Prideofplains

PRIDE PLAINS

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A supplement to The Hays Daily News March 26, 2017

glad you made it!

In Hays, we are serious about enjoying life. With award-winning craft brewers, a vibrant art scene, travel-worthy festivals, and a revitalized downtown, Hays will keep you busy with fresh experiences every day.

Whether you have lived here your whole life or are here for a night, there’s always something new to discover in Hays.

EXPLORE Hungry? Get your fill of comfort food from baby back ribs to stuffed shrimp at any one of our favorite local restaurants. Or maybe you’re in need of a little retail therapy? The shops and boutiques on the Bricks in Downtown Hays are sure to have something you won’t find any where else. Need to stretch your legs? We have over 20 parks and trails for you to enjoy.

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Find all this and more at VisitHays.com

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NICK SCHWIEN, nschwien@dailynews.net

A man begins cleaning up debris left in the wake of a massive wildfire in early March that destroyed several homes in the small town of Ransom.

From the ashes, we will rise

I

t takes a special type of person to grow I’d never seen anything like it before, and and thrive in northwest Kansas.

I hope I never will again. Growing up in We face a lot of things that affect our dai- Ness County, I knew some of the people dily lives — a lot of them out of our control. rectly affected, and it was difficult to watch Low oil prices. Low grain prices. the fires devour everything in their path.

Drought. Lack of water. The list could go But as I watched those residences and on and on. memories go up in wind-swept flames, I It would be easy to tuck our tails and run also noticed how many people were rallying most days. around to help. There were firefighters from But that’s not the way of folks in northnumerous towns nearby, oilfield workers west Kansas. Instead, the hardy people hauling water on trucks and volunteers ofpull up the boots and go to work. fering bottled water and EMS respondThat’s something we all should be ers waiting in the wings. proud of, and a reason why there It showed what people of northwest are so many success stories from the Kansas are made of. When someone best region in Kansas. is down, they’re definitely not out.

While there are numerous And if they think they are, it is stories and things to be proud our job to pick them up and of, it takes a genuine soul to help them out. ick chwien step up when the going gets I can’t imagine the heartCommentary break many of those families rough.

In early March, we witnessed felt that day — and even to numerous wildfires scorch the landscape, this day. I pray I never have to experience it leading to some deaths in southern Kansas personally. and large losses of livestock and buildings We are a blessed region, one that knows throughout the state. how to survive even in the worst of situaThe small town of Ransom in northwest tions. We’ve learned to grow and adapt.

Ness County was no exception to the dry, God willing, we’ll be a symbol of pride extremely windy conditions that day as a for centuries to come. blaze marched into the western portion of That’s something no disaster ever will be the town, destroying everything in its path. able to destroy.

Nick Schwien is managing editor In the way were multiple homes — and at The Hays Daily News a lifetime of memories for families. Several nschwien@dailynews.net lost their houses and all belongings that day.

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PRIDE PRIDE WaKeeney saloon features history, food PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE

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WaKEENEY — The Western Kansas Saloon & Grill, 121 N. Main, has been serving customers in one capacity or another since 1925.

Originally the Keraus Hardware Store, the building has functioned as a barbershop,ofpool hall of COUNTY COUNTY and even a community gym for a time throughout the years.

In 1998, the building was purchased and restored by Larry and Jean Hixson.

Luong Quach, manager of the Western Kansas Saloon & Grill, and Kenny Quan, owner, took over of the building in 2000. of “We just thought we needed a restaurant in COUNTY COUNTY town,” said Quan, whose family has lived in WaKeeney since 1966.

While the restaurant is now celebrated for its exceptional food, remnants of the building’s history can be seen throughout.

Original tin ceilings and hardwood floors adorn of dining room, and the original freightofelevator the COUNTY COUNTY is in the kitchen.

Quach pointed to a patched hole in the floor, of COUNTY which once was used to alert gamblers police had arrived.

“They used to gamble downstairs,” Quan said.

“They would drop a coin through that hole to let JOLIE GREEN, jgreen@dailynews.net them know when the law was coming.”

“Now we have it closed for safety,” Quach said. The building that now houses the Western Kansas Saloon & Grill was built in 1925.

Six large paintings, created by local artist Madeline Musick and commissioned by the WaKeeney Art Council, depict scenes of rural Kansas life including a buffalo herd, an Indian village, a windmill, a cattle drive, a pioneer woman and four cowboys who have striking resemblances to some WaKeeney locals having a drink at the saloon.

Another notable fixture is the Christmas tree that stands at the front of the restaurant yearround.

“Since we’re the Christmas City of the High Plains, that stays up all year,” Quan said.

In fact, the design and construction of the city’s metal Christmas decorations took place in the building in the early 1950s.

Now, the restaurant is known for its steaks, seaWestern Kansas Saloon & Grill business partners food, pastas, desserts and friendly service.

Luong Quach, left, and Kenny Quan, talk about the Don Smith, who has worked as a cook there for restaurant. seven years, said the owners are great to work for.

“They’re not bosses; they are like family,” Smith said.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m to 2 p.m. and 5 to Germaine Barrows fills a drink for a customer during the lunch hour at the 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Western Kansas Saloon & Grill.

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Pride of the Plains

YOU’RE MOBILE! And we are with YOU everywhere you are.

JOLIE GREEN, jgreen@dailynews.net

A full room turns its attention to the night’s entertainment during last year's Rookstock event in Plainville.

‘Rookstock’ alive and kickin’ Special to The Hays Daily News

PLAINVILLE — Rookstock’s iconic meadowlark once again will take flight April 29 in Plainville, ushering in the musical fundraising event for the Rooks County Healthcare Foundation. Proceeds from this year’s celebration will benefit the second phase of expansion at Rooks County Health Center. Last year, Rookstock’s inaugural event netted more than $100,000 for the hospital expansion.

This year, Rookstock attendees will be treatof ed to a fare of beef brisket and homemade the side dishes, cocktails and live music from gospel to blues to popular favorites from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s performed by bands and solo artists with of direct ties to Rooks County.

Newly added will be a “mystery” master of ceremonies to keep the night moving at a fun, action-packed pace. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and run until midnight at Steve’s Electric and Roustabout’s main shop at of (section the corner of W Road and 17 Road line), only 1 mile north of Plainville.

“We’re delighted Rookstock can boast such an array of music from Rooks County’s own talented musicians,” said Eric Sumearll, RCHF executive director. “We’re changing the music lineup around so that many of theofmusicians will be sitting in and playing with each other, blending their styles and musical genres, which kind of highlights how great things can happen when everyone in a community comes together for a common cause.”

The evening’s purpose is to raise of money for Phase 2 of the expansion at RCH, which is the construction of a greatly enlarged, dedicated

rehabilitation facility on the north side of the hospital. Two main components of the project will be a zero-entry hydrotherapy pool to enhance and speed up recovery, and an indoor walking track to encourage cardio exercise for a healthier lifestyle.

“The skill, compassion and dedication of the staff of our physical therapy department make a dramatic, positive impact on the health and physical capabilities of so many people, young and old, in our area,” Sumearll said. of need for an expanded, “There is an urgent COUNTY dedicated rehab facility, and with the community’s help, we are going to make sure that the staff has the space and resources to continue making of such a valuable contribution COUNTY COUNTY to people’s lives.”

Live and silent auctions throughout the evening contribute to the night’s diversions. Just a few of the live auction items include stays at a rustic cabin in Vermont, a brand new Arctic Cat ATV and a of handmade knife crafted out of COUNTY a railroad spike and deer antler designedCOUNTY just for the event, forged and created by a Rooks County bladesmith. An array of handmade items, gift certificates and baskets also will be up for bid.

Tickets are required in advance, and seating of COUNTY COUNTY is limited.

“Last year, we sold out well in advance of the event, so please plan early to buy your tickets,” Sumearll said.

Tickets are available at Rooks County Health Center orofby calling Sumearll at (785) COUNTY COUNTY 688-4428.

For more information, visit www.

Rookstock.com.

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Pride of the Plains

Sunday, March 26, 2017 • The Hays Daily News

GCMC offers new cancer treatment center PRIDE PRIDE of

By SAVANNAH DOWNING ELLIS PLAINS sdowning@ailynews.net

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QUINTER — Residents of Gove County and surrounding areas don’t have to travel far to find first-class health care services.

Gove County Medical Center in of of COUNTYemployer, Quinter is the county’s largest with close to 200 employees, four physicians, two nurse practitioners and two more doctors who will join the team in 2019.

According to Coleen Tummons, CEO, they offer both in- and out-patient care of an average of five to eight in-patients of with COUNTY each day. That’s in addition to the 33 individuals residing in the long-term care facility.

