HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The TECH Board of Directors is pleased to inform the communities of Reno County that significant progress has been made in our search for a new Chief Executive Officer. The search committee has diligently reviewed numerous candidates and has now narrowed the field to two exceptional individuals. Both candidates have been invited for second interviews and tours of the facilities beginning the third week in July.

We are excited about the potential each candidate brings to the future of TECH and anticipate making a final announcement regarding our new CEO in early August. We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this period of transition.

As we continue to move forward, TECH remains committed to our Mission and the people we serve. Over the past 51 years, TECH has stood as a pillar of support in Reno County, and we will maintain this strength and dedication through the transitional phase.

To ensure a smooth transition, we are pleased to announce that former TECH CEO, Brenda Maxey, will serve as Interim CEO beginning July 30. This will provide an opportunity for her and outgoing CEO, Kevin Hess, to work together and ensure continuity and stability in our operations. Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a strong willingness to assist TECH during this important time.

We thank Kevin Hess for his dedicated service and leadership and are confident in Brenda Maxey’s ability to successfully guide TECH during this period of transition.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719940886188.jpeg" alt="Brenda Maxey" />
 <figcaption>Brenda Maxey</figcaption>
 </figure>KT Gates TECHHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The TECH Board of Directors is pleased to inform the communities of Reno County that significant progress has been made in our search for a new Chief Executive Officer. The search committee has diligently reviewed numerous candidates and has now narrowed the field to two exceptional individuals. Both candidates have been invited for second interviews and tours of the facilities beginning the third week in July.We are excited about the potential each candidate brings to the future of TECH and anticipate making a final announcement regarding our new CEO in early August. We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this period of transition.As we continue to move forward, TECH remains committed to our Mission and the people we serve. Over the past 51 years, TECH has stood as a pillar of support in Reno County, and we will maintain this strength and dedication through the transitional phase.To ensure a smooth transition, we are pleased to announce that former TECH CEO, Brenda Maxey, will serve as Interim CEO beginning July 30. This will provide an opportunity for her and outgoing CEO, Kevin Hess, to work together and ensure continuity and stability in our operations. Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a strong willingness to assist TECH during this important time.We thank Kevin Hess for his dedicated service and leadership and are confident in Brenda Maxey’s ability to successfully guide TECH during this period of transition.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Maxey to return for interim post at TECH

TOPEKA, Kan. — The International Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce on Tuesday announced it will begin a monthly Kansas Exporters Roundtable series in July. With three-quarters of potential customers located outside of the United States, Commerce will visit 12 cities across the state and offer assistance for small- to medium-sized Kansas companies.

“When considering whether or not to start exporting, consider viewing it as essentially expanding your business’ storefront to the entire world,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Exporting can bring a much wider customer base, which directly translates into increased sale numbers and profits.”

Hosted by the Kansas Commerce International Division, the Kansas Exporters Roundtable events are a collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Each partner entity will have a representative presenting on export topics such as:

Information on export financial assistance

“Because of our central location, available transportation and intermodal services, Kansas is an ideal state for manufacturing many high-quality products and services,” International Division Director Laura Lombard said. “The International team is equipped with top-notch staff members and numerous resources to help businesses expand sales and increase exports. I encourage you stop by one of the roundtables and see how Commerce can assist you and your business.”

The Hutch Post area events are as follows:

Hutchinson, 12 p.m., Wednesday, July 10 (register&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN1cnZleW1vbmtleS5jb20vci9leHBvcnRyb3VuZHRhYmxlaHV0Y2giLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNzAyLjk3MDcyNjcxIn0.72a35jioYAMMaVgl65pUpGyKx6_4geqvSnWu23IUUwE/s/2958202315/br/245137818852-l">here</a>) McPherson, 9 a.m., Tuesday, October 8 (register&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN1cnZleW1vbmtleS5jb20vci9leHBvcnRyb3VuZHRhYmxlbWNwaGVyc29uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDcwMi45NzA3MjY3MSJ9.Fx0Jyn7SnW81SckzhEzp-dXA7BhiBSEtXhODBv8F2Vo/s/2958202315/br/245137818852-l">here</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For any questions about the series, contact April Chiang&nbsp;<a href="mailto:april.chiang@ks.gov">here</a>.

To learn more about exporting, visit the Kansas Department of Commerce International webpage&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9pbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA3MDIuOTcwNzI2NzEifQ.RakkZ6-oFc9jH9nlyPnKmyt8vBWlDCJkK6S1pKTb2ag/s/2958202315/br/245137818852-l">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575319731629.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Commerce sq.JPG" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Commerce sq.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of CommerceTOPEKA, Kan. — The International Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce on Tuesday announced it will begin a monthly Kansas Exporters Roundtable series in July. With three-quarters of potential customers located outside of the United States, Commerce will visit 12 cities across the state and offer assistance for small- to medium-sized Kansas companies.“When considering whether or not to start exporting, consider viewing it as essentially expanding your business’ storefront to the entire world,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Exporting can bring a much wider customer base, which directly translates into increased sale numbers and profits.”Hosted by the Kansas Commerce International Division, the Kansas Exporters Roundtable events are a collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Each partner entity will have a representative presenting on export topics such as:How exporting can increase sales revenueInformation on export financial assistanceExport success stories or unique lessons“Because of our central location, available transportation and intermodal services, Kansas is an ideal state for manufacturing many high-quality products and services,” International Division Director Laura Lombard said. “The International team is equipped with top-notch staff members and numerous resources to help businesses expand sales and increase exports. I encourage you stop by one of the roundtables and see how Commerce can assist you and your business.”The Hutch Post area events are as follows:Hutchinson, 12 p.m., Wednesday, July 10 (register&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN1cnZleW1vbmtleS5jb20vci9leHBvcnRyb3VuZHRhYmxlaHV0Y2giLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNzAyLjk3MDcyNjcxIn0.72a35jioYAMMaVgl65pUpGyKx6_4geqvSnWu23IUUwE/s/2958202315/br/245137818852-l">here</a>) McPherson, 9 a.m., Tuesday, October 8 (register&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN1cnZleW1vbmtleS5jb20vci9leHBvcnRyb3VuZHRhYmxlbWNwaGVyc29uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDcwMi45NzA3MjY3MSJ9.Fx0Jyn7SnW81SckzhEzp-dXA7BhiBSEtXhODBv8F2Vo/s/2958202315/br/245137818852-l">here</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For any questions about the series, contact April Chiang&nbsp;<a href="mailto:april.chiang@ks.gov">here</a>.To learn more about exporting, visit the Kansas Department of Commerce International webpage&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmthbnNhc2NvbW1lcmNlLmdvdi9pbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA3MDIuOTcwNzI2NzEifQ.RakkZ6-oFc9jH9nlyPnKmyt8vBWlDCJkK6S1pKTb2ag/s/2958202315/br/245137818852-l">here</a>.

Kansas Exporters Roundtable series next week in Hutchinson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719926779048.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NBC World Series" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NBC World Series</figcaption>
 </figure><div>National Baseball Congress World Series
 
WICHITA, Kansas -&nbsp;The NBC Baseball Foundation and The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) are partnering to celebrate the contributions of Satchel Paige and other black baseball players throughout the month of July. Starting July 1st, TKAAM showcases a new National Baseball Congress baseball exhibit showcasing Bobby Boyd, Ozzie Smith and Satchel Paige, with a ticket giveaway in conjunction with the 90th NBC World Series this month.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;We are proud to serve as a community partner for an event that celebrates the life and legacy of a baseball legend like Leroy Satchel Paige,&rdquo; said TKAAM Education Manager Brad Richards, &ldquo;This partnership allows us to combine our core&nbsp;pillars of history, education, and culture to engage with NBC supporters and the overall Wichita community&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Paige&rsquo;s appearance and victory with the Bismarck Churchills in the first National Baseball Congress Semi-Pro Invitational in Wichita in 1935, more than a decade before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, was a main catalyst for the NBC World Series&rsquo; success.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Satchel Paige&rsquo;s life and legacy is one of immense talent, determination, joy, and breaking down barriers,&rdquo; said NBC Director Katie Woods, &ldquo;The opportunity to showcase his contributions here in Wichita, which many may not know about, and give a new generation the chance to learn about him, is very special.&rdquo;
&rdquo;
&nbsp;
TKAAM x NBC World Series Events:
<ul type="disc" style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 0, 0);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 15px;">
 <li style="color: black !important;">Month of July:
 <ul type="circle">
 <li style="color: black !important;">All guests who visit TKAAM prior to July 25 receive a free ticket to Satchel Paige Night at the NBC World Series on July 25.</li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">TKAAM will display information on the contributions and careers of black baseball players in Wichita and with the National Baseball Congress</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">July 25:
 <ul type="circle">
 <li style="color: black !important;">NBC World Series Opening Night at Eck Stadium
 <ul type="square">
 <li style="color: black !important;">Gates open at 5:00pm</li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">Satchel Paige bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans</li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">Pre-Game Ceremony &amp; First Pitch from members of the Paige family</li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">Games at 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm to kick off the 90th NBC World Series</li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">Tickets start at $12</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">Satchel Paige Family Reception at Eck Stadium&rsquo;s All-American Club
 <ul type="square">
 <li style="color: black !important;">Opportunity to hear from the Paige family about his life &amp; legacy</li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">Tickets are $50 and include dinner, game ticket, and reception</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">Several local organizations including Heroes Academy and Equity Initiative will receive tickets to the event courtesy of community partners Evergy, Capitol Federal Foundation and INTRUST Bank.</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">July 31:
 <ul type="circle">
 <li style="color: black !important;">Senior Wednesday at TKAAM featuring Negro League baseball teacher, author and historian Phil Dixon
 <ul type="square">
 <li style="color: black !important;">Event runs from 10:00-11:30</li>
 <li style="color: black !important;">Free Admission</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 </ul>
 </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
About the NBC Baseball Foundation:&nbsp;The National Baseball Congress World Series has been a cornerstone of summer collegiate and independent baseball for over 89 years, providing a platform for players to showcase their talents and fostering a sense of community among baseball enthusiasts. The NBC Baseball Foundation 501c3 strives to connect communities through baseball, and foster a love for the game while celebrating the history. The NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, will be held July 25-August 3 at Eck Stadium in Wichita.
For more information about the National Baseball Congress, please contact: Katie Woods, Tournament Director at <a href="mailto:katie@nbcbaseball.com" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);border: 0px;">katie@nbcbaseball.com</a> or 316-265-6236 or visit nbcbaseball.com.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About The Kansas African American Museum:&nbsp;The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) endeavors to make the Kansas African American experience resonant with every Kansan. The vision of the Kansas African American Museum is to be the premier place where the communities come to learn about or tell the Kansas African American story. To serve as the cultural hub for innovative collaboration, familial and historic storytelling, thought provoking exhibits, highly sought-after collections and interactive continuous learning centered around the African American experience, TKAAM focuses on history, education, art, and culture for unique cultural experiences. TKAAM is proud to be a community partner for the Satchell Paige Celebration game of the National Baseball Congress Tournament on July 25th!&nbsp;
For more information about The Kansas African American Museum, please contact: Brad Richards, Community Outreach Coordinator at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tkaamcommunityoutreach@tkaamuseum.org" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);border: 0px;">tkaamcommunityoutreach@tkaamuseum.org</a>&nbsp;or 316-262-7651 or visit tkaamuseum.org</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719926734166.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NBC World Series" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NBC World Series</figcaption>
 </figure>

⚾ NBC World Series & TKAAM partner to celebrate Satchel Paige

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has allowed the U.S. Education Department to move ahead with a plan to lower monthly payments for millions of student loan borrowers, putting on hold a ruling last week by a lower court.

