By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Local Republican legislators discussed several rural issues, such as transportation and health, at Saturday's legislative coffee in Hays.

Kansas Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland; Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra; and Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, spoke to attendees at the Hays Public Library

Rebecca Swender, district director for U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, also attended and answered questions during the closing portion of the discussion.

The panel acknowledged that transportation for seniors in rural Kansas is a growing issue as the population ages.

"We've talked a lot about the Meals on Wheels program and a bigger package of assistance to give to our area agencies," Rahjes said. "It's a process. We're not there yet."

Wasinger said the issue is expected to come up in the Legislature next week and noted her support for ACCESS transportation, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/dc146924-9a33-439f-bb6a-180129cff07a">which is facing a funding shortfall heading into 2026</a>.

Rural Health Transformation Program

The Rural Health Transformation Program is set to provide about $222 million in 2026 to help expand primary care, support the health care workforce and improve health data.

Wasinger said her concern is where the money ultimately goes.

"If it just goes to the governor to make decisions, we're afraid it'll go to KU Med Center and Via Christi," she said. "We've asked for transparency and accounting to make sure we get some of that money out in western Kansas, especially to HaysMed."

Rahjes said talks are ongoing with Blue Cross and Blue Shield over reimbursement practices for HaysMed. Swender said Marshall backs the program and wants guardrails in place to ensure the funding reaches rural hospitals.

A recently introduced House bill would require county commissions to approve conservation easements, increasing government involvement and limiting private property rights.

Rahjes said lawmakers, in broader terms, are "getting out of their lanes" with proposed bills. He emphasized that decisions are best left to local officials who are closest to the people.

"Me living in Agra should not tell Wichita County what they should do with their kids. Johnson County shouldn't tell Hays how much water they should use, and Hays shouldn't tell Johnson County how green their yard should be," he said.

Kansas is one of about 15 states without a dedicated conservation fund. The panel was asked whether they would support creating one to help producers, provided it did not involve new taxes.

"The biggest problem that I see as a rural legislator is trying to educate Johnson County and Wichita to understand that our lives are completely different," Wasinger said.

Rahjes said a $17 million conservation package was recently approved, and $1.7 million in funding for local conservation districts was restored.

"If we don't have good conservation, which goes into water, then we're just dust. We can argue about everything in the world, but without water, we don't survive," Rahjes said.

Billinger said Kansas can expect many AI data centers, raising several concerns.

"The biggest issue right now is they use a lot of water, way more than electricity," he said. "We were at a conference a couple of months ago, and it was said we need to double the amount of electricity we have today in the next five years."

Rahjes said lawmakers are aware of concerns around AI generating fake images, voices and advertisements, specifically how it could be used in campaigns to mislead voters.

"I don't see AI voting. You still have to vote in person," Rahjes said. "With AI, we're just in the beginning of all this. Think back when social media started. Who would have thought we are where we are today?"

Wasinger noted the legislature passed a bill last year creating penalties for certain AI abuses, such as altering images of children.

College athletics revenue-sharing&nbsp;

Recently, the University of Kansas, Wichita State University and Kansas state representatives have asked legislators to allocate more tax dollars to help cover an estimated $20.5 million in direct athlete revenue-sharing payments tied to name, image and likeness (NIL).

Billinger and Wasinger said they would not support this.

"My suggestion is to look at how much they have in unencumbered funds and in their foundation funds. There are billions of dollars in there. Use that money," Wasinger said.

Rahjes said he also does not support the proposal but is developing a voluntary alternative that would allow taxpayers to contribute to NIL efforts through their state income tax returns.

45Z tax credit and benefiting local farmers

Swender said although many clean energy tax credits were eliminated in last year’s federal tax legislation, the 45Z tax credit remained in place.

Swender said the 45Z credit is a biofuels tax incentive that directly benefits Kansas farmers, and ethanol and biodiesel plants. She credited Marshall’s advocacy with preserving it.

"It makes sure that all the ethanol is produced from 100% American grown feedstocks. We can't import used cooking oil from China and make that into ethanol. It has to be American-sourced fuel," Swender said.

When asked about progress on 340B funding for HaysMed, Swender said the hospital does not qualify under the program because it is not considered a critical-access hospital.

