chamber to strengthen professional communities across northwest Kansas.”

A special thank you is extended to the Robert E. &amp; Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation for its generous sponsorship of the Child Care Provider Quarterly Professional Development Series. This support allows The Chamber to offer the event at no cost, removing financial barriers and ensuring all interested providers have the opportunity to participate.

RSVPs for the event are requested by Jan. 17 to help organizers accurately plan for refreshments and seating.

Child care providers can reserve their spots by calling The Chamber at (785) 628-8201, emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hayscc@hayschamber.com">hayscc@hayschamber.com</a>, or registering via the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://discoverhays.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/12240">provided link on The Chamber’s website.</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://discoverhays.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/12240"></a>“With professional insights from Josh Tanguay, free fingerprinting services, and a setting that encourages collaboration, this upcoming event offers child care providers the tools they need to continue delivering exceptional care for the children in their communities,” Wasinger said.

For more information, contact The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, or visit its official website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com.</a>

Psychotherapist to speak at child care provider development series in Hays

VICTORIA — A soup super fundraiser will be held Sunday, Jan. 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Victoria.

On the menu are&nbsp;homemade chicken noodle, green bean dumpling, and chili soups, along with hotdogs.

Also being served are a dessert and drink.&nbsp;

Free will offerings will be accepted.&nbsp;

Carry out of 22 oz. of soup is available for $10.00 and carry out hotdogs are $2.00.

Pop and beer can be purchased at the bar window.

Victoria VFW soup supper fundraiser is Sunday

GriefShare is a local support group offering hope and healing to those who have lost a loved one to death. 

North Oak Community Church is hosting this 13-week grief recovery program beginning February 6 – May 1 on Thursdays from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the North Oak Community Church Center Office, 3002 Northridge Court in Hays.&nbsp;

Each week you will view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook in a safe, comforting environment.

For more information contact Rich Matzke at 785-650-2946 or&nbsp;e-mail: richardmatzke48@gmail.com.

Support group GriefShare offers healing when loved ones die

OBERLIN — The annual Cover Your Acres winter conference by K-State Research and Extension is around the corner on January 21 and 22 in Oberlin at The Gateway.

The same program will be held each day with many different concurrent sessions and speakers to choose from.

Don’t delay. Early Bird Registration is Jan. 15. 

For more information and to register go to <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/cover_your_acres/">www.coveryouracres.com</a>.

Cover Your Acres winter conference is Jan. 21 & 22 in Oberlin

TIMKEN — Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 103 S. Main, in&nbsp; Timken is having a chicken noodle, chili and potato soup supper on Sunday, February 2,&nbsp; from 5 - 7 p.m.&nbsp; for a free will offering. 

There will be a Silent Auction, a raffle for a quarter of beef, processing included, and a raffle for $1,000 cash.

 All proceeds go towards the maintenance&nbsp; of the church.&nbsp; &nbsp;We hope to see&nbsp;you there!

Timken church to benefit from February soup supper fundraiser

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Smoky Hills PBS is excited to provide LIVE coverage of Governor Laura Kelly’s 2025 State of the State address on Wednesday, January 15, at 6:30 p.m. CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Join us as Governor Kelly delivers the annual address, outlining key priorities and initiatives for the year ahead.&nbsp; This special live broadcast will keep you informed about the future direction of Kansas and important legislative topics.

“We are committed to delivering high-quality, informative programming that connects our viewers to the decisions and discussions shaping our state’s future,” said Michael Quade, SHPBS Director of Broadcasting of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp;“Covering the Kansas State of the State Address LIVE allows us to serve as a vital resource for civic engagement and understanding.”

Streaming access will also be available on our YouTube channel and Smoky Hills PBS’ Facebook page.&nbsp;Set your notification so you don’t miss this important speech:&nbsp;

YouTube:&nbsp;@SmokyHills PBS -&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/live/T1wDRpnxE6U">https://youtube.com/live/T1wDRpnxE6U</a>

Governor's State of the State speech to be aired live on SHPBS Wednesday

Get ready for a day of discovery and excitement as the Kansas Science Festival takes over downtown Hays on Sunday, May 4, 2025!