The ruling from the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals puts back on track a central part of President Joe Biden's efforts to address student debt — a rule that lowers from 10% of discretionary income to 5% the amount that some borrowers qualifying for a repayment plan need to pay.

The reduced payment threshold was set to take effect July 1, but federal judges in Kansas and Missouri last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/joe-biden-000001904d5edaf5afd4df5f13b00000">blocked</a>&nbsp;much of the administration’s student loan repayment plan in two separate rulings. The ruling on Sunday means the department can move ahead with the reduced payments already calculated while it pursues an appeal.

The rulings have created a difficult environment for borrowers to navigate, said Persis Yu, deputy executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, which advocates for eliminating student debt. The stay granted by the 10th Circuit is temporary, Yu said, leaving many borrowers in the dark about future financial obligations.

“Borrowers are having to make decisions right now about their financial lives, and they don't know the very basic information that they need in order to make informed decisions,” Yu said.

The Biden administration created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-forgiveness-save-plan-debt-borrowers-313afd73cadc3cfc8ab3a6ee684fc3e4">the SAVE plan</a>&nbsp;last year to replace other existing income-based repayment plans offered by the federal government. It allowed many to qualify for lower payments, and forgiveness was granted to borrowers who had made payments for at least 10 years and originally borrowed $12,000 or less.

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the Biden administrations remains committed "to our work to fix a broken student loan system and make college more affordable for more Americans.”

The appeals court ruling does not impact the injunction issued by a federal judge in Missouri, which prevents the Education Department from forgiving loan balances going forward.

The injunctions are the result of lawsuits from Republican-led states seeking to invalidate the Biden administration's entire loan forgiveness program, which was first available to borrowers in the summer of 2023, and at least 150,000 have had their loans cancelled. The suing states argued that the administration's plan was a workaround after the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-cancellation-debt-college-forgiveness-c3ec59d4c1d89e77bc1afc6c8ded1615">struck down the original plan</a>&nbsp;for student loan forgiveness earlier that year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719871551939.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has allowed the U.S. Education Department to move ahead with a plan to lower monthly payments for millions of student loan borrowers, putting on hold a ruling last week by a lower court.The ruling from the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals puts back on track a central part of President Joe Biden's efforts to address student debt — a rule that lowers from 10% of discretionary income to 5% the amount that some borrowers qualifying for a repayment plan need to pay.The reduced payment threshold was set to take effect July 1, but federal judges in Kansas and Missouri last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/joe-biden-000001904d5edaf5afd4df5f13b00000">blocked</a>&nbsp;much of the administration’s student loan repayment plan in two separate rulings. The ruling on Sunday means the department can move ahead with the reduced payments already calculated while it pursues an appeal.The rulings have created a difficult environment for borrowers to navigate, said Persis Yu, deputy executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, which advocates for eliminating student debt. The stay granted by the 10th Circuit is temporary, Yu said, leaving many borrowers in the dark about future financial obligations.“Borrowers are having to make decisions right now about their financial lives, and they don't know the very basic information that they need in order to make informed decisions,” Yu said.The Biden administration created&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-forgiveness-save-plan-debt-borrowers-313afd73cadc3cfc8ab3a6ee684fc3e4">the SAVE plan</a>&nbsp;last year to replace other existing income-based repayment plans offered by the federal government. It allowed many to qualify for lower payments, and forgiveness was granted to borrowers who had made payments for at least 10 years and originally borrowed $12,000 or less.U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the Biden administrations remains committed "to our work to fix a broken student loan system and make college more affordable for more Americans.”The appeals court ruling does not impact the injunction issued by a federal judge in Missouri, which prevents the Education Department from forgiving loan balances going forward.The injunctions are the result of lawsuits from Republican-led states seeking to invalidate the Biden administration's entire loan forgiveness program, which was first available to borrowers in the summer of 2023, and at least 150,000 have had their loans cancelled. The suing states argued that the administration's plan was a workaround after the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-cancellation-debt-college-forgiveness-c3ec59d4c1d89e77bc1afc6c8ded1615">struck down the original plan</a>&nbsp;for student loan forgiveness earlier that year.

Appeals court allows part of Biden student loan repayment plan to go forward

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay on a questionable second-half goal by Mathías Olivera, a defeat that will increase pressure on the U.S. Soccer Federation to remove coach Gregg Berhalter before the 2026 World Cup. Uruguay scored when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the U.S. goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araújo, who outjumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Mathias Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot. Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header.

DALLAS (AP) — Klay Thompson is moving on from the Golden State Warriors, with the four-time league champion agreeing to join the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks and change franchises for the first time in his 13-year NBA career, according to two people with knowledge of the decision. ESPN and The Athletic first reported the multiteam deal, which as currently constructed will be executed as the sign-and-trade of a three-year, $50 million contract involving the Warriors, Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets, according to people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been publicly announced. Thompson is sixth on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers made list with 2,481.

UNDATED (AP) — Jayson Tatum has agreed to a five-year, $314 million contract extension to remain with the Boston Celtics, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The new pact will begin with the 2025-26 season and keep the five-time All-Star in Boston through 2029-30 season, according to the person who spoke on the condition of anonymity because it has not been announced. When completed Tatum’s new, “supermax” contract will become the largest in NBA history, supplanting the one signed last offseason by teammate Jaylen Brown, when he inked a five-year deal that will pay him up to $304 million.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Bye-bye Big 12, hello SEC. Texas and Oklahoma finally made their long-awaited conference switch. Which meant it's time to party with campus carnivals and concerts The three-years-in-the-making switch to the Southeastern Conference for both programs became official Monday. And for their move to a league where “It Just Means More,” Texas and Oklahoma held big campus celebrations Sunday and Monday with carnivals, live music and fireworks. Oklahoma’s events even stretched statewide.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah has designated longtime defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as the “head coach in waiting” who will take over whenever Kyle Whittingham steps down. Athletic director Mark Harlan announced the succession plan on Monday. Scalley is entering his 17th year on Whittingham’s Utah staff and his ninth season as defensive coordinator. The 64-year-old Whittingham is entering his 20th season as Utah’s head coach as the Utes move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12. He owns a 162-79 record and holds the school record for career coaching victories.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former NFL coach Jon Gruden has lost a bid for three Nevada Supreme Court justices to reconsider whether a lawsuit he filed against the NFL after he resigned from the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 should be heard in courts or in private arbitration. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Gruden will seek a hearing before the full state high court. Monday's decision was by three justices who previously heard the case. Attorneys for Gruden, the league and an NFL spokesman didn't respond to messages. Gruden sought a rehearing after justices split 2-1 in a May ruling that said the league can move the civil case into arbitration that might be overseen by a defendant, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="AP Sports Summary for July 2nd, 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=33325-165962d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay on a questionable second-half goal by Mathías Olivera, a defeat that will increase pressure on the U.S. Soccer Federation to remove coach Gregg Berhalter before the 2026 World Cup. Uruguay scored when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the U.S. goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araújo, who outjumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Mathias Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot. Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header.DALLAS (AP) — Klay Thompson is moving on from the Golden State Warriors, with the four-time league champion agreeing to join the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks and change franchises for the first time in his 13-year NBA career, according to two people with knowledge of the decision. ESPN and The Athletic first reported the multiteam deal, which as currently constructed will be executed as the sign-and-trade of a three-year, $50 million contract involving the Warriors, Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets, according to people who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been publicly announced. Thompson is sixth on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers made list with 2,481.UNDATED (AP) — Jayson Tatum has agreed to a five-year, $314 million contract extension to remain with the Boston Celtics, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The new pact will begin with the 2025-26 season and keep the five-time All-Star in Boston through 2029-30 season, according to the person who spoke on the condition of anonymity because it has not been announced. When completed Tatum’s new, “supermax” contract will become the largest in NBA history, supplanting the one signed last offseason by teammate Jaylen Brown, when he inked a five-year deal that will pay him up to $304 million.NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Bye-bye Big 12, hello SEC. Texas and Oklahoma finally made their long-awaited conference switch. Which meant it's time to party with campus carnivals and concerts The three-years-in-the-making switch to the Southeastern Conference for both programs became official Monday. And for their move to a league where “It Just Means More,” Texas and Oklahoma held big campus celebrations Sunday and Monday with carnivals, live music and fireworks. Oklahoma’s events even stretched statewide.SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah has designated longtime defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as the “head coach in waiting” who will take over whenever Kyle Whittingham steps down. Athletic director Mark Harlan announced the succession plan on Monday. Scalley is entering his 17th year on Whittingham’s Utah staff and his ninth season as defensive coordinator. The 64-year-old Whittingham is entering his 20th season as Utah’s head coach as the Utes move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12. He owns a 162-79 record and holds the school record for career coaching victories.LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former NFL coach Jon Gruden has lost a bid for three Nevada Supreme Court justices to reconsider whether a lawsuit he filed against the NFL after he resigned from the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 should be heard in courts or in private arbitration. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Gruden will seek a hearing before the full state high court. Monday's decision was by three justices who previously heard the case. Attorneys for Gruden, the league and an NFL spokesman didn't respond to messages. Gruden sought a rehearing after justices split 2-1 in a May ruling that said the league can move the civil case into arbitration that might be overseen by a defendant, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.MONDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLAMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Houston 3 Toronto 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal N.Y. Mets 9 Washington 7

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

WENDY SKELLENGER Hutchinson Community Foundation

RENO COUNTY — A group of 24 individuals from various backgrounds and professions is focused on making progress on the adaptive challenge of mental health in Reno County.

The 2024 Mental Health Leadership Cohort is a new approach to the Kansas Leadership Center’s Leadership Transformation Grant that Hutchinson Community Foundation has held on behalf of the community since 2019. The leadership development grant has allowed more than 100 individuals representing 49 businesses and organizations in Reno County to take part in KLC programs.

The new cohort, selected earlier this year after a public call for participants, is focused on applying leadership competencies to a particular community adaptive challenge while practicing building collaborative relationships and generating collaborative action.

“We felt it was time now to go deep into one challenge with the goals of practicing the experimental mindset, catalyzing action on the issue through the application of KLC principles, and creating ripple effects of change across the system,” said Kari Mailloux, director of strategic initiatives at Hutchinson Community Foundation and a member of the grant leadership team. Other members of the grant leadership team are Donna Davis, retired; Denice Gilliland, Hutch Rec; David Sotelo, City of Hutchinson; Valerie Taylor, United Way of Reno County; and Gregg Wamsley, Hutchinson Public Library.

