By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Once considered an at-risk student, Remy Stull found direction through a special high school program and is now a successful barber who seeks to give back to others.

Stull found inspiration through&nbsp;<a href="https://jagkansas.org/" target="_blank">Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas</a>&nbsp;(JAG-K) at Hays High School.

&nbsp;JAG-K is a nonprofit program that partners with schools to offer an elective course to academically struggling students. The program offers support to help students transition to post-secondary education, military service or the workforce.&nbsp;

Stull was born in Hays in 2004 and is now a young barber at Fade Factory, 129 East 8th St., following a childhood of family instability and abuse.

"Growing up, my parents were both struggling with addiction," Stull said. "It was something that impacted my life, and at this point, in the best way possible."

Stull was permanently placed with his grandparents at about age 3. He said anger was a major challenge in his early years, so he turned to sports as an outlet.

Stull said he participated in almost every sport offered in Hays, including football, baseball, track and wrestling. By his freshman year of high school, he said therapy became a turning point that helped him better understand his emotions.

He said this is where it shaped his ability to speak and connect with others.

"Growing up, I saw a lot of what not to do rather than what to do," he said. "Once you get a gift, you can use it for good or bad. You can speak life into somebody, or you can tear somebody apart with your words, and for a while, that's what I did. It wasn't something that brought me peace."

During his sophomore year, Bryan Zollinger, a coach, teacher and JAG-K career specialist at Hays High School, recruited Stull into the program. Stull said he was hesitant at first because of the stigma surrounding JAG-K, but decided to join after learning it was student-led.

"Zollinger also said, 'Oh yeah, and you don't have to do any homework.' That's what I needed to hear," Stull said.

Stull said JAG-K gave him opportunities for leadership and career exploration, including managing the program’s social media and competing in events that led him into public speaking.

He also credited JAG-K with providing real-world experience in a barbershop setting. Through the program, students help decide which guest speakers they want to hear from.

When given the choice, Stull chose Leo Vazquez, owner of Fade Factory. That decision would ultimately lead to a greater relationship, especially when Stull later became a barber himself.

"It's such a full-circle moment because I used to go to Leo when I was just a little kid for haircuts, when he was working at Park Avenue Salon," he said.&nbsp;

Stull said the first haircut he gave, which later launched his career, started as a joke with a friend.

"We ended up going to Walmart and bought $20 clippers, and I ended up cutting his hair. It didn't turn out half bad," Stull said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, barbershops and salons were not cutting hair. Stull saw an opportunity and set up his own shop in his grandparents’ garage.

"I had people from little kids all the way up to age 60. I had grown adults coming in," Stull said. "My grandparents would walk out and see some of these people that were coming to me and ask, 'How are you even getting these people in here?"

Stull said his barbershop grew rapidly through word of mouth and social media marketing. As demand surged, with as many as 30 clients on weekends, he raised prices to help slow the pace.

During this period, Stull was still in school and attending sports practices. However, he sustained multiple injuries, followed by the difficult decision of choosing between college football scholarships and paying for barber school.

Stull attended a Paul Mitchell-affiliated barber school in Wichita before returning to cut hair at Fade Factory under Vazquez, beginning around July 2023 after graduating.

Today, Stull averages about 35 to 40 haircuts per week, opting to cut fewer clients at a higher price point.

"I don't want to be standing there all day long doing haircuts," he said. "It's given me the opportunity to have more freedom, whether that's going to teach classes or engulfing myself in something else."

Stull emphasizes the relationship-building side of barbering, citing the networking, conversations and doors that open through his clients.

"It's given me opportunities in every facet of life. If I need somebody for something, I can call someone for that because I know a guy," he said.

Stull said he has traveled across the U.S. for barber expos and events, where he has met high-level figures in the industry, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@deepcutwithvicblends">VicBlends</a>, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

In addition to barbering, Stull earns income through sponsorships and brand deals tied to his social media presence on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@remy_stull?lang=en">TikTok</a>, where he has over 118,000 followers, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rms_blendz/">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@THE_3S_POD/featured">YouTube</a>.

Stull said day trading has become his newest focus. He noted a steep learning curve but said he recently took a payout and hopes trading will become his primary source of income in the future.