They offer a variety of services from physical therapy, occupational and speech therapies, cardiac and pulmonaryofrehab, a of COUNTY sleep lab, labor and delivery, a lactation clinic and more. of of COUNTY One of their newest and most exciting developments is the growth of their Cancer Therapy Center.

Started in January 2016, the evidence-based program was developed of through research from the University of COUNTY Northern Colorado and Colorado State University. Research has shown the benefits that exercise can provide for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

After a patient receives chemotherapy, those chemicals begin to settle in their main organs. That is why many cancer patients are left with long-lasting effects that undermine overall health.

Exercise therapy helps to push those chemicals out of the body.

“In the past when someone was diagnosed with cancer, they were advised to rest and take care of themselves,” said Liz McDonald, director of therapy services.

“It’s not so much that way anymore. They actually need to exercise and get moving.”

McDonald said that in July and August, two employees attended the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute to complete training to become cancer exercise specialists.

Following the training, McDonald and her colleague had to get the program going and write all the protocols.

The cancer therapy was funded completely by the Gove/Trego County Walk-aThon for the first year.

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JOLIE GREEN, jgreen@dailynews.net

A new cancer therapy room at Gove County Medical Center in Quinter offers physical and emotional therapy to those undergoing cancer treatment.

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Various exercise machines are used for patients undergoing therapy.

As cancer exercise therapy is not paid for through insurance yet, Gove County Medical Center secures funding so it can offer this service free of charge for now.

“We want to offer it free, because our patients have so many other expenses with cancer treatment,” McDonald said.

When a patient first comes in for an interview, the initial consultation lasts approximately three hours.

“It’s a very long process,” McDonald said. “We check their strength, flexibility and cardio endurance.”

Once they have that information, the

data is used in their formulas to determine a patient’s maximum benefit and what exercises will be appropriate for them during each phase of their treatment.

“It’s very specific to the patient. It depends on the type of cancer, and it depends on what cancer treatments they are receiving,” McDonald said.

Star Hooper, physical therapy assistant, attended the training last summer.

Now she works with patients one-on-one in private exercise therapy.

Each patient has an hour of therapy three days a week.

Seven patients have undergone the exercise therapy during the last year and all have had positive outcomes.

“Patients have said, ‘I’m so glad I came today, because I have more energy now,’ ” Hooper said.

The treatments also might include addressing anxiety, nutritional needs, referrals for psychological services, specialized treatments for scar tissue and incisions and any other concerns the patient might have.

Treatments typically end with some form of relaxation exercise including deep breathing, yoga, cranial massage and more.

“We really try to be ‘that’ person for the cancer patient,” McDonald said.

As for the future of the program, McDonald said right now they’re just looking at other funding options.

“We’re applying for a grant right now to get all of us trained, and then we can have more patients. But that would also mean more funding, so we’re really trying to find more funding,” McDonald said. “I just really want to see it grow. I think it’s such a great program, and I hope we can get funding to keep going and insurance will kick in to help.”

Right now, Gove County Medical Center is the only place in this part of the state where patients can undergo such thorough, individualized exercise therapy.

All involved believe this will one day be a standard of cancer treatment. It’s just a matter of waiting for insurance to approve it.

Tummons said exercise therapy is preventative.

“This type of program, futuristically, it would save insurance companies money,” Tummons said.

For Hooper, the results speak for themselves.

“When you’re doing it with a patient and seeing it work first-hand, that’s just amazing,” Hooper said.

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Pride of the Plains

Sunday, March 26, 2017 • The Hays Daily News

La Crosse library bears name of pioneer in education

By JUNO OGLE juno@dailynews.net

LA CROSSE — Nestled among a few trees at a T-intersection of Sixth and Elm in La Crosse is the city’s library. Both the interior and exterior are not vastly different from when the small limestone structure was built in 1937, but how it is used probably would cause some alarm to the man it was named for.

The Barnard Library is much like other small community libraries today. Full bookshelves line the walls, visitors use computers to research on the internet or check email or copy documents on the photocopier, and children sit on the floor for story time.

It’s a far cry from the quiet and order imposed by the library’s eponymous director, Howard Barnard.

“People were scared of him,” said Jo Burkhart, the current library director.

Described in a November 1946 edition of the Rotarian as “Whitmanesque” with a flowing white beard, Barnard demanded silence in the library, regarding it as a place of study.

A few of the patrons of today’s library worked for Barnard, Burkhart said, and tell stories of how he would run a finger along the rows of shelved books to make sure they were all lined up perfectly.

Despite what might be considered his eccentricities, Barnard is considered one of the great educators in rural American history.

“Howard Barnard was a kindly, selfless fanatic who deliberately turned his back on wealth and comfort to teach unlettered cowboys and pioneer children for a salary never more than $67.50 per month,” is how Ralph Wallace described him in the Rotarian article, two years before Barnard’s death.

Lawrence Erbis, a member of the Rush County Historical Society, portrayed Barnard for the society’s 50th anniversary in 2013 and still dons a white beard and boots to take on the role occasionally. He told Barnard’s story for La Crosse third-graders recently.

Born in New York City in of 1863, Barnard was the nephew of Henry Barnard, the first U.S. commissioner of education, and Frederick Barnard, president of Columbia University.

Barnard spent much of his youth in the family of COUNTY library.

At the age of 18, he heeded the words of New York Tribune editor Horace Greeley — “Go West, young man.”

After working briefly on the Erie Canal in New York, Barnard made his way west, walkof

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ing most of the way. He met several families heading for the Santa Fe Trail. Barnard intended to travel with them, but failed to make a connection with them later in Missouri.

COUNTY Barnard continued west, mostly by foot.

“By August 1884, there I was, ready to step over the line in Kansas,” Erbis, as Barnard, said.

He hopped freight trains until he ended up at COUNTY Great Bend.

“That was the end of the line. No more rail from then on,” Erbis said. He set out on foot once again.

Barnard ended up in Rush Center and found work making molasses for sugar beet

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Lawrence Erbis portrays Howard Barnard, founder of Barnard Library, for the La Crosse Elementary School third-grade class at the library in La Crosse.

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farmers. After the season was over, he set off on foot looking for more work, and one night took shelter in a haystack during a snowstorm. It might have been that night that his feet froze, causing permanent injury. Later in life, Barnard wore boots every day because of the damage to his feet.

He briefly went back to New York City, but by 1886 returned to Kansas, bringing as many books from his family library as he could carry. While working for a Rush County family, he would use those books to educate people, often just sitting under a tree in a field, farm workers and children gathering around him.

He eventually got a teaching certificate from the state and worked in area schools for 15 years. He had a desire to start his own

school, but lacked the funds until he received an inheritance of $16,000 in 1905.

With the funds, Barnard started Entre Nous College, building a two-story school near McCracken on four acres he purchased for $289. Eventually he expanded that to 10 acres, and the grounds included a garden for agriculture experiments. There also were barns and stables for the school’s horse-drawn wagons he called “kid wagons” that were forerunners of school buses.

Entre Nous College essentially consolidated several of the area’s one-room country schoolhouses, and Barnard became known as “the grandfather of consolidation” in Kansas, Erbis said.

Its curriculum offered more than the country schools did, too.

Pride of the Plains

The Hays Daily News • Sunday, March 26, 2017

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Howard Barnard, founder of Barnard Library in La Crosse.

Barnard hired a former military officer as his physical education director. Girls’ physical education was part of the curriculum and its sports teams.

“We had tennis, track, basketball, football.

The curriculum was more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. We had geology, music, Latin and German,” Erbis said.

The building itself included amenities such as an auditorium, gas lamps, central heat and a telephone.

Barnard often would walk to Hays City to purchase new books, and sometimes would go without food for himself to pay for subscriptions to the New York Sun, Popular Science, National Geographic and other periodicals for his students.

By 1911, however, Barnard had expended all his money. He borrowed from banks, but in 1913, the school was closed and the property sold to cover his debts.

“When everything was paid off, the attorneys and creditors, I had $49.15 left,” Erbis said.

Barnard actually lived in the school building until it was torn down.

“I was basically penniless, ate very little and my health deteriorated,” Erbis said.

Area women’s groups came to his aid.

The bell from the school’s tower was saved and turned into a monument at the site of the school. It still can be seen today along Avenue E in Rush County, approximately 10 miles west of U.S. Highway 183.

In 1923, Barnard became librarian of La Crosse High School. The community library

The Barnard Library, located at 521 Elm Street in La Crosse, was built in 1937. was built in 1937, part of the Works Progress Administration, from stone quarried near Sand Creek southeast of La Crosse. Barnard became director for the library that bore his name.

