By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 has received bids for the $6.6 million Felten Elementary School project.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b4809d7f-dd2f-497c-95e0-630f47ebdcec">Hays Middle School moved into the renovated Hays High School building at the beginning of this semester.</a>

Renovations will now begin on the former middle school, which will be renovated into a four-section elementary school, Felten Elementary School.

Wilson Elementary School will close at the end of the school year, and those students will move to the newly renovated school.

After the middle school project,&nbsp;Nabholz returned $101,708 in unused contingency funds to the district. Those funds can now be used for the Feltern Elementary School project.

A new entry is being constructed on the northeast side of the school for the kindergarten and first grades. Bathrooms will also be constructed in the classrooms for the lower grades.

New flooring will be installed, and grading will be done for the new playground equipment.

Dustin Avey, managing director/co-head of public finance with Piper Sandler &amp; Co. Public Finance Investment Banking, joined the meeting remotely to discuss bond financing.

Avey explained the revenue from the bond sale, about $7.4 million in interest from that fund and $943,000 from FEMA grant for storm shelters can be used for bond projects. This equals more tahn $165.8 million.

The sale of property could account for another $850,000.

Property and sales tax revenue go into a separate bond repayment fund. All the tax revenue and interest from that fund must go to the repayment of the bond,&nbsp;Avey said.

A reserve is maintained in the bond repayment fund to ensure the school district has enough funds to pay for its upcoming bond payments.

Both sales and property tax revenue can increase. Property tax revenue can increase with higher assessed valuation.

The assessed valuation during the last several years has outpaced estimates. Piper Sandler estimated $3.8 million in sales tax revenue, and the school district received $3.9 million in FY25 and is on pace to reap $4 million in sales tax revenue in FY26.

Avey said once the reserve reaches a certain point, the district can consider lowering the mill levy or paying off the bond sooner. He said the district will likely need to evaluate its reserve during the upcoming budget cycle to determine whether it has reached that point.

Avey said&nbsp;Piper Sandler was conservative when it set the bond's repayment schedule. However, decreases in sales or property tax revenue could also affect the mill levy.

The 0.5% sales tax used to pay off the school bond is scheduled to sunset after 10 years. If that tax is not renewed, the mill levy would need to be increased from 11 to 17 mills.

The Kansas Legislature is also considering ways to address property taxes, including caps on assessed valuation increases.

Hays USD 489 to move forward with $6.6M Felten Elementary School project

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Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

The new year brings an exciting new chapter for the Hays Arts Council (HAC), as construction on its long-anticipated renovation project is set to begin in February 2026.

At the end of 2025, PWC, Inc. was officially awarded the bid to serve as general contractor for the project. PWC has an outstanding reputation in Hays and the surrounding region and has recently completed several major community projects, including the Bob &amp; Pat Schmidt Community Center, Fort Hays State University’s Tebo Library, and Cervs.

“This moment marks the transition from vision to action,” said Jo Ann Jennings, Vice President of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee. “I’ve seen firsthand how deeply this project reflects the commitment and generosity of our community. This renovation will have a lasting impact for generations of the Hays community and beyond.”&nbsp;

To prepare for the renovation, the Hays Arts Council will host an “everything must go” community sale from Monday, January 26 through Saturday, January 31, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day in the former Madd Matter Frame Shop. Art, office supplies, small furniture pieces, and other miscellaneous items will be available by free will donation.&nbsp;

Additionally, the public is invited to attend a Construction Kickoff Event in conjunction with The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, on Monday, February 2, beginning at 4:00 PM at the Hays Arts Center. Brief remarks will be followed by a unique opportunity for attendees to leave their mark on the space before construction begins. HAC leadership will also share information about temporary locations and operations during the renovation period.

Construction is expected to continue through 2026 and into early 2027, with a major community celebration planned later in 2027 to coincide with the Hays Arts Council’s 60th Anniversary.

The For the Heart of Hays campaign has been made possible through generous support from the Robert E. &amp; Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation, Kansas Department of Commerce, The Leo J. Dreiling and Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust, Beach Edwards Family Foundation, Dane G. Hansen Foundation, and nearly 200 individual donors and community businesses. Donations are still being accepted as construction begins.