"I want to get to a point where I'm cutting hair for fun and not for funds," he said.&nbsp;"I genuinely believe in the next five to 10 years, I will be standing on a stage in front of 1,000 people, being able to speak to them and give back."

Stull has been teaching barbering classes and delivering business talks, often through JAG-K programs in schools across Kansas, such as Hays High and Russell High School.

He added that students often reach out afterward to thank him for his speeches.

"A lot of these kids do come from environments where they might not have the advantages I now have. ... That's something that I strive for, being able to help these kids understand that they have influence and what they're going through now does not define who they are," Stull said.

A quote Stull often leaves students with is "Success's only stipulation is for you to make a choice. Nobody's gonna make that choice but you."

Stull credited his grandparents, Zollinger, Vazquez, his girlfriend and many others with helping shape his life.

Hays High has offered the JAG-K program for about a decade. The program was introduced to the Hays Middle School for the first time this year.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/88b12c95-ba26-4b96-8730-e5e8d6cf6619">SEE RELATED STORY: JAG-K program expands to Hays Middle School</a>

Cutting his own path: How a young Hays barber turned setbacks into success

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Thursday The Hays Adoration Chapel will be closed from Thursday at 9 p.m. until Monday at noon.

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. Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays annual meeting canceled.

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'

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Bitterly cold temperatures and snow are in the forecast for Hays starting Friday and extending into Sunday.

The <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ddc/">National Weather Service in Dodge City </a>has issued a Winter Storm Watch from noon Friday until 6 a.m. Sunday, with two to five inches of snow predicted.&nbsp;

A Cold Weather Advisory is also in effect Friday through Sunday. Friday's daytime high will be 7 degrees with the overnight low dipping to -4 degrees and a wind chill factor of -20 degrees. Saturday's high will be even colder at 4 degrees.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Transportation encourages the public to limit travel.

“We urge the public to limit travel for the safety of both motorists and our workers,” said KDOT Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Frye. “If you must travel, be prepared. Check&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019be642f654-14f0c989-4ee6-484d-a28f-de0f28b11fbb-000000/SSgRbydNbX513Fa-pcnClAI7fQyk4QYbqMTa_ii0iFk=441">KanDrive.gov</a>&nbsp;for current road conditions before you leave. It’s maintained 24/7 and offers real-time camera views so you can see the road conditions for yourself.”&nbsp;

Check <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cfa26ae4-4b64-4d43-908f-be0803106892">here</a> for the latest cancellations and postponements in the area.

Winter storm advisory for Hays Friday into Sunday; bitterly cold temperatures, snow 

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

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school district has posted land adjacent to the former Hays Middle School for sale.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/909a410b-bf64-406d-a98b-01417d221495">The school board approved the sale of the land at its Dec. 15 meeting.</a>

The lot includes&nbsp;7.23 acres of land north of the former Hays Middle School football field. Bids will be accepted through a sealed-bid process, and the district will retain the right to refuse any bid.

The school board has asked bidders to include their plans for the land, along with a development timeline.

The board approved adding a student support specialist position at Felten Elementary for the 2026-27 school year.

The former middle school is being remodeled into a new four-section elementary school. Wilson Elementary School is set to close at the end of this school year, and Wilson students will move to the new elementary school in the fall.

O'Loughlin Elementary School already has a student support specialist, and Roosevelt Elementary School has an assistant principal who serves a similar function.

The board reelected Curt Vajnar as president and elected Ruth Ruder as vice president of the board.

The board also approved policy changes recommended by the Kansas Association of School Boards.

However, the board delayed a vote on a&nbsp;$66,520 annual contract with Glassman Corp for a HVAC preventive maintenance service agreement for&nbsp;O'Loughlin, Roosevelt and Hays Middle schools.

Land next to former Hays Middle School up for sale

The Ellis County Bar Association has named Jeter Law Firm LLP’s William “Bill” Jeter its recipient of the 2025 Willis K. Musick Professionalism Award. The association recognized Jeter at its annual holiday gathering December 19, 2025.

The Musick Award is the Ellis County Bar Association’s only annual award and honors past and present members of the bar who have, by their conduct, honesty, integrity and courtesy, best exemplified, represented and encouraged other lawyers to follow the highest standards of the legal profession. 