This year’s focus on mental health supports the priorities of the 2023 Reno County Community Health Improvement Plan and the United Way of Reno County’s Mental Health Task Force. The task force is a United Way of Reno County collective impact group focused on mental health that paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and reformed in 2024.

"Through the efforts of the Mental Health Task Force, we are not just addressing symptoms; we aspire to improve our community health by dismantling stigma, bolstering support within our school systems, and creating connections with law enforcement,” said leadership team member Valerie Taylor.

“The Mental Health Task Force and the Mental Health Cohort are paving the way toward mental well-being because it's not just a priority but a fundamental human right."

The members of the year-long cohort began their experience with a relationship-building dinner and participation in KLC’s one-day When Everyone Leads program in April. Members of the cohort will meet throughout the summer and fall and attend two more programs on the KLC path. The final session in December will have the cohort share their experience and experiments with the Mental Health Task Force.

“As the Chief of Police for the Hutchinson Police Department, my priority is to focus on diverting individuals from the Criminal Justice System and providing them with the appropriate help they need,” said cohort member Chief Brice Burlie. “Arresting and incarcerating people with mental health issues is not a solution. Society is beginning to recognize that a comprehensive approach is needed to help people with mental health concerns. This involves law enforcement, probation officers, courts, attorneys, mental health professionals, and jails. I want to ensure that my agency is involved in solving this issue.”

Cohort participant Hillary Barragan specializes in working with youth of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

“I have been greatly affected in such a positive way by community mental health in Reno County and I want to help keep making services better and accessible for all,” she said.

Cohort member D’ana Heinlein sees existing progress worth building upon.

“I feel that if we are moving towards raising awareness, finding and sharing resources, and good, open, honest communication between all parties — I would call that progress,” she said. “I feel like we are moving in the right direction and that with this set of passionate people that we'll see big things happen.”

The Community Health Improvement Plan may be viewed here:&nbsp;<a href="http://tinyurl.com/2stwda5v">tinyurl.com/2stwda5v</a>.

The following are members of the 2024 Mental Health Leadership Cohort:

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719877369174.jpeg" alt="Members of the 2024 Mental Health Leadership Cohort (clockwise from left) David Sotelo, City of Hutchinson; Kelbe McGill, KM Coaching &amp; Consulting; Kelsey Davies, United Way of Reno County; Chief Brice Burlie, Hutchinson Police Department; and Lacey Bryant, Horizons Mental Health Center engage in small-group discussions during a progress session June 11 at Hutchinson Community Foundation. Twenty-four Reno County residents make up the cohort. Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Community Foundation." />
 <figcaption>Members of the 2024 Mental Health Leadership Cohort (clockwise from left) David Sotelo, City of Hutchinson; Kelbe McGill, KM Coaching &amp; Consulting; Kelsey Davies, United Way of Reno County; Chief Brice Burlie, Hutchinson Police Department; and Lacey Bryant, Horizons Mental Health Center engage in small-group discussions during a progress session June 11 at Hutchinson Community Foundation. Twenty-four Reno County residents make up the cohort. Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Community Foundation.</figcaption>
 </figure>WENDY SKELLENGER Hutchinson Community FoundationRENO COUNTY — A group of 24 individuals from various backgrounds and professions is focused on making progress on the adaptive challenge of mental health in Reno County.The 2024 Mental Health Leadership Cohort is a new approach to the Kansas Leadership Center’s Leadership Transformation Grant that Hutchinson Community Foundation has held on behalf of the community since 2019. The leadership development grant has allowed more than 100 individuals representing 49 businesses and organizations in Reno County to take part in KLC programs.The new cohort, selected earlier this year after a public call for participants, is focused on applying leadership competencies to a particular community adaptive challenge while practicing building collaborative relationships and generating collaborative action.“We felt it was time now to go deep into one challenge with the goals of practicing the experimental mindset, catalyzing action on the issue through the application of KLC principles, and creating ripple effects of change across the system,” said Kari Mailloux, director of strategic initiatives at Hutchinson Community Foundation and a member of the grant leadership team. Other members of the grant leadership team are Donna Davis, retired; Denice Gilliland, Hutch Rec; David Sotelo, City of Hutchinson; Valerie Taylor, United Way of Reno County; and Gregg Wamsley, Hutchinson Public Library.This year’s focus on mental health supports the priorities of the 2023 Reno County Community Health Improvement Plan and the United Way of Reno County’s Mental Health Task Force. The task force is a United Way of Reno County collective impact group focused on mental health that paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and reformed in 2024."Through the efforts of the Mental Health Task Force, we are not just addressing symptoms; we aspire to improve our community health by dismantling stigma, bolstering support within our school systems, and creating connections with law enforcement,” said leadership team member Valerie Taylor.“The Mental Health Task Force and the Mental Health Cohort are paving the way toward mental well-being because it's not just a priority but a fundamental human right."The members of the year-long cohort began their experience with a relationship-building dinner and participation in KLC’s one-day When Everyone Leads program in April. Members of the cohort will meet throughout the summer and fall and attend two more programs on the KLC path. The final session in December will have the cohort share their experience and experiments with the Mental Health Task Force.“As the Chief of Police for the Hutchinson Police Department, my priority is to focus on diverting individuals from the Criminal Justice System and providing them with the appropriate help they need,” said cohort member Chief Brice Burlie. “Arresting and incarcerating people with mental health issues is not a solution. Society is beginning to recognize that a comprehensive approach is needed to help people with mental health concerns. This involves law enforcement, probation officers, courts, attorneys, mental health professionals, and jails. I want to ensure that my agency is involved in solving this issue.”Cohort participant Hillary Barragan specializes in working with youth of diverse backgrounds and experiences.“I have been greatly affected in such a positive way by community mental health in Reno County and I want to help keep making services better and accessible for all,” she said.Cohort member D’ana Heinlein sees existing progress worth building upon.“I feel that if we are moving towards raising awareness, finding and sharing resources, and good, open, honest communication between all parties — I would call that progress,” she said. “I feel like we are moving in the right direction and that with this set of passionate people that we'll see big things happen.”The Community Health Improvement Plan may be viewed here:&nbsp;<a href="http://tinyurl.com/2stwda5v">tinyurl.com/2stwda5v</a>.The following are members of the 2024 Mental Health Leadership Cohort:Hillary BarraganMelanie BrunkLacey BryantBrice BurlieMatthew CarawayChucc CrumbleKelsey DaviesJaime GarciaAshley GenschorckShara GonzalesD'ana HeinleinJane HolzrichterTeniesha JohnsonElicia LanceDustin LoeppBarbara LunaKelbe McGillTayla NadenLisa OrrisonSarah ReadeCammie RumbackDakotah SandersSierra WoodDively "Dee" Zarate<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Reno Co. residents part of mental health cohort

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is seeking to put the focus squarely onto Donald Trump following his uneven debate performance last week.

(click below to watch President Biden's brief statement)

Speaking Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-capitol-riot-immunity-2dc0d1c2368d404adc0054151490f542">broad immunity from prosecution</a>&nbsp;to Trump and other presidents, Biden said the high court's ruling had undermined the rule of law. The court's conservative majority ruling makes it all but certain that the Republican will not face trial in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immunity-supreme-court-capitol-riot-trial-72ec35de776315183e1db561257cb108">ahead of the November election over his actions</a>&nbsp;during the violent riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

“No one is above the law, not even the president of the United States," Biden said from the White House.

During his brief remarks he made no mention of last week's debate or his performance, and did not take questions.

Biden seemed relaxed and confident, striking a clear and crisp tone and looking tanned and rested — all of which was in stark contrast to his often halting performance during last week’s debate, when his face was notably pale. The president also had the benefit of a teleprompter for his remarks about the court, something he didn’t have while facing off with Trump.

“I know I will respect the limits of presidential power as I have for the three-and-a-half years, but any president, including Donald Trump, will now be free to ignore the law,” Biden said.

For all the public efforts to shift the focus away from his uneven performance that spooked donors and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-debate-age-democrats-b93d7ffaad75fd423ea3953fe16287f0">Democratic anxiety</a>, there have been private discussions on what more Biden could do to counteract what Americans saw during the debate, when he gave convoluted answers, trailed off at times, occasionally stared blankly and sounded raspy-voiced.

There has been talk about whether Biden should be seen more in public through town-hall-style events or interviews and press conferences, which he has generally avoided during his time in office.

But most in his orbit are waiting on more substantial polling to come back in order to assess how bad the damage was before altering course in any substantial way. That's according to four Biden advisers who were not authorized to speak publicly about internal discussions and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Biden's team may not alter anything at all. Many think — or hope — the fraught moment will pass, particularly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-debate-democrats-clyburn-warnock-2024-nominee-01bd3586a2f2da9217a04d031ddd7934">Biden's family encouraged him to stay in the race</a>&nbsp;and keep fighting during a huddle at Camp David on Sunday.

Campaign officials said Monday they had nothing to announce on new events. They said Biden would be campaigning as he has been, hitting battleground states as he has already been doing for months.

An ad released Monday was called “I Know” using clips from Biden's post-debate North Carolina rally, where he said, “When you get knocked down, you get back up.”

Quentin Fulks, Biden’s principal deputy campaign manager, put the focus on Trump in a call with reporters, saying, “When you do see President Biden out on the trail, he will be talking about the reasons why Americans should be scared of Donald Trump, as he has been for months.”

Even before the debate, the age of the 81-year-old Democratic president had been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">liability with voters</a>, and the prime-time faceoff put the issue front-and-center before perhaps the largest audience he will have in the four months until Election Day. CNN, which held the debate, said more than 51 million people watched.

“I think his age was baked in, to a large degree, and I know he can do better than he did on Thursday night. I expected to see better. I’m not sure other voters did,” said Jennifer Palmieri, a White House communications director during the Obama administration and a spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.

She added that, tactically, the campaign has responded by promoting Biden’s strong speech in North Carolina on Friday and by continuing to post strong fundraising numbers. Palmieri also said Biden might also want to sit for more interviews to continue to show that the debate was an anomaly.

“Their focus needs to be on getting him in front of voters that matter the most, and more interviews should be part of that. Don’t be like Trump in your own little universe,” she said. “For now, we’re early, but what they’re doing is working."

There's a sense that voters may now be watching Biden more closely for signs that show one way or another whether his debate debacle was a blip — whether he is, as he says, capable of doing the job.

Alan Kessler, a lawyer and member of the Biden campaign’s national finance team, has spent days calming jittery donors, telling them what he says he has personally witnessed when he's seen the president — that he's “lucid, strong as he's always been.”

“To the extent it’s necessary, I’m reassuring people,” Kessler said.

Rebecca Katz, a strategist who worked with Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman’s winning campaign in 2022, saw potential parallels in Fetterman's comeback from a shaky debate performance after he had a stroke.

Fetterman's team highlighted especially bombastic comments his opponent made about abortion during that debate, and also had the candidate travel extensively afterward. He did lots of local television interviews to ensure voters in key markets saw him outside of clips from the debate.

“It’s not a perfect comparison but there is a blueprint for the Biden campaign,” Katz said. “You can have a rough debate night and still win.”

Biden expressed interest in doing at least one interview. At a Saturday fundraiser in East Hampton, New York, Biden said he had spoken with the broadcaster Howard Stern, who had interviewed him in April, where he answered open-ended questions mostly about his early years.

