By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

After President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, a Fort Hays State University political science professor said there has been a nationwide shift to the right in 2024.

Fort Hays State University wrapped up the election cycle on Thursday by analyzing the 2024 election results.

Presented by FHSU's American Democracy Project, FHSU Assistant Professor of Political Science Jay Steinmetz offered insights and conducted research after Nov. 5.

"There are a lot of important questions that we can ask and critical insights that can be derived from looking at election stats," he said.

Steinmetz attributes the shift to the right to several possible theories, such as the establishment/anti-establishment theory, the economy theory, the Joe Biden theory, the identity theory and the immigration backlash theory.

"Why did we have what we have? Is this a Republican Party success? Is this a Democratic Party failure? It's a little bit of both," he said.

Steinmetz said the establishment/anti-establishment theory centers on the difference between establishment politics, which refers to mainstream political structures, traditional party leadership and established institutions.

Steinmetz said anti-establishment sentiment rejects these institutions and is not exclusive to the U.S. Trump has focused on this message since 2016.

"It was a good message for 2016," he said. "But it's almost a perfect fit for 2024 in our post-COVID world. We're angry with the establishment, and Trump's anti-establishment ethos is the perfect fit."

Steinmetz said this message resonated with voters who felt alienated from traditional political structures and frustrated with the current state.

Steinmetz said economic concerns such as inflation, housing costs, consumer confidence and job security played the second-most significant role in the election.

Steinmetz said many people who don't usually vote but do so when critical issues arise tend to view their votes through a transactional lens.

Steinmetz referenced a PBS exit poll that indicated the economy was the primary factor influencing the votes of Black, Hispanic and young voters.

"These are voters who are coming into an economy that's not very good and that dealt with many issues of dislocation," he said.

Steinmetz said Trump successfully framed economic issues in a way that resonated with working-class voters.

He said voters with economic hardship are less concerned with overall policy impacts and more focused on immediate impacts on their daily lives, such as gas prices and the cost of living.

Steinmetz said Biden's leadership may have played a significant role in the Democratic Party's underperformance in 2024.

He suggested the election outcome might have differed if Biden had chosen not to run again after the Democrats' success in the 2022 midterms.

"Had Biden been 'thumped' in the 2022 midterm elections, he very well might have said, 'I'm going to sit out the 2024 election,'" Steinmetz said.

Steinmetz said the Democratic Party did not have difficult discussions about broadening their base and whether Biden should run again due to their 2022 success. Trump announced his candidacy shortly after the midterms.

Steinmetz said this tied Harris to the unpopular Biden administration despite accomplishments like economic acts and infrastructure reforms.

"It brought what I think is one of the more powerful messages from the Republican Party, which is 'If you had four years to fix these problems, why didn't fix them,'" he said.

He added the vice president does not influence policy.

Steinmetz explained identity politics refers to the notion that group identities, rather than individual traits, serve as the primary foundation for political action, policy and change.

He said gender and race played a role in 2024, with Harris facing unique challenges. As a woman, she was held to a different standard than Trump.

"Part of the disadvantage Kamala Harris had in this matchup was the fact that she was a woman, a Black woman and an Asian American Woman. Those factors had a role to play," Steinmetz said.

Steinmetz said Obama ushered in an "age of identity" in 2008, and Trump's anti-identity politics is, in itself, a form of identity politics as it includes positive affirmations of specific identities that support him.

Steinmetz discusses how border policies and immigration were on voters' minds but were not significant enough to be the principal factor in Trump's victory.

Although border politics and immigration were central to Trump’s movement, there are links to other policy issues.

"The border is connected to our drug crisis, fentanyl, overdose crisis and crime in this country. It's connected to national security imperatives, a whole bunch of other policy avenues," Steinmetz said.

Steinmetz said this is important for progressives and independents to reflect on, as it highlights the importance of border-related issues for Trump supporters.

Steinmetz said while it's subjective, one could argue Harris ran a campaign of integrity with few errors, though there were some missteps.

Steinmetz points to Harris's limited media presence and lack of policy substance, which may have impacted her appeal to specific voter groups.

"On the whole, I would say it was a pretty normal campaign, and I don't see a lot of huge missteps or huge errors," he said. "In fact, probably one of the biggest errors was Joe Biden opening his mouth and calling Trump supporters garbage."

According to data from Steinmetz, there was a 3.1% shift toward Trump in swing states compared to 2020, while outside swing states, the shift was 6.7% in his favor.

Steinmetz said the time and money spent in swing states helped mitigate what would have been a more significant loss to Trump if Harris had not run a strong campaign.

Based on Steinmetz's analysis, Trump's return to the White House is a pivotal moment for the Republican Party and the country. However, the rightward shift in the electorate in 2024 may not be permanent.

"They could be [permanent], but I think it's going to depend on how Republicans govern," he said.

Steinmetz said young voters are low-propensity voters, and Black voters are traditionally Democratic, meaning the recent shift could swing back in the other direction.

He said Hispanic voters in Florida and Democratic strongholds in Texas shifted more toward the Republican Party due to concerns about immigration and economic issues.