"There's a lot of hope that 340B can be revisited. There are a lot of bad actors within the program, and there are a lot of dollars going where they're not intended to go," Swender said. "Until we can [fix that], I don't know if they will open it up to new employers."

Swender said tariffs are “tricky,” and Marshall continues to support President Donald Trump’s tariff policy as a long-term strategy.

She said while relief through appropriations may be easier, the purpose is to create leverage to renegotiate better trade deals.

Swender said Marshal supports the act as it is a major policy fight in Washington between big banks and Main Street businesses.

The bill aims to reduce credit card "swipe" fees by requiring credit cards from banks with more than $100 billion in assets offer at least two network options—one of which cannot be Visa or Mastercard.

She said the bill aims to reduce high credit card processing fees and lower costs for consumers and small businesses.

Swender was asked about what steps are being taken to protect communities from ICE. She said that ICE is here to protect Americans and that Marshall intends to have ICE work alongside local law enforcement.

The final two Legislative Coffees are set for 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 28 and March 28 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main St.

Local legislators discuss rural issues, conservation

The Ellis County Commission will consider approving the preliminary plat for the Big Creek Estates Third Addition during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.

The item returns to the commission after additional review by the county planning and zoning board. The proposed project would be north of Reservation Road and include 14 residential lots and one stormwater retention lot.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ee851b27-fd93-4943-b1ba-e924696a0982">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission sends housing development plat back to planning commission</a>

Community improves district parameters

Commissioners will discuss and finalize standards for future community improvement districts, including the minimum number of petition signatures required, when road-related districts can be formed during development and the level of road improvements required.

The commission will consider approving the 2026 services agreement with DSNWK. This would formalize previously approved funding levels.

In September 2025, the commission approved a $250,000 subsidy request for DSNWK, with additional funding of $120,000 for the child care program and $50,000 for ACCESS Transportation. 

Other business • Discussion on the Ellis County scholarship program • Employee service awards • Joint planning commission vacancy reminder • 2026 public works summer hours of operation

Ellis County Commission to decide on Big Creek housing development plat

Ellis High School is proud to honor our senior athletes in Basketball and Cheer. The Senior Recognition event will take place tonight. Seniors and their parents will be recognized before the varsity girls’ basketball game against the Plainville Cardinals, starting at 5:45 p.m.

PICTURED: Back Row (L to R):&nbsp; Ethan Carroll, son of Matt and Nicole Carroll; Maddux Reese, son of Lance and Marta Reese; Benjamyn Byers, son of Nickole Byers; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Brody Fischer, son of DJ and Julie Fischer.

Front Row (L to R):&nbsp; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Kinzie Sunley, granddaughter of Allen and Kim Weber; Avery Boydston, daughter of Monte and Deidre Boydston; Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Payten Burd, daughter of Shaun and Emily Burd.

2026 Basketball, Cheer Senior Night set for tonight

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will consider several capital purchases at its meeting at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Building.

The board will consider purchasing a school bus for&nbsp;$234,604&nbsp;from Kansas Truck.

It will consider a bid from Sunflower Restaurant Supply for steamers at Hays Middle School in the amount of $20,700.

A change order for&nbsp;$26,199 from ISI Industrial Services for asbestos removal at Felten Elementary School is being requested.

The board will reconsider a HVAC preventive maintenance service agreement with Glassman Corp to add equipment at O'Loughlin, Roosevelt and Hays Middle School for $66,520 annually. The equipment at the schools was previously under warranty.

The board will also consider contract extension for district administrators, hear a report on the district crisis plan, hear a construction update on O'Loughlin Elementary School and hear a presentation on Hays 2025 economic activity from Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays.

You can see the full agenda <a href="https://usd489.community.highbond.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=358">here</a>.

Hays USD 489 school board to consider capital purchases

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Domestic crude-oil production dropped to a 15-month low last week, down from the record setting heights achieved in the last couple of months. Last week, the US Energy Information Administration published its lowest weekly production average since November of 2024. At just over 13.2 million barrels a day, output is down nearly half a million barrels a day from last week and a quarter-million barrels a day from the same week last year. Weekly production reports from EIA have held consistently over 13.5 million barrels a day since last September. By November, average output surpassed 13.8 million in each of nine consecutive weekly reports, a streak that ended three weeks ago.