A small stove used to heat students’ lunches at Entre Nous College, along with a collection of Barnard’s books and personal and school artifacts, can be viewed at the library today.

Among them are Barnard’s rules of library etiquette, which included: • Whispering corrupts good manners.

• Permission is necessary to speak to anyone in the library.

• Place the chair under the table when leaving.

• Use no ink in the library.

• When you walk in the library, be sure to clean your shoes.

Erbis, in character, told the La Crosse third-graders Barnard did have a cat that was allowed in the building.

“One day, my cat did an unkind thing on one of my books. I had to throw the cat out the door,” he said, making the children erupt in laughter.

“I usually wasn’t that mean. But temper got a hold of me that day. Eventually I let the cat back in.”

Barnard died in 1948 at the age of 83. He had intended to be buried on the grounds of

The bell that was on top of the Entre Nous College, founded by Howard Barnard in 1906, is displayed in a monument near the school's site between Liebenthal and McCracken.

Entre Nous, but the patrons of his community library saw to it he had a plot in the La Crosse cemetery. It wasn’t until recently,

however, that his grave received a headstone, a granite marker denoting him as “Pioneer Educator and Librarian.”

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Pride of the Plains

The Hays Daily News • Sunday, March 26, 2017

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Bunker Hill Cafe still serving up prime food

By KALEY CONNER kconner@dailynews.net

BUNKER HILL — Nearly 44 years ago, a historic limestone building caught Tom Taggart’s eye. He and his wife, Janet, got “a good deal” on the property, and decided to try operating a cafe.

They’ve been serving up a unique dining experience since. The Bunker Hill Cafe has become well-known throughout the region for its fare, which includes “We have catfish and Kansas beef.

“We were so young a lot of when we started. I don’t people think 40 years ever who come entered my mind,” Janet Taggart said. “I just met in, maybe a guy — and I got a cafe they got as well.” engaged “And she’s been working hard ever since,” Tom here. And Taggart said. they’re The cafe is located in a stone building that is a still century old; it was built coming in 1916. Bunker Hill in.” itself has a population of Tom Taggart less than 100 people, but the cafe has drawn loyal customers from several surrounding towns, including Hays, Russell, Osborne, Salina and others.

In more recent years, the internet also has been helpful in generating interest, with many customers pulling off Interstate 70 after finding the restaurant on Yelp or Facebook.

Some customers have been coming faithfully ever since the restaurant opened more than four decades ago, he said.

The cafe has been the site of many wedding proposals throughout the years, and has of been a special occasion destination for many the celebraanniversary, birthday and holiday tions, he said.

“We have a lot of people who come in, maybe they got engaged here,” Tom Taggart said. “And they’re still coming in.”

It’s a popular destination for Valentine’s Day and high school proms, of and it’s not unusual for customers to arrive in limousines as part of their celebrations.

Everyone from Kansas politicians to country music stars have dined here, and the cafe has served as a filming location for Smoky Hills Public Tele- of vision, which is just across the street.

The building that has been home to Bunker Hill Cafe for nearly 44 years was built in 1916.

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KALEY CONNER, kconner@dailynews.net

Owners Tom and Janet Taggart and longtime employee Joyce Scott are seen inside the cafe, which features local art and taxidermy. of COUNTY The cozy dining room is decorated with Everything is made to order, so diners COUNTY sculptures made by local should not expect a “fast-food” experience, artists, and wild game Scott said. preserved by a nearby Popular menu items include catfish, taxidermist. There are shrimp and salmon, filet mignon and buffalo only 10 tables, so guests steaks. Tom Taggart does most of the cookare encouraged to make ing, which also includes homemade honey of reservations, said Joyce raisin bread, two house salad dressings and COUNTY COUNTY Scott, who has been a a variety of homemade jellies. The jellies longtime waitress. are made from native local berries, such as

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elderberry, chokecherry and sand plum. The staff picks the berries by hand, Taggart said.

“It’s fresh food. It’s not prepared food,” Scott said.

“You won’t find a bagged salad in our kitchen,” Tom Taggart said.

“And we’ve got the carpal tunnel to prove it,” Janet added with a chuckle.

Taggart said he always had been interested in fishing and still enjoys cooking. But all three say the customers are what has inspired them to keep the business going all these years.

Some original customers now come to eat with their children and grandchildren, Janet Taggart said.

“I’ve always kept a toy box over there, and it makes me feel pretty old now when their grandkids … grab some toys,” Taggart said.

“I think a lot of those toys have been there that long.”

The cafe now is open three evenings a week, as all three admit they are not as young as they once were.

“People don’t understand; it’s a lot of work,” Scott said. “The customers keep saying, ‘Please don’t close.’ They enjoy coming here on special occasions and family get-togethers, birthday parties.”

“And that’s the best part,” Janet Taggart said.

“We’ve made so many friends here.”

To contact Bunker Hill Cafe, call (785) 483-6544.

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Pride of the Plains

Sunday, March 26, 2017 • The Hays Daily News

Russell County foundation continues to give back PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE PRIDE

By KALEY CONNER kconner@dailynews.net

of

the foundation offers a generous scholarship program, withof$155,000 available this year to assist college-bound Russell CountyCOUNTY students.

A total of 11 different scholarship funds are established with the foundation, which provides a variety of opportunities for area youth. The largest scholarship fund is the JoshuaCOUNTY Fund, which this year alone will fund of COUNTY 25 $4,500 scholarships and two $10,000 gifts, Muller said.

“He wanted to give back and really help kids who didn’t think they would have the of chance to go to college, so they COUNTY COUNTY could have that opportunity,” Muller said of the fund’s donor, Dr. Starr F. Schlobohm. “We are very happy to help facilitate that fund.”

Because theoffoundation offers so many COUNTY COUNTYprograms, criteria vary for scholarship each fund. More details are available at rcacf.net; applications are due every year by March 1.

The foundation offers another financial

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RUSSELL — It all started with the a simple idea 16 years ago. Today, Russell County Area Community Foundation has endowments worth nearly $12 million and consists of 75 funds.

“We were founded by people inofthe community who were concerned things were changing and wanted to make sure there was a vibrant foundation in place to really preserve our rural way of of life and to help our hometowns thrive,” said Angela Muller, the foundation’s executive director.

Since its inception, the foundation also has awarded nearly $2 million in charitable donations to various Russell County of projects, which include park and school improvements, public health endeavors and the arts.

Area children always have been a particular area of focus for charitable programs, and

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assistance program called the Russell Area Youth Activities Fund, which helps children with a financial need participate in extracurricular activities, such as athletics, fine arts and camps. Grants are limited to $200 per applicant each fiscal year, and applications always are accepted.

“We’ve awarded thousands of dollars worth of grants to help kids,” she said. “That’s for everybody in our area who needs that.”

But for some local children, the needs are as basic as having enough food to eat. With that in mind, an anonymous donor founded the Russell Backpack Fund, which provides take-home food for elementary school children who need it.

A backpack full of healthy food is sent home with children in need on Fridays so the family has food for the weekend. A subtle system has been arranged to transfer the backpack so the children don’t feel singled out, Muller said.

“The schools help identify the families that

they feel need that,” she said. “It’s a program operated through churches of the Russell area; they do that together.”

The foundation’s largest grant is the “Think Big, Think Russell County” grant, which awards $30,000 to one non-profit organization, local government or school. The purpose is to jump-start a charitable project that will have significant local impact. That award is given each spring, but the application deadline was Feb. 1.

Past projects through that grant have included playground improvements at Simpson Elementary School and improvements to the local recreation commission’s baseball fields.

“It just shows you how if you invest in these gifts and these programs, how far they can go,” Muller said. “We’re starting to see some fantastic things happening, and it’s because of the foresight of those people 16 years ago who saw that a community foundation was a great way for people to invest in their communities.”

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Pride of the Plains

Graham County has a lot to offer G

raham County is one where everybody knows everybody. Everyone is a neighbor and friend. We love to live here for those reasons.

“Ringneck Pride” is the theme of the county. From Hill City USD 281’s mascot to hunting the bird, we love to honor this and each version or interpretation of it.

We are traditional folks who invest ourselvesof in each community — St. Peter, Morof land,the Penokee, Hill City, Bogue and Nicodemus. We also invest ourselves in agriculture and recreation. Past, present and future is instilled in us to preserve our community and county. of Some of the most beautiful hidden assets of COUNTY of our county include Antelope Lake shelter houses, Hill City park structures, Citizens State Bank brick mural and Morland’s Pratt Pony Bridge. of of • Antelope Lake: A little COUNTY known fact about the shelters and other structures at Antelope Lake is they were built as a WPA project in the 1930s out of native stone. The lake is also on the state historical list. Antelope Lake is beautiful anyof of time of year, tucked awayCOUNTY in rural Graham County. It encompasses 80 acres. Featuring boat ramps, camping and picnic areas, two shelter houses and an old iron bridge, Antelope is the perfect place for recreation of and of fishing.