Steinmetz specializes in political theory, American politics and public law. His research focuses on liberal theory in American political culture, presidential memory in popular culture and the legal evolution of free speech in the 20th century.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731697475558.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University Assistant Professor Jay Steinmetz giving his 2024 election analysis. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Assistant Professor Jay Steinmetz giving his 2024 election analysis. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostAfter President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, a Fort Hays State University political science professor said there has been a nationwide shift to the right in 2024.Fort Hays State University wrapped up the election cycle on Thursday by analyzing the 2024 election results.Presented by FHSU's American Democracy Project, FHSU Assistant Professor of Political Science Jay Steinmetz offered insights and conducted research after Nov. 5."There are a lot of important questions that we can ask and critical insights that can be derived from looking at election stats," he said.Steinmetz attributes the shift to the right to several possible theories, such as the establishment/anti-establishment theory, the economy theory, the Joe Biden theory, the identity theory and the immigration backlash theory."Why did we have what we have? Is this a Republican Party success? Is this a Democratic Party failure? It's a little bit of both," he said.<h2>Establishment/anti-establishment theory</h2>Steinmetz said the establishment/anti-establishment theory centers on the difference between establishment politics, which refers to mainstream political structures, traditional party leadership and established institutions.Steinmetz said anti-establishment sentiment rejects these institutions and is not exclusive to the U.S. Trump has focused on this message since 2016."It was a good message for 2016," he said. "But it's almost a perfect fit for 2024 in our post-COVID world. We're angry with the establishment, and Trump's anti-establishment ethos is the perfect fit."Steinmetz said this message resonated with voters who felt alienated from traditional political structures and frustrated with the current state.<h2>The economy theory</h2>Steinmetz said economic concerns such as inflation, housing costs, consumer confidence and job security played the second-most significant role in the election.Steinmetz said many people who don't usually vote but do so when critical issues arise tend to view their votes through a transactional lens.Steinmetz referenced a PBS exit poll that indicated the economy was the primary factor influencing the votes of Black, Hispanic and young voters."These are voters who are coming into an economy that's not very good and that dealt with many issues of dislocation," he said.Steinmetz said Trump successfully framed economic issues in a way that resonated with working-class voters.He said voters with economic hardship are less concerned with overall policy impacts and more focused on immediate impacts on their daily lives, such as gas prices and the cost of living.<h2>Joe Biden theory</h2>Steinmetz said Biden's leadership may have played a significant role in the Democratic Party's underperformance in 2024.He suggested the election outcome might have differed if Biden had chosen not to run again after the Democrats' success in the 2022 midterms."Had Biden been 'thumped' in the 2022 midterm elections, he very well might have said, 'I'm going to sit out the 2024 election,'" Steinmetz said.Steinmetz said the Democratic Party did not have difficult discussions about broadening their base and whether Biden should run again due to their 2022 success. Trump announced his candidacy shortly after the midterms.Steinmetz said this tied Harris to the unpopular Biden administration despite accomplishments like economic acts and infrastructure reforms."It brought what I think is one of the more powerful messages from the Republican Party, which is 'If you had four years to fix these problems, why didn't fix them,'" he said.He added the vice president does not influence policy.<h2>Identity theory</h2>Steinmetz explained identity politics refers to the notion that group identities, rather than individual traits, serve as the primary foundation for political action, policy and change.He said gender and race played a role in 2024, with Harris facing unique challenges. As a woman, she was held to a different standard than Trump."Part of the disadvantage Kamala Harris had in this matchup was the fact that she was a woman, a Black woman and an Asian American Woman. Those factors had a role to play," Steinmetz said.Steinmetz said Obama ushered in an "age of identity" in 2008, and Trump's anti-identity politics is, in itself, a form of identity politics as it includes positive affirmations of specific identities that support him.<h2>Immigration backlash theory</h2>Steinmetz discusses how border policies and immigration were on voters' minds but were not significant enough to be the principal factor in Trump's victory.Although border politics and immigration were central to Trump’s movement, there are links to other policy issues."The border is connected to our drug crisis, fentanyl, overdose crisis and crime in this country. It's connected to national security imperatives, a whole bunch of other policy avenues," Steinmetz said.Steinmetz said this is important for progressives and independents to reflect on, as it highlights the importance of border-related issues for Trump supporters.<h2>Harris campaign</h2>Steinmetz said while it's subjective, one could argue Harris ran a campaign of integrity with few errors, though there were some missteps.Steinmetz points to Harris's limited media presence and lack of policy substance, which may have impacted her appeal to specific voter groups."On the whole, I would say it was a pretty normal campaign, and I don't see a lot of huge missteps or huge errors," he said. "In fact, probably one of the biggest errors was Joe Biden opening his mouth and calling Trump supporters garbage."According to data from Steinmetz, there was a 3.1% shift toward Trump in swing states compared to 2020, while outside swing states, the shift was 6.7% in his favor.Steinmetz said the time and money spent in swing states helped mitigate what would have been a more significant loss to Trump if Harris had not run a strong campaign.<h2>Trump 2025</h2>Based on Steinmetz's analysis, Trump's return to the White House is a pivotal moment for the Republican Party and the country. However, the rightward shift in the electorate in 2024 may not be permanent."They could be [permanent], but I think it's going to depend on how Republicans govern," he said.Steinmetz said young voters are low-propensity voters, and Black voters are traditionally Democratic, meaning the recent shift could swing back in the other direction.He said Hispanic voters in Florida and Democratic strongholds in Texas shifted more toward the Republican Party due to concerns about immigration and economic issues.Steinmetz specializes in political theory, American politics and public law. His research focuses on liberal theory in American political culture, presidential memory in popular culture and the legal evolution of free speech in the 20th century.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731697411244.jpeg" alt="Percentages of Republican shift by state" />
 <figcaption>Percentages of Republican shift by state</figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU professor discusses conservative shift in 2024 election analysis

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is excited to announce the promotion of William Wylie to vice president of safety and supply chain.

In his new role, Wylie is responsible for leading Sunflower’s company-wide safety program and ensuring all safety functions and activities comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations enhancing the safety and health of employees and the public. Additionally, he directs the company’s supply chain operations by overseeing procurement, inventory management, and maintenance contracts. Wylie also manages facility operations across all corporate sites and leads the company’s fleet program and operations.

“Will Wylie was a natural choice and the right leader to fill the vice president of safety and supply chain position,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower President and CEO. “His experience and leadership approach aligned with our vision for this role, and I am confident in his ability to lead, inspire, and succeed.”

A native of Elkhart, Kan., Wylie holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration. He joined Sunflower as the senior manager of corporate services in 2020. Wylie and his wife, Shannon, reside in Hays with their sons, Liam and Levi.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731790234543.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSunflower Electric Power Corporation is excited to announce the promotion of William Wylie to vice president of safety and supply chain.In his new role, Wylie is responsible for leading Sunflower’s company-wide safety program and ensuring all safety functions and activities comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations enhancing the safety and health of employees and the public. Additionally, he directs the company’s supply chain operations by overseeing procurement, inventory management, and maintenance contracts. Wylie also manages facility operations across all corporate sites and leads the company’s fleet program and operations.“Will Wylie was a natural choice and the right leader to fill the vice president of safety and supply chain position,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower President and CEO. “His experience and leadership approach aligned with our vision for this role, and I am confident in his ability to lead, inspire, and succeed.”A native of Elkhart, Kan., Wylie holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration. He joined Sunflower as the senior manager of corporate services in 2020. Wylie and his wife, Shannon, reside in Hays with their sons, Liam and Levi.

