By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

As property taxes continue to frustrate Kansans, a tax policy expert says many of the relief options being discussed in Topeka have significant drawbacks.

Chris Courtwright, a member of Gov. Laura Kelly's Council on Tax Reform, spoke to Rotary attendees on Monday at the Venue in Hays. He is the author of "Kansas Tax Facts," a guide on Kansas state and local tax policy.&nbsp;

"There aren't any great solutions, regardless of what the politicians suggest," Courtwright said.

Courtwright retired after 34 years as the Kansas Legislature’s principal economist and a member of the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group. He is an author with the <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/chris-w-courtwright/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

He began his presentation by citing the Kansas Constitution, which requires the Legislature to provide adequate and equitable funding for public schools.

Courtwright said about 40% of all property tax revenue goes to schools. While he supports funding education, he said the overall property tax burden still needs to be addressed.

He also provided background on the history of property taxes and why they have long been unpopular with taxpayers.

"The last time we amended the Kansas constitution in a meaningful way when it came to property taxes was the early 1990s. The taxes on our residential houses were about a third of all property taxes. It's now two-thirds of the property tax base," he said.

Courtwright said that reducing property taxes for one group often shifts the burden onto others. He compared it to squeezing a balloon; when one side shrinks, another side expands.

There are more than 4,000 property tax subdivisions in Kansas. Courtwright said state and local taxes combined are $21 billion, with local governments contributing about 42% and property taxes about 34%. Property taxes are about 80% of local taxes.

"Property taxes have always been the workhorse of local finances," Courtwright said. "Locals get all their money from property taxes. ... They're the bread and butter."

According to Courtwright, the median residential sales price in Ellis County is $230,000 for a house. As of January, the mean residential value is about $160,000.

Courtwright said the two kinds of relief are under discussion right now.

Option one is to reduce the statewide school property tax that helps fund public schools. Lowering that rate would decrease property taxes for all property owners, but the state would have to replace every dollar lost with money from the state general fund.

Option two would reduce property taxes specifically for homeowners by increasing the amount of a home’s value that is exempt from the statewide school property tax. Businesses, agriculture and other properties would not be included.

In 2024, lawmakers gave property tax relief exclusively to homeowners by keeping the mill levy at 20 mills while increasing the residential exemption from about $44,000 to $75,000.

Courtwright said the change only provided about a $71 tax cut for every home in the state valued at least $75,000.

He also cautioned against valuation caps, saying those policies can create inequities and may lead to higher taxes elsewhere over time.

"There are generational equity issues. It makes it harder for young people to buy homes. We become the land of aristocracy," he said.

"Doing this makes it that much harder for younger people to stay in the state and find housing. There are a bunch of reasons not to do this. The right-of-center Tax Foundation says don't do this," he said.

Courtwright said lawmakers are discussing putting a valuation cap on the ballot in 2026.

He emphasized property tax cuts involve trade-offs and money used to reduce property taxes could instead go toward priorities such as education, Medicaid expansion or social services.

Courtwright's recommendation to cut property taxes would be to lower the residential assessment rate in the Kansas Constitution from 11.5% to 9%. However, he noted passing such a change would be difficult because other property groups would likely oppose it.

"If you put that on the ballot, homeowners would vote for it, but then the balloon would get squeezed in a different direction. Some of the other classes of property... those lobbies aren't gonna let that get on the ballot," he said in response to a question about possible legislation that can balance residential property taxes.

Other ideas, he said, lawmakers could consider are&nbsp;

• Expanding “circuit breaker” or programs that give property tax refunds to seniors, disabled residents and low-income homeowners.

• Give local governments more types of taxes, such as liquor, cigarette or fuel taxes, so they rely less on property taxes.

When asked about proposals by some lawmakers to eliminate property taxes, Courtwright called the idea “a cruel hoax.”

"There is no way in so many areas of the state that it would work," he said. "It's absurd. They're just doing it because it's an election year and because they can't afford to do any of the stuff I've been talking about."

Courtwright also suggested if the state has extra money available for tax cuts, lawmakers should consider other types of tax relief rather than focusing solely on property taxes.

Tax expert outlines challenges of property tax relief in Kansas during Hays visit

DOWNS — The 32nd-annual Kansas Storytelling Festival is coming quickly this spring.&nbsp;

 The Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25 in Downs. As the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas”, the small northcentral town of Downs welcomes you to a weekend of stories and unforgettable hospitality.