Commercial crude inventories dipped 3.5 million barrels to just over 420 million as of January 30. The Energy Information Administration reports stockpiles are four percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The government reports another 200-thousand barrels added the strategic stockpiles stored on our behalf in some caverns in Louisiana. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve tops out slightly over 415 million barrels, up 20 million barrels or five percent from a year ago.

At 6.2 million barrels a day, crude imports are up half a million daily barrels from a week ago but down 700-thousand barrels from the same week a year ago. The four week average is down 3.2%. The government says crude exports are down more than half a million barrels, but remain above four million barrels per day.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up five gas rigs and up one oil rig for a total of 551 rigs. The breakout for horizontal rigs is up five. Texas is up six rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged in Western Kansas at six active rigs. The tally east of Wichita is down two at five rigs. The totals are down 21 percent from a month ago and 26% lower than a year ago. On Friday, operators were drilling or about to start on a lease in Gove County and two in Rooks County.

As of this week, operators in Kansas have drilled 39 wells from spud to completion in 2026, down from 86 during the same period last year. So far this year, 15 active operators have drilled nearly 50-thousand total feet of well bore in Kansas. Last year at this time, 40 operators were listed, drilling nearly double that total footage. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 13 new well-completions this week, 78 so far this year, compared to 143 by this time last year. There are four new completions west of Wichita including one in Ellis County and one in Gove County.

Kansas regulators approved five new drilling locations this week, all of them in Western Kansas, including one new permit in Stafford County and one in Rooks County. That's 45 new permits this year compared to 66 last year at this time.

State geologists recently upgraded online reporting on oil and gas in Kansas, and the newest numbers reflect a continuing decline in production. Only one of the top ten counties posted an increase. Statewide output through the first three quarters of last year drops to just over 70,000 barrels a day, from just over 73,000 daily barrels for all of 2024. Ellis County production drops to just over 5,400 barrels a day, down 210 barrels from the year before. Ranked second among counties, Haskell County averaged just a few barrels shy of five thousand barrels a day, up 599 barrels for the only countywide increase. Finney County drops to 4,100 barrels a day. Barton County checks in with 3,736 barrels per day, down by 110 barrels.&nbsp; Russell County drops to just over 3,300 barrels, and Stafford County dips to just over 2,300 barrels a day. 

Cleanup continued after a massive drilling rig tipped over and crashed to the tundra in Alaska's North Slope. The huge ConocoPhillips rig is known as "the Beast." &nbsp;It toppled along a frozen gravel road within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. According to the Anchorage Daily News, a third-party firm is investigating the cause of the accident and subsequent fuel spill, but only when the weather makes it safe. Temperatures rose into the 30s the day of the incident but returned to subzero conditions afterward.

The recent nationwide cold snap dubbed "Winter Storm Fern" forced a huge draw on energy in the US.&nbsp; Fern spurred the largest weekly net natural gas withdrawal in Energy Department records. The numbers reflect increased demand for both space heating and electricity generation, as well as reduced supplies due to equipment freeze-offs and shut-ins. Natural gas spot prices for the week nearly doubled in some locations. In the week ending January 25, 2026, natural gas generation in the Lower 48 states increased 14% from the previous week while generation from solar, wind, and hydropower declined. Coal-fired electricity generation increased 31% from the previous week. EIA says during the week of Winter Storm Fern, Nuclear generation was nearly unchanged.

Independent Oil and Gas Service notes some familiar names in its list of the top Kansas drillers last year. East of Wichita that's RJ Energy, Colt Energy, C&amp;G Drilling, McGown Drilling and TDR Construction. In Western Kansas, Duke Drilling leads the list with 73 wells drilled to total depth, followed by Murfin Drilling with 52 wells. Rounding out the top five were Discovery Drilling, Pickrell Drilling, and Sterling Drilling.