To learn more about the project or to contribute, visit<a href="http://www.haysartscouncil.org"> www.haysartscouncil.org</a>.

Construction to begin at the Hays Arts Council in February

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. The Hansen Foundation awarded DSNWK $100,000 for the purchase of two ramp-accessible vehicles to address the increasing demand for accessible transportation. With the addition of these two fleet vehicles, DSNWK remains committed to providing reliable, dignified, and inclusive transportation for individuals with evolving mobility needs.

These vehicles will be used for essential transportation for individuals served by DSNWK, including rides to medical appointments, employment, classes, shopping, and participation in community activities. The majority of the individuals in these service settings require accessible transportation due to mobility issues (i.e. wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.) and who will directly benefit from the use of a ramp-accessible vehicle.

“We are so grateful to the Hansen Foundation for their support. These vehicles will benefit some of the most vulnerable passengers in northwest Kansas,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “Transportation is an essential component to a strong and inclusive community and for the people we serve, it is even more important because they rely on DSNWK for their transportation needs.”

DSNWK is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit www.dsnwk.org to learn more about services and ways to support.

DSNWK receives Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Yards may need another shot of moisture even after recent rain and snow to alleviate stress in lawns and gardens, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

“A good, deep watering with moisture reaching at least a foot down into the soil is much better than several light sprinklings that just wet the top portions of the soil,” Domenghini said. “A deep watering will ensure that the majority of roots have access to water.”

Domenghini urged homeowners to test the moisture content in their yard’s soil by pushing a metal rod or wooden dowel into the ground. “Dry soil is much harder to push through than wet,” she said. Measure how far down the implement goes to determine the amount of moisture is in the soil.

“Although all perennial plants benefit from moist soils before winter, it is especially important for newly planted or over-seeded lawns, as well as newly transplanted trees and shrubs due to their limited root systems,” Domenghini said.

“Even trees and shrubs planted within the last 2-3 years are more sensitive to drought than a well-established plant. Evergreens are more at risk because moisture is lost from the foliage.”

Domenghini shared a few tips for watering common areas of the yard:

Trees and shrubs planted within the last year. Drill a small hole in a five-gallon bucket near the bottom, then fill the bucket and let the water dribble out slowly next to the tree. Refill the bucket once so that you apply 10 gallons. Slow release bags with micropores can be purchased as an alternative to using a bucket. Larger trees planted 2-3 years prior may require more water.

Large trees. Using a soaker hose, circle the trunk one-half the distance to the dripline, or the outermost reach of branches. On smaller trees, you may need to circle the tree several times so that tree roots will be watered.

Newly established bed or foundation plantings. Hook the beginning and end of a soaker hose to a Y-adapter to equalize pressure, which encourages more uniform watering.

Fall planted or overseeded lawns. Use an overhead sprinkler. Watering to a depth of 12 inches is more difficult; try to reach at least six inches deep.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Watering winter land

<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

Developer ibV of Florida&nbsp;is requesting a conditional-use permit from Ellis County to erect solar panels in its&nbsp;Tallgrass Development in southwest Ellis County.

The facility would generate 175MW of power for the Southwest Power Pool energy market, connecting via ITC Great Plains’ 345-kilovolt Spearville-Post Rock transmission line.

Tallgrass Development will host two open house events at Gella’s venue room. They will be from noon to 2 p.m. and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22.

This will be in a station-type setting where community members can engage directly with the Tallgrass Development Team on specific areas of interest, such as engineering, environmental, community benefits and solar technology.

Ellis County Commission to consider multiple solar project agreements

Hays Police Department arrest log: Jan. 11-17, 2026

Hays Police Department activity log: Jan. 11-17, 2026

Ellis County Jail bookings: Jan. 11-17 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

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!

Hays High FFA Alumni, Supporters benefit event Feb. 7

GriefShare is a support group offering hope and healing to those who have lost a loved&nbsp;one to death. North Oak Community Church is hosting this 13-week grief recovery program&nbsp;beginning February 12, 2026 – May 7, 2026, on Thursdays from 6:00 – 8:00PM at the North&nbsp;Oak Community Church Center, 3002 Northridge Court in Hays, Kansas, 67601.