Sunflower Electric Power Corp. promotes William Wylie

LOGAN – The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is pleased to welcome Mike Erhart as the newest member of the Foundation’s board of trustees, effective immediately. Erhart comes to the Foundation with an impressive history of work in Kansas – and for the last 20+ years, in Northwest Kansas.

A graduate of Emporia State University with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry, Erhart has spent most of his career in the agriculture and energy fields. He says he started humbly at a local co-op where he was responsible for increasing sales but was not afraid to step in wherever he was needed, including delivering fuel and rebuilding equipment – really anything the company needed and could help it increase productivity.

He worked in sales and management for various agricultural companies from 1975 to 1990 and then for Archer Daniels Midland from 1990 to 2002. He then went to work for Western Plains Energy in Oakley until 2006 when he came to Phillipsburg to work for Prairie Horizon Agri Energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2016, Erhart combined his work experience and people skills to establish DK Developments LLC, a private consulting company in Phillipsburg. He specializes in process, production, market development, financial and operational analysis for businesses and organizations.&nbsp;

Erhart grew up in central Kansas and worked on the family farm for his grandfather during his early years and upon entering high school, when his family moved to another town, he went to work on a tree farm and hired out to area farmers in the evenings.&nbsp; He said he has always lived in small rural towns and continues to support rural communities through various committees and activities.&nbsp;

In 2022, the Dane Hansen Foundation contracted with DK Developments and Erhart to serve as the owner representative for the recently opened LIFE Project in Logan. As such, Erhart handled the communication between the Foundation and outside parties including contractors and architects. He oversaw the budget and schedule to get the facility open on time.

The last few years of working together made it clear that Erhart could bring value to the Hansen Foundation beyond the LIFE Project.

Erhart’s appointment follows the retirement and subsequent passing of former Trustee, Cy Moyer, who served the Foundation for more than 27 years.&nbsp; He joins current board members, Doug Albin, WaKeeney; Carol Bales, Logan; Warren Gfeller, Russell; Rhonda Goddard, Penokee; Robert Hartman, Hays; and Brien Stockman, Logan.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with an estate gift from Dane G. Hansen. Based in Mr. Hansen’s hometown of Logan, the Foundation has been providing scholarships and grants to support growth and prosperity to the residents of Northwest Kansas for nearly 60 years. The Foundation has a primary service area that includes the 26 most northwest counties in the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731789304426.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedLOGAN – The Dane G. Hansen Foundation is pleased to welcome Mike Erhart as the newest member of the Foundation’s board of trustees, effective immediately. Erhart comes to the Foundation with an impressive history of work in Kansas – and for the last 20+ years, in Northwest Kansas.A graduate of Emporia State University with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry, Erhart has spent most of his career in the agriculture and energy fields. He says he started humbly at a local co-op where he was responsible for increasing sales but was not afraid to step in wherever he was needed, including delivering fuel and rebuilding equipment – really anything the company needed and could help it increase productivity.He worked in sales and management for various agricultural companies from 1975 to 1990 and then for Archer Daniels Midland from 1990 to 2002. He then went to work for Western Plains Energy in Oakley until 2006 when he came to Phillipsburg to work for Prairie Horizon Agri Energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2016, Erhart combined his work experience and people skills to establish DK Developments LLC, a private consulting company in Phillipsburg. He specializes in process, production, market development, financial and operational analysis for businesses and organizations.&nbsp;Erhart grew up in central Kansas and worked on the family farm for his grandfather during his early years and upon entering high school, when his family moved to another town, he went to work on a tree farm and hired out to area farmers in the evenings.&nbsp; He said he has always lived in small rural towns and continues to support rural communities through various committees and activities.&nbsp;In 2022, the Dane Hansen Foundation contracted with DK Developments and Erhart to serve as the owner representative for the recently opened LIFE Project in Logan. As such, Erhart handled the communication between the Foundation and outside parties including contractors and architects. He oversaw the budget and schedule to get the facility open on time.The last few years of working together made it clear that Erhart could bring value to the Hansen Foundation beyond the LIFE Project.Erhart’s appointment follows the retirement and subsequent passing of former Trustee, Cy Moyer, who served the Foundation for more than 27 years.&nbsp; He joins current board members, Doug Albin, WaKeeney; Carol Bales, Logan; Warren Gfeller, Russell; Rhonda Goddard, Penokee; Robert Hartman, Hays; and Brien Stockman, Logan.The Dane G. Hansen Foundation was established in 1965 with an estate gift from Dane G. Hansen. Based in Mr. Hansen’s hometown of Logan, the Foundation has been providing scholarships and grants to support growth and prosperity to the residents of Northwest Kansas for nearly 60 years. The Foundation has a primary service area that includes the 26 most northwest counties in the state.

Dane G. Hansen Foundation announces new Trustee

By MARK JOSLYN Insight Kansas

The question was asked repeatedly over the past few years: Was 2016 a fluke?

Most Democrats and Never-Trump Republicans thought so.

After all, Trump won by the slimmest of margins in a few pivotal swing states and lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million. Then Trump’s tenure in the White House was marked by historically low public approval. And his sagging popularity was key to the crushing defeat in 2020.

The MAGA coalition always posed a significant challenge.

While it supported Trump unconditionally, the group constantly battled against public rebuke and narrow appeal. Moreover, it’s demographic characteristics, which skew male, rural and non-college, are typically obstacles for sustained political engagement. Frequently dismissed as racist deplorables, misogynists, weird, phobic, low-information, threats to democracy, supporters of a fascist, and more recently garbage, the MAGA-hat-wearing voters could never be the foundation of an expansive electoral coalition.

Yet, Trump’s sweeping victory last week proved a broad coalition could be constructed around working-class voting blocks, stitched skillfully together by populist appeals and reinforced by widespread economic anxiety.