News from the Oil Patch:'Fern' freezes, 'the beast' topples, output hard put

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Feb. 1-7, 2026

Ellis County Jail bookings: Feb. 1-7, 2026

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

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Eric Rosen&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/UuoD4Y8Y3VgTAagSIqA6Y-2-5TaAJINDrykHPHiKgtNDxE8xygEhlN9zp1kwd5qj9yMmDkAMAxfWeMLE_kwgMZjE_7r7Z4DTTnQWPimbNK2xaV1v2Caj2k7SdiEBI519kszgMQ7T14lkmIEEtkGEIUzInCZH29esR2-SsxuYJtVu1oc_X0ByLU96a3bJyojn2I1v8DPwJurSDO5VHKibiQ">signed an order</a>&nbsp;appointing 18 members to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/UuoD4Y8Y3VgTAagSIqA6Y-2-5TaAJINDrykHPHiKgtOaqEi8vhU_lolNTyr_vw2R-flqqKKEF6EpQ1NbRKczQVSoiUrGkwVAlOD8joynN-oxqSQ44lym9WKwnZzEgo20hokzIClk-h3aTv0YcYTT4L_bF-_LlrL_jfBRpWf4h68rV0kmZYA92PbvOsK6tFAuv-yUBDkAkhZqV0q_gbvRM0IB-lDrVjixj4MLwvID1l8">Rural Justice Initiative Committee</a>.

<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/UuoD4Y8Y3VgTAagSIqA6Y-2-5TaAJINDrykHPHiKgtNQCIj8THVPIhrn6Yg9Bc65oRaL5n_eDP5yftXEQ0YWNzhuWPcdD-v0tGQiTKI-4SeFEz8ss4evxwq655GHmkfMG2zutDzT3DQytcpPKWoZ0AtmlM19g3NrgnV_gWOGuasJXeoyn-bQAidcaBLWV8G5">Supreme Court Rule 1405</a>&nbsp;created the standing committee to implement recommendations made in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/UuoD4Y8Y3VgTAagSIqA6Y-2-5TaAJINDrykHPHiKgtNS6XnhAOpF7WETYuATJ01N1S50Ffh8IS5Mg_f3iiJTq7dDAbRuPuMzo3YJK7-ZMEBsdlNL3MgYR0NGj3_vB6w4AMKO-Y8TGl1eTXOAbsv6FF36XK0CW9IsEBdwMGhCYB2VsZDGGnqqvO9fD8j2hrmG0ut77WFWCe1g7y6QwFP2s-bMwJJEXzxztTOIWLjyEbPnKk6xjtwehStZecu6680VD8nWZCqb3fhZg_rU-yxdImLjl0eV2OVzbLWLuhPuFu8ZBD3bXN5d5heFs07860fj">Rural Justice Initiative Final Report</a>, monitor the effectiveness of those efforts, and identify ways to improve access to legal services in rural Kansas.

The standing committee succeeds the Rural Justice Initiative Committee created in 2022 to examine unmet legal needs in rural Kansas related to a shrinking number of attorneys living and working in rural areas.

That committee produced the final report with 10 recommendations that range from attorney recruitment projects to best practices to meet legal needs across Kansas.

Justice K.J. Wall, who chaired the original committee, said work has already begun to implement the recommendations such as introduction of Senate Bill 214 to address law student loan debt. He said the committee has also worked with Kansas law schools and bar associations to develop a professional organization for rural attorneys.

“Through this committee, we create a sustained, coordinated effort to grow the practice of law in rural Kansas,” he said. “We will help implement the recommendations, measure their effectiveness, and identify opportunities for additional programs to address this critical shortage of rural attorneys.”

 Chief Justice appoints area attorneys, judges to Rural Justice Initiative Committee

Seventeen students, twelve faculty members, and two administrators from Fort Hays State University traveled to Overland Park for the 24th annual Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) Symposium, held on January 16-18. This event, led by the University of Kansas Medical Center, and funded through the National Institute of Health (NIH), aims to prepare and inspire promising students for careers in bioscience.