 This free, family-friendly event promises an unforgettable experience with interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) booths, hands-on activities, and opportunities to engage with researchers and community science practitioners from across Kansas.

Explore how science shapes our everyday lives and get inspired by researchers from diverse fields as they share their work in a fun and accessible way. Whether you're a K-12 student, parent, or lifelong learner, there will be something for everyone!

● Interactive STEM Booths: Perfect for families with kids of all ages.

● Meet-the-Experts: Chat with researchers at all career stages and learn about their exciting discoveries.

● Hands-On Fun: Dive into engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.

Mark your calendars, stay tuned for more updates, and prepare to celebrate the wonders of STEM on May 4, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information, visit <a href="https://sciencefestks.org/hays/">https://sciencefestks.org/hays/</a>. You may also follow us and the partnering organizations on social media.

RAISE Kansas - <a href="https://raiseks.org/">https://www.raiseks.org</a>

STEM Harvest - <a href="https://stemharvest.org/">https://stemharvest.org</a>

Hays Public Library - <a href="https://hayslibrary.org/">https://hayslibrary.org/</a>

Fort Hays State Science and Mathematics Education Institute - <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/">https://www.fhsu.edu/smei/</a>

TreeTop Security - <a href="https://www.treetopsecurity.com/">https://treetopsecurity.com</a>

K-State Research &amp; Extension Office - <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/</a>

The Kansas Science Festival is actively seeking sponsors and presenters to help make this event a success. If you're passionate about sharing your love for science and STEM, or if your organization wants to support this event, we’d love to hear from you! 

Please go to <a href="https://sciencefestks.org/hays/">https://sciencefestks.org/hays/</a> and fill out the Google form to register as a presenter. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Lindsay Schmidt at LASCHMIDT7@FHSU.EDU or visit the Kansas Science Fest website for more details.

The Kansas Science Festival is dedicated to fostering a love for science and exploration through interactive events that connect communities, researchers, and educators. Our mission is to inspire curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and highlight the role of science in our daily lives. <a href="https://sciencefestks.org/">https://sciencefestks.org</a>.

Kansas Science Festival coming to downtown Hays in May

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For Kansas road conditions, visit <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov/">https://www.kandrive.gov/</a>

Please email hayspost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;to add your cancellation (preferred and quickest method). You can also call&nbsp;<a href="http://785-301-2211/">(785)-301-2211</a>&nbsp;to add your cancellation. Leave a voicemail if no one answers.

Latest cancellations and delays

By STACY CAMPBELL Crop Production&nbsp;Agent Cottonwood Extension District

The Cottonwood Extension District along with other county and district Extension offices throughout the state are offering several programs that may be of interest to agricultural producers and their families this winter.

Transition planning is always a hot topic, especially among agriculture producers and agriculture landowners. This winter K-State Research &amp; Extension (KSRE) County and Districts are teaming up with the KSRE Agriculture Economics Department to offer throughout the state, the series “Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Midwestern Farm Women – Succession Planning." 

This program will feature a livestreamed keynote presentation and local hands-on activities to motivate participants to create farm succession plans and facilitate family and business conversations around this vital topic.

According to data from the U.S. Census, 70% of U.S. farmland will transfer to the next generation within 20 years.

The Succession Planning workshops will be held on successive Tuesdays in Great Bend and Hays beginning Jan. 21 and 28, and continuing on Feb. 4 and 11. To learn more and to register by the Jan. 13th deadline go to <a href="https://www.agmanager.info/">www.agmanager.info</a>.

The popular annual “Cover Your Acres Winter Conference" in Oberlin will be held January 21 and 22. The same programs will be offered both days of the conference, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m. 

The conference, which typically draws more than 400 attendees from Kansas and other states, highlights the latest technology, methods, and conservation practices to improve crop production in the region. To see program topics and speakers and to register by the early bird deadline of January 15, go to <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/">www.wkrec.org/events</a>.