Each week you will view a 30-minute video filled with helpful guidance, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through your workbook in a safe, comforting environment.

For more information call North Oak Community Church Office at (785)628-8887 (Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 - 4:30).

GriefShare support group to offer 13-week program at North Oak Community Church

TIMKEN —  Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 103 S. Main, in Timken is having a Chicken Noodle, Chili &amp; Potato Soup Supper on Sunday, February 1,&nbsp; from 5 - 7 p.m.&nbsp; for a free will offering. 

There will be a silent auction, three drawings for a $300 beef bundle, and two drawings for $500 cash. 

All proceeds go towards the maintenance&nbsp; of the church.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Soup supper to benefit Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Timken

ELLIS — Some moments come around once in 125 years.

 This spring, the Ellis Alumni Association will observe this momentous anniversary on May 22-23 to celebrate&nbsp; their past, present, and future. 

The Ellis Alumni Association&nbsp; is one of the oldest active alumnis in the state of Kansas. For over a century Ellis High School&nbsp; has shaped minds, built leaders and created a legacy&nbsp; that has stood the test of time. 

"We encourage&nbsp; and are thrilled to welcome alumni back to relive the hallways that shaped their future and catch up with friends who helped make their time at Ellis High School so memorable," said alumni president Sylvia Deutscher. "Again, honor classes are graduating classes ending in 1 and 6, but we encourage the other alumni community to join in as well."

Tentative plans the Ellis Alumni Board have announced&nbsp; are:

Friday, May 22 Alumni golf tournament, 9 a.m. Fishing contest, 8-11 a.m., Ellis Lakeside campgrounds&nbsp; Gather and Gab, 7 p.m., Ellis K of C Hall Paramount, Ellis Country Club Geocaching fun, Golden Lantern Hunt

Saturday, May 23 Parade and Chrysler Car Show, 10 a.m. Open houses at EHS, WGS, Ellis Alumni Museum, Weight room and old Ellis High School, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Railer Roll, Fairground activities&nbsp; Banquet&nbsp; and dance, 5 p.m., Dolce Vita, Wes Cossman Band.

As our dedicated historian volunteers worked to establish the EHS Alumni Museum, their research uncovered fascinating stories about the many paths EHS alumni have taken. 

While every career holds value and purpose&nbsp; a few stories stood out as especially&nbsp; memorable. Now through May 2026, the alumni will share weekly notable Alumni stories on their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellisalumni">Ellis High School Alumni (KS)</a>&nbsp;spotlighting EHS legacy and their journeys.

For more information about the Ellis Alumni weekend, call 785-520-5030 or 785-656-1955 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ellishighschoolalumni@gmail.com">ellishighschoolalumni@gmail.com</a>.

Ellis Alumni Association announces plans for 125th anniversary

Dinner Show $25 January 31 at 6 p.m. Dessert Show $15 February 1 at 1 p.m. Link to buy tickets&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tmpstage.ludus.com/index.php">https://tmpstage.ludus.com/index.php</a>

TMP-Marian Pop Singers present dinner, dessert shows

CORRECTION: Ellis Fire Department pancake fundraiser set for Jan. 21

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that occurred Thursday night in east Wichita during a reported home invasion robbery.

At 7:30 p.m., officers assigned to Patrol East heard several gunshots and then received a Gunshot Detection System (GSD) alert in the 5300 block of E. Funston, according to a media release from Wichita Police. Officers arrived before 911 calls came in.

When officers arrived, they found 22-year-old Oscar Gonzalez&nbsp; with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers began life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived. EMS transported Gonzalez to a local hospital, where he was listed in serious but stable condition.

“ Our officers heard the gunshots, and our Gunshot Detection System immediately pinpointed the area before the first 911 calls came in. That combination helped us get to the exact location fast, start medical aid right away, and get EMS there quickly. It potentially saved the suspect’s life. And it also allowed us to secure the scene, take the suspect into custody, and move this case forward. Technology like this continues to strengthen our ability to respond quickly and protect our community.”&nbsp;

Three people, later determined to be victims, were detained for interviews. After speaking with investigators, all three were released.

