By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Representatives from developers ibV were in Hays on Thursday for an open house about their proposed Tallgrass solar facility.

The ibV team shared maps of the proposed location of the facility and more information about construction, permitting and transmission of power from the facility.

IbV is requesting a conditional-use permit for a  175MW, $275 million solar facility in southwest Ellis County.

The facility will be bordered on the north by Mt. Pleasant Road, on the west by Yocemeto Road, on the south by Munjor Road and on the west by 170th Avenue.

Kaw Pipline and other right-of-ways

The question had been raised at a recent Ellis County Commission meeting about the Kaw Pipeline intersecting the property ibV plans to develop.

The Kaw Pipeline does intersect the very northeast section of the land ibV intends to lease. The pipeline's right-of-way overrides any right ibV would have to develop that land.&nbsp;

IbV's development plan does not have any solar arrays in the Kaw Pipeline right-of-way, a nearby wetland area or in the right-of-way of multiple existing oil wells in the area.

Tom Cable, ibV permitting manager,&nbsp;said ibV plans to meet or exceed all county zoning laws and setback requirements. The&nbsp;Joint Ellis County Planning Commission has already recommended approval of the conditional-use permit.&nbsp;

Steven Link, ibV senior project developer, said the developer is still working with Ellis County on a road plan, but he said construction materials and equipment would likely be brought in from Interstate 70 down Yocemento Road or 170th Avenue.

Link said the solar panels will be trucked in by a standard semi-truck, with shipments arriving to coincide with the phases of the build-out. The transformer for the project will be a one-time oversized load and might require temporary traffic accommodations.

Jack Leesnitzer, planning and engineering manager, offered more details on the project's construction phase.

The support piles for the solar panels would be pounded into the ground rather than being secured by concrete. When they are eventually removed, they will be pulled out.

Link said one guest at the event expressed concern about vibration during the piling installation. However, the company can predrill holes if it finds it is running into thicker bedrock, he said.

The solar facility will be connected to the Southwest Power Pool through an existing high-voltage power line in the area. However, the lines connecting the solar panels to substations will be underground.

The area underneath the panels would be left in native grass.&nbsp;Leesnitzer also showed an example of fencing around a similar facility. However, he said fencing might differ depending on the wildlife in the area and what would be needed to allow them to traverse the property.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/192f7103-1ca0-4e59-9e45-901190d51f50">Jackie Augsutine, director of the Kansas Audubon, expressed concern at a recent county commission meeting about how the solar facility would impact local wildlife, especially lesser prairie chickens, which are native to this portion of Kansas.</a>

Augsutine was at the open house on Thursday, along with at least one other member of the local Audoboun chapter.

Some neighbors to the property have also expressed concern about potential environmental impacts of the facility, with some of those concerns focusing on disasters such as hail, tornado and fire.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/43b108f6-bc5c-46de-969e-92813c1887e5">SEE RELATED STORY: Planning Commision sends solar project to Ellis County Commission</a>

Declan Crouse, associate director of transmission and interconnection, discussed the growing demand for power in Kansas and across the country.

The Southwest Power Pool has forecast 4% annual energy demand growth through 2034.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cab6d63c-3480-456b-b37d-af06dfb3124e">A Kansas legislative committee heard a report last week that electricity load growth could reach 99% by 2035, according to a story from the Kansas Reflector.</a>

Crouse said not only is residential and commercial power demand increasing, but data center development across the country is also expected to drive energy prices from $25 per MWh to $40 per MWh by 2035.

The county commission has not discussed the possibility of a data center coming to Ellis County. Although companies like to locate data centers near power sources, Crouse said, the centers require significant water for cooling.

Although the power grid will likely continue to use a combination of traditional power sources, Crouse said many of those plants are aging. He said new solar facilities can help maintain the reliability of the power grid.

IbV still needs to meet several conditions of its requested permit, including entering into a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the county and having a road maintenance plan in place.

The Ellis County Commission delayed action on Tuesday on approving a set of agreements related to the development.

Those agreements would hire&nbsp;legal and technical consultants to review the project’s complex documents. The conditional-use permit will eventually come back to the county commission for approval.&nbsp;

Because of the number of protest petitions filed against the project, unanimous approval will be required.

Solar developer shares maps, more on construction during Hays open house

In its commitment to supporting the mental well-being of students from pre-kindergarten through college, the FHSU Department of Advanced Education Program will present the Olliff Family Educational Symposium on Thursday, Feb. 5. This virtual event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The symposium will feature a keynote address by Will Stutterheim, M.S., LCP, from the Department of Psychology at FHSU. 