This celebration of the art of storytelling promises to be an event filled with laughter, wonder, and the timeless magic of storytelling. Nationally known festival favorites are invited, along with new voices for stories from all genres for all ages. Headlining storytellers are Kevin Kling, Geraldine Buckley, Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr., Ingrid Nixon, and Greg Victors (Wichita War Dancer).

Kevin Kling hails from Minneapolis, MN and has performed his stories in libraries, school gymnasiums, The Kennedy Center, Off-Broadway, regional theaters and storytelling festivals around the US. Kevin has been a frequent featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborogh, TN. Kevin’s international tours have included Australia, Europe and Thailand.

Geraldine Buckley is a British-born, internationally known, award-winning storyteller, speaker, and educator. She is known for her natural warmth and delightful sense of humor, as well as her wise, witty personal stories that make people laugh and think. She teaches workshops and tells stories in conferences, colleges, corporations, prisons, schools, house concerts, and festivals throughout America, and as far away as New Zealand. She has been featured several times at the National Storytelling Festival.

Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr. is a renaissance man. He has been a professional musician for more than forty years and the National Blues Foundation recognized his work as a leading blues educator in 2007. He has been a Pastor for more than 20 years, and a nationally recognized storyteller for more than fifteen years. At the heart of his message is the belief that our cultural diversity tells a story that should celebrate, not just tolerate.

Ingrid Nixon is a professional storyteller and retired National Park Service ranger, who has worked in expedition tourism for over three decades, sharing stories of exploration, folklore, culture, and natural history while leading groups to all seven continents. Ingrid performs historical stories, myths, tall tales, folktales and more at events and festivals throughout the United States, including the National Storytelling Festival.

Greg Victors, is the World Champion Wichita War Dancer and is of the Tohono O'Odham and Ponca Nations. He has been a Native performer since childhood. He has a passion for not only performing but educating people about his culture and its beautiful history. He feels a deep responsibility to share and preserve the native culture through dancing, singing and storytelling. Stories, folklore and traditional teachings all play a significant role in learning about the first peoples of the Americas.

The professional storytellers will perform several times throughout the weekend. Listeners will also enjoy the Tall Tales Contest (Friday night), the local “Legends” Storytellers including Native American stories and the Master Storytellers (previous winners of 3 tall tales contests). Bring your own stories to tell during the Swappin’ Grounds session on Saturday afternoon. 

More information can be found <a href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/</a> or<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival"> Kansas Storytelling on Facebook</a>. There's something for everyone to enjoy at the 2026 Kansas Storytelling Festival on April 24 – 25, 2026.

32nd-annual Kansas Storytelling Festival in Downs April 24-25

ELLIS—“Follow the Yellow Brick Road” for an evening of bidding on Silent and Live Auction items, dinner catered by Dickinson Catering, open bar, games and Cash Drawings at 31st&nbsp;Annual Parish Auction at St. Mary’s in Ellis on Saturday, March 28.

*This even is open to anyone 21 years of age or older.

The evening will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Mass, followed by doors opening at 5:00 p.m. with our Silent Auction and 7:30 p.m. with our Live Auction. All proceeds raised are used to finance mainly our school and then our church’s needs.

Tickets are on sale now for $70.00 per person (will increase after March 16th). Raffle tickets to win up to $10,000 are available now, too, for a donation of $50.00 a chance.&nbsp;

Call the St. Mary’s Parish Office at 785-726-4522 to reserve your seat and/or purchase raffle tickets or visit our <a href="https://event.auctria.com/7a5677e4-4772-4dde-82f6-f3af6f1437e4/">auction website</a> presented on the attached photo&nbsp;to view the items to be auctioned off, purchase admission tickets and raffle tickets and/or make a cash donation towards the event!

St. Mary's Annual Auction set for March 28

Volunteers are needed for First Call for Help’s second annual “Race to Restock” its food pantry.

The fundraiser will consist of a 5K, 10K, and a “fun” 1-mile walk/run. The event will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Dr. The cost is $30 per person. The registration deadline is Friday, April 3, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">www.firstcallelliscounty.com</a>.

Macey Pfeifer, executive director of First Call, said that volunteers will do various tasks, including, but not limited to, checking in runners, standing at various corners and directing the runners which way to go, handing out prizes and medals, and passing out drinks and snacks to participants.