The president told the crowd he was ready for another sit-down with Stern, saying: “I had a great time on his show. And I’m actually going to take a chance in going back.”

The Democratic National Committee and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bidendebatetrumpdnc-aa08cc2b556b315e728d1e9c2bf81be9">Biden’s campaign</a>, meanwhile, kept up damage control, holding an evening finance call. Over the weekend, they held calls with donors and one with dozens of committee members across the country — some of the most influential members of the party. They offered a rosy assessment of the path forward and gave no opportunity for others on the call to ask questions.

Multiple committee members on the weekend call, most granted anonymity to talk about the private discussion, described feeling like they were being asked to ignore a serious predicament.

Campaign officials have said there was no discussion “whatsoever” of Biden exiting the race nor of any staff shakeups following the debate.

Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said he thought voters were more concerned with the issues at stake, anyway. “I’ve been at this a while, and I know his work,” Casey said.

The window of opportunity for that is shrinking anyway. The Democratic National Committee has announced that it will use a virtual roll call to formally make him the nominee before the convention begins in Chicago on Aug. 19. But when that will happen and what it will look like is still unclear.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is seeking to put the focus squarely onto Donald Trump following his uneven debate performance last week.(click below to watch President Biden's brief statement)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F2453382978190567%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=7" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Speaking Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling granting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-capitol-riot-immunity-2dc0d1c2368d404adc0054151490f542">broad immunity from prosecution</a>&nbsp;to Trump and other presidents, Biden said the high court's ruling had undermined the rule of law. The court's conservative majority ruling makes it all but certain that the Republican will not face trial in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immunity-supreme-court-capitol-riot-trial-72ec35de776315183e1db561257cb108">ahead of the November election over his actions</a>&nbsp;during the violent riot on Jan. 6, 2021.“No one is above the law, not even the president of the United States," Biden said from the White House.During his brief remarks he made no mention of last week's debate or his performance, and did not take questions.Biden seemed relaxed and confident, striking a clear and crisp tone and looking tanned and rested — all of which was in stark contrast to his often halting performance during last week’s debate, when his face was notably pale. The president also had the benefit of a teleprompter for his remarks about the court, something he didn’t have while facing off with Trump.“I know I will respect the limits of presidential power as I have for the three-and-a-half years, but any president, including Donald Trump, will now be free to ignore the law,” Biden said.For all the public efforts to shift the focus away from his uneven performance that spooked donors and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-debate-age-democrats-b93d7ffaad75fd423ea3953fe16287f0">Democratic anxiety</a>, there have been private discussions on what more Biden could do to counteract what Americans saw during the debate, when he gave convoluted answers, trailed off at times, occasionally stared blankly and sounded raspy-voiced.There has been talk about whether Biden should be seen more in public through town-hall-style events or interviews and press conferences, which he has generally avoided during his time in office.But most in his orbit are waiting on more substantial polling to come back in order to assess how bad the damage was before altering course in any substantial way. That's according to four Biden advisers who were not authorized to speak publicly about internal discussions and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.Biden's team may not alter anything at all. Many think — or hope — the fraught moment will pass, particularly after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-debate-democrats-clyburn-warnock-2024-nominee-01bd3586a2f2da9217a04d031ddd7934">Biden's family encouraged him to stay in the race</a>&nbsp;and keep fighting during a huddle at Camp David on Sunday.Campaign officials said Monday they had nothing to announce on new events. They said Biden would be campaigning as he has been, hitting battleground states as he has already been doing for months.An ad released Monday was called “I Know” using clips from Biden's post-debate North Carolina rally, where he said, “When you get knocked down, you get back up.”Quentin Fulks, Biden’s principal deputy campaign manager, put the focus on Trump in a call with reporters, saying, “When you do see President Biden out on the trail, he will be talking about the reasons why Americans should be scared of Donald Trump, as he has been for months.”Even before the debate, the age of the 81-year-old Democratic president had been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">liability with voters</a>, and the prime-time faceoff put the issue front-and-center before perhaps the largest audience he will have in the four months until Election Day. CNN, which held the debate, said more than 51 million people watched.“I think his age was baked in, to a large degree, and I know he can do better than he did on Thursday night. I expected to see better. I’m not sure other voters did,” said Jennifer Palmieri, a White House communications director during the Obama administration and a spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.She added that, tactically, the campaign has responded by promoting Biden’s strong speech in North Carolina on Friday and by continuing to post strong fundraising numbers. Palmieri also said Biden might also want to sit for more interviews to continue to show that the debate was an anomaly.“Their focus needs to be on getting him in front of voters that matter the most, and more interviews should be part of that. Don’t be like Trump in your own little universe,” she said. “For now, we’re early, but what they’re doing is working."There's a sense that voters may now be watching Biden more closely for signs that show one way or another whether his debate debacle was a blip — whether he is, as he says, capable of doing the job.Alan Kessler, a lawyer and member of the Biden campaign’s national finance team, has spent days calming jittery donors, telling them what he says he has personally witnessed when he's seen the president — that he's “lucid, strong as he's always been.”“To the extent it’s necessary, I’m reassuring people,” Kessler said.Rebecca Katz, a strategist who worked with Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman’s winning campaign in 2022, saw potential parallels in Fetterman's comeback from a shaky debate performance after he had a stroke.Fetterman's team highlighted especially bombastic comments his opponent made about abortion during that debate, and also had the candidate travel extensively afterward. He did lots of local television interviews to ensure voters in key markets saw him outside of clips from the debate.“It’s not a perfect comparison but there is a blueprint for the Biden campaign,” Katz said. “You can have a rough debate night and still win.”Biden expressed interest in doing at least one interview. At a Saturday fundraiser in East Hampton, New York, Biden said he had spoken with the broadcaster Howard Stern, who had interviewed him in April, where he answered open-ended questions mostly about his early years.The president told the crowd he was ready for another sit-down with Stern, saying: “I had a great time on his show. And I’m actually going to take a chance in going back.”The Democratic National Committee and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bidendebatetrumpdnc-aa08cc2b556b315e728d1e9c2bf81be9">Biden’s campaign</a>, meanwhile, kept up damage control, holding an evening finance call. Over the weekend, they held calls with donors and one with dozens of committee members across the country — some of the most influential members of the party. They offered a rosy assessment of the path forward and gave no opportunity for others on the call to ask questions.Multiple committee members on the weekend call, most granted anonymity to talk about the private discussion, described feeling like they were being asked to ignore a serious predicament.Campaign officials have said there was no discussion “whatsoever” of Biden exiting the race nor of any staff shakeups following the debate.Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said he thought voters were more concerned with the issues at stake, anyway. “I’ve been at this a while, and I know his work,” Casey said.The window of opportunity for that is shrinking anyway. The Democratic National Committee has announced that it will use a virtual roll call to formally make him the nominee before the convention begins in Chicago on Aug. 19. But when that will happen and what it will look like is still unclear.___

🎥Biden warns about the power of the presidency after court’s immunity ruling

Rusty Laverentz is the new assistant athletic director at Hutchinson Community College.

Laverentz’s main duties will be NJCAA compliance as well as game-operations and concessions at Gowans Stadium and the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

“I am excited to add Rusty Laverentz to our Athletic Administrative team,” Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. “His extensive background as a coach and then his experience in administration will be an asset to the Blue Dragon Athletic Department.”

Laverentz came to Hutchinson after serving two years as the athletic director at Missouri State University-West Plains in West Plains, Missouri. Before West Plains, Laverentz was the assistant athletic director at Pratt Community College.

Before getting fully into athletic administration, Laverentz held several different positions at schools at the NCAA and NJCAA levels.

Before Pratt, Laverentz served as the director of basketball operations for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley women’s basketball team. Laverentz also served in the same capacity for the University of Houston’s women’s basketball team.

Laverentz has also been a head basketball coach at the NJCAA level, most recently at Connors State College in 2014-15. He was also the head coach at New Mexico Junior College from 2005-07 following five seasons as an assistant coach.

Laverentz began his coaching career as a student assistant with the women’s basketball team at Missouri Western State while playing baseball from 1993-96.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Laverentz became a graduate assistant at Arkansas State. He earned his Master of Science in Physical Education in 1998 and then stayed on one more season as a volunteer assistant coach.

Laverentz takes over for Steve Kappenman, who is now the Activities Director at Hutchinson High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719845707519.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCCRusty Laverentz is the new assistant athletic director at Hutchinson Community College.Laverentz’s main duties will be NJCAA compliance as well as game-operations and concessions at Gowans Stadium and the Hutchinson Sports Arena.“I am excited to add Rusty Laverentz to our Athletic Administrative team,” Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. “His extensive background as a coach and then his experience in administration will be an asset to the Blue Dragon Athletic Department.”Laverentz came to Hutchinson after serving two years as the athletic director at Missouri State University-West Plains in West Plains, Missouri. Before West Plains, Laverentz was the assistant athletic director at Pratt Community College.Before getting fully into athletic administration, Laverentz held several different positions at schools at the NCAA and NJCAA levels.Before Pratt, Laverentz served as the director of basketball operations for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley women’s basketball team. Laverentz also served in the same capacity for the University of Houston’s women’s basketball team.Laverentz has also been a head basketball coach at the NJCAA level, most recently at Connors State College in 2014-15. He was also the head coach at New Mexico Junior College from 2005-07 following five seasons as an assistant coach.Laverentz began his coaching career as a student assistant with the women’s basketball team at Missouri Western State while playing baseball from 1993-96.After earning his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Laverentz became a graduate assistant at Arkansas State. He earned his Master of Science in Physical Education in 1998 and then stayed on one more season as a volunteer assistant coach.Laverentz takes over for Steve Kappenman, who is now the Activities Director at Hutchinson High School.

HutchCC names Laverentz new assistant athletic director

KSHOF announces 2024 induction class

GODDARD, Kan. — Tanganyika Wildlife Park is wildly different. In March 2025, Tanganyika Wildlife Park will open as an all-inclusive destination. Admission packages will redefine the previous experience, offering unlimited animal feedings, unlimited food and drink, and more interactive animal experiences than anywhere in the world.