Do you currently have agriculture employees or wish to hire them? Learn about employee classification, labor laws, payroll computation, payroll deposits, and employee benefits at an “Agricultural Payroll for Producers" program January 22 in Dodge City, January 23 in Hays, January 28 in Topeka and January 30 in Parsons. 

For additional information and to register, contact Chelsea Plummer at ecplummer@ksu.edu or 316-393-1830 or the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 785-628-9430.

Two other programs being offered both on January 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. are “Soil Fertility School” in Rush Center at Township Hall, 220 Union St., and “Keeping Grass Grass a Rangeland Brush Management: Identification and Control Program” at Hoisington Activity Center. 

To register for the brush management meeting, call the Great Bend office 620-793-1910. To register for the soil fertility meeting, call the Hays Office by Jan. 15 at 785-628-9430.

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: Upcoming programs of interest to farmers, ranchers, spouses

Hays High at Garden City Friday, Jan. 17th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Garden City, Kan. - Garden City High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1989437">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

Hays High continues their seven game long January road trip as they travel to Garden City on Friday.

The girls game showcases a pair of state ranked teams. Hays (7-0) is ranked #6 in 5A while Garden City (6-3) is ranked #7 in 6A.

The Indians boys (3-4) look to get back to even on the season and break a three game losing streak. The Garden City boys enter 3-6 thus far.

Both Hays teams are 1-0 in WAC play. The Garden City teams are each 1-1 in conference games.

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 6 p.m., and the boys' game will follow on the Indians Sports Network.

🏀🎥 Hays High at Garden City

Ellis High School's KAY organization is excited to announce the 2025 Snowball candidates. 

To qualify for royalty, candidates must have 75 points and participate in four activities through KAY.

Ellis High School Snowball candidates announced

The Hays Area Planning Commission will hear a rezoning request for more housing in the  northwest section of the city during its Monday meeting.&nbsp;

Covenant Land &amp; Developing, Inc. is requesting a change from agriculture to residential general district for 20 acres of land at the south end of an agricultural field, west of Thunderbird Drive and between 33rd and 41st streets. &nbsp;

The property has been identified in the city of Hays' comprehensive plan for residential development due to its proximity to other developments and availability of city utilities for extension.&nbsp;

Planning commissioners will also discuss the regulations for small sheds.&nbsp;

Current regulations for small sheds less than 120 square feet do not require a building permit, but they must meet side and rear yard setbacks, which has led to enforcement challenges.

Staff is in support of the reduction of regulations for accessory structures.

Public hearings are expected to be set for both items for Feb. 17.&nbsp;

The complete Jan. 20 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01202025-1523">here</a>.&nbsp;The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays Area Planning Commission to discuss rezoning for more Hays housing 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Low temperatures in northwest Kansas are forecast to drop into the single digits as of this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Western Kansas has two chances for snow during the next four days, with the strongest chance for snow in Hays on Monday.

Today's high is forecast to be 49, and tonight's low will be 17. Winds are forecast to gust as high as 38 mph.

The high is forecast for 25 on Saturday with a low of 4 and 21 on Sunday also with a low of 4. The high on Monday is forecast for 17 degrees with a low of -4. Hays has a 20% chance of snow before noon on Monday.

Snowfall amounts are expected to be light.

The National Weather Service is warning of prolonged, dangerously cold weather.

Temperatures are expected to be well below freezing for three to four days, with wind chills dropping as low as -30, the weather service said.

"Ensure you have a way to keep warm and check in with friends and family," the weather service said.

Extreme cold, snow forecast for western Kansas this weekend

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser visits with Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation about estate planning and legacy giving. They also have a preview of February's Match Month in conjunction with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan.&nbsp;

🎙 Hays Post Podcast: Heartland Community Foundation going whole 9 yards

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Nolan Numrich as a director and Stacey Malsam as an alternate director on the Sunflower Board of Directors, effective Dec. 12, 2024. 