“Volunteers would need to report to Sternberg Museum no later than 7:15 a.m. that morning,” Pfeifer said. “Depending on what they are doing for their task, they might get done earlier but no later than 10 a.m.”

Volunteers may sign up at the above website, by clicking on The Race to Restock section, and finding the volunteer ticket under Registration, she said.

Race participants will be divided into the following age divisions: 9 and under, 10 to 18, 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, and age 50 and over.

Prizes will be given to the overall male and female winners in each distance, Pfeifer said. Every finisher will take home a medal, she added.

“This will be a day packed with purpose, community, and fun. Every step you take helps fight hunger,” she said.

A Leadership 310 team from Fort Hays State University has been working to help organize the race, Pfeifer said. Those students are&nbsp;Charli Bernel, Haysville junior; Ryan Funai, Waco, Texas, senior; Kyla Lang, McPherson senior; Josh Sohn, Russell senior; and Lexi Wooten, Udall sophomore.

Volunteers needed for First Call for Help’s April 4 fundraiser

<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

John, 61, and Deb Kreutzer, 60, of Russell were the deserving winners of the Kindness Heats the Heart contest, made possible by the generosity of&nbsp;McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air of Hays.

This contest encouraged readers and listeners to submit a nomination of a deserving family who were worthy of a brand-new furnace and install, all completely free to one deserving family. McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air had over 40 submissions, with multiple people writing in about how incredible the Kreutzer family is to Ellis and Russell counties, and the need they were experiencing for a new furnace for their home.

The Kreutzers have been without a furnace for more than a year and have been forced to heat their home with space heaters and use electric blankets to stay warm.

"John and Deb are two of the most kind-hearted, hard-working people I know. They are involved with Special Olympics and the local churches on top of their day jobs. ... I would love for them to receive such a needed gift," one of their nominators said.

"John and Deb have spent the last year or two heating their home with space heaters. This is extremely costly and not ideal. It isn't safe to keep the space heaters running while they are working during the day, so they come home to a cold house and have to play catch-up to get it warm again," another nominator said.

"They are two of the most genuine people I've met. They are involved with Special Olympics and local churches, among other things, which showcase how wonderful they are.

"This would take a huge weight off their shoulders as they have been saving to get their heat replaced, but other issues pop up and set them back. Please consider these amazing people."

Yet another nominator said, “John and his wife are incredible people. They work for organizations that give meaning to our community—DSNWK, ARC and their local church.

"They are involved in Special Olympics as coaches for the athletes. ... They have a dog they love deeply that is home during the day. Due to medical issues and bills, they haven't been able to afford the quotes from several other heating/cooling businesses. They live in Russell and give so much to others, it would be a huge burden off of such kind individuals."

John and Deb expressed their gratitude to&nbsp;McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air for the gift of the furnace on Friday.

"We're so happy with McIntyre, we couldn't thank them any more," Deb said.

"I'm excited," Deb said. "You never realize what you rely on until you don't have it. This is a great honor to be nominated and blessed."

Mike McIntyre, co-owner of&nbsp;McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, said, "I feel they have been helping us. It's been a two-way street."

"There are people out there who have unfortunate circumstances, and this family was perfect for the nomination," other co-owner of McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, Joslyn Brungardt, said.

The Kindness Heats the Heart contest highlighted many deserving families across the region, but the Kreutzers’ story stood out as a reflection of the compassion and service that strengthens communities. 

With the support of McIntyre Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air and the community members who nominated them, John and Deb can now look forward to a warmer home, while continuing the quiet work of warming the hearts of others every day.

Kindness Heats the Heart to benefit deserving Russell family

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 GMC Denali driven by Rosemary&nbsp;Nuss, 73, Dorrance,&nbsp;stopped on the westbound outside shoulder of Interstate 70 near the Kansas 156 exit. The driver attempted to make a U-turn and and struck a westbound 2008 Chevy Silverado driven by Dyllon Knox, 34, Wichita, as it drove past. After impact the pickup overturned and came to rest in the center median.