Titled “Fields of Stress: The Hidden Mental Health Burden on America’s Agricultural Heartland,” the presentation will focus on a critical, yet often overlooked challenge – the mental well-being of those within the agricultural community. Given the vital role agriculture plays in western Kansas, this session will provide essential insights for educators and mental health professionals supporting individuals from farming and ranching backgrounds.

Will Stutterheim is an instructor at FHSU with more than 20 years of experience in mental health therapy and education. Having grown up on a multi-generational farm in northwest Kansas, Stutterheim brings a deeply personal perspective to his clinical expertise. After 13 years as a therapist in the rural farming community of Phillipsburg, he specializes in helping families navigate the unique stressors of agricultural life.

His presentation will focus on agriculture, stress, and mental health, as well as skills and strategies to support individuals struggling with their mental health.

Registration is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0ZpfNdjkVHLvPZyvGz2cNpY3nlYvkJIBR07h8FDQEdTmZnWy_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOqq9UCDR9oz8qLOLS-2Fr-2Bz5dQeVrtHtUaiHUIafhjAdlgkG-2FGXK0oOIJHxe8IFkbvimXlSLYAoBdl-2FnCjh-2BVWk-2BvDr5dkcHT7BoXDe-2BlKWvw1BTZdZ5LYkBbCXrqJBLyMaMGE-2FkkacNZhi4YPmCF6lnM4vfWeZ23CbEqvCQBWDbEFf9SrfFwJ2gpnTt8xBAJGEYY3k7ECF0QNHLTxwm25iFzCGz-2Bgkgfrx4qLhdoJV31wXIO2clW5Pp0ylTwHqroDl">https://forms.gle/Qe6p7egzEmfbYtxj7</a>

The Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants two days prior to the symposium.

Hidden mental health burden on America’s agricultural heartland topic at FHSU Feb. 5

Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

HUTCHINSON&nbsp;— After 14 weeks of intensive training, 22 members of the 351st Basic Training Class at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center graduated, taking the oath of office in front of family, friends and supporters.

The ceremony marked the culmination of months of academic instruction, physical conditioning and practical training. Following graduation, the new officers will return to their home communities across Kansas to begin their careers in law enforcement.

KLETC Senior Police Instructor David Ohlde introduced the class and welcomed the commencement speaker, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson.

In his remarks, Masterson encouraged the graduates to lead with humility and integrity as they begin their service.

“I’m going to leave you with a verse,” Masterson said. “In James, it says that God rejects the proud but gives grace to the humble. You will all need protection, and we should be praying for your protection every day. God bless you, God protect you, and God bless all of you.”

Class President Officer Andrew Brown of the Goodland Police Department also addressed the audience, reflecting on the class's shared experiences.

“To my classmates, these last 14 weeks forged something real between us,” Brown said. “We struggled together, we laughed together, we failed together, and we rose together. That bond will follow us into every call, every shift and every career path ahead of us. We are no longer just students. We are the ones our communities will call when everything else falls apart. Let’s be worthy of that trust.”

The graduation of the 351st Basic Training Class reflects KLETC’s role as a division of the University of Kansas, providing comprehensive and professional training for law enforcement officers serving communities throughout the state.

Under the authority of Darin Beck, vice provost and director of police training, graduates received certificates attesting the satisfactory completion of a full-time basic course of instruction and certification as Kansas law enforcement officers from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority.

The following are the graduates of the 351st basic training class.

Goodland, Larned officers graduate from Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center

Cold weather won’t cool the savings in Downtown Hays this week. The Winter Indoor Sidewalk Sale returns Thursday through Saturday,&nbsp;January 22–24, inviting shoppers to explore warm, welcoming storefronts filled with special discounts and end-of-season deals.

Downtown retailers will offer sidewalk-sale-style pricing inside their shops, featuring seasonal markdowns on winter apparel, home décor, books, gifts, and unique one-of-a-kind items. The sale provides an opportunity to shop local while discovering new favorites throughout the district.

“This event is a fun way for businesses to beat the winter blues and welcome the community in with deals that are as cool as the temps,” said&nbsp;Lee Ann June, executive director of The Bricks in Downtown Hays.

The Winter Indoor Sidewalk Sale supports local retailers during the winter season and encourages residents to shop small while enjoying the charm of Downtown Hays. Hours vary by business, and shoppers are encouraged to check with individual stores for details.

For a list of participating businesses and updates throughout the sale, follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHays">@DowntownHays</a>&nbsp;on social media.