Detectives learned a 21-year-old Wichita woman was inside her home in the 5300 block of E. Funston when three armed suspects kicked in the door and robbed her.

During the incident, her boyfriend, a 23-year-old Wichita man, arrived with a 22-year-old friend.

As the boyfriend approached the home, one suspect exited through the front door, pointed a gun at him, and ordered him to get on the ground. A struggle over the firearm followed. As the 22-year-old friend got out of the vehicle, an exchange of gunfire occurred, and Gonzalez was shot. The other two suspects fled the scene and remain at large.

Gonzalez was placed under police custody at the hospital. He was released on Saturday and just before 3:30p.m. booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault.

Kan. home robbery suspect, wounded in gunfight, moved from hospital

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">Cami Koons</a>

The American Farm Bureau Federation, along with soybean and specialty crop farm organizations, has asked congressional leadership for economic support to “fill in the gap of remaining losses for both field and specialty crop farmers.”&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fb.org/files/1.15.26-Ag-Letter-to-Congress-Economic-Assistance_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a>&nbsp;follows a December announcement from the Trump administration of a&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/12/08/repub/trump-to-send-12-billion-in-one-time-payments-to-farmers-to-offset-ag-losses/" target="_blank">$12 billion</a>&nbsp;one-time package to offset farmer losses across the country.

“These funds could provide a meaningful first step but do not cover the extensive and cumulative losses that farmers have absorbed over the last several years,” the letter said after acknowledging the farmer bridge payment program.&nbsp;

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is allocating the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/farmer-bridge-assistance-fba-program" target="_blank">funding</a>&nbsp;with commodity specific payment rates and set aside $1 billion of the $12 billion for specialty crop farmers.&nbsp;

The American Soybean Association, a signee on the recently submitted letter, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://soygrowers.com/news-releases/asa-usda-farmer-bridge-assistance-payments-fall-short-for-soybean-farmers/" target="_blank">news release</a>&nbsp;the $30.88 per acre allotted for soybeans from the payment package was not enough to cover the “significant financial damage soybean farmers sustained this year due to the high cost of production and losses sustained during the China trade war.”&nbsp;

Grant Kimberley,&nbsp;Iowa Soybean Association’s director of market development, said the additional need from farmers is “complicated” and is a result of more than just one event in the past year.&nbsp;

“I think people don’t really realize this has been going on for a couple years now,” Kimberley said. “… Just about every row crop agriculture sector in the whole country has been losing money, probably, for the last three years.”

Kimberley said the ongoing downturn in the industry is due to several factors, including low commodity prices, high input costs, changes in global trade and uncertainty in domestic markets.&nbsp;

Data from Farm Bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fb.org/market-intel/declining-farm-economy-continues-to-pressure-profitability" target="_blank">show</a>&nbsp;that commodity prices for major row crops like corn, soybeans, cotton and wheat have declined each year since 2022.&nbsp;

Kimberley said as the prices that farmers can get for their crops has declined, expenses have not declined, and have instead increased.&nbsp; Land, rent, equipment and inputs like fertilizer, seed and chemicals continue to squeeze farmers’ bottom lines, he said.

Farm Bureau economists found that farm expenses in 2025 were 12% higher than the previous five-year average cost.&nbsp;

Another piece to the puzzle, Kimberley explained, is the growing soybean and row crop markets in Brazil and other South American countries. He said the expansion of these markets has interrupted U.S. demand, especially with big buyers like China.&nbsp;

China also declined to purchase U.S. soybeans for the beginning part of harvest season due to President Donald Trump’s trade policies. While the country later&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/30/farm-groups-encouraged-by-trade-deal-with-china-for-u-s-soybeans/" target="_blank">agreed</a>&nbsp;to a trade deal, Kimberley said it’s less than what the country previously bought from the U.S. and the gap in purchasing this year has also had an effect.&nbsp;

Kimberley also pointed to the lack of finalized guidance from federal agencies on renewable fuel standards and tax credits. Many of these initiatives, like&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/biofuel-producers-stuck-in-neutral-without-finalized-tax-credit-guidance/" target="_blank">45Z tax credits</a>&nbsp;for low-carbon fuel, were initiated during the Biden administration and still do not have finalized guidelines.