COUNTY • Hill City park structures: The gazebo and shelter house at the Hill City Park also were a part of the WPA projects in the 1930s. These structures also were built from of the county’s native stone. The park is widely COUNTY and frequently used. There have been several weddings, parties and Chamber Christmas lightings in the park each year. New to the park this year is a concrete walking trail.

Winding throughout the park’s three sections, the trail provides a connection to each part and allows those partaking a beautiful

view. Hill City also offers two other parks that feature play equipment and shelters, perfect for a family outing or party.

• CSB brick mural: If you ever travel to Morland, you have to check out the bas-relief mural made entirely of brick next to the front door of the Citizens State Bank. It is truly a work of art. Bella Vista, Ark., artist Jack Curran sculpted the mural to commemorate the local paleontology COUNTYby National Geographic in the dig funded mid-1980s. Curran used past concepts of the plants, animals and terrain found in the area 8 to 10 million years ago along with the modern day digger. Each brick was individually made, for its specific spot in the COUNTY mural. They were set up for inspection, and then shipped to the site. While the dig site is hidden away on private property without access, the artifacts can be seen at SterCOUNTY nberg Museum of Natural History in Hays (credit to the Morland Expedition page on www.getruralkansas.com).

• Morland Pratt Pony Bridge: The historic Pratt Pony Bridge originally was made in COUNTY Nebraska in the early 1900s. There is no bracing, which in the early days of horses and wagons let the horses cross with less reluctance. The one in Morland is one of only two of the Pratt Pony Bridges remaining. The bridge is located in the beautiful COUNTY city park as you come into town (credit to the Morland Architecture page on www. getruralkansas.com).

As you can see by this sneak peak, Graham County has a lot to offer the recreational enthusiast. We also appeal greatly to those who love to find the hidden gems. We believe our community and county are just that, a hidden gem in our great state. Get out there and get rural. Some of the best things you find are there. Come see us.

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Got events upcoming in your community that you want people to kow about? Send items to The Hays Daily News at newsroom@dailynews.net.

Hays, Kansas www.tri-central.com

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Pride of the Plains

Sunday, March 26, 2017 • The Hays Daily News

Hays Academy a cut above

By NICK SCHWIEN nschwien@dailynews.net

It seemed like a good enough idea at the time.

That was nearly 14 years ago.

Only problem was none of those involved had any business experience. That wasn’t enough to stop the dreams of a family-owned venture that has been educating students for more than a decade now and turning out graduates sought after throughout the country.

Welcome to the story of success for Hays Academy of Hair Design and the duo of Danielle Markley and Summer Melvin.

“None of us had owned a business before, and I had never thought about it before,” Markley said about the 2003 purchase of Hays Academy. “It really was trial and error, and educating on what success looks like in the industry was key. And we’ve been able to partner with successful businesses, especially Nuts and Bolts.”

Markley and her sister Melvin took a leap of faith in 2003 with their acquisition.

Markley was a recently licensed cosmotologist, and Melvin was a recent business graduate. The partnership seemed ideal, with Markley educating students and Melvin taking care of the behind-the-scenes work.

“And taking chances,” Summer Melvin said about the keys to success early on. “We just kind of took the chance.”

They took the right chance at the right time, and soon their husbands joined into the school and business.

Eric Markley, Danielle’s husband, joined after getting his instructor’s license, and Len Melvin, Summer’s husband, opted to switch from teaching in a classroom to becoming the marketing director of the academy.

“I don’t think any of us four had a clue what we were getting into,” Len Melvin said.

The early years saw nearly a dozen students enrolled in the downtown location just north of the railroad tracks in Hays, west of Main Street. The older building was suitable for a short time, until the student population started to grow quickly. of “When we did this, we had those 12 students,” Len Melvin said. “I don’t even remember then if our goal was 20 or 25. Then it just exploded within a year or a year and a half

Instructor Nicole Kroeger goes over paperwork recently at Hays Academy of Hair Design. to where our backs were against the wall.

It was either a full remodel on an old, old building, or look for space to accommodate us. It all happened so fast, we didn’t even have time to reflect on how we got here or what brought us here.

“But we knew we had to make a change to fit COUNTY our new goal, which was always to provide a lifestyle and a career to people. We didn’t want to have to turn people away, and certainly this facility offers that. And it offers our

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guests that come in the feeling of being at an upscale salon where they still get to save some money.

“We’re so thankful for those guests because they’re so important to our students’ training. We need these people coming in every day. Ninety-nine percent of them are so kind and helpful to our students that it really makes it all work for us.”

Now, Hays Academy is located on East 27th Street in a custom-built location that features a salon area, manicure and pedicure area, offices and classrooms.

The student population has grown, too, with a constant flow of students coming in

NICK SCHWIEN, nschwien@dailynews.net

and graduating — some from as far away as Hawaii.

“I think for me, where the light really went off is when we adopted the Nuts and Bolts training program and had it fully implemented in our school,” Len Melvin said. “It really changed the way we operate, all the way down to how we greet our guests and send them out and rebook them again. That’s where it really went off to me. I think we had the technical training down, but that business element was maybe the last piece we were missing with our students. Once that was implemented, everything came into the picture.”

Pride of the Plains The academy moved to the new facility in April 2006. But the school also has seen changes in curriculum, including the addition of the Nuts and Bolts Training Co. Its mission is to help beauty schools train professionals better. Len Melvin said implementing that program has changed the school and sets it apart from many in the country.

They’ve also implemented the Sassoon Cutting Program, something only 17 schools in the world teach about cutting hair without having to travel to one of the specialized academies, according to Len Melvin.

Hays Academy also became a signature Wella school, a top-of-the-line brand for hair coloring. It gives the Hays school five visits from world-renowned color professionals throughout the year. They also specialize in MUD, or Make-Up Design.

That’s what gives their graduates a solid start and sets them apart.

“We’ll have other salons from other cities call us and say, ‘Hey, I want to hire a Hays Academy graduate if they’re willing to come to this part of the country,’ ” Len Melvin said. “That’s a result of some of the partnerships we’ve made with Nuts and Bolts, Wella, Sassoon.”

Now, the school in Hays is a player on the national level, winning numerous countrywide contests throughout the year from large competitions.

“Those shows that we’re winning, to the common person, they think, ‘Oh, wow.

They won an award,’ ” Len Melvin said.

“But these are big, big, big time awards you can’t really understand if you’re not in the industry. When you’re in the industry, you understand the magnitude of the award and what it’s doing for these girls.”

“When we started, we set the standards high for our students, oftentimes higher than what they could think of themselves,” Danielle Markley said. “We take them through the door and give them hope and inspiration. For us, that’s what it’s about.”

The Markleys are the education managers, working the floor and offering handson tutorials for students. The Melvins continue to take care of the behind-thescenes items.

That’s given the academy a strong family vibe.

“That’s one of our core values,” Danielle Markley said. “Faith is No. 1, and another is family. We are sure to treat every one of our students like they are our own son or daughter. … Even when they leave our doors, we always let them know we are always here for them at any time.”

The academy’s enrollment can fluctuate from year to year, but the numbers have risen nearly 10-fold since the start. Since 2003, more than 750 students have gradu-

The Hays Daily News • Sunday, March 26, 2017

C15

More than 750 students have graduated from the academy since Danielle Markley and Summer Melvin took ownership. Pictured is student Nicole Latta cutting a client’s hair.

One of the key components to Hays Academy of Hair Design is students are able to work on active customers instead of mannequins. Pictured is student Kelly Lamb. ated from the academy.

Many have gone on to high-profile jobs, including one who worked during Fashion Week in New York City and another who previously worked with the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders.

“We’ve had salon owners tell us our students are so advanced when they come to the salon,” Len Melvin said. “That’s a result of working on people and not mannequins the whole time.”

All involved admit the clientele in Hays

has helped the students grow while schooling in Hays. Now, the same is true for those coming into the school in Salina, where Hays Academy branched out in 2011.

“I never envisioned this, or even being outside of Hays,” said Summer Melvin, who also heads up the financial aid side of things. “I had just graduated from college and was thinking a starter job. We had no idea of what we were getting into. We had no education on running a business, let alone owning one.”

Now, the success the family has developed serves as its own breeding ground; all of the instructors at the school are Hays Academy graduates.