Winter Indoor Sidewalk Sale brings hot deals to Downtown Hays

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Creekside Resort and Campground of Hays is looking for:

Front Desk/Cleaner Starting @ $13/hr+ - 20-30hrs a week (potential for more if desired) Must be 18 years or older Perfect for College Kids - Flexible with school schedules We are looking for someone very reliable, detail-oriented and self-motivated. Able to work outside in weather conditions *duties include, but are not limited to* • Answering phone calls • Making reservations and assisting guests with any questions • Cabin Cleaning/Cleaning buildings on property • Filling propane • Professional customer service

Visit with Creekside about the possibility of living on site as a campground host in exchange for campground hours.

Can call us with questions if needed! 785-259-0927 Send resumes in to aaron@creeksidehays.com

🏀 Weather alters MCL tournament schedule

Hays High vs Goodland (Orange &amp; Black Classic) Thursday, Jan. 22 - 6:30 Colby, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3481799">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High opens the 41st Orange &amp; Black Classic by playing Goodland.

The #8-5A Hays boys (8-3) take the court first at 6:30. Goodland (7-5) is coming off a triple-overtime victory on Monday.

The #3-5A Hays girls (10-1) face a Goodland (8-4) team that is also coming off a victory on Monday.

Hertz pregame will begin at 6:10 on 96.9 KFIX.

🏀📺 Hays opens Orange & Black against Goodland

---------------------------------------------------------

High school sports The TMP-Marian boys and girls games on Friday have been moved up to 1 p.m. They will now play a traditional doubleheader.&nbsp;Saturday's games have&nbsp;been postponed one week to Jan. 31. Times TBD.

Virg's Refuse Collection of Hill City will not run.

JoAnn Fleharty’s funeral has been postponed. A future date for the service has yet to be determined.

The Hays Adoration Chapel will be closed until Monday at noon. Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays annual meeting canceled.

Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County ReStore closed.

The Hays Adoration Chapel will be closed until Monday at noon.

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

Latest cancellations and delays

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A 31-year-old man from Ellis County was arrested on Jan. 5 on multiple allegations of aggravated battery.

Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham said Cody Pevey Armbrister is being held at the Ellis County Jail. He said the alleged incident occurred Dec. 31, 2025.

Cunningham said Armbrister is facing the following charges:

• Robbery • Two counts of aggravated domestic battery • Two counts of aggravated battery • Criminal threat • Interference with law enforcement • Criminal restraint • Possession of marijuana • Possession of drug paraphernalia

According to court documents, Armbrister allegedly grabbed a phone from a woman’s hands, injuring them. Armbrister allegedly choked the woman with both hands while pinning her down to a bed, the documents said.

The documents also said the woman was allegedly shoved down in the bathroom before Armbrister allegedly choked her with his left hand while restraining her hands to prevent her from stopping him.

Court documents said Armbrister allegedly shoved the woman into a bathtub, causing her to hit her head and back. Armbrister allegedly held a knife against her throat during the incident, according to the court documents.

Cunningham said law enforcement received a delayed report at 10:12 a.m. on Jan. 5, and Armbrister was arrested by the Hays Police Department at 10:56 a.m. the same day in the 1100 block of Walnut Street in Hays.

According to court documents, Armbrister allegedly fled from a law enforcement officer before being arrested.

Ellis County man arrested for allegedly pulling knife on a woman

With winter weather in the forecast, the city of Hays Public Works Department has begun preparations to keep the city moving.

Crews are currently pre-treating and loading sand spreaders in anticipation of the incoming system.

The city of Hays utilizes a tiered response system. Residents should be aware that Emergency Snow Routes are the first priority.

"If you see a truck out today, they are likely prepping the surface," said Jesse Rohr, public works director. "Pre-treatment helps prevent the ice from freezing directly to the asphalt, making it easier to scrape off later."

Resident Responsibilities Before the Storm

· Check the Map: Verify if your home is on an Emergency Snow Route. Maps are available at <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/402/Snow-Route-Information">https://www.haysusa.com/402/Snow-Route-Information</a>. If you are located on a snow route, please locate an alternate site to park vehicles off the street. By city ordinance, if a winter storm traffic emergency is declared and vehicles are not moved, the vehicles will be towed away at the owner's expense.

· Off-Street Parking: The city strongly encourages all residents to park off-street if possible. This allows plows to clear curb-to-curb, preventing the "tunnel effect" on narrow streets.