Willis K. Musick, the attorney whose memory not only inspired the award and was its first recipient when he was posthumously honored, was a professional colleague of Jeter and a good friend, making the award particularly meaningful to Bill and those who know him.

The award is presented at most once per year and is not necessarily awarded annually. It is given only when members of the Ellis County Bar Association submit nominations. A confidentially appointed committee then reviews the nominations and selects the recipient it believes most deserving among the nominees.

Bill Jeter, who celebrated 50 years in the practice of law in 2025, was presented the award by former Jeter Law Firm attorney, Ashley Comeau, describing Jeter as someone who “elevates everyone around him by quietly demonstrating what true leadership in our profession looks like.”

 Jeter continues to have a busy civil practice that includes serving as Ellis County Counselor and counsel to USD 489 in Hays.

Bill Jeter recognized by Ellis County Bar Association

My ancestors emigrated from their original homes to homestead central and western Kansas starting in 1872.

 Canadians arrived by train to settle Devizes in Norton County. Indianans moved by horse and wagon to settle Ford, Kansas. Brits via New York state traveled to Russell County by Union Pacific. Volga Germans ventured to Rush County by Missouri Pacific. 

Once here, they traveled and worked with literal horsepower, requiring livery stables, blacksmiths, and hayfields, not gas stations. However, within two generations, technology shifted and each expanding family needed gas pumps and auto mechanics.

Grandma, born in 1909, first recollected horse-drawn wagon and buggy travel. Technology advanced and her dad bought a motor car. By the time she married Grandpa in 1925, they drove an early model Ford from Colorado to start their home in Ford, Kansas. 

His family’s once busy livery stable stood behind his grandparents’ house, an outdated business. Over time it deteriorated so that when I visited on Memorial Day to lay flowers on family graves, it was only a memory. When I visited her during college breaks, we’d watch evening news, and she’d laugh about going from horse travel to riding in airplanes in 65 years.

Now that I’m older than she was, I think about change in my lifetime. While vehicles offer more sophisticated amenities than early day Model A's and T's with crank starts and hand-controlled windshield wipers, gas stations and mechanic shops still offer essential services along busy American highways. 

In remote areas, card-tro—unmanned gas stations—require a credit card and a driver’s ability to fuel vehicles to keep engines running. Although a necessary adaptation, it doesn’t reflect the change that occurred when horses ceased to be necessary and automobile drivers had to think about which towns supplied gas pumps.

This makes me think about Kansas artist Rudolph Wendelin’s dad adapting from selling heating oil to establishing a gas station/mechanic garage in Ludell. Then I recall quaint gas stations I’ve photographed as I cruise Blue Highways. Refined petroleum and combustion engines changed our world. While businesses evolved from full-service stations with employees who filled customers’ tanks, checked oil, and cleaned windows to current practice self-serve, most travelers still require petroleum-base fuels.

A motel we visit in Wyoming offers guests driving electric vehicles charging stations. Recently, a nearby truck stop installed an island of recharge ports. Those will multiply as electric cars become more reliable and affordable and infrastructure is secure. At the cusp of a major shift, Americans transition from gas to electric-powered travel.

At the moment, I’m not sold on the benefits, but I’ve studied enough history to know technology and energy needs drive change. Switching from horse to motorized travel forced business to reconsider customer need. Now, those will include updated vocational training, additional recharge ports, an ample electrical supply along with skilled mechanics to service the system. Who knows what other jobs will open?

To remind me humans survive progress, I timehop through rural towns with vintage gas stations standing on once busy corners and invite my imagination to transport me across decades. Then I mentally leap a century forward to consider what future travelers will envision when they see our old quick shops and truck stops. 

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: Time travel

<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

January 20, 20256 Topeka GOVERNOR’S LAST BUDGET

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Governor’s final budget proposal of her term, for fiscal year 2027, was presented to a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Ways &amp; Means committees. The budget presentation serves to inform the Legislature of the Governor’s spending and taxing priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. 

Overall the proposed budget’s spending increases were lean but did add $171.3 million state general funds (SGF). Below is a sample of five areas where the Governor proposed new spending in her budget.