Successful presidential candidates in fact grow their base rather than being limited by it.

Trump assembled a surprisingly diverse set of supporters, netting Republican gains in most counties across the nation, flipping all 7 battleground states, winning the popular vote, and taking back Congress. In big cities, suburbs, rural areas, in red states and in blue, Trump’s margins improved. The trend cut across demographic categories, with pronounced changes in Latino communities. In 2012, Mitt Romney won 27 percent of Latino voters. In 2024, Trump won 42 percent.

Trump’s performance among the working class improved as well.

In 2020, Trump edged Biden’s working-class support by 4 points. This time it tripled to 12-points.

Among the white working-class, Trump enjoyed a 25-point margin over Biden. Against Harris, it rose to 30. Trump’s electoral influence also reached Kansas, where most counties shifted right.

In southern Republican strongholds like Cherokee (+2.7%), and the much larger Sedgwick (+1.6%), Trump’s margins advanced. They also improved in the blue college town counties of Douglas (+1.2%) and Riley (+3.3%).

In the western counties where Latinos constitute a majority, Trump saw significant growth. Ford county improved 3 percent, Finney 6 percent, Seward 5 percent, and Grant 4 percent.

In short, the 2024 election was a uniform swing for Trump that showcased a new Republican coalition, one that approaches the diversity typically seen within the Democratic party.

However, it would be a mistake to overreact and claim that a lasting realignment has taken place.

It was a close election. The margin of victory in Wisconsin was 0.9%, 1.4% in Michigan, and 2.1% in Pennsylvania.

Keeping the coalition together will be difficult. Latinos are the new swing voters. And not long ago, Barack Obama drew a large share of the white working class.

Circumstances change quickly and future developments could very well benefit Democrats.

Finally, Trump’s opponents repeatedly claimed he was a danger to democracy.

But Trump is also a vivid expression of it.

He forged and expanded a unique coalition, harnessing the strength of the very democratic institutions that his critics argue he wishes to destroy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK JOSLYN Insight KansasThe question was asked repeatedly over the past few years: Was 2016 a fluke?Most Democrats and Never-Trump Republicans thought so.After all, Trump won by the slimmest of margins in a few pivotal swing states and lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million. Then Trump’s tenure in the White House was marked by historically low public approval. And his sagging popularity was key to the crushing defeat in 2020.The MAGA coalition always posed a significant challenge.While it supported Trump unconditionally, the group constantly battled against public rebuke and narrow appeal. Moreover, it’s demographic characteristics, which skew male, rural and non-college, are typically obstacles for sustained political engagement. Frequently dismissed as racist deplorables, misogynists, weird, phobic, low-information, threats to democracy, supporters of a fascist, and more recently garbage, the MAGA-hat-wearing voters could never be the foundation of an expansive electoral coalition.Yet, Trump’s sweeping victory last week proved a broad coalition could be constructed around working-class voting blocks, stitched skillfully together by populist appeals and reinforced by widespread economic anxiety.Successful presidential candidates in fact grow their base rather than being limited by it.Trump assembled a surprisingly diverse set of supporters, netting Republican gains in most counties across the nation, flipping all 7 battleground states, winning the popular vote, and taking back Congress. In big cities, suburbs, rural areas, in red states and in blue, Trump’s margins improved. The trend cut across demographic categories, with pronounced changes in Latino communities. In 2012, Mitt Romney won 27 percent of Latino voters. In 2024, Trump won 42 percent.Trump’s performance among the working class improved as well.In 2020, Trump edged Biden’s working-class support by 4 points. This time it tripled to 12-points.Among the white working-class, Trump enjoyed a 25-point margin over Biden. Against Harris, it rose to 30. Trump’s electoral influence also reached Kansas, where most counties shifted right.In southern Republican strongholds like Cherokee (+2.7%), and the much larger Sedgwick (+1.6%), Trump’s margins advanced. They also improved in the blue college town counties of Douglas (+1.2%) and Riley (+3.3%).In the western counties where Latinos constitute a majority, Trump saw significant growth. Ford county improved 3 percent, Finney 6 percent, Seward 5 percent, and Grant 4 percent.In short, the 2024 election was a uniform swing for Trump that showcased a new Republican coalition, one that approaches the diversity typically seen within the Democratic party.However, it would be a mistake to overreact and claim that a lasting realignment has taken place.It was a close election. The margin of victory in Wisconsin was 0.9%, 1.4% in Michigan, and 2.1% in Pennsylvania.Keeping the coalition together will be difficult. Latinos are the new swing voters. And not long ago, Barack Obama drew a large share of the white working class.Circumstances change quickly and future developments could very well benefit Democrats.Finally, Trump’s opponents repeatedly claimed he was a danger to democracy.Perhaps.But Trump is also a vivid expression of it.He forged and expanded a unique coalition, harnessing the strength of the very democratic institutions that his critics argue he wishes to destroy.It was no fluke.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The surprising growth of the MAGA coalition

<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/2024/11/1731791779462.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS….SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!!!