"The most helpful thing a resident can do right now is check their tire tread and plan for off-street parking," Rohr said. "Helping our plow drivers helps the whole city get back to normal faster."

Understanding the Strategy: Why Residential Streets Are Treated Differently

A frequent question from residents is why major arterials are cleared "curb-to-curb" while residential side streets are left unplowed.

The decision to leave residential streets unplowed in all but the most severe events is a strategic one, centered on resident access and resource management.

The primary logistical challenge on residential streets is snow storage. When a plow passes down a street, the snow is displaced to the side, forming a ridge known as a windrow.

On wide arterial roads, this snow is pushed to the shoulder.

However, on residential streets, this snow is inevitably pushed across private driveways.

"If we were to plow every residential street for a standard 3-inch snowfall, we would create a 12-to-18-inch ridge of heavy, compacted snow across the end of every single driveway in town," Rohr said. "This often traps residents, particularly the elderly or those without heavy snow blowers, in their homes. Leaving the snow to be packed down by traffic is often less disruptive to residents than blocking their driveways with plow debris."

The city of Hays monitors road conditions continuously.

In the event of catastrophic accumulation, where snow depths render standard passenger vehicles inoperable, the city may declare a special operation to open residential lanes.

However, for typical winter events, residents should expect side streets to remain snow-packed.

Residents are encouraged to drive with caution on untreated surfaces and to schedule travel on major routes whenever possible.

City of Hays prepares for winter weather; urges residents to 'Know Your Zone'

Government surplus commodities will be distributed in Hays at&nbsp;

Unite Free Shelves (iInside The Gamers Guild) 200 E. 8th&nbsp;Street, Hays, on Tue., Jan. 27 from&nbsp;7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Commodities will be distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis until we run out.

Doors will not open until 7:30 a.m.&nbsp;

To be eligible for commodities, your household’s total monthly income must be below:

$2,413&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of one $3,261&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of two $4,109&nbsp; Household of three $4,957&nbsp;Household of four $5,805&nbsp;&nbsp;Household of five $6,653&nbsp; Household of six $7,501&nbsp; &nbsp;Household of seven $8,349&nbsp;Household of eight *Add&nbsp;$848&nbsp;for each additional family member after eight

Commodities included in this distribution are anticipated to be applesauce, black beans, tomato soup, vegetable soup, frozen strawberries, garbanzo beans, dehydrated potatoes, raisins, peanut butter, pasta, and Great Northern beans.

Contact Brandon Nimz, Unite Ministry Leader, with any questions at 785-259-2539.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Government surplus commodities distribution in Hays Jan. 27

&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

USD 489 Kindergarten info meeting set for February 

Kansas Department for Children and Families

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The application period runs from&nbsp;Tuesday, Jan. 20, through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

LIEAP provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2025, more than 43,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of about $680.

“LIEAP plays a critical role in helping Kansas families remain safe and warm through the state’s often harsh winter months,”&nbsp;said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.

The federal government shutdown in late 2025 delayed the distribution of LIEAP funding to states for the 2026 season, which in turn delayed DCF’s planning efforts and the start of the 2026 application period.

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home's heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (see the 2026 income eligibility guidelines below).&nbsp;The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

Applications can be accessed online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%25E2%2580%258B/1/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/UFIfgafp6bvq1HU70HOchgtkPYZMle9vBwlDihLTxaM=440">dcf.ks.gov​</a>&nbsp;by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website.

DCF is planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. For a schedule of in-person LIEAP application events, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/1/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/6zcibZiwwqtT4grbsMiw--lEpbTTwbuvZJKiG2FuMa8=440">lieap.dcf.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and click on “Where are the in-person LIEAP application events being held this year” in the drop-down menu.

When applying for LIEAP, Kansans should have their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if they are living in subsidized housing.

2026&nbsp;Income Eligibility Guidelines

&nbsp; Learn more about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/2/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/oR1t_2sfzk4onCdY7dc55Orcl7z4SqhgSe0O8xgbbAg=440">LIEAP​</a>&nbsp;in Kansas, including frequently asked questions, other community resources, and the complete schedule of LIEAP application events at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/3/0101019bdc5b00e6-51a900d0-1fb0-4b1c-b6ab-0411c56cc74c-000000/TQALKuXTDMaPEQYpyfed9GLejq-MLAtTFX-AXQd9oMM=440">lieap.dcf.ks.gov</a>.

Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Low Income Energy Assistance Program applications open in Kansas

Western Plains Arts Association COLBY — Western Plains Arts Association’s first performance to begin the second half of this season will feature Jeff Davidson.