&nbsp;The KHP reported Nuss had a serious injury but did not report where she was transported and whether Knox was injured.&nbsp; A passenger in the Silverado and a passenger in the Denali were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman injured after I-70 crash during a u-turn

Ellis County Jail bookings: March 8-14, 2026

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: March 8-14, 2026

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

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

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com and include your phone number.&nbsp;

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

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, Becky Kiser, news reporter, talks with Jessica Phelan, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance, about the five "Blue Zones" around the world and the "Plant Slant" in healthy diets of long-lived people.

🎙 Post Podcast: 'Blue Zones' and their 'Plant Slants' 

FHSU University Communications&nbsp;

GREAT BEND — Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) will host a variety of free daily hands-on activities each afternoon of Spring Break, March 16-20, providing a chance for people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.

A different activity will take place from 1-4 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go, and no registration is required. Activities are geared toward school-aged children. After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can also grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the wetlands.

Monday, March 16 – All About That Bass

Get ready for a fintastic fishy adventure! Students will discover how awesome fish features, like cool mouths, speedy tails, and wiggly body shapes, help them survive and thrive. Then it’s time to get crafty and create their very own paper fish with fun adaptations of their choice.

Tuesday, March 17 – Terrariums To Go

Ever want to have your own pocket-sized world? Well, now you can. Learn what goes into creating a perfect habitat for living creatures, and put it into practice by making your very own terrarium to take home and enjoy your own little world.

Wednesday, March 18 – Bioluminescent Beetles: Fantastic Fireflies

Fireflies, lightning bugs, glowworms, blinkies, moon bugs, golden sparklers, marsh flickers; no matter what you call them, these bioluminescent beetles have a unique way of capturing our attention. Flash on over to learn more about these insects. We will learn about how and why they glow at night and craft a paper lantern inspired by fireflies for you to take home with you.

Thursday, March 19 – Cheyenne Bottoms Buffet&nbsp;

As many as 41 species of shorebirds migrate to Cheyenne Bottoms each year. With so many migrants, you might be wondering how all of these birds find enough food to eat.&nbsp;Migrate out to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center to learn about microhabitats as well as how these shorebirds eat.&nbsp;In addition, we will be making a flapping bird for you to take home.

Friday, March 20 – A Wild Introduction to Field Journaling

Did you know some of history’s most groundbreaking ideas, expeditions, and discoveries began in the pages of a field journal? Such as Charles Darwin's sketches from the Galapagos Islands and Lewis and Clark's charts from their expedition. So, let’s get started on your very own field journal. Together, you will learn tricks and tips to not only draw your observations but also write about and understand what they mean. Afterwards, we will put your skills to the test with a walk through our very own KWEC trail.

Can't join us in person or want a teaser of the activity? At 10 a.m. each day, tune in to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0d6l0qajQc2cNPx9eB-2BHhpm5IMZ-2B8g1sy0eqGIkhgPELV8VeFlGkoKFvhBqsB6fHoA-3D-3DR9bt_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO6ME-2BMd-2FBoxlb3lCwFaJfE6IOBtuQ2h5h0k-2Fn60B0dBy5L1xpsH6WiPySQkzcTJHJjYJFDosaEsYaS0nXHb4DaYA2iBOf6cDjAEHZmA-2B0dGDJJ4YcJcOwzWPq0-2BTDSAEUHoPHZQRTKD2Jy-2B5mKGB3rlMTq2LR4yWBqDzOQG5D4VawnBHt2IwTEg72ILrjt8Vst3gTaqUrHLlN2-2By-2BFLt-2B6-2B-2FCySRN4YFJKa6s1y0gdfKhLxC8eC15ye5B5Ajg0wjQ">https://www.facebook.com/wetlandscenter</a>&nbsp;for a chance to meet the staff member presenting that day and a story that fits the theme of the afternoon activity.

KWEC is located at Cheyenne Bottoms, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend, on K-156 Highway. For more information, call 877-243-9268 or visit <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OV7rO5_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO6ME-2BMd-2FBoxlb3lCwFaJfE6IOBtuQ2h5h0k-2Fn60B0dBy5L1xpsH6WiPySQkzcTJHJjYJFDosaEsYaS0nXHb4DaXHdGcAyXWeLnPAZIoj6SavGEGAyE-2BfnujAqTEanhiR9FAnTKxWiWbxD3DBoMf8y9Y0F35UzD82IURDz4tKwwM-2BABb3LG5eq-2FAzWOidK1zsK2JMrzEISe1-2FrehOgcJZAlmyhjp0VOqBOuMlB7sxuDiTKz6S0ZXrDdd-2BIsnn1evWG">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

Spring break activities at FHSU Kansas Wetlands Education Center   

WICHITA — The American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood&nbsp;supply recover from a severe blood shortage and empower their health by making an appointment&nbsp;to give blood or platelets in March.