Submitted<h2>HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY NEWS</h2>THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE.CATHOLIC SCHOOLS….SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!!!Monday<ol>
 <li>The Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter &amp; Paul, Apostles.&nbsp;</li><li>Memorial of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne.&nbsp;</li><li>This week is our Fall Canned Food Drive for the Community Assistance Center of Hays. Students, we encourage you to bring a small sack of canned goods to your teachers this week to support those in need in our community!&nbsp;</li><li>4th Gr. will have ITBS Testing today.&nbsp;</li><li>3rd &amp; 4th Gr. Taco Shop Lunch for Cajetan Cash in IHM Upper Room at 11:30 &amp; 11:40 a.m.</li>
 </ol>Tuesday<ol>
 <li>4th Gr. will have ITBS Testing today.</li>
 </ol>Wednesday<ol>
 <li>Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon.&nbsp;</li><li>Joyful Noise for 5th grade at 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;</li><li>Foundations Team Mtg. at 3:40 p.m. in Lounge.</li>
 </ol>Thursday<ol>
 <li>Memorial of The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.</li><li>There is no school mass this morning –- next week we will be back upstairs at IHM in the church space for school mass again!&nbsp;</li><li>Catholic School Principal Appreciation Day! We thank Mrs. Meagher and Mr. Flax for all of their leadership and the support they give to the teachers, staff &amp; students of HFE! They jump in to help whoever is in need -– they work long hours preparing for meetings and inservices, they give tough love when needed, make hard decisions, and they truly love each and every student in this building! Give them a wave when you see them today!&nbsp;</li><li>Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th grade this afternoon.&nbsp;</li><li>Catholic Schools Week planning meeting at 3:40 p.m in Lounge.</li>
 </ol>Friday<ol>
 <li>Memorial of St. Cecilia, Martyr.&nbsp;</li><li>2nd &amp; 3rd grade will go to Hays Arts Council’s presentation of “School Daze” at Beach Schmidt at 9:30 a.m.&nbsp;</li><li>5th Grade will have their Taco Shop Lunch for Cajetan Cash in the IHM Upper Room at 11:50.&nbsp;</li><li>K &amp; 1st grade will go to Hays Arts Council’s presentation of “Elephant &amp; Piggie: We’re in a Play” at Beach Schmidt at 12:45 p.m.</li>
 </ol>

Holy Family Elementary weekly update

🎙 UPDATE: Donations needed for Feeding Hays as meal count surges

This Thanksgiving Holiday, make sure to buckle up,
Kansans. If you don’t make occupant protection a habit now start a new
tradition! 

&nbsp;Beginning
November 21, 2024 through December 1, 2024&nbsp;
the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will join many other law enforcement
agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas *THANKGIVING
SAFE ARRIVAL traffic
enforcement campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Although all
Kansas Traffic Laws will be enforced, this extra provision will be actively
enforcing our occupant protection laws. 

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will also provide
education that serves as a reminder that BUCKLING UP SAVES LIVES.

Don’t be a turkey, buckle up, every trip, every time.
Its your best defense in case of crash. Do it, if not for you, do it for them.

&nbsp; *Supported by
a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683735125304.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Sheriff's OfficeThis Thanksgiving Holiday, make sure to buckle up,
Kansans. If you don’t make occupant protection a habit now start a new
tradition! &nbsp;Beginning
November 21, 2024 through December 1, 2024&nbsp;
the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will join many other law enforcement
agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas *THANKGIVING
SAFE ARRIVAL traffic
enforcement campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Although all
Kansas Traffic Laws will be enforced, this extra provision will be actively
enforcing our occupant protection laws. The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will also provide
education that serves as a reminder that BUCKLING UP SAVES LIVES. Don’t be a turkey, buckle up, every trip, every time.
Its your best defense in case of crash. Do it, if not for you, do it for them.&nbsp; *Supported by
a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)

Local law enforcement taking part in national seatbelt enforcement campaign

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution supporting DP Management, Omaha, Nebraska, in its application for a moderate-income housing state grant to build a 136-unit apartment complex.

If awarded, the $650,000 grant from the&nbsp;Kansas Housing Resources Corporation will help finance the project on the southeast corner of Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd Street, which the developer is under contract to purchase.

The city has no financial responsibility for the grant application.&nbsp;

"This is just a letter of support. That's all the city would be doing," said&nbsp;Shaun Musil, commissioner.

Forty-eight of the one, two and three-bedroom units would be market-rate housing, while 88 units would be low-income housing. DP Management has partnered with Ellis County to submit a low-income housing tax credit application to the federal program.&nbsp;

The apartment complex would cost $9.8 million for phase one moderate-income units, and $22 million for phase two low-income units.

"We need the housing," Musil said. "You look around town, and you see so many businesses continue to struggle to get qualified staff. Hopefully, with all the apartments to be built in the next four or five years, it will help some of that."

Other new Hays housing developments are planned and include The Depot, 10th and Main; The Grove, north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive; and Tallgrass Phase 4, Wheatland Drive north of 22nd Street.

Commissioners also held a public hearing, with no public comments, for establishing and levying a 1.5% Community Improvement District (CID) tax at CERVS, 3701 Vine.

The development agreement for building a bigger CERVS convenience store and Phillips 66 fuel center was also approved.

Developer Russ Pfannenstiel, Hays, estimates the tax will generate about $895,000 over the maximum 22-year term of the CID.&nbsp;

The estimated project total cost is $4.7 million, with about $3.2 million as CID-eligible expenses.

The 1.5% sales tax would be imposed when operations begin at the new facility.&nbsp;

Commissioners also approved the design-build agreement for phase 1 services for the new Hays police station and municipal court facility at 1100 Fort in Astra Bank.

The $182,000 agreement is with PWC, Hays, in partnership with team members BKV and JGR, who have experience with the proposed project.

The architecture firm BKV&nbsp;completed the police department's space needs analysis, and the architectural firm JGR designed Astra Bank's 2018 remodel.

Police headquarters and municipal court will move from the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th, to the renovated bank.

Astra Bank is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/838fe958-24ab-4afe-a463-4daa732a1c4f">building a new facility </a>at 27th and Main.&nbsp;

During citizen comments, city employee Phillip Gage, a sergeant in the Hays police department, commented on Commissioner Reese Barrick's recent challenge to the local business community to pay their full-time employees at least $20 an hour.

RELATED STORIES: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17290ca2-a64d-4482-aecd-213534370fcd">Ellis County reports highest poverty in the region</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7e6275e6-d3b6-4d59-bb6c-f2505d0a65ca">LETTER: Response to City Commissioner Barrick's statement on business wages</a>

"I think if we have city commissioners challenging other business leaders, we also ought to be a business leader as well," Gage said.

He noted 16 city positions start at less than $20 an hour.

Barrick was late to the meeting and was unable to publicly address Gage's comment at that time.