“I speak for all four of us when I say we didn’t have a clue,” Len Melvin said.

“We still don’t a lot of days. The fact that we’ve surrounded ourselves with tremendous people is a key. Our staff, from top to bottom, is amazing. They make us look good and our job easier. I don’t think we had any clue to where we were headed. We had a dream, a mission to make successful people. Where that was going to be in 2017, I don’t think any of us could have forecast that.”

Or envisioned sweeping categories in prestigious national competitions as well.

Now, the Markleys and Melvins have their eyes on revolutionizing the industry.

“I think our goal, collectively, is to change the industry now,” Len Melvin said. “I think we’ve realized we can change and make positive changes in the industry to send a better message to the public about the excitement of the industry, the uniqueness of the industry and the opportunity of the industry. It’s been a shunned industry.

“The public perspective is you can’t make any money. I think we want to change that. This is a tremendous, tremendous industry. Where we are regional, probably for women, it’s a very male-dominated industry when you get coastal. The financial opportunities are endless, and there’s a flexible schedule. I think that’s really the message we want to send moving forward. We want to make industry change in a positive light.”

C16

Pride of the Plains

Sunday, March 26, 2017 • The Hays Daily News

Let’s use our energy abundance to lift people up A

s the Trump Administration begins, it is clear its approach to energy policy could not be more different than the previous administration’s. With the change in policy comes new opportunity for the energy industry to achieve its full potential.

Energy is so thoroughly woven into our daily lives that few will ever question whether it will be there, or where it comes from.

Petroleum plays an integral role in nearly every aspect of our lives. Oil-based products are likely the first thing you touch at the beginning and end of each day, whether it is your alarm clock, television remote, cellphone or even the toothpaste and tooth-

brush you use to brush your teeth. Those creased dramatically during the last decade who wear makeup or synthetic fibers, because the independent oil and natural such as polyester or nylon, are using gas industry is committed to investment or touching petroleum nearly 24 and job creation in the U.S. and are hours a day. As a key component using technology and innovation in heart valves, seat belts, helmets, to access more oil and natural gas life vests and even Kevlar, petroreserves. In addition to leading the leum is saving tens of thousands world in the production of oil and of lives daily. Furthermore, oil natural gas, the U.S. also leads the and gas are key components world in emission reductions. in many medicines and anJust five years ago, no tibiotics such as antiseptics, one would have imagined d ross antihistamines, aspirin and the U.S. could increase Commentary production of oil and natural sulfa drugs.

Energy production in the U.S. has ingas while cutting greenhouse gas emissions,

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which are now near 25-year lows. According to the EPA, oil and gas methane emissions now account for only 3.63 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. A recent study by the Energy Information Administration indicates the U.S. emitted 23 percent fewer energy-related CO2 emissions in 2015 than in 2005. Further, thanks in part to the increased use of domestic natural gas, ozone concentrations have dropped by 17 percent since 2000. The oil and natural gas industry has proven that over the long-term, it is possible to lead in energy production and in environmental stewardship.

See CROSS,C18

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Pride of the Plains

CROSS,

from 16

The fundamental change under the Trump administration is that market realities and a respect for consumers and their preferences will drive smarter regulations that focus on protecting the environment and growing the economy. The Trump administration understands all Americans benefit from a safe, environmentally responsible and thriving oil industry. And they recognize the importance of letting market forces, not government mandates, drive energy policies.

The change in administration means we have the opportunity to achieve America’s true energy potential by embracing the market-driven innovation and entrepreneurial spirit embodied by the millions of men and women who work in the American oil and natural gas industry.

What Americans expect and deserve are the facts. And the fact is, recent history has disproved the false premise that economic growth and significant increases in energy production must, necessarily, come at the expense of environmental improvement.

What would it mean for consumers, the economy and future job creation if we substantially limited exploration, development and use of fossil fuels in America’s energy supply mix? A recent study by the Energy Information Administration indicates the average American family would see their energy costs increase by $4,550 by 2040.

It could mean a cumulative loss of $11.8 trillion in the nation’s GDP and the loss of 6 million jobs.

That’s just a few of the costs to America’s families and economy of an energy policy based on less energy. What’s more, the vision of less energy in the future contradicts the overwhelming consensus of experts who agree we will need more energy for decades to come. In the U.S., oil and natural gas will supply 60 percent of U.S. energy needs by 2040, even under the most optimistic scenarios for renewable energy growth. Worldwide

energy consumption will increase by 48 percent by 2040, and 78 percent of that energy consumption will be met by fossil fuels.

We hope the Trump administration will pursue environmental policies that build on the progress our nation has made in the last several years thanks in large part to the American oil and natural gas energy renaissance. We also hope the Trump administration will recognize the innovation and core commitment to American energy security displayed by America’s oil and natural gas industry is a national asset that should be encouraged and promoted.

The U.S. has a unique opportunity to show the world how energy abundance can be used as a positive force to lift people up.

More than a billion people around the world face challenges for adequate food and education, clean water and protection from heat and cold due to a lack of access to energy.

We should work to ensure more people have access to safe, affordable and reliable energy, no matter which state, nation or continent they reside. Because to rise out of poverty and enjoy health and safety, people need more energy, not less.

We need a new American understanding of energy, and with it a national energy policy based on science, the free market and entrepreneurial spirit. We should set aside the acrimony and division that has marked too much of past national energy policy discussions and work together as one nation on a positive forward-looking energy future based on the understanding that our nation’s best energy future can only be achieved through a true all-of-the-above energy strategy.

Future generations are looking to us to get our nation’s energy policy right. They’re counting on us to leave them with a country that is second to none in energy production, security and economic prosperity.

Edward Cross is president of the Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association.

Center showcases heritage T www.mwenergy.com •

MidwestEnergy

he Grinnell-Angelus Area Heritage Center is located in Grinnell on South Adams Street in the historic 1921 Grinnell Township Hall. The hall is beautifully maintained with its original tin ceilings and oak floor.

It is still the center of government for Grinnell Township in Gove County, but in the past, it also was the community center where elections, plays, dances, dinners and

even church meetings took place.

The center was founded by a group of community members in 2007 whose aim was to preserve the history of the five communities and rural areas we serve in northwest Gove County, southwest Sheridan County and far southeastern Thomas County in northwest Kansas.

See HERITAGE, C22

these s s i tm Don’ at events gre

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History • Faith • Dining Commerce • Events • Recreation

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Pride of the Plains

Sunday, March 26, 2017 • The Hays Daily News

Local focus keeps Phillipsburg radio station strong

By JUNO OGLE juno@dailynews.net

PHILLIPSBURG — It might not be what he originally set out to do, but Bob Yates says he is living the dream.

As a young disc jockey, Yates had his sights set on making the big-time on Chicago’s airwaves.

But as he got older, he started a family and found himself influenced by community leaders, that dream began to change.

Yates knew he wanted to be in radio when he was 8 and his Boy Scout troop in Coffeyville toured the local radio station.

When he was 10, his parents gave him a radio. He discovered it also had a microphone input, and soon had it hooked up to speakers in the house to create his own radio station of sorts.

“I was always practicing I was on the radio, piping all this stuff from the basement, driving my parents crazy,” he said.

In 1974, his family moved to Phillipsburg, where his father, Walt, became manager of the oil refinery. The first thing 14-year-old Yates did was see if the town had a radio station. It did — KKAN AM 1490 — and Yates took a tape of his basement radio station to manager Dwight Look. of He was hired to work after school andthe on weekends, but had to wait three years for a chance to get on the air, after two other local students graduated.

He still had that Chicago dream when he went to Colby Community College, and even after returning to Phillipsburg.

An FM of station, KQMA 92.5, got started in Phillipsburg, with the two stations eventually merging and going through several ownerships.

“I survived five ownership changes from 1977 to 1988. The more and more I looked at this, ownership might be want I wanted to do,” Yates said.

He briefly got out of radioofin 1984 and worked as a personal assistant to Darrel Olliff, owner of a memorial chapel, and Huck Boyd, publisher of the Phillips County Review and a mentor to Sen. Bob Dole, of who was making a bid for president at the time.

Their influence helped push him on to that new dream.

“My wife and I had the backing, but then my dad, who had recently retired from (the refinery) after they closed it down, said, of ‘Why don’t I do it?’ ” Yates said.

Yates and his wife, Teal, joined with

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Bob Yates, owner of KKAN/KQMA Radio, gives a weather update at the station in Phillipsburg.

his parents, Walt and Kay, to take over the radio stations April 1, 1988. Since his parents’ deaths approximately 10 years ago, Yates and his wife have been the sole of owners.

