ELLIS — The annual KAY Snowball Dance at Ellis High School will be on Saturday, February 1. The dance is from 8 to 11:00 p.m. 

Crowning for Snowball Royalty will be at approximately 10:00 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738086953774.jpeg" alt="Back Row (L-R, Freshmen): Emma Downing, daughter of Marc and Savannah Downing; Trenton Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Rylan Aschenbrenner, daughter of Gary and Tara Aschenbrenner; Asher Haag, son of Ron and Latisha Haag; Mackinley Rhoden, daughter of Kristy Rhoden and Jeff Rhoden. Not pictured is Talon Pyle, son of Dan and Machelle Pyle.&nbsp;3rd Row (L-R, Sophomores): Adam Bongartz, son of Mark and Jenni Bongartz; Jersee Fabrizius, daughter of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; Aiden Aschenbrenner, son of Gary and Tara Aschenbrenner; Madison Birdsong, daughter of Jerry and Tara Birdsong; Dominic Fondoble; son of Matt and Sharona Fondoble; Maggie Fitzgerald, daughter of Mike Fitzgerald and Mandy Fitzgerald.&nbsp;2nd Row (L-R, Juniors): Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Brody Fischer, son of DJ and Julie Fischer.&nbsp;Front Row (L-R, Seniors): Gavyn Wildeman, son of David and Tara Wildeman; Alyssa Rome, daughter of James and Sandy Rome; Chason Fabrizius, son of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; MaKenzie Kohlrus, daughter of Travis and Susie Kohlrus; Tyler Bongartz, son of Mark and Jenni Bongartz; Morgan Armbrister, daughter Mark and Crystal Armbrister. Photo courtesy of Ellis High School&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Back Row (L-R, Freshmen): Emma Downing, daughter of Marc and Savannah Downing; Trenton Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Rylan Aschenbrenner, daughter of Gary and Tara Aschenbrenner; Asher Haag, son of Ron and Latisha Haag; Mackinley Rhoden, daughter of Kristy Rhoden and Jeff Rhoden. Not pictured is Talon Pyle, son of Dan and Machelle Pyle.&nbsp;3rd Row (L-R, Sophomores): Adam Bongartz, son of Mark and Jenni Bongartz; Jersee Fabrizius, daughter of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; Aiden Aschenbrenner, son of Gary and Tara Aschenbrenner; Madison Birdsong, daughter of Jerry and Tara Birdsong; Dominic Fondoble; son of Matt and Sharona Fondoble; Maggie Fitzgerald, daughter of Mike Fitzgerald and Mandy Fitzgerald.&nbsp;2nd Row (L-R, Juniors): Raegan Jimenez, daughter of Javi and Jessica Jimenez; Carson Schartz, son of Jake and Jennifer Schartz; Leah Reed, daughter of Darin and April Reed; Jaren Frickey, son of Brian and Michelle Frickey; Sienna Schmidt, daughter of Dick and Shannon Schmidt; Brody Fischer, son of DJ and Julie Fischer.&nbsp;Front Row (L-R, Seniors): Gavyn Wildeman, son of David and Tara Wildeman; Alyssa Rome, daughter of James and Sandy Rome; Chason Fabrizius, son of Chad and Jessica Fabrizius; MaKenzie Kohlrus, daughter of Travis and Susie Kohlrus; Tyler Bongartz, son of Mark and Jenni Bongartz; Morgan Armbrister, daughter Mark and Crystal Armbrister. Photo courtesy of Ellis High School&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>EHSELLIS — The annual KAY Snowball Dance at Ellis High School will be on Saturday, February 1. The dance is from 8 to 11:00 p.m. Crowning for Snowball Royalty will be at approximately 10:00 p.m.

Ellis High School Snowball Royalty candidates 2025

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Jeff Leiker discusses Kansas history in honor of Kansas Day with Adam Conkey of Historic Fort Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: State of Kansas History 164 Years" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=9dsdm-17d8679-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Jeff Leiker discusses Kansas history in honor of Kansas Day with Adam Conkey of Historic Fort Hays on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Podcast: Kansas history in celebration on Kansas Day

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Independent pharmacies across Kansas will close on Wednesday, Feb.5, for a day of advocacy to raise awareness of what they call unfair business practices by pharmacy benefit managers.

Sloane Freeman, president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association, said the "Close for a Cause" event is meant to show customers what life would be like without independent pharmacies in Kansas.

Pharmacists and their employees will also gather in Topeka that day to lobby for legislation the association is introducing to level the playing field for independent pharmacies.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 26, 96 pharmacies in 55 counties have pledged to participate in "Close for a Cause."

Freeman is an owner of a group of pharmacies in Kansas, one of which is in Hill City.

The benefit pharmacy manager system arose in the 1990s to control insurance companies' costs.

However, since then, the benefit pharmacy managers have become part of vertical integration that also includes the ownership of insurance companies and pharmacies.

Three pharmacy benefit managers control about 85% of the market and rank in the top 20 companies in the U.S. They include Cigna, United Healthcare and CVS/Caremark.

"They are charging your insurance plan one cost, reimbursing the pharmacy another cost and then they're keeping everything in the middle," Freeman said.

Freeman said these companies require insured people to use the benefits manager's pharmacies or offer significant discounts as incentives.

Fred Schertz, pharmacist with Midwest Family Health of Russell, will be participating in lobbying efforts in Topeka on Feb. 5. Midwest Family Health will be closed Wednesday.

"[Mail-order pharmacies] not only drive revenue out of the state of Kansas and out of our local economy," he said, "but also it is a patient care thing. Patients are forced to fill out of state."