FHSU participants presented their research through oral and poster presentations over the course of the event. Four students received awards including:

Hazel Frans (Overland Park), an oral presentation award winner in Dr. Tara Phelps-Durr’s research group, Department of Biological Sciences. Title: Impact of one nucleotide on organ enumeration and phyllotaxy in Arabidopsis thaliana

Maggie Peterson, (Lebanon) in Dr. Eric Gillock’s research group, Department of Biological Sciences. Title: Analysis of Essential Oils Inhibiting Growth of Gram-Positive, Gram-Negative, and Fungal Pathogens&nbsp;

Jeyun Park (Seoul Korea) in Dr. Masa Watanabe’s research group, Academy of Mathematics and Science Program and Department of Chemistry. Title: Exploring Ancestral Enzymes through Sequence Reconstruction and Stability Prediction

Cody Pfaff, (Leonardville) in Dr. Eric Gillock’s research group, Department of Biological Sciences. Title: A&nbsp;Bacillus Pumilus&nbsp;Isolate with Promising Antimycobacterial Properties&nbsp;

K-INBRE is a multi-disciplinary network designed to inspire undergraduates to pursue careers in biomedical research, enhance research capacity through faculty development and retention, and expand the biomedical research infrastructure connecting several academic institutions. More information about the program can be found at www.k-inbre.org.

FHSU students recognized for research at 24th annual K-INBRE Symposium

Glassman Corporation is seeking an experienced Commercial Sheetmetal Installer to join our growing HVAC &amp; Plumbing team in Hays, KS. 

This position works directly under a Foreman-level leader and plays a critical role in delivering high-quality commercial and light industrial HVAC installations. 

The ideal candidate takes pride in craftsmanship, works efficiently in a team environment, and understands the importance of proper duct installation and insulation.

Position Overview As a Commercial Sheetmetal Installer at Glassman Corporation, you will be responsible for installing HVAC systems in accordance with project plans, codes, and company standards.

This role requires hands-on field experience, attention to detail, and the ability to support the Foreman while maintaining productivity and quality on job sites. Travel is required during the work week.

&nbsp;Key Responsibilities (not limited to):

Build your future with&nbsp; Glassman Corporation!&nbsp; Equal Opportunity Employer Apply today at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.glassmancorp.com/careers">www.glassmancorp.com/careers</a>

How the humanities shape understanding of race, justice, civic responsibility

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

On Feb. 15, the WPAA will present Magicians Pomeroy and Lamb at 3 p.m. at Oakley High School. &nbsp;

The Conjurors invite guests to the world of the impossible - a place where limitations have yet to be created and amazing memories are waiting to be made. From captivating stories, incredible magic, large illusions, and breathtaking demonstrations of mind control, this show guarantees an adventure that will amaze all ages.

Admission to this show is with a WPAA season ticket or an individual program ticket which may be purchased at the door. Thank you to the area sponsors especially the Logan County Community Foundation, Dane G Hansen Foundation. Sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

My earliest memories are being on and around a stage. I was mesmerized by every aspect and element of performing. Every show is a journey filled with magic, wonder, enchantment and story telling.

Magic allows us to experience the impossible. Together we will create moments and memories that will be remembered long after the lights dim and the curtains close.

Magicians Pomeroy, Lamb set for Oakley High School

Lions provide usable eyeglasses to Children and Adults throughout the World.

On Saturday, Feb. 14, we will be sorting used eyeglasses, determining their prescriptions and PREPARING THEM FOR MISSION TRIPS.

The Public is invited to attend to watch, learn or help.

We will be at STEM, (the old Hays Daily newspaper building, south side entrance), 507 Main, Ste D, from 10 to 4 on Saturday the 14th.

For more information, please call Lion Jim Huenergarde, Hays Lions Club, VP KLSF,

Hays lions club to host recycling used glasses Feb. 14

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

North Central and North West Extension Districts and counties of K-State Research and Extension again will be hosting an ONLINE agronomy series, “Crop Talk”, slated to begin Tuesday, February 10 through Tuesday, March 10, which will highlight several topics important to crop producers.  These will be on Tuesdays and each session will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST. 

In the NC and NW agronomy focused areas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by K-State Extension faculty to enhance management strategies utilized by crop producers. 

Our KSU extension team has vast experience in crop production and we’re here to help solve and prevent production problems with reliable information. 

Planned topics of discussion include Understanding Flex Leases; Available Soil Water at Planting and Related Management; Wheat conditions and Breeding efforts on Mosaic Viruses; Fungicide Applications in Corn and Sorghum and Insects to watch for in the Field. 