 As a thank-you for helping save lives, successful donations will&nbsp;receive free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, in March (one result per&nbsp;calendar year).

New Red Cross data reveals 1 in 5 blood donors have elevated A1C levels — a sign that prediabetes&nbsp;and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health.&nbsp;

The findings are based on the first year of free A1C screening offered by the Red Cross, which provided results to more than 920,000 blood&nbsp;donors nationwide over three testing periods in 2025.

&nbsp;Among donors with elevated A1C&nbsp;levels, 80% had readings indicating prediabetes — a condition that can often be reversed through lifestyle&nbsp;changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

“Too many people still face gaps in access to preventive care, and the Red Cross is proud to help close&nbsp;them by giving our 2.5 million blood and platelet donors easy access to essential health information, like&nbsp;their blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross medical director. “By giving blood and&nbsp;downloading our Blood Donor App, individuals can be informed and empowered to better&nbsp;manage and advocate for their health.”

The A1C test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the past&nbsp;three months.

&nbsp;Visit <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED&nbsp;CROSS to schedule your March donation appointment.

&nbsp;All who come to give blood, platelets or&nbsp;plasma March 1-31, 2026, will also receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email.&nbsp;See <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/march.html">RedCrossBlood.org/March</a> for details.

Donating blood in March is part of Red Cross Month, a national campaign that encourages people to&nbsp;deliver support when help can’t wait by also making a financial donation, volunteering or taking a&nbsp;lifesaving skills class.

Millions of U.S. adults are living with undiagnosed prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, which are often&nbsp;preventable and in many cases, reversible. These conditions often develop silently, though if untreated,&nbsp;they can lead to serious health complications such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Early detection isn’t just good for long-term health — it’s also a warning for people’s wallets.

An American Diabetes Association study found that, while people with prediabetes typically incur a few&nbsp;hundred dollars in additional medical costs each year, those with blood sugar levels that have progressed&nbsp;to the diabetic range could face several thousand dollars more in annual expenses — as much as 25&nbsp;times higher.

How to Find Out Your A1C from the Red Cross

After making a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation in March, donors can access their&nbsp;A1C result within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal&nbsp;at RedCrossBlood.org. Anyone with an elevated A1C level is encouraged to consult their health care&nbsp;provider.

In addition, donors can access and track their blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse and body temperature,&nbsp;which are taken during each donation’s mini-physical to ensure they’re healthy enough to give.

How Blood Donation Can Help Bridge Health Care Gaps

As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to help bridge existing health&nbsp;care gaps by providing blood donors with critical health insights. Through the Red Cross Blood Donor&nbsp;App and online donor portal, donors can track their results and share them with their health care&nbsp;provider.

These efforts are part of the broader Red Cross mission, which has supported the health of communities&nbsp;for 145 years. 

Today in Kansas, this work includes installing free smoke alarms in neighborhoods at high&nbsp;risk for home fires, providing basic health and mental health services to disaster survivors, and supporting the well-being of military families, veterans and their caregivers.

Q: Why is the Red Cross testing blood, platelet and plasma donors’ A1C levels?

A: The Red Cross values the health and well-being of blood donors. By providing this vital health insight,&nbsp;the Red Cross is helping to bridge existing care gaps and empower donors to take an important&nbsp;step toward preventative care and lifesaving intervention.

Q: Should I fast to receive the A1C test on my blood donation?

A: No, the A1C test does not require individuals to fast. This is noteworthy because eating a nutritious&nbsp;meal prior to blood donation is important.

Q: Can I donate blood if I have prediabetes or diabetes?

A: People with prediabetes or diabetes are generally eligible to donate blood, platelets and plasma if they&nbsp;are feeling well on the day of their donation. In most situations, the type of medication donors take to&nbsp;manage their diabetes does not disqualify them from donating blood.

Q: Can I donate blood while taking GLP-1 medication?