COUNTY A large part of their 29 years of success comes from the emphasis on serving the local audience.

“We have always been KKAN and 92.5 of COUNTY KQMA. We’re not ‘The Gizzard’ or ‘The Crawdad.’ We’re not a gimmick. We are an established information center, as a public trustee though our broadcast stations,” Yates said. “We are very locally centered, smalltown radio station with of a huge signal that serves a large area.”

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JOLIE GREEN, jgreen@dailynews.net

Yates controls the radio board while serving as the morning jockey.

Pride of the Plains

RADIO,

The Hays Daily News • Sunday, March 26, 2017

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from C20

The FM station’s 100,000-watt signal reaches a 60-mile radius from Phillipsburg, and sometimes farther depending on atmospheric conditions.

With 1,000 watts, the AM station’s signal is the strongest within a 30-mile radius, but has a strong listenership in outlying areas, too. Yates recently received a letter signed by 10 people in McCook, Neb., 75 miles away, expressing appreciation for the station’s ’50s and ’60s music format. While its programming is automated, the songs are all hand-picked by Yates.

The FM station features what could be called an eclectic mix of hot country, Top 40 adult contemporary and classic rock, again with hand-picked songs, and also features community-oriented programming such as a call-in classifieds and area dining directory on weekday mornings, the weekly “What’s Up” on community events and extended news broadcasts several times throughout the day that include local news, weather, obituaries and community events.

During the day, the DJs are live from the studio in downtown Phillipsburg. Evenings and weekends are automated, but Yates has the ability to sign in to the computer system if needed, even when he’s in Hays visiting his son’s family.

A big part of the station’s local emphasis is due in part to the station’s staff. Although Yates gets audition tapes from across the country, he prefers home-grown talent. Mark Gower, who assists with the programming, has been an announcer on the station for 17 years. Award-winning sports broadcaster Tad Felts retired last year after more than 40 years as news and sports director for the stations. Jesse Rhea, who grew up in Agra, stepped into that role after working part-time with Felts for six years. His color commentator is Robbie Gibson, who grew up in Kensington.

While Rhea admits a call from ESPN or Kansas State University to do play-by-play might tempt him away, he said he, too, is “living the dream.”

“I’m pretty lucky to be able to come back home to do what I wanted to do,” he said. “My family is here. I like having my dad be able to listen to me,” he said.

Both he and Gibson already have checked off “bucket list” items in their broadcast careers in calling championship games for the high schools they attended and played for — Phillipsburg and Thunder Ridge, respectively.

Smith Center High School football is broadcast on KQMA, and Phillipsburg High School football on KKAN. Basketball from both is featured on the FM station, and they occasionally broadcast games from Logan High School and Thunder Ridge when the schedule allows.

JOLIE GREEN, jgreen@dailynews.net

Jesse Rhea, news and sports director for KKAN/KQMA Radio, does work to prepare for the 3-2-1A state wrestling tournament at the station in Phillipsburg.

At the end of February, Rhea was putting in extra hours preparing for state wrestling and sub-state basketball broadcasts. The MCL wrestling tournament, state wrestling and state track meet are also among KQMA’s biggest sports broadcasts of the year.

Yates said he’s grateful Rhea is continuing in Felts’ footsteps on the news and sports side, and Gower’s assistance with programming, as that allows him to focus on advertising sales and making sure the stations stay compliant with FCC regulations.

“I worry more about paying the bills, and then I let these guys take over and do their thing,” Yates said.

He does still get behind the mic for part of the weekday mornings, largely because listeners still want to hear his voice.

Even with access to streaming music and radio stations online, Yates said KQMA continues to pull in listeners. In fact, the station’s online stream has grown its audience, he said.

“I have not noticed any drop in listenership,” Yates said.

“If anything, it’s increased. That’s something that you may not find in many places across the country.”

KQMA’s all classic-rock weekends and especially classic episodes of Casey Kasem’s Weekly Top 40 are popular with online listeners.

“If there’s a problem with the online stream, I will immediately get emails from across the country,” Yates said.

As much as he said he’s enjoyed every minute of the last 40 years with the radio stations, Yates said he knows there will be a day he’ll want to retire from the airwaves. When that time comes, if the stations don’t stay in the family, he’ll find just the right buyer who will continue its successful formula.

“We are still as strong as we always have been here in rural America because of the fact that people know we are there, we’re live, we’re local, we’re going to tell you exactly the information that you want,” he said.

Small town Lucas in Russell Co. offers big-time fun L

ucas, the Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, is home to many of the state’s most popular Grassroot Arts sites and draws more than 15,000 visitors a year. Sites include the world-famous Garden of Eden, Florence Deeble’s Rock Sculpture Garden, the Grassroots Art Center — which displays pieces

by more than 20 Kansas grassroots artists — the DADA MUSE’UM, and the World’s Largest Things Gallery.

The latest addition to the Lucas arts is the public restroom “Bowl Plaza.” The building is shaped like a toilet tank, and the sidewalk winds to a roll of toilet paper. The inside

and outside walls are covered with mosaics.

Bowl Plaza even has a guestbook that has been signed by people from every state and 78 countries. It was voted the second best restroom in the United States in 2014.

While in Lucas don’t forget to stop by Brant’s Meat Market for a sample of their

homemade Czech bologna and other specialties, and Possumbilities coffee shop, antiques and Eric Abraham Gallery.

Lucas is the perfect place for a day trip with the family.

Connie Dougherty is director of the Lucas Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Pride of the Plains

Sunday, March 26, 2017 • The Hays Daily News

Developmental Services of NWKS continues growth D

evelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas is never would be possible if not for the efforts of so many celebrating our 50th year of providing services and caring people across all walks of life who have seen the support to people with intellectual and developneed, stepped forward and made a difference in the lives mental disabilities (I/DD) throughout the 18 of others. counties of northwest Kansas. From our humble It inspires me thinking about the courage, deterbeginnings in 1967, serving just four people at mination and vision our founders had as they forged what was once a barracks on the campus of Fort a new path in serving people with differing Hays State University, to an organization serving abilities. In those days, the idea of bringing more than 500 people with I/DD, DSNWK people out of state institutions and serving always has been about creating better lives them in the community was foreign and and empowering the people we serve. certainly was met with some resistance Lives of those we serve have drastically along the way. Through their leadership, erry ichaud these pioneers created a strong foundation changed for the better during these 50 years.

Commentary upon which our current services today are No longer are people forced into institutional care — common in the earlier days. Individuals built. often are employed by local businesses, living in their own We are indebted to all the parents, staff, board memapartments and participating as community members. It’s bers and community members who ignited and fanned simple, it’s normal, and yet it’s profound. When we look the flames and carried the torch forward decade after back at where we evolved from, these accomplishments decade. Because these advocates envisioned people with

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Highlights of Hays USD 489 HERITAGE,

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t is an interesting task to highlight the still are recognized and cherished. Many Hays USD 489 school district. It is other towns rely heavily on tending to old easy to point out the many successes our structures and museums to maintain their students and staff have accomplished history. It appears the history of Hays lives in the arts, academics, clubs and sports. on through the lessons our older residents Kansas coach of the year, All-American still teach their children and grandchildren. and All-Kansas high school yearbook, These are the simple lessons that probably National Merit Scholar, first in league for have more to do with being successful in Hays Middle School girls’ cross this world. country, second at state for girls’ Perhaps that is what truly makes Hays Hays High School golf, sell-out different. It isn’t so much the past crowds to “Bye Bye Birdie,” or the history. It is the character of students recognized in volleyball the people who live on and provide and soccer, undefeated season for the real optimism for our future. In Hays Middle School quiz bowl, today’s time, honor and courage an athlete selected for the are words that seem to exShrine Bowl, and 35 seniors clusively link to the military. receiving Dane G. Hansen That is unfortunate because ohn hissen scholarships are some of the those are traits that should successes that can be highlightCommentary belong to all our people no ed. However, these many and matter what job they have. varied accomplishments might not be the Being honorable is still a desirable trait points of emphasis. in the Hays community, and being couraIt is the Hays people that stand out. geous is a way of life, not just situational.

They are kind and compassionate. Either Character development is an imperative old or young, Hays is comprised of people function of the Hays schools, including who have a broader view than just their public and private. The future generations own hurried lives. They care about their of home-grown leaders will ensure Hays neighbors and demonstrate that in many being a thriving community. The highlight ways. Children still are taught in Hays to to this school district is no more or less the be respectful, and they show that in simple highlight to this community as a whole. It is ways, such as opening doors for others. “we the people.”