Tanganyika is one of the only places in the world where individuals can swim with African Penguins, and travelers from around the world have been visiting to swim with the colony.&nbsp;

“It was an absolutely amazing experience, and such a good end to my boyfriend and I's vacation; we got to feed a ton of animals I never would have thought we would get to feed. We did the sloth encounter, penguin meet and greet and feeding, lion cub meet and greet, big cat feeding, guinea pig feeding, lemur feeding, llama feeding, giraffe feeding, tortoise feeding and rabbit feeding. We had an absolute amazing time!” -&nbsp;<a href="http://email.mg.twpark.com/c/eJxsUc1u2zwQfBryZoNLUrR44MH4HAUfkB-0iVO0F0Mi1xJrSVQpSnLy9IXcXgrkuLM_szNjT96Zl3F4q-Hjshwt3P_g73ffDwV1Ru4qB4q60JW-N129TctQxsvWho6igR3oLFM5MIpd6dtTh-NY1rgeLF7V_PXL3aXeXz9-vj424eHJ_Z1K7wOakBqMFPvZx9B32CczxOAmm3zoaWO0BFS53UmhK5FXnEOpKyG0zgHxLM7UG864ZIrnTEkGbMuF3OFZYpZb5oBJItm__7amSWkYidgTXhBeLMuyrUOoW1zbhBddOYyEFzb0KfqK8AJAaMiUVCByJbTKuFY7IoqmJeKA_eb4Qria0RFxgETEXgDXknDlbbquGABtw81efRBv-fU5_v_07fH--N-D_ZU90w5TE5wpB09D9LXvTTW1l83NJDrEMHuH0axVPfU0mmZKthnCmIhk9QrfZI1hihbNbWvjx3mzhHjBSJNZuT8lTsaG7vRp5MlgOv3JZjb8dwAAAP__0BevQQ">Tapangia Richardson</a>

Whether it's feeding a ring-tailed lemur, touching a kangaroo, falling in love with rhinos, or watching a tiger training session, every moment at the park is designed to ignite passion and foster connections with wildlife without fighting crowds and waiting in line.

Sixteen years ago, Tanganyika Wildlife Park began its journey with humble tours in the backyard of the founders Jim and Sherri Fouts’ home. Recognizing the impact of close encounters with animals, TWP opened a zoo with a twist, where people could feed giraffes, lorikeets, and touch kangaroos. However, as they grew, they faced the challenge of balancing their identity as a zoo with their commitment to delivering transformative "wow" moments that truly inspired behavior change that benefited wildlife.

“We aren’t built for volume. Over the last couple years we’ve seen the struggles of our team trying to balance the lines with sharing their passion for the animals. They don’t want to just hand you a piece of lettuce and then push you along so the next guest can get in. They want to introduce you to Kenzie the giraffe, tell you about how she’s a leap year baby. Share with you that she has the same number of vertebrae as you do and her tongue is purple so it doesn’t get sunburned. We want you to fall in love with our animals and we want the time to do that.” LynnLee Schmidt, Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Through the years, they experienced growing pains and self-discovery, much like any teenager finding their place in the world. They added 5 new feeding encounters, opened Tanganyika Falls splash park, and developed over 25 unique animal behind-the-scenes and meet-and-greet experiences. Today, they proudly announce their evolution into the world's first wildlife destination, pioneering a new era of animal experiences.

To ensure sustainability and uphold the quality of their offerings, they are introducing a revised pricing model. Their All-inclusive admission, Best Day Bundle, Ultimate Weekend package, and season passes provide many different ways to interact with their animals and enjoy their park. Greater Wichita locals will enjoy a 40% local’s discount.&nbsp;

“Our goal is to make things more simple, more exclusive, and increase the time our guests can spend with the animals.” - Matt Fouts, Director Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Their transition from a traditional zoo model to a destination for animal experiences reflects their commitment to innovation and excellence. By curating a collection of species that align with their resources and mission, they strive to deliver top-notch care while offering unparalleled experiences for their guests. They want to continue to lean in to what makes them unique, being wildly different and put Tanganyika Wildlife Park on the map as a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.

They invite everyone to be part of their journey as they embark on this exciting new chapter. Whether one is a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, there has never been a better time to experience Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Come and discover the magic of their wildlife destination, where every moment is wildly different.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692746239207.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GODDARD, Kan. — Tanganyika Wildlife Park is wildly different. In March 2025, Tanganyika Wildlife Park will open as an all-inclusive destination. Admission packages will redefine the previous experience, offering unlimited animal feedings, unlimited food and drink, and more interactive animal experiences than anywhere in the world.Tanganyika is one of the only places in the world where individuals can swim with African Penguins, and travelers from around the world have been visiting to swim with the colony.&nbsp;“It was an absolutely amazing experience, and such a good end to my boyfriend and I's vacation; we got to feed a ton of animals I never would have thought we would get to feed. We did the sloth encounter, penguin meet and greet and feeding, lion cub meet and greet, big cat feeding, guinea pig feeding, lemur feeding, llama feeding, giraffe feeding, tortoise feeding and rabbit feeding. We had an absolute amazing time!” -&nbsp;<a href="http://email.mg.twpark.com/c/eJxsUc1u2zwQfBryZoNLUrR44MH4HAUfkB-0iVO0F0Mi1xJrSVQpSnLy9IXcXgrkuLM_szNjT96Zl3F4q-Hjshwt3P_g73ffDwV1Ru4qB4q60JW-N129TctQxsvWho6igR3oLFM5MIpd6dtTh-NY1rgeLF7V_PXL3aXeXz9-vj424eHJ_Z1K7wOakBqMFPvZx9B32CczxOAmm3zoaWO0BFS53UmhK5FXnEOpKyG0zgHxLM7UG864ZIrnTEkGbMuF3OFZYpZb5oBJItm__7amSWkYidgTXhBeLMuyrUOoW1zbhBddOYyEFzb0KfqK8AJAaMiUVCByJbTKuFY7IoqmJeKA_eb4Qria0RFxgETEXgDXknDlbbquGABtw81efRBv-fU5_v_07fH--N-D_ZU90w5TE5wpB09D9LXvTTW1l83NJDrEMHuH0axVPfU0mmZKthnCmIhk9QrfZI1hihbNbWvjx3mzhHjBSJNZuT8lTsaG7vRp5MlgOv3JZjb8dwAAAP__0BevQQ">Tapangia Richardson</a>Whether it's feeding a ring-tailed lemur, touching a kangaroo, falling in love with rhinos, or watching a tiger training session, every moment at the park is designed to ignite passion and foster connections with wildlife without fighting crowds and waiting in line.Sixteen years ago, Tanganyika Wildlife Park began its journey with humble tours in the backyard of the founders Jim and Sherri Fouts’ home. Recognizing the impact of close encounters with animals, TWP opened a zoo with a twist, where people could feed giraffes, lorikeets, and touch kangaroos. However, as they grew, they faced the challenge of balancing their identity as a zoo with their commitment to delivering transformative "wow" moments that truly inspired behavior change that benefited wildlife.“We aren’t built for volume. Over the last couple years we’ve seen the struggles of our team trying to balance the lines with sharing their passion for the animals. They don’t want to just hand you a piece of lettuce and then push you along so the next guest can get in. They want to introduce you to Kenzie the giraffe, tell you about how she’s a leap year baby. Share with you that she has the same number of vertebrae as you do and her tongue is purple so it doesn’t get sunburned. We want you to fall in love with our animals and we want the time to do that.” LynnLee Schmidt, Tanganyika Wildlife ParkThrough the years, they experienced growing pains and self-discovery, much like any teenager finding their place in the world. They added 5 new feeding encounters, opened Tanganyika Falls splash park, and developed over 25 unique animal behind-the-scenes and meet-and-greet experiences. Today, they proudly announce their evolution into the world's first wildlife destination, pioneering a new era of animal experiences.To ensure sustainability and uphold the quality of their offerings, they are introducing a revised pricing model. Their All-inclusive admission, Best Day Bundle, Ultimate Weekend package, and season passes provide many different ways to interact with their animals and enjoy their park. Greater Wichita locals will enjoy a 40% local’s discount.&nbsp;“Our goal is to make things more simple, more exclusive, and increase the time our guests can spend with the animals.” - Matt Fouts, Director Tanganyika Wildlife ParkTheir transition from a traditional zoo model to a destination for animal experiences reflects their commitment to innovation and excellence. By curating a collection of species that align with their resources and mission, they strive to deliver top-notch care while offering unparalleled experiences for their guests. They want to continue to lean in to what makes them unique, being wildly different and put Tanganyika Wildlife Park on the map as a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.They invite everyone to be part of their journey as they embark on this exciting new chapter. Whether one is a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, there has never been a better time to experience Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Come and discover the magic of their wildlife destination, where every moment is wildly different.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is now All-Inclusive

NEW YORK (AP) — The monthlong celebration of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pride-month-lgbtq-2024-1abf80d0cf1026b60b47f565e9953fec">LGBTQ+ Pride</a>&nbsp;reached its exuberant grand finale on Sunday, bringing rainbow-laden revelers to the streets for marquee parades in Wichita, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and elsewhere across the globe.

The wide-ranging festivities functioned as both jubilant parties and political protests, as participants recognize the community’s gains while also calling attention to recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws, such as bans on transgender health care, passed by Republican-led states.

“We’re at a time where there’s a ton of legislation, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation,” Zach Overton, 47, said at the New York parade. “It feels like we’re taking a step backwards in the fight for equality and so it’s a great moment to come out and be with our community and see all the different colors of the spectrum of our community and remind ourselves what we’re all fighting for.”

Thousands of people gathered along New York’s Fifth Avenue to celebrate Pride. Floats cruised the street as Diane Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” played from loudspeakers. Pride flags filled the horizon, and signs in support of Puerto Rico, Ukraine and Gaza were visible in the crowd.

This year, tensions over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in Gaza also seeped into the celebrations,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-nyc-pride-gaza-72879ee18421aff044961cd7cd8ab1a9">exposing divisions</a>&nbsp;within a community that is often aligned on political issues. Protesters temporarily blocked the New York parade on Sunday, chanting: “Free, free, free Palestine!” Police eventually took some of them away.

Pro-Palestinian activists disrupted pride parades earlier in June in Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia. Several groups participating in marches Sunday said they would seek to highlight the victims of the war in Gaza, spurring pushback from supporters of Israel.

“It is certainly a more active presence this year in terms of protest at Pride events,” said Sandra Pérez, the executive director of NYC Pride. “But we were born out of a protest.”

The first pride march was held in New York City in 1970 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stonewall-at-50">Stonewall Inn uprising</a>, a riot that began with a police raid on a Manhattan gay bar.

Nick Taricco, 47, who was at the New York parade with Overton, said he attended Friday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-election-lgbtq-stonewall-trump-1b1978ac44f80ca5f468661c32015c48">opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center</a>, where President Joe Biden spoke. Taricco said he has concerns about politics in the U.S., including the presidential election.

“Even given how old he is, I still think that’s the direction we need to go in," Taricco said of Biden. “But it’s a very uncertain time in general in this country.”

Ireland Fernandez-Cosgrove, 23, celebrated at the New York parade.

“New York City is a great place to live, but this is one of the only days where you can come out and be openly queer and you know you’re going to be OK and safe about it," she said. "I came out here today with my partner to be able to be ourselves in public and know that other people are going to be supporting us.”

In addition to the NYC Pride March, the nation’s largest, the city also played host Sunday to the Queer Liberation March, an activism-centered event launched five years ago amid concerns that the more mainstream parade had become too corporate.

Another one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations took place Sunday in San Francisco, with throngs of spectators lined up along Market Street.

Brian Peterson, the secretary of queer-friendly motorcycling club Homoto, rode his motorcycle along the parade route.

“This is an event where I can celebrate myself as well as my friends and make new friends, and reaffirm that I belong in this world," Peterson told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sf-lgbtq-pride-parade-19530235.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.

Tens of thousands of revelers packed sidewalks along Chicago’s parade, a scaled-back event from previous years. City officials shortened the North Side route and the number of floats this year from 199 to about 150 over safety and logistical concerns, including to better deploy police into evening hours as post-parade parties have become more disruptive in recent years. Chicago's parade, one of the largest in the U.S., routinely draws about 1 million people, according to the city. Sunday’s crowd estimates were not immediately available.