A: In most situations, the type of medication you take to manage your diabetes or insulin&nbsp;resistance won't disqualify you from donating blood. Whether you take insulin injections like Apidra or&nbsp;Humalog, an injected diabetes medication like Ozempic or Mounjaro, or oral medications like metformin,&nbsp;you are still eligible to donate if you are feeling well on the day of your donation.

Red Cross offers free A1C testing; 1 in 5 donors prediabetic, diabetic 

WHEATLAND — Wheatland High School drama class will present "The Butler Did It," a comedy/murder mystery by Tim Kelly in conjunction with Concord Theatricals.

The play is a parody of familiar mysteries. Several detective writers are invited to Ravenswood Manor on Turkey Island. While they impersonate their fictional characters, they are surprised by a real murder. Now they must use all their resourcefulness to find the killer loose on Turkey Island.

Please join us for laughs at Wheatland High School Sunday, April 12.&nbsp;

 The matinee is a 2 p.m.&nbsp;Dinner theater seating begins at 5 p.m., with curtain up at 6 p.m.

&nbsp;Once again, we will feature a delicious meal created by Christy Rathgeber. This year's menu: brisket, cheesy potatoes, vegetable and dinner roll. FACS class will provide a delicious dessert.

Matinee tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door or in advance.

Dinner theater tickets are $20 and must be purchased by Monday, March 30, for an accurate meal count. 

Actors will have tickets for purchase. They may also be purchased by emailing Carolyn Nelson at cnelson@thunderhawks.org or Jim Shaw at jshaw@thunderhawks.org.

Sponsorships are available and welcome.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wheatland High School to present comedy/murder mystery, dinner theater

COLBY — Western Plains Arts Association (WPAA) sponsors the Queen City Jazz Band at the Goodland High School Auditorium in Goodland at 3:00 p.m. central (2:00 p.m. Mountain time) on Sunday, March 22.

This traditional jazz band was founded in Denver more than 60 years ago and is recognized across the nation for playing outstanding traditional, Dixieland, gospel and spiritual music. The group has also toured widely across Europe.

Admission to this show is with a WPAA season ticket or an individual program ticket which may be purchased at the door. 

Thank you to the area sponsors, especially the Sherman County Community Foundation and the Dane Hansen Foundation, and in part by the state of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Queen City Jazz Band to perform in Goodland March 22

DORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion Post 334 will host a steak feed Saturday, March 21.

Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meal at 6:30 p.m.

12 or 6-ounce ribeye steak with baked potato, corn, green beans, tea or water, and a big selection of desserts will be served. Cold beer and mixed drinks will be available.

Call-in and carry-out orders are available by phoning 785-666-4275.&nbsp;

Proceeds benefit the Dorrance American Legion Post 334.

Dorance steak feed to benefit American Legion Post 334 

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

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

Community Calendar

On Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m., Tracy King, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, will host a free community event called "Midlife Hits Different: Let's Talk About It" at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th Street, Hays.&nbsp;

The event is open to women in the community and seating is limited to 12 to facilitate a truly intimate experience.

Register at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/midlife-hits-different-lets-talk-about-it-tickets-1984701556783">Midlife Hits Different</a>.&nbsp;

The conversation will focus on what actually happens to women's bodies, hormones and health during midlife — and why so many women feel dismissed, confused or brushed off by the traditional healthcare system when they try to get answers.

"Women are not declining. They are recalibrating," said King. "But when your body stops making sense and your doctor tells you everything looks normal, that's not a diagnosis — that's a dismissal. This conversation exists to change that."

King is a women's health nurse practitioner with over 25 years of clinical experience across hospital systems, academic institutions and private practice. She recently relocated to Hays and is partnering with Grow Hays and BriefSpace to build a presence in the community.

The March 19 event is the first in what King plans to become a recurring series, with upcoming conversations planned for Las Vegas, Denver and Tallahassee later this spring.

About Tracy King, MSN, APARN, WHNP-BC

Tracy King is a board-certified Women's Health Nurse Practioner, midlife recalibration specialist and founder of HER Slayground and HER Rebirth Studio. With a career spannning&nbsp;hospital systems, academic institutions and private practice across multiple states, she specializes in helping women navigate perimenopause, menopause, hormonal health and identify transitions in midlife. She holds licensure in Kansas, Nevada Colorado, Florida and Ohio and sees patients via telehealth.