First was K-12 education. The Governor’s budget increased base spending for special education aid to schools by $50 million SGF, added $2.5 million SGF to eliminate co-payments for reduced lunches provided to students, and added $3.5 million SGF for professional development, scholarships, and mentor programs for school teachers.

Second was spending to cover funding shortfalls created by decreases in federal aid to Kansas. The Governor added $16.1 million SGF in new spending for the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) to cover administrative and new compliance costs of the Supplemental &amp; Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). $5 million SGF was also added to the Adjutant General’s office to reimburse the Emergency Management Performance Grants fund.&nbsp;

Third was mental health. $3.6 million SGF was added to implement a Community Support Waiver (SDW) program, to provide reduced services for individuals currently waiting on the Intellectual Developmentally Disabled (I/DD) waiver waitlist that require fewer services than provided under the I/DD program. $2.8 million SGF was also added to the Technology Assissted waiver, in response to alleged increase demands for the program’s services.

Fourth was spending for state hospitals. $30.9 million SGF was added to fund the new South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital in Wichita, KS, $5 million SGF was added to state-aid for behavioral beds at local hospitals, and $37 million SGF was added to fund contract nursing staff at Larned and Osawatomie State Hospitals.

Fifth and final was state employee pay. $33 million SGF was added to cover portions of a 2.5 percent salary increase for executive branch employees and $3.3 million SGF was added for a similar increase to judicial branch employees’s salaries, as requested by the Judicial Branch.

The first week of the 2026 Session saw the Kansas House of Representatives introduce 52 bills, on topics ranging from public libraries to hunting. Below is a sample of three bills from those introduced this week. 

First is House Bill (HB) 2421. This piece of legislation would strictly limit the use of personal wireless electronic devices by students during school hours in both public and accredited nonpublic schools in Kansas. 

Second is HB 2458, which would require that property taxes and public bonds be approved by elected officials within certain tax jurisdictions. 

Third and last is HB 2470, which would grant municipalities in Kansas greater freedom in designating neighborhood revitalization districts.

House Appropriations (HAPP) held its first committee meeting this session on Thursday, January 15, 2026. As usual there were committee staff introductions and a welcome for new and returning committee members. However, this year the committee also worked and passed out nine agency budget reports for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, a first for me during my time in the legislature.

The first three of these budgets came from the General Government Budget Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays. These were the Office of Administrative Hearings, Pooled Money Investment Board, and the Public Disclosure Committee (previously named the State Ethics Commission). Said budget reports drew several questions from members regarding the agencies’ performance metrics and full-time employee positions (FTEs).

The latter six budgets came from the Agriculture &amp; Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee, chaired by Representative Lisa Moser. These were the Board of Accountancy, Board of Veterinary Examiners, Citizen’s Utility Ratepayer Board, Kansas Corporation Commission, Kansas Department of Credit Unions, and the Office of State Bank Commissioner. Discussion on these budgets involved the same topics of concern.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Contact My Office Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW&nbsp;10th Street Topeka,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Jan. 20, 2026

&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

The Hays High FFA Alumni &amp; Supporters would like to invite you to their fourth annual benefit dinner, auction, and concert featuring Elvis Tribute Artist Frank Werth &amp; The Vibrations. 

Born and raised in Ellis County, Frank Werth is an award-winning tribute artist who delivers authentic Elvis shows and is praised for his strong vocals and stage presence. 

This benefit event will take place on Saturday, February 7 at the Ellis County Fair Grounds, Schenk Building. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. with the auction and concert to follow. Cash bar will be available.

The goal of the Hays High FFA Alumni and Supporters organization is to support the Hays High FFA Chapter by providing students with scholarships, FFA jackets, meal stipends for travel, or other needs that may arise. Anyone that supports agriculture, and the development of future leaders is encouraged to come out and join us.

Tickets for this evening of food and fun are only $25 per person with children 5 and under free. Tickets can be purchased at Vanderbilt’s of Hays, or from any FFA Alumni board member. Limited tickets may be available at the door if the event is not sold out – but don’t wait, get your tickets today!

For more information about this event or the Hays High FFA Alumni &amp; Supporters, follow us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysHighFFAAlumniandSupporters">HaysHighFFAAlumniandSupporters</a> or email HaysFFAAlumni@gmail.com with questions.

We hope to see you on February 7 at the fairgrounds!

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