The public performance will be at the Quinter High School Auditorium at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25.&nbsp; Admission will be by WPAA season ticket or at the door.

There will be a school presentation in the Quinter High School auditorium on Monday, Jan 26 at 9:00 and then one at noon at the Oakley High School auditorium for Oakley Elementary. School performances are free to all who attend. &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;Jeff Davidson is&nbsp;bringing the history of the Santa Fe Trail to life through song, stories and pictures. The man behind the music has more than 30 years of experience; 25 of those years Jeff Davidson spent as an entertainer for the Flint Hills Overland Wagon Train. In the historical setting of wagon trains, he developed the idea of using historical western (notably Kansas) events to introduce the songs he sings.

Western Plains Arts Association would like to thank our area sponsors, especially the Gove County Community Foundation and the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Additionally, we are sponsored in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts&nbsp; Commission and the National Endowment&nbsp; for the Arts.

Jeff Davidson brings history of Santa Fe Trail to life through song, stories, pictures

It is time for the 12th annual KSU Watersheds and City of Hays water poster contest. The 2026 theme is “Water…It’s Important!”

 Daycares, pre-schools, USD 489, Holy Family Elementary, TMP Marian and home-school students, ages pre-school through 12th grade, FHSU students, faculty, and staff, Fort Hays Tech/North Central students, faculty and staff and adults in the City of Hays are eligible to participate. There is also an Intellectual/Development Disabilities (IDD) division (youth through adults).

The “Water…It’s Important!” posters can focus on water conservation or stormwater/water quality messages.

Posters could show how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters might share how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and E. Coli bacteria, household chemicals, etc. that are harmful to water sources. Both water conservation and stormwater/water quality can be highlighted on the same poster.

Posters must be horizontal, designed on 12 x 18-inch white poster paper with “Water…It’s Important!” included. Posters can be designed with pencil, paints, pens, crayons, or markers. In addition, the posters can be 3-dimensional, or computer-generated (but originality is expected).

Name, age, grade, and teacher (if applicable) need to be included on the back of the poster. Adults should list name, address, and phone number. Poster paper is available for pick-up at the Public Works Department, 1002 Vine Street, during regular business hours. 

Prize money will be awarded to 1st through 3rd place winners in each age division. Winning posters will be displayed at Tri- Central Office supply during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair.

Posters are due by Wednesday, March 12, at school offices, city hall, or the&nbsp; Public Works Department. 

The Awards Celebration will be held at Sternberg Museum on March 31, at 6 p.m.

To learn more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/776/Water-Poster-Contest">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or <a href="https://www.kcare.k-state.edu/">www.MyKansasWatershed.com</a> (special events tab).

For questions, call Stacie Minson, KSU watershed specialist, 785-769-3297 or Holly Dickman, City of Hays water conservation specialist, 785-628-7350.

Entries open for KSU Watersheds/City of Hays annual water poster contest

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Getting the most out of your fertilizer dollar in these tough economic times with commodity prices as low as they are will be the focus of K-State Extension agents in the region hosting several programs to address this issue, says Stacy Campbell, crop production agent with the Cottonwood Extension District.

A soil fertility with tight crop budgets program will be held at the Barton County 4-H Building, U.S. N. Highway 281 at the intersection of NW 60th Road, Great Bend, on Thursday, January 29, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m.&nbsp;

This program has been designed to help producers understand how to get the most out of their fertilizer dollar, while making zero to minimal impact on yields.

January 28 – Colby – 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Thomas Co. 4-H Building

January 29 – Kensington – 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – First St. John Lutheran Church

January 29 – Great Bend – 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Barton Co. 4-H Building

The schools will be presented by Dr. Lucas Haag, agronomist-in-charge at Tribune and Dr. Peter Tomlinson, KSU fertility specialist along with local district extension agents. 

Topics will include KSU research updates, soil sampling, fertilizing with tight budgets, premixes and standard forms, targeted nutrients and a question and answer session. So be sure and bring all your questions with you! 2.5 CCA credits have been applied for.

Lunch will be provided following the program thanks to sponsors. 

There is no cost for the schools, however, pre-registration is requested by Friday, January 23 for all schools either online <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0kzGICRCmh0rfwi">https://bit.ly/4jEiELo</a> or by calling the host county extension office.

If you have further questions, contact Stacy Campbell, crop production agent, at 785-628-9430. A minimum of 10 pre-registered producers are needed to hold each of the schools. Hope to see you there!