Mayor Sandy Jacobs thanked Gage and said all citizens' comments are taken into consideration by the commissioners.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731099505711.png" alt="This housing complex built by DP Management in Norfolk, Nebraska, is similar to what is proposed for Hays. Photo courtesy DP Management&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>This housing complex built by DP Management in Norfolk, Nebraska, is similar to what is proposed for Hays. Photo courtesy DP Management&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution supporting DP Management, Omaha, Nebraska, in its application for a moderate-income housing state grant to build a 136-unit apartment complex.If awarded, the $650,000 grant from the&nbsp;Kansas Housing Resources Corporation will help finance the project on the southeast corner of Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd Street, which the developer is under contract to purchase.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731689366006.png" alt="Site of the proposed Victory Village housing complex in Hays at&nbsp;Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd Street, east of Bright Minds Academy. Image courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Site of the proposed Victory Village housing complex in Hays at&nbsp;Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd Street, east of Bright Minds Academy. Image courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The city has no financial responsibility for the grant application.&nbsp;"This is just a letter of support. That's all the city would be doing," said&nbsp;Shaun Musil, commissioner.Forty-eight of the one, two and three-bedroom units would be market-rate housing, while 88 units would be low-income housing. DP Management has partnered with Ellis County to submit a low-income housing tax credit application to the federal program.&nbsp;The apartment complex would cost $9.8 million for phase one moderate-income units, and $22 million for phase two low-income units."We need the housing," Musil said. "You look around town, and you see so many businesses continue to struggle to get qualified staff. Hopefully, with all the apartments to be built in the next four or five years, it will help some of that."Other new Hays housing developments are planned and include The Depot, 10th and Main; The Grove, north of Hays Medical Center on Canterbury Drive; and Tallgrass Phase 4, Wheatland Drive north of 22nd Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731697773422.jpeg" alt="CERVS, 3701 Vine. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>CERVS, 3701 Vine. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728058506970.png" alt="CID district for CERVS , 3701 Vine. City of Hays courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>CID district for CERVS , 3701 Vine. City of Hays courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners also held a public hearing, with no public comments, for establishing and levying a 1.5% Community Improvement District (CID) tax at CERVS, 3701 Vine.The development agreement for building a bigger CERVS convenience store and Phillips 66 fuel center was also approved.Developer Russ Pfannenstiel, Hays, estimates the tax will generate about $895,000 over the maximum 22-year term of the CID.&nbsp;The estimated project total cost is $4.7 million, with about $3.2 million as CID-eligible expenses.The 1.5% sales tax would be imposed when operations begin at the new facility.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713964499400.jpeg" alt="The existing Astra Bank, 1100 Fort, will be remodeled into a new Hays police station and municipal court facility. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>The existing Astra Bank, 1100 Fort, will be remodeled into a new Hays police station and municipal court facility. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners also approved the design-build agreement for phase 1 services for the new Hays police station and municipal court facility at 1100 Fort in Astra Bank.The $182,000 agreement is with PWC, Hays, in partnership with team members BKV and JGR, who have experience with the proposed project.The architecture firm BKV&nbsp;completed the police department's space needs analysis, and the architectural firm JGR designed Astra Bank's 2018 remodel.Police headquarters and municipal court will move from the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th, to the renovated bank.Astra Bank is <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/838fe958-24ab-4afe-a463-4daa732a1c4f">building a new facility </a>at 27th and Main.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731692838327.jpeg" alt="Phillip Gage. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Phillip Gage. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>During citizen comments, city employee Phillip Gage, a sergeant in the Hays police department, commented on Commissioner Reese Barrick's recent challenge to the local business community to pay their full-time employees at least $20 an hour.RELATED STORIES: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/17290ca2-a64d-4482-aecd-213534370fcd">Ellis County reports highest poverty in the region</a> <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7e6275e6-d3b6-4d59-bb6c-f2505d0a65ca">LETTER: Response to City Commissioner Barrick's statement on business wages</a>"I think if we have city commissioners challenging other business leaders, we also ought to be a business leader as well," Gage said.He noted 16 city positions start at less than $20 an hour.Barrick was late to the meeting and was unable to publicly address Gage's comment at that time.Mayor Sandy Jacobs thanked Gage and said all citizens' comments are taken into consideration by the commissioners.

🎙City of Hays supports state grant application for new 136-unit housing complex   

Fort Hays State University’s next Science Café is set for Monday, Nov. 18

“Psychological Well-Being: The Good Life Beyond the Asymptomatic Life,” presentation is sponsored by FHSU's Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

This month’s presentation by Nathan Purdue, FHSU mental health counselor, will focus on what it means to flourish psychologically.