There will also be time for questions between Kansas crop producers and extension specialists at each of the sessions. 

You register once and get information for all five webinars. The Zoom and YouTube links will be emailed out after you register and on the day of the webinar. Register online at <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/croptalk/">www.bit.ly/KSUCropTalk</a> or call your local Extension Office.&nbsp;Once you register, a link to the online sessions will be emailed to you.

&nbsp;CCA credits have been applied for with one credit for each session. 

For more information about the ONLINE KSU Extension NW and NC Agronomy Series, contact your local County or District Extension Office. The Cottonwood Extension District office in Great Bend can be reached at 620-793-1910 and in Hays at 7856-628-9430.

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

'Crop Talk' sessions available online for area farmers in Feb., March

A Hays City Commission retreat will be held on Saturday, February 7,&nbsp; at The Oread Hotel (Cottonwood Room), 1200 Oread Avenue, Lawrence, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Hays city commissioners to hold retreat in Lawrence Saturday

A Prescribed Burn meeting is scheduled to be held on Feb. 26 starting at 9 a.m. and running until 11. The program will be held at the Agriculture Research Station at 1232 240th&nbsp;Ave. in Hays.

1. Benefits of prescribed burning 2. Planning a safe burn 3. Burn Safely (PBA option) 4. Protect your homes and community

Speakers will include Keith Harmony, K-State Rangeland Specialist, Dennis Carlson, Hays Fire Chief Ryan Hagans, and Shawna Hartman.

Breakfast will be provided for program attendees. 

While this is a free program to attend an RSVP is requested by Monday, Feb. 23 for an accurate meal count. Please contact Alicia Boor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;, or call her office at 620-793-1910 to RSVP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prescribed burn meeting set for Feb. 26 in Hays 

To ensure the health and safety of our community, HaysMed is implementing visitor restrictions due to increased local spread of influenza, according to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1476857071110421&amp;set=a.747486360714166">Facebook post</a>.

At this time, HaysMed kindly requests that visitors who are feeling unwell or are under the age of 12 refrain from visiting. To assist in safeguarding everyone, signage and stations with hand sanitizer and masks are available at all entrances.

Additionally, surgical masks must be worn by all visitors and associates in the following units: Intensive Care Unit (ICU), The Birth Center/NICU, and&nbsp; Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute.

HaysMed is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our community safe.&nbsp; &nbsp;

HaysMed implements visitor restrictions due to local spread of flu

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas

Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas will mark the one-year anniversary of its Hays Thrift Store with a community celebration on Wednesday, February 11, at 1011 Centennial Blvd. in Hays. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the anniversary event.

The community is invited to stop by for free popcorn from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with 50 percent off all winter clothing and shoes throughout the day. Shoppers who make a $5 purchase will also receive a complimentary Catholic Charities Thrift Store tote bag. Popcorn and tote bags are available while supplies last.

Since opening in February 2025, the Hays Thrift Store has served as a reliable source of affordable, quality secondhand goods—from clothing and shoes to small appliances and home decor. The store also plays a vital role in sustaining Catholic Charities’ mission to serve&nbsp;all&nbsp;people in need across northern Kansas.&nbsp;

“Our goal is to make basic necessities more accessible to families who need a little extra help,” said Megan Robl, executive director of Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. “The store provides an option that’s not only affordable but also dignified.”

Conveniently located on the same site as Catholic Charities’ Hays office, the thrift store allows clients who already visit for food boxes, diapers, or hygiene kits to access household goods without needing to travel elsewhere. Individuals and families who meet income guidelines can receive clothing vouchers—typically two pairs of pants and two shirts for each family member every other month—with additional support available for needs such as winter coats or work clothing.

“When you shop here, you’re shopping with a purpose,” said Shannon Werth, Hays Thrift Store manager. “Your money goes right back into helping people in need. No matter where you are in life, you are welcome here.”

&nbsp;The Hays Thrift Store is open to the public and offers a wide variety of gently used items at affordable prices. Donations are carefully sorted by volunteers to ensure only quality, gently used items are offered, with all items priced affordably. 