John Thissen is superintendent Hays is a community full of pride and of Hays USD 489. yet not prideful. They embrace values that

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developmental disabilities with all the same rights, to live close to home, to have employment opportunities and to be interdependent with their community, those services emerged and continued to grow and flourish for many years.

To all who have been involved and supported DSNWK during these past 50 years — thank you. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you. Whatever your connection, we appreciate you. All of us at DSNWK look forward to continuing our side-by-side work with you. Together, with a common vision and value that each person is unique and gifted with their own unique set of abilities, our communities become stronger and more beautiful for all of us. May the firm foundation laid by our predecessors remain the bedrock of services into the next 50 years as we together tackle the challenges and build the future that empowers the lives of those we diligently serve and will serve.

Jerry Michaud is president and CEO of DSNWK.

from C18

The Township Board agreed to allow One special project we have accomus to use the hall as a Heritage Center. plished with a grant from the Dane G. The mission of the Grinnell-Angelus Area Hansen Foundation was to have our old Heritage Center Inc. is to gather, classify newspapers digitized and uploaded to and preserve a wide variety of artifacts the internet. Check them out at grinnell. from our communities of Grinnell, Anadvantage-preservation.com/. gelus, Orion, Campus, Orange and the We also publish a newsletter four times surrounding rural areas to demonstrate a year called the Heritage Center Past the uniqueness of our area of Kansas, and Times, free with membership or by to provide a place where people can visiting the center. A community access them. birthday and anniversary calenWe chose as our motto this dar also are available. saying: “Spanning the past, present We will be celebrating our and future of the area communities 10th year this season. We are of Angelus, Campus, Grinnell, open beginning around MemoriOrange and Orion, Kansas al Day (no heat) from 2 to 4 p.m.

— Let’s save our memorabilia Tuesdays and Thursdays weekly before it is all lost!” It was rapand by appointment. We host idly disappearing as it is in many udy art several special events each year, towns.

Commentary including special exhibits. We Displays from each community: have been focusing on our area’s their businesses, schools, churches, families, World War I veterans in the centennial events, and all sorts of artifacts can be years of the Great War. found at the center. We have had great supBy memberships, contributions, grants port in obtaining priceless memorabilia inand fundraising, we continue to expand cluding the Grinnell High School Alumni our collection each year. collection. We established a research center For more information, contact us by on the old stage with many documents and email at jhart@st-tel.net or lynw.olf@ resources available to the public. Each item st-tel.net, or call (785) 824-3358 or (785) in our collection is given an acquisition 824-3411.

Judy Hart is chair of the board of directors of number, scanned or photographed, and the Grinnell-Angelus Area Heritage Center. entered into our electronic database.

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HIGH PLAINS MENTAL HEALTH CENTER

50 Years and Beyond:

Celebrating our Past...Building our Future

Since 1964, High Plains Mental Health Center has been Northwest Kansas’ premier provider of mental health services and a safety net for many of those struggling in our communities.

Based in Hays, we have full time offices in Osborne, Phillipsburg, Norton, Colby, and Goodland and Community Outreach Offices in most of our other counties. Wherever you live in Northwest Kansas, We’re Here for You!

Find us online at www.hpmhc.com or www.facebook.com/highplainsmentalhealth

DSNWK is proud to be a member of communities all across northwest Kansas.

Serving people with developmental disabilities since 1967. Thank you for supporting us and being a part of our mission. We look forward to working with you for the next 50 years and beyond.

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas Administrative Offices 2703 Hall Street Hays, KS 67601 785-625-5678 1-800-637-2229

We’re Here For You www.dsnwk.org

www.dsnwklegacy.com

Ness County KS

Ness County KS

Join Us, Visit Us, Experience Ness County

Arnold • Bazine • Beeler • Brownell •Ness NessCounty City • Ransom • Utica Join Us, Visit Us, Experience Floor Covering • Televisions • Furniture

Arnold • Bazine Fitzgerald • Beeler • Brownell Ness County Ness City • Ransom • Utica Furniture Chamber Division of Fitzgerald Inc UTICA May Days May 76 June Jaunt June 4

102 W. Main • P.O. BOX 262 Ness City KS 785-798-2413 nccofc@gbta.net

Ness County Chamber

102 W. Main • P.O. BOX 262 Ness City KS City wide garage sale 785-798-2413 Burst of nccofc@gbta.net Family Fun Agent July 3 Ness City Dighton Ness Co. Fair 123 N. Penn 110 E. Pearl 26-29 July 27-30 785-798-2513 620-397-2122

MOE LINDEN

Bazine Picnic Aug. 12 13

Joel II — General Manager Floor Covering • Televisions • Furniture 113 S. Penn, P.O. Box 96 Ness City KS 785-798-3898 • 1-888-729-3898

Fitzgerald Furniture Appliance • Paint

Division of Fitzgerald Inc Joel II — General Manager P.O. Box 440 / East Hwy 96 255652 113 S. Penn, P.O. Box 96 Ness City, Kansas Ness City KS 4x10.25 800-572 -2521 785-798-2410 785-798-3898 • 1-888-729-3898 www.btiequip.com NESS Appliance • Paint

Our Family in Partnership with Your Family

207 S. Penn Ness City KS 785-798-2897

MOE LINDEN Agent

Diane Ness CityCalvin Dighton Brownell Labor Owner/Operator N. Penn 110 E. Pearl Day Celebration 123 785-798-2200 620-397-2122 785-798-2513 Sept. 45 Ness City 511 E. Sycamore Fun Run P.O. Box 414 Sept. ept. 17 1 Calvin67560 NessDiane City, Kansas Ransom Owner/Operator Oktoberfest 785-798-2200 Sept. 24 20 511 E. Sycamore P.O. Box 414 Ness City, Kansas 67560

207 S. Penn Ness City KS 785-798-2897

Photo by Twylia J Sekavec

800-950-3522 www.farmcreditin.com “Growing Success for Generations”

Our Family in Partnership with Your Family

P.O. Box 440 / East Hwy 96 Ness City, Kansas 800-572 -2521 785-798-2410 www.btiequip.com

Ness County P.O. Box 440 / East Hwy 96 Chamber Ness City, Kansas

Our Family in Partnership with Your Family

102 W. Main • PO Box 262

800-572 -2521 785-798-2410 Ness City, KS • 785-798-2413 www.btiequip.com nccofc@gbta.net 210 S. Kansas P.O. Box 424 798-3950 Ness City, Great Bend, Otis & Ellinwood 210 S. Kansas P.O. Box 424 798-3950 Ness City, Great Bend, Otis & Ellinwood 505 A S. Renn 798-2513

Photo by Twylia J Sekavec

800-950-3522 800-950-3522 www.farmcreditinc.com www.farmcreditin.com “Growing “GrowingSuccess Success for for Generations” Generations”

505 A S. Renn 798-2513

Pride of the Plains

The Hays Daily News • Sunday, March 26, 2017

APRIDE placePRIDE to remember, honor PLAINS of ELLIS

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By NICK SCHWIEN nschwien@dailynews.net

NESS CITY — On some days, it’s just the snapping sound the flag makes in the wind.

It’s something Loren and Lynette Stenzel can hear as of close their eyes and drown out everything they else going of COUNTY on around them.

When they open their eyes, they see something beautiful and unique to most small towns in western Kansas.

“It’s that whip of the flags,” Lynette said. “You can just close your eyes and hear it.”

What began as a dream many years ago now has come of to fruition for Ness Countians, andofall the hard work the Stenzels put into fulfilling a dream is now a COUNTY reality.

The husband and wife, along with generous donors and volunteers, began orchestrating something special in the county seat of Ness County in 2000. Two years later, the design and other pertinent dealings were approved by a committee, and materials were ordered. of “Loren always said we needed to haveofa place for peoCOUNTY ple to go to remember,” Lynette said.

“It’s about honoring and remembering.”

Loren is a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1968 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. He’s a lifetime American of Legion, Veterans of Foreign of COUNTY Wars and Sons of American Legion member. He participates in the American Legion Riders, and is commander of Frank Stull Post No. 152 American Legion in Ness City.

His commitment to his country runs deep even to this day. of“I think that’s why some of us do what we do now is because of what the veterans went through when they COUNTY

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got back,” Loren said.

The two continue to play an active part in veterans’ activities throughout the region on a daily basis.

But it was nearly two decades ago when Loren began envisioning something special. That came after the travCOUNTY eling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was in Ness City during an Old Setters Reunion.

It was then that a few people got together to begin plans for a memorial to honor those who never made it home.

COUNTY “It was easier for some of the towns that do something than it is for the smaller towns because they have corporate sponsors,” Loren said.