With so much of mental health focused on described abnormal and pathological psychological functioning, occasionally equating treatment success with lack of psychological symptoms, Purdue changes this focus when he asks, “How do scientists conceive of what it means to flourish psychologically?” Come and find out.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqr-2FPdmUUcPHBpOR8JTzWlI2AUSE-2B0-2BRQ5oKpx2jcvODLn4Rm_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOEb80xmkE5FpCD1yy5pHnZdxgMUxDg1HNz7yFwzbd7-2BtY3mAjsZRWx3jHcecjwGvwHcrrnzDrzjjLtnkBIFFU0aZoLdXwE5CxLfRzXyKV6orgobp-2BNsW6Mni-2BdV6AF7y9GA79SA7Bvhd5bEefQIiPQLMx5NbPp8xQCdrg-2FTpyXQsh903RISGpp42oWyUBktDOOfuxIzVtjjqHW35p-2FRW1pXQyJ2-2F66ae-2BnbXVp9g78quZqtImt37RqIbgb0Nl3HY2wKZ1vcB5plprd-2FOcv9zdJg-3D-3D">www.x.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3D5uQa_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOEb80xmkE5FpCD1yy5pHnZdxgMUxDg1HNz7yFwzbd7-2BtY3mAjsZRWx3jHcecjwGvwHcrrnzDrzjjLtnkBIFFU0QZQS6l3C3Lm04a49x8JLqMr3-2FGnspTs48YY8a-2FD584HMpjYeAX7lyb8L3V7pkDZ5LFl2AKTFgooozWu7qyx5Vftw7ZHymMQowvdj9Qn-2FoUdW6ObvooeLlteHO7Xgexf2ehzRg-2B2mgttA-2FvqZ-2BUEOR6I7GIfRpnFNKQPFIRX2-2F7GNiwB4jxZhRN98tpvHVCQSg-3D-3D">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731434650798.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University’s next Science Café is set for Monday, Nov. 18“Psychological Well-Being: The Good Life Beyond the Asymptomatic Life,” presentation is sponsored by FHSU's Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.This month’s presentation by Nathan Purdue, FHSU mental health counselor, will focus on what it means to flourish psychologically.With so much of mental health focused on described abnormal and pathological psychological functioning, occasionally equating treatment success with lack of psychological symptoms, Purdue changes this focus when he asks, “How do scientists conceive of what it means to flourish psychologically?” Come and find out.Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhxD-2BcQjFgIRBovAML9-2BM4eClLu2fQOOHuiGSFsY2VCCja5t_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOEb80xmkE5FpCD1yy5pHnZdxgMUxDg1HNz7yFwzbd7-2BtY3mAjsZRWx3jHcecjwGvwHcrrnzDrzjjLtnkBIFFU0Zg50Hx08lzVi4fITPn0QnhSSbpx33Knt5BWJ9uA-2FYos2Y9UYg2Yi3mWjxtk6CnWORtsiVonOw2dp4ByqEgx6Oay5Hqmubh5fJbbXQLSpnjS-2F8KZcE69s2F7Y1M5BZ-2FHvNVur-2B4A7OmWAF3LZiv5U1WiiY22nVS1PahC8XRmg-2FMQR3IurCAS8gQp8SpT3XU8jQ-3D-3D">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a><a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqr-2FPdmUUcPHBpOR8JTzWlI2AUSE-2B0-2BRQ5oKpx2jcvODLn4Rm_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOEb80xmkE5FpCD1yy5pHnZdxgMUxDg1HNz7yFwzbd7-2BtY3mAjsZRWx3jHcecjwGvwHcrrnzDrzjjLtnkBIFFU0aZoLdXwE5CxLfRzXyKV6orgobp-2BNsW6Mni-2BdV6AF7y9GA79SA7Bvhd5bEefQIiPQLMx5NbPp8xQCdrg-2FTpyXQsh903RISGpp42oWyUBktDOOfuxIzVtjjqHW35p-2FRW1pXQyJ2-2F66ae-2BnbXVp9g78quZqtImt37RqIbgb0Nl3HY2wKZ1vcB5plprd-2FOcv9zdJg-3D-3D">www.x.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a><a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3D5uQa_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOEb80xmkE5FpCD1yy5pHnZdxgMUxDg1HNz7yFwzbd7-2BtY3mAjsZRWx3jHcecjwGvwHcrrnzDrzjjLtnkBIFFU0QZQS6l3C3Lm04a49x8JLqMr3-2FGnspTs48YY8a-2FD584HMpjYeAX7lyb8L3V7pkDZ5LFl2AKTFgooozWu7qyx5Vftw7ZHymMQowvdj9Qn-2FoUdW6ObvooeLlteHO7Xgexf2ehzRg-2B2mgttA-2FvqZ-2BUEOR6I7GIfRpnFNKQPFIRX2-2F7GNiwB4jxZhRN98tpvHVCQSg-3D-3D">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

Psychological well-being is topic of next FHSU Science Café on Nov. 18

Beginning Monday, November 18, 13th&nbsp;Street in Hays will be closed to through traffic just east of Harvest Road and west of Tallgrass Drive for road reconstruction. 

It is anticipated that this shut down will be for four to six weeks, weather dependent. 

Eastbound traffic will detour north on Harvest Road and westbound traffic will detour north on Tallgrass Drive. &nbsp;The map above shows the section of 13th&nbsp;Street that will be under construction.

For access to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, please enter westbound on 13th&nbsp;Street and exit eastbound on 13th&nbsp;Street.

Motorists should use caution and allow more time for travel. 

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. 

For questions, please contact the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 or APAC at 785-625-3459.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731682320022.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Monday, November 18, 13th&nbsp;Street in Hays will be closed to through traffic just east of Harvest Road and west of Tallgrass Drive for road reconstruction. It is anticipated that this shut down will be for four to six weeks, weather dependent. Eastbound traffic will detour north on Harvest Road and westbound traffic will detour north on Tallgrass Drive. &nbsp;The map above shows the section of 13th&nbsp;Street that will be under construction.For access to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, please enter westbound on 13th&nbsp;Street and exit eastbound on 13th&nbsp;Street.Motorists should use caution and allow more time for travel. The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. For questions, please contact the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350 or APAC at 785-625-3459.

Portion of E. 13th Street in Hays closes Monday for reconstruction 

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

A new hybrid plant has emerged in Kansas wheat fields. Through genetic and cytogenetic testing, it was determined to be a hybrid derived from wheat and triticale. This hybrid was confirmed in three locations in Kansas this year.

The mysterious hybrid was observed by Kansas Crop Improvement Association (KCIA) inspectors in Dickinson County and Marion County. In addition, a producer from south-central Kansas also found the same hybrid.

Samples from all three locations were sent to the National Agricultural Genotyping Center (NAGC) in North Dakota. They confirmed all three samples were identical. The NAGC used the NCBI public database and searched for a match using the BLAST algorithm. Based on the database results, they reported that the ITS2 region suggested the samples contained nuclear genomes of Secale and a Triticum species.

The Wheat Genetic Resource Center (WGRC) at Kansas State University provided further testing through a cytogenetic analysis of the seeds produced by the hybrid. Cytogenetics is a branch of genetics that involves the study of chromosomes. The cytogenetic analysis determined that the hybrid plant had 48 chromosomes: 41 wheat and 7 rye. The result indicated that the hybrid plant is likely derived from natural hybridization between hexaploid wheat and octoploid triticale.

In summary, the mystery plant found in Kansas wheat fields has been identified as a wheat x triticale hybrid. To the best of expert’s knowledge, this is the first time this specific hybrid has been found and identified. Over the course of my investigations says Marion Spiering, Manager of Field Services and Seed Certification KCIA. I grew tired of referring to it as “the wheat x triticale hybrid,” so I’ve informally started calling it “quadrotriticale” because it has both the Secale and Triticum species and to distinguish it from commercial triticale.