Every purchase helps fund essential Catholic Charities programs, including housing and utility assistance, food distribution, pregnancy and adoption services, and affordable mental health counseling—making a lasting impact.

&nbsp;The store is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;

For more information about Catholic Charities Hays Thrift Store, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ccnks.org/haysthriftstore">www.ccnks.org/haysthriftstore</a>

Hays Thrift Store celebrates 1-year anniversary Feb. 11

WASHINGTON (AP) — A leading U.S. health official on Sunday urged people to get inoculated against the measles at a time of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-south-carolina-utah-arizona-845643cd1342f1ce2ea01d11b74ee77b">outbreaks across several states</a>&nbsp;and as the United States is at risk of losing its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-measles-elimination-mexico-6f0bc8f7ef31d5ef82492e42ccb38e47">measles elimination status</a>.

“Take the vaccine, please,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dr-oz-mehmet-things-to-know-trump-be62594d66e07b9544e48ddf9febf7bf">Dr. Mehmet Oz</a>, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator whose boss has raised&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-rfk-jr-messaging-criticism-vaccine-1a2cbdc14eb0c256695fdfac00cbfb6d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">suspicion about the safety and importance of vaccines</a>. “We have a solution for our problem.”

Oz, a heart surgeon, defended some recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccine-schedule-trump-rfk-measles-flu-b31b4d6815d4395d72745f3a18f2263c">revised federal vaccine recommendations</a>&nbsp;as well as past comments from President Donald Trump and the nation's health chief, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., about the efficacy of vaccines. From Oz, there was a clear message on the measles.

“Not all illnesses are equally dangerous and not all people are equally susceptible to those illnesses,” he told CNN’s “State of the Union.” “But measles is one you should get your vaccine.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-south-carolina-utah-arizona-845643cd1342f1ce2ea01d11b74ee77b">An outbreak</a>&nbsp;in South Carolina in the hundreds has surpassed the recorded case count in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-vaccine-outbreak-texas-mmr-0744a165cfb354022092a1f158c698b0">Texas’ 2025 outbreak</a>, and there is also one on the Utah-Arizona border. Multiple other states have had confirmed cases this year. The outbreaks have mostly impacted children and have come as infectious disease experts warn that rising public distrust of vaccines generally may be contributing to the spread of a disease once declared eradicated by public health officials.

Asked in the television interview whether people should fear the measles, Oz replied, “Oh, for sure.” He said Medicare and Medicaid will continue to cover the measles vaccine as part of the insurance programs.

“There will never be a barrier to Americans get access to the measles vaccine. And it is part of the core schedule,” Oz said.

But Oz also said “we have advocated for measles vaccines all along” and that Kennedy “has been on the very front of this.”

Questions about vaccines did not come up later in a Kennedy interview on Fox News Channel's “The Sunday Briefing,” where he was asked about what kind of Super Bowl snack he might have (probably yogurt). He also he eats steak with sauerkraut in the mornings.

Critics of Kennedy have argued that the health secretary's longtime skepticism of U.S. vaccine recommendations and past sympathy for the unfounded claim that vaccines may cause autism may influence official public health guidance in ways contrary to the medical consensus.

Oz argued that Kennedy's stance was supportive of the measles vaccine despite Kennedy's general comments about the recommended vaccine schedule.

“When the first outbreak happened in Texas, he said, get your vaccines for measles, because that’s an example of an ailment that you should get vaccinated against,” Oz said.

The Republican administration last month dropped some vaccine recommendations for children, an overhaul of the traditional vaccine schedule that the Department of Health and Human Services said was in response to a request from Trump.

Trump asked the agency to review how peer nations approach vaccine recommendations and consider revising U.S. guidance accordingly.

States, not the federal government, have the authority to require vaccinations for schoolchildren. While federal requirements often influence those state regulations, some states have begun&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-west-coast-vaccines-trump-fd5ce557532a3c9f37b77ff9f14b07b9">creating their own alliances</a>&nbsp;to counter the administration’s guidance on vaccines.