Parades also were held in Minneapolis and Seattle.

On top of concerns about protests, federal agencies had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/terror-warning-pride-month-lgbtq-homeland-security-ad89884662d67dfd6f4cc2c0b358e9eb">warned</a>&nbsp;that foreign terrorist organizations and their supporters could target the parades and adjacent venues. Security was heavy at all of the events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719791789039.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The monthlong celebration of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pride-month-lgbtq-2024-1abf80d0cf1026b60b47f565e9953fec">LGBTQ+ Pride</a>&nbsp;reached its exuberant grand finale on Sunday, bringing rainbow-laden revelers to the streets for marquee parades in Wichita, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and elsewhere across the globe.The wide-ranging festivities functioned as both jubilant parties and political protests, as participants recognize the community’s gains while also calling attention to recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws, such as bans on transgender health care, passed by Republican-led states.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPrideInc%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02AksZYJVCNWuSpUNQneYy8WpcQjd9T7EgEAtpGV6Riieo7EtmKjGVosNA5TQcoDCGl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="660" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>“We’re at a time where there’s a ton of legislation, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation,” Zach Overton, 47, said at the New York parade. “It feels like we’re taking a step backwards in the fight for equality and so it’s a great moment to come out and be with our community and see all the different colors of the spectrum of our community and remind ourselves what we’re all fighting for.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PRIDE! 🏳️‍🌈 <a href="https://t.co/gdSvdIIGYM">pic.twitter.com/gdSvdIIGYM</a>&mdash; Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer/status/1807539678288936983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Thousands of people gathered along New York’s Fifth Avenue to celebrate Pride. Floats cruised the street as Diane Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” played from loudspeakers. Pride flags filled the horizon, and signs in support of Puerto Rico, Ukraine and Gaza were visible in the crowd.This year, tensions over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in Gaza also seeped into the celebrations,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-nyc-pride-gaza-72879ee18421aff044961cd7cd8ab1a9">exposing divisions</a>&nbsp;within a community that is often aligned on political issues. Protesters temporarily blocked the New York parade on Sunday, chanting: “Free, free, free Palestine!” Police eventually took some of them away.Pro-Palestinian activists disrupted pride parades earlier in June in Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia. Several groups participating in marches Sunday said they would seek to highlight the victims of the war in Gaza, spurring pushback from supporters of Israel.“It is certainly a more active presence this year in terms of protest at Pride events,” said Sandra Pérez, the executive director of NYC Pride. “But we were born out of a protest.”The first pride march was held in New York City in 1970 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stonewall-at-50">Stonewall Inn uprising</a>, a riot that began with a police raid on a Manhattan gay bar.Nick Taricco, 47, who was at the New York parade with Overton, said he attended Friday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-election-lgbtq-stonewall-trump-1b1978ac44f80ca5f468661c32015c48">opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center</a>, where President Joe Biden spoke. Taricco said he has concerns about politics in the U.S., including the presidential election.“Even given how old he is, I still think that’s the direction we need to go in," Taricco said of Biden. “But it’s a very uncertain time in general in this country.”Ireland Fernandez-Cosgrove, 23, celebrated at the New York parade.“New York City is a great place to live, but this is one of the only days where you can come out and be openly queer and you know you’re going to be OK and safe about it," she said. "I came out here today with my partner to be able to be ourselves in public and know that other people are going to be supporting us.”In addition to the NYC Pride March, the nation’s largest, the city also played host Sunday to the Queer Liberation March, an activism-centered event launched five years ago amid concerns that the more mainstream parade had become too corporate.Another one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations took place Sunday in San Francisco, with throngs of spectators lined up along Market Street.Brian Peterson, the secretary of queer-friendly motorcycling club Homoto, rode his motorcycle along the parade route.“This is an event where I can celebrate myself as well as my friends and make new friends, and reaffirm that I belong in this world," Peterson told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sf-lgbtq-pride-parade-19530235.php">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.Tens of thousands of revelers packed sidewalks along Chicago’s parade, a scaled-back event from previous years. City officials shortened the North Side route and the number of floats this year from 199 to about 150 over safety and logistical concerns, including to better deploy police into evening hours as post-parade parties have become more disruptive in recent years. Chicago's parade, one of the largest in the U.S., routinely draws about 1 million people, according to the city. Sunday’s crowd estimates were not immediately available.Parades also were held in Minneapolis and Seattle.On top of concerns about protests, federal agencies had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/terror-warning-pride-month-lgbtq-homeland-security-ad89884662d67dfd6f4cc2c0b358e9eb">warned</a>&nbsp;that foreign terrorist organizations and their supporters could target the parades and adjacent venues. Security was heavy at all of the events.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month culminates with parades in Kansas and beyond

Changes effective July 1 touch on energy, crime, education and business statutes

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansans will awake to a new statutory landscape Monday after contents of 101 bills approved by the Legislature and, mostly, signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly officially take effect.

With turning of the calendar at 12:01 a.m. July 1, incarcerated juveniles in Kansas could be granted work release. Microbreweries would be able to self-distribute beer and hard cider. Public universities must adhere to restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion policy. Coercing a female to get an abortion could be a crime. Companies delivering pornography online must confirm customers are of legal age.

Motorists could choose from a half-dozen new options for distinctive license plates. Public utilities would be forbidden from relying on eminent domain to locate solar farms. Leaving the scene of an accident would become a more serious offense. The state unemployment insurance and worker compensation programs would change. The law authorizing issuance of bonds to lure the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals to Kansas would be in play. Overhaul of the state’s civil asset forfeiture law also would be final.

Even cosmetic changes occur, including renaming the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office to the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. Adoption of House Bill 2760 by the Kansas Legislature and signing of the bill by Kelly won’t alter the agency’s office locations or contact numbers.

“While the agency’s name is changing, its mission and core functions remain steadfast,” Kelly said. “The name change removes confusion with the federal Department of Veterans Affairs and better aligns with the agency’s purpose.”

Kelly vetoed a long list of bills and provisions in budget bills, but the Legislature imposed its will at times with veto overrides.

The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor agreed to adoption of House Bill 2105 banning public universities from requiring students, faculty or other employees to disclose views on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. GOP legislators complained DEI policies were interferring with university admissions and hiring decisions, so they delivered a law forbidding pledges of allegiance to DEI.

In K-12 public schools, Kansas statute was altered to allow districts to maintain emergency medication kits that included epinephrine for allergic reactions and albuterol for breathing problems. The bill amended liability protections for any person who rendered emergency care at a school-sponsored event or on school property. It provide a level of immunity from liability for a pharmacist, physician or a mid-level practitioner who distributed or prescribed emergency medications to a school.

Senate Bill 195, approved unanimously by the House and Senate, authorized the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund to establish a nonprofit organization to raise money for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Book gifting program. The program mails free, age-appropriate books each month to the home of Kansas children until their fifth birthday.

Under House Bill 2703, all children in foster care custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families would be added to the list of students eligible to receive at-risk programs and services in the public school system. Another new law mandated DCF release certain information related to a child fatality when criminal charges were filed alleging a person caused the death.

The enactment of House Bill 2144 created the new Kansas crime of encouraging a person to attempt suicide or kill themselves. A person charged with the felony would have to know the person was suicidal and the oral, written or visual communication must be shown to have substantially influenced the individual.

Legislators were advised during the session the state law could invite challenges on First Amendment grounds because the statute could be viewed as criminalizing speech.

The suicide statute was developed at behest of Jennifer Dennis, who discovered too late her son logged onto an internet chat site to obtain instructions on how to die by suicide. Her son, William, obtained sodium nitrite, drove to a Lenexa model, consumed the substance with water and died.

“William had an undiagnosed mental illness,” Dennis said. “Instead of coming to his parents for help, he went to (the internet chat site) where he was brainwashed by sociopaths.”

In addition, the bill established penalties for people convicted of taking part in “organized retail” crimes. It would permit the attorney general to prosecute cases in which alleged criminal activity occurred in two or more counties.

Attorney General Kris Kobach advocated for the reform to thwart gangs organized to move from city to city to rob stores. The law would apply to theft of goods with a retail market value of $5,000 or more within a one-year period.

Other new state laws raised from $4,000 to $10,000 the treshhold for cases to be considered in small claims court. Compensation for attorneys appointed to represent indigent defendants was raised from $80 to $120 per hour. A separate law provided immunity from prosecution for certain drug crimes when an individual sought or&nbsp;provided medical assistance to a person who consumed a controlled substance.

As of July 1, the maximum civil penalty that could be imposed by the Kansas Corporation Commission for pipeline safety violations was changed. The new law complied with requirements of the Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

“The alignment with federal maximum penalty amounts is required if Kansas wishes to maintain enforcement authority over intrastate natural gas pipeline safety,” said Paul Owings, deputy chief engineer in the utilities division at the KCC.

Another state law would require the state’s budget director to independently determine the cost of compliance and implementation for all proposed state rules and regulations. In general, rules and regulations that cost businesses, local governments or individuals $1 million or more during the initial five-year period after adoption would have to be ratified by the Legislature.

As of Monday, railroads operating in Kansas must keep stored rolling cars on sidings a minimum distance from unlit traffic crossings. House Bill 2501 set the safe-zone distance at 250 feet, if that crossing didn’t have electronic warning signals. Exceptions to the law would address railcars awaiting loading or unloading.