The seeds collected and tested by KCIA had an overall low fertility rate. It may show up more in areas where a lot of triticale cover crops are being used. In addition, it may also appear if a farmer saves seed from a wheat field that was grown next to a triticale field. The “quadrotriticale” plants were discovered due to the careful field inspection procedures required for Certified seed production. The “quadrotiticale” plants found by KCIA inspectors grew a little taller than the wheat, making them easy to spot. Like its parents, the hybrid is a bunch-type plant that can be pulled easily if it is found in any production field. Now that this hybrid has been identified, KCIA growers can easily locate it and rogue it out of their Certified seed fields.

KCIA’s excellent seed growers and our superior Certified seed standards are more than up to the task of dealing with this new hybrid and continuing to produce high-quality wheat seed.

· The cytogenetic analysis was done by WGRC at KSU.

· The DNA sequencing was done by NAGC, ND.

· The seed germination test was done by KCIA Seed Lab.

· Thanks to Dr. Allan Fritz, K-State Wheat Breeder for his overall assistance with this project and help networking.

Information provided by Marion Spiering, Manager of Field Services and Seed Certification, Kansas Crop Improvement Association, mskcia@kansas.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictA new hybrid plant has emerged in Kansas wheat fields. Through genetic and cytogenetic testing, it was determined to be a hybrid derived from wheat and triticale. This hybrid was confirmed in three locations in Kansas this year.The mysterious hybrid was observed by Kansas Crop Improvement Association (KCIA) inspectors in Dickinson County and Marion County. In addition, a producer from south-central Kansas also found the same hybrid.Samples from all three locations were sent to the National Agricultural Genotyping Center (NAGC) in North Dakota. They confirmed all three samples were identical. The NAGC used the NCBI public database and searched for a match using the BLAST algorithm. Based on the database results, they reported that the ITS2 region suggested the samples contained nuclear genomes of Secale and a Triticum species.The Wheat Genetic Resource Center (WGRC) at Kansas State University provided further testing through a cytogenetic analysis of the seeds produced by the hybrid. Cytogenetics is a branch of genetics that involves the study of chromosomes. The cytogenetic analysis determined that the hybrid plant had 48 chromosomes: 41 wheat and 7 rye. The result indicated that the hybrid plant is likely derived from natural hybridization between hexaploid wheat and octoploid triticale.In summary, the mystery plant found in Kansas wheat fields has been identified as a wheat x triticale hybrid. To the best of expert’s knowledge, this is the first time this specific hybrid has been found and identified. Over the course of my investigations says Marion Spiering, Manager of Field Services and Seed Certification KCIA. I grew tired of referring to it as “the wheat x triticale hybrid,” so I’ve informally started calling it “quadrotriticale” because it has both the Secale and Triticum species and to distinguish it from commercial triticale.The seeds collected and tested by KCIA had an overall low fertility rate. It may show up more in areas where a lot of triticale cover crops are being used. In addition, it may also appear if a farmer saves seed from a wheat field that was grown next to a triticale field. The “quadrotriticale” plants were discovered due to the careful field inspection procedures required for Certified seed production. The “quadrotiticale” plants found by KCIA inspectors grew a little taller than the wheat, making them easy to spot. Like its parents, the hybrid is a bunch-type plant that can be pulled easily if it is found in any production field. Now that this hybrid has been identified, KCIA growers can easily locate it and rogue it out of their Certified seed fields.KCIA’s excellent seed growers and our superior Certified seed standards are more than up to the task of dealing with this new hybrid and continuing to produce high-quality wheat seed.Acknowledgments· The cytogenetic analysis was done by WGRC at KSU.· The DNA sequencing was done by NAGC, ND.· The seed germination test was done by KCIA Seed Lab.· Thanks to Dr. Allan Fritz, K-State Wheat Breeder for his overall assistance with this project and help networking.Information provided by Marion Spiering, Manager of Field Services and Seed Certification, Kansas Crop Improvement Association, mskcia@kansas.net.

CAMPBELL: New wheat x triticale hybrid confirmed in Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731701082877.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

The Smoky Hill Country Club recently hosted its 7th annual “Pink Night” golf tournament, bringing together women golfers from across the region to support a vital cause. The event, which saw participation from surrounding women’s golf courses, raised funds for the HaysMed Breast Care Center.

Golfers from Ellis Golf Course, both Hays courses—The Fort and Smoky Hill Country Club—and Russell joined the event, which has become a cherished tradition.

Participants do not have to be members of these local courses, allowing anyone who wants to support the cause to join the fun. “Pink Night” traditionally sees 50 to 90 golfers come together for a friendly nine-hole scramble.

The evening included a raffle, with all proceeds directed to the Breast Care Center. During the past seven years, “Pink Night” has raised more than $25,000 for HaysMed, helping support breast cancer patients in the community.

During the event, Sarah Fischer, the HaysMed breast health clinical navigator, provided an update on the Breast Care Center’s efforts and introduced the new pink robes that patients are now utilizing. The gesture symbolized the center’s commitment to patient care, comfort and support.

“Pink Night” continues to be a meaningful event, uniting the community in raising awareness and funds for breast cancer care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694017880043.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays MedThe Smoky Hill Country Club recently hosted its 7th annual “Pink Night” golf tournament, bringing together women golfers from across the region to support a vital cause. The event, which saw participation from surrounding women’s golf courses, raised funds for the HaysMed Breast Care Center.Golfers from Ellis Golf Course, both Hays courses—The Fort and Smoky Hill Country Club—and Russell joined the event, which has become a cherished tradition.Participants do not have to be members of these local courses, allowing anyone who wants to support the cause to join the fun. “Pink Night” traditionally sees 50 to 90 golfers come together for a friendly nine-hole scramble.The evening included a raffle, with all proceeds directed to the Breast Care Center. During the past seven years, “Pink Night” has raised more than $25,000 for HaysMed, helping support breast cancer patients in the community.During the event, Sarah Fischer, the HaysMed breast health clinical navigator, provided an update on the Breast Care Center’s efforts and introduced the new pink robes that patients are now utilizing. The gesture symbolized the center’s commitment to patient care, comfort and support.“Pink Night” continues to be a meaningful event, uniting the community in raising awareness and funds for breast cancer care.