Numrich and Malsam represent Western Cooperative Electric, based in WaKeeney. 

Each of Sunflower’s six member cooperatives—Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Victory Electric Cooperative, Western Cooperative Electric, and Wheatland Electric Cooperative—select two representatives to serve on the Sunflower board. 

The board convenes monthly to develop strategies for Sunflower’s current operations and future direction, ensuring the supply of reliable, wholesale electricity to its member-cooperatives.

Previously an alternate director for Sunflower, Numrich succeeds Tom Ruth, who served as director since 2018. Numrich was recently promoted from assistant general manager and manager of member services to chief executive officer/general manager of Western Cooperative Electric following Ruth’s retirement in early January. 

“As we navigate evolving technologies, regulatory challenges, and the growing demand for reliable power, it is an exciting time to be involved in the energy industry,” Numrich said. “I look forward to working together with my fellow board members to ensure Sunflower continues to provide innovative solutions that support the needs of our communities while staying true to the cooperative principles Kansans value.” 

After serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Numrich, a Scott City native, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. He and his wife, Ragen, are the parents of three young sons.

Malsam, chief financial officer at Western, previously served as a Sunflower alternate board director for 15 years.

 “It is an honor and a privilege to again serve as an alternate on the Sunflower Board of Directors alongside the many talented and dedicated individuals from our neighboring cooperatives,” Malsam said. “I am committed to fostering strong partnerships with Sunflower’s members and employees to uphold our mission of delivering dependable electricity and supporting the economic growth and resilience of our rural Kansas communities.” 

Raised in Hill City, Malsam holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration and a master of accountancy from Kansas State University and earned her certified public accountant designation in 2003. 

Before joining Western in 2008, Malsam practiced with two public accounting firms and served as CFO for a not-for-profit hospital. 

She and her husband, Craig, have two children. 

Sunflower congratulates both Numrich and Malsam on their appointments and looks forward to their leadership in advancing our purpose of making lives better for rural Kansans with affordable, reliable electricity. 

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier operating a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based electric generating plants and approximately 2,400 miles of electric transmission infrastructure. The focus of Sunflower’s 400+ workforce is supplying reliable energy at the lowest possible cost to its seven members who serve electric consumers living in central and western Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at sunflower.net. Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a member of Sunflower.&nbsp;

Sunflower Electric welcomes new board members

By TISA MASON FHSU University President

The VIP Ambassador Program at Fort Hays State University, established by President Gerald Tomanek in 1982, empowers students to publicly represent their university while fostering a spirit of connection among these talented future leaders. Each year, a select group of 15-20 VIP Ambassadors participate in significant projects and events, gaining invaluable experiences along the way. Hazel Frans, Katie Ecord, and Noah Erichsen are members of our current VIP Ambassadors team, and each has had a compelling personal journey that I would like to share with the readers of this column.

Hazel Frans, an Overland Park, Kansas junior, has always focused on the future. Her affinity for science began early, influenced by her participation in a gifted program in 5th grade. “My teacher introduced me to the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS). I was hooked.” KAMS is Kansas' premier early college program designed to provide a STEM-focused academic experience for gifted &amp; talented 11th &amp; 12th-grade students. By 7th grade, Hazel was already dreaming of a future at FHSU.

Since her arrival, Hazel has engaged in a variety of activities, including serving as the President of Custer Hall Community Council and presenting research at the annual SACAD event. Her experience in the KAMS program motivated her to apply for the VIP Ambassador Program as a freshman: "I was encouraged by friends who were VIPs. Their enthusiasm was infectious."

The moment she received the news of her acceptance was a highlight of her FHSU experience. “I learned so much from the interview process. It taught me how to articulate my visions and ambitions.” Each VIP Ambassador receives professional attire and participates in training sessions, including an etiquette dinner.

Hazel particularly cherishes the Promotion and Tenure Recognition event, where she celebrated the achievements of faculty who have profoundly impacted her academic path. "Participating in that celebration was incredible. It underscored how interconnected we all are in this community."

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