Implementation of House Bill 2588 meant telecommunications, broadband and video service providers wouldn’t be blocked from using county right-of-way to construct, maintain and operate poles, cable, switches and related equipment for delivery of services. Their gear couldn’t obstruct or hinder public safety nor interfere with legal use of that ground by utilities or providers, the law said.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 455 declared a public utility would be prohibited from exercising eminent domain to secure property to build a solar-powered electric generation station.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719692481654.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, shown participating in the ceremonial signing of a bill reforming worker compensation law in Kansas, put her signature to 100 bills approved by the Legislature during the regular session and one more bill adopted during the special session that will be implemented July 1. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, shown participating in the ceremonial signing of a bill reforming worker compensation law in Kansas, put her signature to 100 bills approved by the Legislature during the regular session and one more bill adopted during the special session that will be implemented July 1. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Changes effective July 1 touch on energy, crime, education and business statutes</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansans will awake to a new statutory landscape Monday after contents of 101 bills approved by the Legislature and, mostly, signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly officially take effect.With turning of the calendar at 12:01 a.m. July 1, incarcerated juveniles in Kansas could be granted work release. Microbreweries would be able to self-distribute beer and hard cider. Public universities must adhere to restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion policy. Coercing a female to get an abortion could be a crime. Companies delivering pornography online must confirm customers are of legal age.Motorists could choose from a half-dozen new options for distinctive license plates. Public utilities would be forbidden from relying on eminent domain to locate solar farms. Leaving the scene of an accident would become a more serious offense. The state unemployment insurance and worker compensation programs would change. The law authorizing issuance of bonds to lure the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals to Kansas would be in play. Overhaul of the state’s civil asset forfeiture law also would be final.Even cosmetic changes occur, including renaming the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office to the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. Adoption of House Bill 2760 by the Kansas Legislature and signing of the bill by Kelly won’t alter the agency’s office locations or contact numbers.“While the agency’s name is changing, its mission and core functions remain steadfast,” Kelly said. “The name change removes confusion with the federal Department of Veterans Affairs and better aligns with the agency’s purpose.”Kelly vetoed a long list of bills and provisions in budget bills, but the Legislature imposed its will at times with veto overrides.<h2>Education front</h2>The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor agreed to adoption of House Bill 2105 banning public universities from requiring students, faculty or other employees to disclose views on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. GOP legislators complained DEI policies were interferring with university admissions and hiring decisions, so they delivered a law forbidding pledges of allegiance to DEI.In K-12 public schools, Kansas statute was altered to allow districts to maintain emergency medication kits that included epinephrine for allergic reactions and albuterol for breathing problems. The bill amended liability protections for any person who rendered emergency care at a school-sponsored event or on school property. It provide a level of immunity from liability for a pharmacist, physician or a mid-level practitioner who distributed or prescribed emergency medications to a school.Senate Bill 195, approved unanimously by the House and Senate, authorized the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund to establish a nonprofit organization to raise money for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Book gifting program. The program mails free, age-appropriate books each month to the home of Kansas children until their fifth birthday.Under House Bill 2703, all children in foster care custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families would be added to the list of students eligible to receive at-risk programs and services in the public school system. Another new law mandated DCF release certain information related to a child fatality when criminal charges were filed alleging a person caused the death.<h2>The crime log</h2>The enactment of House Bill 2144 created the new Kansas crime of encouraging a person to attempt suicide or kill themselves. A person charged with the felony would have to know the person was suicidal and the oral, written or visual communication must be shown to have substantially influenced the individual.Legislators were advised during the session the state law could invite challenges on First Amendment grounds because the statute could be viewed as criminalizing speech.The suicide statute was developed at behest of Jennifer Dennis, who discovered too late her son logged onto an internet chat site to obtain instructions on how to die by suicide. Her son, William, obtained sodium nitrite, drove to a Lenexa model, consumed the substance with water and died.“William had an undiagnosed mental illness,” Dennis said. “Instead of coming to his parents for help, he went to (the internet chat site) where he was brainwashed by sociopaths.”In addition, the bill established penalties for people convicted of taking part in “organized retail” crimes. It would permit the attorney general to prosecute cases in which alleged criminal activity occurred in two or more counties.Attorney General Kris Kobach advocated for the reform to thwart gangs organized to move from city to city to rob stores. The law would apply to theft of goods with a retail market value of $5,000 or more within a one-year period.Other new state laws raised from $4,000 to $10,000 the treshhold for cases to be considered in small claims court. Compensation for attorneys appointed to represent indigent defendants was raised from $80 to $120 per hour. A separate law provided immunity from prosecution for certain drug crimes when an individual sought or&nbsp;provided medical assistance to a person who consumed a controlled substance.<h2>Business law</h2>As of July 1, the maximum civil penalty that could be imposed by the Kansas Corporation Commission for pipeline safety violations was changed. The new law complied with requirements of the Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.“The alignment with federal maximum penalty amounts is required if Kansas wishes to maintain enforcement authority over intrastate natural gas pipeline safety,” said Paul Owings, deputy chief engineer in the utilities division at the KCC.Another state law would require the state’s budget director to independently determine the cost of compliance and implementation for all proposed state rules and regulations. In general, rules and regulations that cost businesses, local governments or individuals $1 million or more during the initial five-year period after adoption would have to be ratified by the Legislature.As of Monday, railroads operating in Kansas must keep stored rolling cars on sidings a minimum distance from unlit traffic crossings. House Bill 2501 set the safe-zone distance at 250 feet, if that crossing didn’t have electronic warning signals. Exceptions to the law would address railcars awaiting loading or unloading.Implementation of House Bill 2588 meant telecommunications, broadband and video service providers wouldn’t be blocked from using county right-of-way to construct, maintain and operate poles, cable, switches and related equipment for delivery of services. Their gear couldn’t obstruct or hinder public safety nor interfere with legal use of that ground by utilities or providers, the law said.Meanwhile, Senate Bill 455 declared a public utility would be prohibited from exercising eminent domain to secure property to build a solar-powered electric generation station.

Kansas set to implement head-spinning collection of new laws packed into 101 bills

BY: <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A group of about 20 school-age participants demonstrated what peace means to them Friday inside the Kansas Statehouse.&nbsp;

According to the students, who participated in the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice Peace Camp, peace means respecting other people’s boundaries, ending gun violence and supporting kindness. They learned this over their weeklong camp, which focused on finding inner and community peace. They spent time in nature, had a “peace for me” day that was all about self care, and created projects.

Their art was displayed around the first floor of the Statehouse. Campers performed dances they choreographed, and 14-year-old Sophia Ellington sang “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo and “Rise Up” by Andra Day.&nbsp;

“You need to stand up for your people,” Ellington said. “And for peace and justice.”

The demonstration happens at the end of peace camp each year, but this was the first time it was held at the Statehouse. Elligton’s voice echoed through the halls, into the rooms where laws are made, carrying lyrics like: “Do you hear freedom calling?”&nbsp;

Executive director and pastor Carl Frazier said he wants lawmakers to worry.

“We want to worry them until they say, ‘OK, I’m going to do this,’ so our future can get better,” Frazier said.

Restorative Justice counselor Regina Platt said one of the ways to get better is creating safe spaces.&nbsp;

“Topeka needs a safe haven for our young people,” Platt said. “There is no need to be turning down the opportunity for young people to come in and connect.”

Frazier and Platt said they want lawmakers to take a look at the laws and regulations that affect youths. Frazier cited California as an example, with its&nbsp;<a href="https://crawford.law/what-is-californias-second-chance-law/" target="_blank">second chance law</a>, which gives people who have been convicted of crimes an opportunity to have their criminal record sealed or expunged.

Fraizer said officials also should be looking at laws that affect people with limited resources — such as those who can’t pay bail.

“Sometimes African Americans and poor people can’t make bail, because a lot of their grandmothers are taking care of them, and all they’ve got is Social Security,” Frazier said “So we’ve got laws that our youth are staying in jail because their parents can not make bail. Those things are terrible.”

Peace Camp was open to any child. But the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice usually works with kids who have “touched the criminal justice system,” Frazier said.

The organization focuses on being a hub for restorative resources: in the community, justice system and schools. It provides resources in the community through events such as peace camp and neighborhood accountability boards, in the justice system with their peace outreach program, parent adolescent mediation and victim/offender mediation, and in the schools by promoting peaceful schools restorative leadership.&nbsp;

One of the main things the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice helps with is mediation in the justice system. Community corrections officers send them referrals, and the center offers trained mediators.

One referral came from a school where a girl had an altercation with the security guard. At first, Frazier wasn’t sure she was going to make it through mediation.

“But at the end, the officer was there, and she hugged him and said she was sorry.” Frazier said. “That means the work we’re doing is touching people. It’s making a difference. And I love it, because I think everyone deserves a second chance.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719672330997.png" alt=" Participants of the Peace Camp demonstrate their dance for peace June 28, 2024, at the Kansas Statehouse. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Participants of the Peace Camp demonstrate their dance for peace June 28, 2024, at the Kansas Statehouse. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A group of about 20 school-age participants demonstrated what peace means to them Friday inside the Kansas Statehouse.&nbsp;According to the students, who participated in the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice Peace Camp, peace means respecting other people’s boundaries, ending gun violence and supporting kindness. They learned this over their weeklong camp, which focused on finding inner and community peace. They spent time in nature, had a “peace for me” day that was all about self care, and created projects.Their art was displayed around the first floor of the Statehouse. Campers performed dances they choreographed, and 14-year-old Sophia Ellington sang “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo and “Rise Up” by Andra Day.&nbsp;“You need to stand up for your people,” Ellington said. “And for peace and justice.”The demonstration happens at the end of peace camp each year, but this was the first time it was held at the Statehouse. Elligton’s voice echoed through the halls, into the rooms where laws are made, carrying lyrics like: “Do you hear freedom calling?”&nbsp;Executive director and pastor Carl Frazier said he wants lawmakers to worry.“We want to worry them until they say, ‘OK, I’m going to do this,’ so our future can get better,” Frazier said.Restorative Justice counselor Regina Platt said one of the ways to get better is creating safe spaces.&nbsp;“Topeka needs a safe haven for our young people,” Platt said. “There is no need to be turning down the opportunity for young people to come in and connect.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719672295642.png" alt=" Regina Platt speaking at the peace demonstration for the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice on June 28, 2024, at the Kansas Statehouse. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)." />
 <figcaption> Regina Platt speaking at the peace demonstration for the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice on June 28, 2024, at the Kansas Statehouse. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector).</figcaption>
 </figure>Frazier and Platt said they want lawmakers to take a look at the laws and regulations that affect youths. Frazier cited California as an example, with its&nbsp;<a href="https://crawford.law/what-is-californias-second-chance-law/" target="_blank">second chance law</a>, which gives people who have been convicted of crimes an opportunity to have their criminal record sealed or expunged.Fraizer said officials also should be looking at laws that affect people with limited resources — such as those who can’t pay bail.“Sometimes African Americans and poor people can’t make bail, because a lot of their grandmothers are taking care of them, and all they’ve got is Social Security,” Frazier said “So we’ve got laws that our youth are staying in jail because their parents can not make bail. Those things are terrible.”Peace Camp was open to any child. But the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice usually works with kids who have “touched the criminal justice system,” Frazier said.The organization focuses on being a hub for restorative resources: in the community, justice system and schools. It provides resources in the community through events such as peace camp and neighborhood accountability boards, in the justice system with their peace outreach program, parent adolescent mediation and victim/offender mediation, and in the schools by promoting peaceful schools restorative leadership.&nbsp;One of the main things the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice helps with is mediation in the justice system. Community corrections officers send them referrals, and the center offers trained mediators.One referral came from a school where a girl had an altercation with the security guard. At first, Frazier wasn’t sure she was going to make it through mediation.“But at the end, the officer was there, and she hugged him and said she was sorry.” Frazier said. “That means the work we’re doing is touching people. It’s making a difference. And I love it, because I think everyone deserves a second chance.”

Peace campers demonstrate at Kansas Statehouse, promoting peace and second chances

GEARY COUNTY —A strong thunderstorm brought flooding rain and did considerable damage in Junction City and other areas of Geary County on Friday.

The storm cause a build to partially collapse in the 600 block of North Washington in Junction City. The structure was vacant and there were no injuries.

Also in Junction City there is tree damage in addition to multiple power outages. Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said rainfall recorded at McFarland Road. and U.S 77 totaled 5.97 inches.:

According to Geary County Emergency Management, many areas and basements are flooding due heavy rain. Unless you have medical emergency first responders were unable to assist.