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

CAMPBELL: Getting the most out of your fertilizer dollar

TOPEKA —Last weekend, a KHP Lieutenant attempted to stop a driver on Interstate 70 for suspected DUI, according to a social media report from the patrol.

The driver fled, repeatedly drove into the ditch, drove the wrong way on the Interstate, and made constant U-turns. After finally being caught, the driver admitted he was fleeing because he thought he had felony drug warrants through Missouri.&nbsp; He didn’t.&nbsp; The KHP did not release the name of the driver or additional details.

DUI suspect told KHP why he fled I-70 traffic stop

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed this year’s final batch of spending bills on Thursday as lawmakers, still smarting from last fall’s record&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-reopen-update-house-returns-5771f2befb15f4ab45e327369f2e98d9">43-day shutdown,</a>&nbsp;worked to avoid another funding lapse for a broad swath of the federal government.

The four bills total about $1.2 trillion in spending and now move to the Senate, with final passage needed next week before a Jan. 30 deadline to avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">a partial government shutdown</a>.

Three of the bills had broad, bipartisan support. They funded Defense and various other departments, including Education, Transportation and Health and Human Services. A fourth bill funding the Department of Homeland Security was hotly disputed as Democrats voiced concerns that it failed to restrain President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-ice-deportation-budget-be983b14f60a5cdfc17af7cf0307f1c9">mass deportation efforts.</a>

Republicans were able to overcome the Democratic objections and muscle the Homeland Security bill to passage in a 220-207 vote. The broader package, which funds a 3.8% pay raise for the military, passed in a 341-88 vote.

Before the votes, House Democratic leaders announced their opposition to the Homeland Security bill as the party’s rank-and-file demanded a more forceful stand in response to the Republican president’s immigration crackdown. Trump’s efforts have recently centered in the Minneapolis area, where more than 2,000 officers are stationed and where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>, a mother of three.

In a joint statement, the Democratic leaders said Trump promised the American people that his deportation policy would focus on violent felons in the country illegally, but instead, ICE has targeted American citizens and law-abiding immigrant families.

“Taxpayer dollars are being misused to brutalize U.S. citizens, including the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good. This extremism must end,” said the statement from Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.

Democrats had few good options to express their opposition to Homeland Security funding.

Lawmakers, when confronting a funding impasse, generally turn to continuing resolutions to temporarily fund agencies at their current levels. But doing so in this case would simply cede more Homeland Security spending decisions to Trump, said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee.

Also, there was concern that a failure to fund Homeland Security would hurt disaster assistance programs and agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, while ICE and Customs and Border Protection would simply carry on. They could use funding from Trump’s big tax cut and immigration bill to continue their operations. ICE, which typically receives about $10 billion a year, was provided $30 billion for operations and $45 billion for detention facilities through Republicans’ “one big beautiful bill.”

This year’s Homeland Security bill holds the annual spending that Congress provides ICE roughly flat from the prior year. It also restricts the ability of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kristi-noem-border-trump-44925ad8670cd4ad57427513915bb140">Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem</a>&nbsp;to unilaterally shift funding and allocate federal dollars as she sees fit. The bill also allocates $20 million for the purchase and operations of body cameras for ICE and CBP officers interacting with the public during immigration enforcement operations. And it will require Homeland Security to provide monthly updates on how it plans to spend money from Trump’s bill.

“It’s not everything we wanted. We wanted more oversight. But look, Democrats don’t control the House. We don’t control the Senate or the White House. But we were able to add some oversight over Homeland,” said Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, a member of the Appropriations panel.

Republicans countered that the Homeland Security bill helps lawmakers accomplish their most important duty — keeping the American people safe.

“This legislation delivers just that and upholds the America first agenda,” said Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Republicans also celebrated the avoidance of a massive, catchall funding bill known as an omnibus as part of this year’s appropriations process. Such bills, often taken up before the holiday season with lawmakers anxious to return home, have contributed to greater federal spending, they say. This year’s effort, while a few months behind schedule, manages to keep non-defense spending just below current levels, they emphasized.

“It sends a clear, powerful message back home — the House is back at work. We are back to governing,” said Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo.

One by one, Democratic lawmakers lined up to voice their opposition to the Homeland Security bill with a particular focus on ICE, which has been rapidly hiring thousands of new deportation officers to carry out the president’s mass deportation agenda.

Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota said residents of her state were being racially profiled on a mass scale and kidnapped from their communities.

“Masked federal agents are seizing parents, yes, in front of terrified children,” McCollum said. “And many of these people we’re finding had no record and were here legally.”

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