U.S. vaccination rates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccination-rates-cdc-kindergarten-0d261546a130dc256735d7b1ff8c6a5f">have dropped</a>&nbsp;and the share of children with exemptions has reached an all-time high, according to federal data. At the same time, rates of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-measles-polio-whooping-cough-rubella-af4cd1aef8f408a960601df6372f9c32">diseases</a>&nbsp;that can be protected against with vaccines, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccination-rates-cdc-kindergarten-0d261546a130dc256735d7b1ff8c6a5f">measles</a>&nbsp;and whooping cough, are rising across the country.

Kennedy's past skepticism of vaccines has come under scrutiny since Trump first nominated him to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

During his Senate confirmation testimony last year, Kennedy told lawmakers that a closely scrutinized 2019 trip he took to Samoa, which came before a devastating measles outbreak, had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7s-NnWUZwE&amp;t=8456s">“nothing to do with vaccines.”</a>

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-measles-outbreak-samoa-emails-e04686f052e8c78b5a52be1e4fbcf62f">documents obtained by The Guardian and The Associated Press undermine that testimony</a>. Emails sent by staffers at the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations said that Kennedy sought to meet with top Samoan officials during his trip to the Pacific island nation.

Samoan officials later said Kennedy’s trip bolstered the credibility of anti-vaccine activists before the measles outbreak, which sickened thousands of people and killed 83, mostly children under age 5.

Oz's comments mark a broader pattern among administration officials of voicing discordant and at times contradictory statements about the efficacy of vaccines amid an overhaul of U.S. public health policy.

Officials have walked a fine line in criticizing past U.S. vaccine policy, often at times appearing to express sympathy for unfounded conspiracy theories from anti-vaccine activists, while also not straying too far from established science.

During a Senate hearing Tuesday, Jay Bhattacharya, the director of the National Institutes of Health, said no single vaccine causes autism, but he did not rule out the possibility that research may find some combination of vaccines could have negative health side effects.

But Kennedy, in Senate testimony, has argued that a link between vaccines and autism has not been disproved.

He has previously claimed that some components of vaccines, like the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal, may cause childhood neurological disorders such as autism. Most vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella do not contain thimerosal. A federal vaccine advisory board overhauled by Kennedy last year voted to no longer recommend thimerosal-containing vaccines.

Administration public health officials often cite the need to restore trust in public health systems after the coronavirus pandemic, when vaccine policy and the general public health response to the deadly pandemic became a highly polarizing topic in American politics.

Misinformation and conspiracy theories about the public health system also spread during the pandemic, and longtime anti-vaccine activist groups saw a swell in interest from the wider public.

Kennedy, who for years led the anti-vaccine activist group Children's Health Defense, has been criticized for ordering reviews of vaccines and public health guidelines that leading medical research groups have deemed settled science.

Public health experts also criticized the president for making unfounded claims about highly politicized health issues. During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tylenol-cause-autism-trump-kennedy-0847ee76eedecbd5e9baa6888b567d66">September Oval Office event</a>, Trump asserted without evidence that Tylenol and vaccines are linked to a rise in the incidence of autism in the United States.

US health official urges Americans to get measles vaccine amid case surge

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Bipartisan legislation reflects idea devices distract students, harm mental health

TOPEKA — Central Christian Academy and Atchison County Community Schools serve distinct K-12 populations, but superintendents of both oppose a proposed mandate by the Kansas Legislature to force private and public schools to ban personal cellphones and other electronic devices during school hours.

A House Education Committee hearing Friday generated criticism that such a state law would undermine local control of education. Supporters of reform said personal devices could be a classroom impediment to academic success and contributed to mental health challenges of students.

David Landis, superintendent of the 660-student private Christian school in Wichita, said the school’s leadership adopted several years ago nearly all the cellphone restrictions proposed in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2421/" target="_blank">House Bill 2421</a>. He objected to the Legislature mandating those policies from Topeka.

“We stand opposed to the state making financial and reporting policy decisions on behalf of any private school,” he said. “We ask that HB 2421 be rewritten to exclude all nonpublic schools.”

Andrew Gaddis, superintendent of the Atchison County district and its 500 students, said the bill was a departure from the state’s commitment to the principle of local control in public education. He said elected school boards collaborating with administrators, teachers and families were best suited to adopt policy respectful of local values and culture.

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