Sheriff Eric Coffman said that there were power outages in Milford State Park and Old Milford Road areas.&nbsp;

Junction City Police urged residents to stay home, do not travel. &nbsp;There were powerlines down across the city and crews continue working to remove debris and powerlines from the roads.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719627302143.jpeg" alt="Photos by Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey Terrill, JC PostGEARY COUNTY —A strong thunderstorm brought flooding rain and did considerable damage in Junction City and other areas of Geary County on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719627442990.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The storm cause a build to partially collapse in the 600 block of North Washington in Junction City. The structure was vacant and there were no injuries.Also in Junction City there is tree damage in addition to multiple power outages. Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said rainfall recorded at McFarland Road. and U.S 77 totaled 5.97 inches.:According to Geary County Emergency Management, many areas and basements are flooding due heavy rain. Unless you have medical emergency first responders were unable to assist.Sheriff Eric Coffman said that there were power outages in Milford State Park and Old Milford Road areas.&nbsp;Junction City Police urged residents to stay home, do not travel. &nbsp;There were powerlines down across the city and crews continue working to remove debris and powerlines from the roads.

Storms flood Geary Co., cause partial building collapse in Junction City

Editor's note: This is a two-part series on hospice care in northwest Kansas. The first part ran on Saturday, June 1, on the Hays Post. See a link to that story below.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Dalene Juenemann and her father, Dean, had to make the difficult decision to enter hospice care after he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.

“He was just such a social guy and someone was in a couple times a week,” she said. “They were checking in on him and it was that security blanket he had.”

“He didn’t want to be in and out of hospital care and not doing his activities, especially because of his age,” she said.

He didn’t want to go through aggressive chemo and he didn’t qualify for a bladder removal because of his age.&nbsp;

“He chose quality of life,” she said.

Editor's note: This is a two-part series on hospice care in northwest Kansas. The first part ran on Saturday, June 1, on the Hays Post. See a link to that story below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717167614433.jpeg" alt="Dean Shearer, a hospice patient, dances with a hospice staff member several days before he died. His daughter, Dalene Juenemann, said hospice care was a great gift to her father and her family. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dean Shearer, a hospice patient, dances with a hospice staff member several days before he died. His daughter, Dalene Juenemann, said hospice care was a great gift to her father and her family. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDalene Juenemann and her father, Dean, had to make the difficult decision to enter hospice care after he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.“He was just such a social guy and someone was in a couple times a week,” she said. “They were checking in on him and it was that security blanket he had.”“He didn’t want to be in and out of hospital care and not doing his activities, especially because of his age,” she said.He didn’t want to go through aggressive chemo and he didn’t qualify for a bladder removal because of his age.&nbsp;“He chose quality of life,” she said."It was that final decision that we are done with everyone wanting a piece of me. I'm just going to enjoy life," she said.Dalene's father, Dean Shearer, was a patient of NWKareS, Hospice of Northwest Kansas, which serves 16 counties from Interstate 70 to the Nebraska border and Trego County to the Colorado border.Dalene and other family members who have been helped by hospice, as well as hospice volunteers, agreed to tell their stories in hopes of easing fears and urging other families to choose the service.Dalene is a former resident of Hays. She now lives in Olathe, but her father was living in Norton.Dalene visited her father every two weeks, but hospice helped fill the gap. Hospice staff contacted her and gave her regular updates on her dad’s condition. He was a hospice patient for about six months before he died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717167818422.jpeg" alt="Dean Shearer and his daughter,&nbsp;Dalene Juenemann. Dalene said hospice allowed her father to stay at home and remain active after his cancer diagnosis. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dean Shearer and his daughter,&nbsp;Dalene Juenemann. Dalene said hospice allowed her father to stay at home and remain active after his cancer diagnosis. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Dalene said that finding medical supplies could be challenging because her father lived in a rural area. The hospice staff ensured he had all the medical supplies he needed.“I find when I’m trying to encourage people that I get in contact with, it’s hard to stop putting their loved ones through all that because they’re just not ready to let their loved ones go,” Dalene said.“I’ve also talked to someone that went ahead and did it all and said I wish we had never put him through it,” she said. “He would have had much more quality of life.”Dalene said the social worker talked to her about her feelings and helped her prepare for her dad's death. She and her dad were very close."It’s a process. It’s more of an acceptance then," she said. "You’re never ready to say goodbye, but there’s very much an acceptance of what you’ve got going on in your life."You don't feel like you are going it alone," she said. "Because there are so many people there who you can lean on, and they are so knowledgeable of everything."She said the extra care hospice offered allowed her to just be a daughter to her father as he was dying.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717167975250.jpeg" alt="Dean Shearer, a hospice patient.&nbsp;Dalene Juenemann, his daughter, said hospice helped her feel as if she wasn't alone as she dealt with her father's death. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dean Shearer, a hospice patient.&nbsp;Dalene Juenemann, his daughter, said hospice helped her feel as if she wasn't alone as she dealt with her father's death. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"My dad was so active. To be able to die like this with so much dignity and at home the way he wanted to, it was beautiful," she said. "I think as much as being with someone when a new life comes into the world, what an honor and blessing my brother and I felt it was to be there with our mom and our dad.""I felt all of [the hospice workers] have supported and helped us immensely," she said. "Don’t cheat yourself of having such a great experience."On the day her father died, the hospice nurse, Norma, who had been working with Dean, volunteered to come to his bedside on her day off."Once she got there, he just let go and let everything take its course," Dalene said.&nbsp;"I was telling Dad to let go and goodbye and I said, 'Just go toward the light, Dad.' Norma was standing at the door, and she said she just saw this tear come down the side of my dad's face, and that was it.“That is the kind of peace you want for your family members who pass,” Dalene said.Cathy Harrison's husband, Don, was a hospice patient. Her family had a unique perspective. She and Don had been funeral directors in Colby for more than 40 years, and Don had been a long-time hospice board member.“In the families who we served, we could see how hospice services coming in during those last months and during those last weeks and even last hours helped the family be healthy in their grief," Cathy said.She said hospice helps guide people through what to expect in the dying process.“If you have decided to make that decision to take care of a loved one at home, there is always that question of ‘What’s going to happen?’ How am I going to know?” she said.&nbsp;"They really come alongside you in that journey," she said, "and help you begin that grieving process. When you know that person is terminal, you begin that grieving process before they are even gone."“If that starts out in a healthy way,” she said. “Then it helps with healthy grieving after they’re gone.”Cathy said it was important for her family to have her husband at home during the last seven months of his life.Hospice staff members made regular visits to help assess Don's health."It was an easy decision to know it was time to have some help with being here at home," she said, "and our familiarity made it an easier decision."Cathy said the hospice staff was with them through their journey with Don, even after his death."We were walking the journey and we were doing it with a lot of faith. I had a real determination that our home would be filled with peace and joy as Don made his final journey home," she said."I would tell them it is one of the final gifts that they can give to their family," Harrison said of other families considering hospice care, "not only to their loved one … but it's a gift that you give to your family that brings you together that allows you to open up conversations."“It’s nice to have someone in a very loving and comfortable way guide you in some of those difficult conversations,” she said.In other people she has dealt with as a funeral director, she has encountered families who don’t want to talk about the fact that someone is dying or the person who is dying doesn’t want to talk about it.“It’s such a healthy process when you can open up about it and talk about it, and you give that loved one permission to visit with you about any concerns they may have and fears they may have, and the opportunity to say goodbye,” Cathy said.&nbsp;“I think hospice gives you that opportunity to say goodbye to your loved one in such a warm and compassionate environment,” she said.<h2>Volunteers</h2>Volunteers can be an integral part of hospice services. Medical training is not required.Volunteers serve as companions to patients and provide respite care and support for families.Sherry Woodside has been a hospice volunteer for nine years. She encountered many hospice staff working in a pharmacy in Phillipsburg and admired their work.&nbsp;When time became available, she decided to become a volunteer.Sherry primarily visits patients in nursing homes. She talks with the patients, although some have memory issues and might not remember her name.“I had one lady who liked to color in adult coloring books, and we colored,” she said. “Everyone is a little different in what they are able to do.”She watches TV with some patients.&nbsp;“I had one lady who really liked to go to the church service they had Sundays at the nursing home in Philipsburg, so I tried to make it a point to try to always be there that week to go with her,” she said.One patient with ALS couldn’t speak anymore, but she loved looking through cookbooks and pointing to her favorite recipes.“It’s just having someone else to talk to, to have an outside voice that’s not a family member,” she said.Sherry said she has found her time as a volunteer rewarding. Families are very appreciative.“The family sends thank you notes, or they say, ‘My mom talked about you a lot,’” she said, her voice beginning to crack. “I counted up the other day, and I think I have had 30 already.”Phyllis Tucker, who is from rural Smith County, said she became a volunteer to pay it forward. Her dad died suddenly, and she wasn't able to be with him. She had seen the positives of hospice when her aunt used the services.She was her aunt's caregiver, but she Phyllis lived three hours away.Hospice staff and volunteers kept Phyllis updated on her aunt's condition when she couldn't be with her.As a volunteer, Phyllis does the same thing for the families she serves.&nbsp;Most of the patients with whom Phyllis works are in nursing homes.&nbsp;“So many folks don’t have local family,” she said.“I go in and visit the patients, and then I text their daughter who lives in Wichita,” she said. “I can be that eyes on.”Often, Phyllis just chats with her patients during visits. She said the patients appreciate seeing someone who chooses to come for visits.“It’s an honor to be with people in those last days of their lives,” she said, “to hear their stories and to get to know them in a different way.”“One patient said, ‘You’re not here because it’s your job. The volunteers come because they want to,'” she said.She said hospice volunteers and staff gave her peace of mind in the last few days of her aunt's life.“Most of us don’t have any experience or training and all of the sudden we are taking care of a person in this stage of life that we’re not familiar with,” Phyllis said.“I was there for her last few days and to have some there who told me I was doing a good job,” she said. “That we were doing it right, the pain medication right, if she didn’t want to eat, we weren’t feeding her, and that was OK,” she said. “The thing that you don’t necessarily have the good instincts for.”She said being a hospice volunteer has been very rewarding, especially in a patient's final moments of life.She called being with someone when they die a mystical moment.&nbsp;“That holiness,” she said.Phyllis urged others to volunteer with hospice. The number of volunteers with NWKareS has dwindled since the pandemic. There are many ways to volunteer. Some volunteers help with paperwork. Some volunteers at HaysMed Hospice Care don't see patients. They bake cookies and help with memorial or bereavement services.The HaysMed Hospice Memorial Service is offered twice yearly, with the upcoming fall memorial service on Oct. 20. This service is specific to hospice patients who have been cared for and is not open to the community or public.For more information on volunteering for HaysMed Hospice Care, call 785-623-6200.You can also assist hospice by donating monetarily.To donate to or volunteer with NWKareS call&nbsp;800-315-5122 or go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hospicenwks.net/donate">www.hospicenwks.net/donate</a>.You can donate to HaysMed Hospice through the HaysMed Foundation, either online or by mail. The foundation accepts credit cards, Venmo, or PayPal. The website is&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/" target="_blank">https://haysmedfoundation.org/</a>.You may designate your donation to HaysMed Hospice or direct it to the individual’s memorial, and the HaysMed Foundation will transfer the funds to the memorial.