Other standards, like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/06/13/epa-proposes-historic-renewable-fuel-blending-standards/" target="_blank">blending standards</a>,&nbsp;were proposed over the summer and have yet to be finalized. Kimberley, who is also executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, said this uncertainty means overall biodiesel production has declined in the state, causing a “ripple in the pond” for soybean demand.

“You can’t really just say it’s this or that, you know, it’s all of these things that have kind of added up a little bit over time,” Kimberley said.

The letter from American Farm Bureau Federation also noted the compounding factors squeezing farmers. According to the letter, farmer bankruptcies are increasing and nationwide farmer losses are approaching $100 billion.&nbsp;

“These trends aren’t just statistics; they represent an economic crisis in rural America,” the letter said.&nbsp;

Specialty crop farmers are also struggling under similar pressures and asked Congress for relief.&nbsp;

The majority of the more than 50 organizations that signed the letter represented specialty crop growers.&nbsp;

In a news release about the letter, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance said that despite the fact that specialty crops account for more than one-third of all U.S. crop sales, the farmer bridge program from USDA allocated just $1 billion to the industry.&nbsp;

“Any agricultural aid package should reflect the economic contribution of specialty crops, which support rural communities and provide key nutrition,” the alliance leadership said in the release.&nbsp;

The letter, addressed to House and Senate leadership, ask for “immediate” congressionally approved support.&nbsp;

Kimberley said additional changes need to occur in the farm economy for farmers to be profitable, but those changes won’t happen overnight.

“None of these things make farmers whole, and (aid packages) are not preferred, but sometimes they’re necessary,” Kimberley said.&nbsp;

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/01/16/farm-bureau-soybean-and-specialty-ag-groups-ask-congress-for-additional-farmer-support/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Kansas Reflector, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Farm Bureau, soybean and specialty ag groups ask Congress for more support

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting in Wichita.

Just after 1a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a 911 call at an apartment complex in the 2300 block of North Woodlawn in Wichita, acccording to an online statement from Wichita police.

Officers "did not hear loud yelling" but&nbsp; heard individuals inside the apartment and knocked on the door. Officers identified themselves as police. A man inside the apartment stated he was going to get his gun. Officers knocked on the door again and a man inside stated again he was going to get his gun and was threatening to shoot the officers.

Officers took a defensive stance and retreated from the apartment doorway. The man stepped out of the apartment and had a firearm in his hand. The man pointed a firearm at the officers. One officer returned fire and struck the man. The officer immediately ran to get his medical kit bag to provide medical aid to the man.&nbsp;

The man was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; No officers were injured. Police took one other individual from the apartment into custody.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's office will be in charge of the investigation.

Check to Post for additional details as they become available.

Man dead in Kansas officer-involved shooting

By GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO Associated Press

Several faith leaders called urgently for protecting the rights of worshippers while also expressing compassion for migrants after anti-immigration enforcement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ice-doj-church-protest-st-paul-46dac5c5595ec78e3360ec927eef92d2">protesters disrupted a service</a>&nbsp;at a Southern Baptist church in Minnesota.

About three dozen protesters entered the Cities Church in St. Paul during Sunday service, some walking right up to the pulpit, others&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/doj-vows-to-press-charges-after-activists-disrupt-church-where-minnesota-ice-official-is-a-pastor-0ba96f12bda841f69064e457a4370ca3">loudly chanting “ICE out”</a>&nbsp;and “Renee Good,” referring to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">a woman who was fatally shot</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 7 by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis.

One of the church’s pastors, David Easterwood, leads the local ICE field office, and one of the leaders of the protest and prominent local activist Nekima Levy Armstrong said she’s also an ordained pastor.

The Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention called what happened “an unacceptable trauma,” saying the service was ”forced to end prematurely" as protesters shouted “insults and accusations at youth, children, and families.”

“I believe we must be resolute in two areas: encouraging our churches to provide compassionate pastoral care to these (migrant) families and standing firm for the sanctity of our houses of worship,” Trey Turner, who leads the convention, told The Associated Press on Monday. Cities Church belongs to the convention.

The U.S. Department of Justice said it has opened a civil rights investigation.

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