'Midlife Hits Different: Let's Talk About It' hosted by Hays nurse practitioner

WASHINGTON (AP) —About 200 U.S. troups have been wounded since the start of the Iran war though more than 180 service members have returned to duty, Capt. Tim Hawkins, the spokesman for U.S. Central Command, told The Associated Press.

Hawkins said 10 service members are considered seriously wounded.

The previous update released last week by the Pentagon put the number of wounded personnel at around 140 and eight as “severely injured.”

CENTCOM has not said when or where those troops were wounded, or given details on the type of injuries.

Since the war in Iran began, 13 U.S. service members have been killed.

Number of U.S. troops wounded in Iran war continues to climb

A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked federal health officials from cutting the number of vaccines recommended for every child, and said U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. likely violated federal procedures in revamping a key vaccine advisory committee.

The decision halted an order by Kennedy —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccine-schedule-trump-rfk-hhs-9b8df9e2767c1261aaac4e2331e77fa3">announced</a>&nbsp;in January — to end broad recommendations for all children to be vaccinated against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-cases-cdc-subclade-k-29cc5a68eb100585c8e0dbd2ec47b3eb">flu</a>, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, some forms of meningitis and RSV.

It also stopped a meeting of a Kennedy-appointed vaccine advisory committee, which was set to convene this week in Atlanta.

The judge's order, however, is not the final word. The blocks are temporary, pending either a trial or a decision for summary judgment.

Federal health officials indicated they planned to appeal.

“HHS looks forward to this judge’s decision being overturned just like his other attempts to keep the Trump administration from governing,” said Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon.

The order issued Monday is the latest development in a lawsuit filed last July by the American Academy of Pediatrics and some other medical groups. The lawsuit in federal court in Boston originally focused on Kennedy’s decision to stop recommending COVID-19 vaccinations for most children and pregnant women.

The lawsuit was updated as Kennedy took more steps that alarmed medical societies, causing the plaintiffs to ask Judge Brian E. Murphy to take steps to address those policy changes too.

For example, the plaintiffs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuit-vaccines-kennedy-95a1aa23c3f015f7a35a570f5ef8da36">amended the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;to stop the scaling back of the nation’s childhood vaccination schedule. They also asked the court to look at Kennedy’s actions concerning the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which advises public health officials on what vaccines to recommend to doctors and patients.

Kennedy, a leading anti-vaccine activist before becoming the nation’s top health official, fired the entire 17-member panel last year and replaced it with a group that includes several anti-vaccine voices.

Murphy, who was nominated to the bench by President Joe Biden, said Kennedy’s reconstitution of ACIP likely violated federal law. He ordered the appointments — and all decisions made by the reformed committee — put on hold.

The ACIP was scheduled to meet this week to discuss COVID-19 vaccine safety, among other issues, but that gathering was postponed, officials said.

“ACIP as currently constituted cannot meet,” said Richard Hughes IV, an attorney representing the AAP. “How can a committee meet without nearly the entirety of its membership?”

Jason Schwartz, a Yale University vaccine policy expert who has studied the committee, called the halting of an ACIP meeting for legal reasons “unprecedented” in its 62-year existence.

Hughes called the judge's order “a momentous step toward restoring science-based vaccine policy,” and he was echoed by leaders of several doctors' groups and public health organizations.

When Trump administration officials overhauled the childhood vaccine schedule, they said it wouldn't result in families losing access to them or cause insurers to stop covering them. But it left many Americans confused, as doctors' groups, public health organizations and many states continued to recommend licensed vaccines, said Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Several doctors’ groups said the changes were not based on good evidence, and advised doctors and patients to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccines-aap-cdc-33896013e1d7b3ad06dbd0d99d300bff">follow guidance</a>&nbsp;that was previously in place. Health officials in 30 states have rejected at least some of the new recommendations.

The judge's order should bring clarity, Racine said.

“If anyone has any questions about what’s the appropriate vaccine schedule for their children, the best thing to do is to talk to their pediatricians,” he said.

Schwartz said he expected federal health officials to keep expressing “their deep skepticism regarding the importance of vaccination” and to keep embracing "unsupported vaccine safety allegations.”

After the ruling, one of Kennedy's appointees to the committee, Dr. Robert Malone, urged the Trump administration to keep pursuing Kennedy's vaccine policy changes.

“A district court order is a delay, not a defeat,” he wrote Monday on Substack.

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