So the group began having pancake feeds on Sunday nights to raise money for the park, which sits on the property where the former Odd Fellows building once stood west of the historic Ness County Bank Building.

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Veterans Memorial Park in Ness City is one of the top draws in the Ness County.

There were a lot of pancakes flipped, and other generous donations and time put into the project.

But finally, the park was completed. It features large granite stones that had to be set with a crane, numerous flag poles for Old Glory and the various military branches, and a statue of a helmet resting on top of a machine gun — among other things.

The granite stones have engraved names of those who served or were killed during duty. Six of the panels are entirely filled, with two more nearing completion. More than 700 names are engraved.

A few years ago, someone left a pair of Army boots and a can of beer in remembrance at the park in the middle of the night on Memorial Day. See VETERANS, P27

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Pride of the Plains

Sunday, March 26, 2017 • The Hays Daily News

Hoxie hopping with downtown businesses

By MIKE KESSINGER mkessinger@dailynews.net

HOXIE — It’s a bright Friday morning, and Michelle Foote sits on a cushioned seat with her 1-year-old daughter, Colleen, on her lap as she talks to a friend across the table.

The sunshine through the front windows of Oscar’s gives the downtown coffee bar and restaurant plenty of light. At the bar area with a large decorative steer’s head above the cashier’s place, Allison Nondorf works on an order and prepares for the lunch hour.

Named after a steer in a group of longhorns her grandfather gave her as a small child growing up in Delphos, Foote opened Oscar’s almost seven years ago. With no background in food service or restaurant management, she and her husband, Scott, decided to give it a shot.

It was an opportunity to give Michelle, the president of the Sheridan County Community Foundation who also worked with economic development, a chance to show people a new business can prosper in a small town like Hoxie.

She also felt a bit of an obligation to it as well. of being on “With my foot in the door economic development telling everyone else to give (Hoxie) a shot,” Foote said. “ ‘You can live here. It’s a great quality of life in this place. Hoxie’s a great place.’ I felt like I couldn’t just say that and not do that with action knowing that this is something I had thought about for a long time. I just decided ofmy words were to put my investment where COUNTY and started Oscar’s.”

Since opening almost seven years ago, the investment has paid off for Foote. The two-story building on a corner has become a place of community interaction, just as she had hoped when the venture began. ofa coffee shop,” “I want it to be more than COUNTY Foote said. “I’d been a part of a community organization that wanted to bring all parts of the community together.

Whether it was civic or the business portion or of the educational part.”

COUNTY In the upstairs, which has tables and seating, the space can be rented for organizational gatherings, parties and other events people might want to host. On Tuesdays, Rotary meets in the upstairs.

“It’s got some great views up here,” of Nondorf, the manager of Oscar’s, said of COUNTY

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JOLIE GREEN, jgreen@dailynews.net

Ellen Pratt, left, and Bette James, both of Hoxie, chat while enjoying coffee at Oscar's.

The Oscar's mascot, a longhorn statue, stands outside the restaurant in honor of the longhorn with the same name owner Michelle Foote took care of as a young girl.

One of the healthy lunch options at Oscar's — buffalo chicken lettuce wraps — is plated and ready for a customer.

Manager Allison Nondorf, right, stocks the pastry display while barista Kristy Archer rings up a customer at Oscar’s in Hoxie.

the upstairs. “We have a perfect view of the PLAINS ELLIS beautiful sunrise, which is nice.”

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Outside the front door of the restaurant is an almost life-sized statue of a reddish-brown and white steer Scott Foote found online. Michelle Foote said it reminds her of the Parade of Cows along Michigan Avenue in Chicago, where she lived for a short time after graduating from Kansas COUNTY State University with a degree in ag economics. “(Scott) bought it as a novelty present, I guess you would call it,” Michelle said, laughing.

Modernly decorated with its own unique motif, Foote wanted Oscar’s to be a place the COUNTY entire community can feel welcome. One wall features artwork from a class at Hoxie Elementary School.

There is a clear door refrigerator up front next to the cash register, which has COUNTY a combination of food and drink. Customers can grab and go if they please.

Every week on the restaurant’s Facebook page, Nondorf and the staff will post pictures of some of the items, and the menu is posted as well.

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addition to making it just a coffee house and a place for people to come and relax was to make sure they it had a healthy menu to go along with desserts and drinks. She also took into consideration how it would be a place of employment for people around town perhaps wanting to try something new.

Foote wants the business to keep evolving. It’s been a concept that has worked for Oscar’s, and it gives her a lot of pride in seeing how far they’ve come in the time the restaurant has been open. Foote always is happy to see the community grow, said it’s been nice to witness other businesses open

around the downtown area.

“The reason for starting Oscar’s was just to be a part of the community,” Foote said.

“I’ve been on a lot of community boards and encourage people to take chances and invest in our community. I like to feel good knowing that it does provide some jobs for whoever, whether it’s a part-time job or part-time check they need or if they need a full-time employment.

“There’s some other new business fronts on Main Street. That’s been fun to watch that grow. There’s another business that will start soon. It’s exciting to be a part of all that.”

Pride of the Plains

Hays Public Library

On The Go

The Hays Public Library now offers one week checkouts on Wi-Fi mobile hotspots.

They’re perfect for long road trips, off grid areas and months when you’re low on data.

Programs: After School Activities, Crafternoons

NICK SCHWIEN, nschwien@dailynews.net

The American flag flies high above the Veterans Memorial Park in Ness City.

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from P25

“It was so neat somebody was using that for what we wanted it for,” said Lynette, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 152 and a member of the ALR and VFW Ladies Auxiliary. “They had a place to go and remember.”

Lynette said it was a proud moment when the park was completed, then later dedicated in 2005 at one of the county’s Old Settlers Reunions — an event that takes place every five years in Ness County.

She said the impact the park had on The veterans park is one of the top draws others really hit home a few years ago for those coming to Ness City. during the most recent countywide celebration.

After a program at the park, two Vietto the park and help pay for upkeep from nam veteran friends of a Ness City native donations and memorials from veterans from Colorado came up to her. One of the who have passed on. men gave her a big “bear It’s an important part “It was so neat hug” and told her of their of keeping memories alive appreciation. somebody was using and honoring those who “He said, ‘Lynette, I sacrificed so much for their that for what we can’t believe I had to some country. to a little town like this for And while the times wanted it for.” someone to finally tell me Lynette Stenzel might have changed since thank you for what I did,’ ” World War II and Vietnam Lynette said. “I will never forget that. into wars waged today in Afghanistan and “This is what we did this for, so those Iraq, there are still ties that bind veterans people know they’re appreciated.” of all ages.

“It was the outside comments that you “It’s just a different environment,” Lowould get more so than the locals,” Loren ren said. “But the war is still the same. The said about the appreciation of the project losses and separations for those married or affecting far more than those in just Ness who have families are hard.

County.

“That’s the part we as a general public The committee has been able to add don’t understand.”

Storytime, Cooking Classes, Book Clubs...

Art Exhibits, Live Music...AND MORE

Visit www.hayspublib.org to view our online calender of free programs.

Hours Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sun. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

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1205 Main Street • 785-625-9014

Celebrating

23 YEARS

Voted #1 Community Event in Northwest Kansas 13 years in a row!

TICKETS

JUST $15 PER PERSON!

Each year, due to the generosity of corporate sponsors and the community, the Wild West Festival Committee plans a 3 to 4 day event around the 4th of July holiday.

The Festival has featured National Recording Artists such as: Charlie Daniels, Toby Keith, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Collin Raye, Lonestar, Bellamy Brothers, Bill Engvall, Tracy Byrd, Loverboy, 38 Special, Three Dog Night, E.L.O., Kansas, America, LoCash Cowboys, Billy Currington, Josh Turner, John Michael Montgomery, Sawyer Brown, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Nichols, Chris Young, Night Ranger, Neal McCoy, Brett Eldredge, Chase Rice, Hairball, and Many More Check out www.wildwestfestival.com for ticket information and this year’s lineup of entertainment, which includes:

JUNE 29

JUNE 29

JUNE 30

CHRIS JANSON 9:30 PM

RUNAWAY JUNE 7:45 PM

MARK CHESNUTT 9:30 PM

Jared Daniels 6:15 PM

Adam Capps Band 8:00 PM Haven Alexandra 6:30 PM

JULY 1

RESURRECTIONA JOURNEY TRIBUTE 9:30 PM

Grant Lambert & Red Line Velocity -8:00 PM Blake Ruder-6:30 PM

Each year the committee works hard to bring the highest caliber entertainment possible.

Also included is a carnival, a parade, food booths, games and a...

SPECTACULAR July 4 -10 PM FIREWORKS DISPLAY