He said he sees patients who must fill prescriptions out of town or by mail.

"The patients that it really hurts are the ones who don't have the modes of transportation where they can make it to Hays every day to pick up medication,"&nbsp;Schertz said.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0317.htm">Many scholarly articles have been written on the importance of community pharmacies in local health outcomes, including a&nbsp;July 23, 2020, article shared by the Centers for Disease Control that discusses the role of local pharmacies in dealing with COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;It also touched on chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.

The pharmacy benefit managers reimburse their pharmacies at a much higher rate than independent pharmacies, Freeman said.

She said independent pharmacies might be reimbursed 1 cent for the drug and $1 for filling the prescription, but the National Community Pharmacy of Association estimates it costs about $13.85 per prescription for an independent pharmacy to fill a prescription and break even.

That includes overhead costs like the container, label, lights and employees, but that doesn't include the cost of the drug.

"When we're not being paid for the drug or any of our employees, we're operating in the red," Freeman said.

Ten Kansas pharmacies closed within the last year, and Freeman said more will close if reforms are not implemented soon.

Two pharmacies in Russell recently merged to stay open.

"In certain pharmacies, up to one in every three prescriptions, they're getting paid below cost,"&nbsp;Schertz said. "That's not taking into account overhead to run it."

There is an appeal system for reimbursements, but appeals are always denied, Freeman said.

"The [pharmacy benefits managers] don't have to play by any rules because there are no rules," Freeman said.

Freeman said the most important aspect of this debate is patient access to medications in a timely manner.

Independent pharmacies deliver to people who can't leave their homes. Pharmacists are available to answer questions in person and provide other special services, such as bubble packs.&nbsp;

Freeman said her pharmacies have even gone to people's homes to give flu shots.

"You won't find that in a mail-order pharmacy or in a chain pharmacy that is 60 to 75 miles away," she said.

Mail-order and chain pharmacies won't be able to handle the volume if more independent pharmacies close, Freeman said.

An independent pharmacy in Garden City closed, and the remaining pharmacies are swamped. Freeman said people are waiting up to five days to get prescriptions filled.

Mail service in rural Kansas is a barrier for patients who are being required to use mail-order pharmacies.&nbsp;Schertz said patients are seeing delays in receiving their medications.

"If something gets hung up half a state away with critical medications, it's not just a package from Amazon. It's lifesaving medication that can be held up," he said.

Climate control is also a concern. Temperature differences can harm medication efficacy, so pharmacies must maintain their medications at consistent temperatures.&nbsp;

Medication that comes through the mail may be sitting in a mail van or on a dock for hours to days in more than 100-degree temperatures or temperatures well below freezing, Freeman said.

The&nbsp;Kansas Pharmacists Association's bill would set a floor for the reimbursement rate to all pharamcies, Freeman said.

Paul Schiferl, pharmacist in Colby, said he did not think the bill would increase prices for consumers.

"We think that the pharmacies should be trued up," he said. ... "What we believe is that it will put everyone to the middle on a fair playing field."

He added, "You can't make a pharmacy run on a $2 dispensing fee."

The bill also encourages transparency. Employers and the state could see where their money goes for drug costs.

It would also reform the audit system. Freeman said the pharmacy benefit managers perform what she called "predatory audits" of independent pharmacies.

"It's common sense things," Freeman said. "We just want to level the playing field a little bit more instead of the three [pharmacy benefits managers] running us over and trying to close us."

Freeman said she and the other pharmacists did not want to close even for one day, but they need Kansans to understand the importance of this issue.

"Patients need to understand they may not have a pharmacy," she said. "Until people understand and feel the issue on themselves, they aren't going to fully understand what the impact could be.

"I can sit here and say until I'm blue in the face, 'If you don't have a pharmacy, you're not going to be able to get your medications.' But until you actually live in that world for a day, it's hard to comprehend."

Schiferl said he also did not want to close. He wants to serve his patients.

"We also want to have this visual representation. We believe our patients want us in their communities," he said, "and we're hoping that when they can see what this would be like if we were closed all of the time, they will want to support this and reach out to their legislators as well and [tell them] how important it is to have a community pharmacy in their town."

The pharmacies encourage their patients to contact local legislators to support the legislation. The independent pharmacies are also organizing letter-writing campaigns and will be taking letters written by patients to Topeka on Feb. 5

"Having the patient voice is what we really hope to have to help the legislators understand more," Freeman said.

Counties that will have pharmacies closed for "Closing for a Cause" on Feb. 5. Anderson Barber Chase Chautauqua Clay Coffey Decatur Dickinson Doniphan Edwards Elk Ellsworth Gove Graham Grant Gray Greenwood Harper Hodgeman Jewell Kingman Kiowa Lane Pawnee Lincoln Logan Marion Meade Mitchell Montgomery Morris Nemaha Ness Norton Osage Ottawa Pawnee Phillips Pottawatomie Rawlins Republic Rice Rooks Rush Russell Sheridan Smith Stafford Stanton Trego Washington Wichita Woodson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738267698272.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIndependent pharmacies across Kansas will close on Wednesday, Feb.5, for a day of advocacy to raise awareness of what they call unfair business practices by pharmacy benefit managers.Sloane Freeman, president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association, said the "Close for a Cause" event is meant to show customers what life would be like without independent pharmacies in Kansas.Pharmacists and their employees will also gather in Topeka that day to lobby for legislation the association is introducing to level the playing field for independent pharmacies.As of Wednesday, Jan. 26, 96 pharmacies in 55 counties have pledged to participate in "Close for a Cause."Freeman is an owner of a group of pharmacies in Kansas, one of which is in Hill City.The benefit pharmacy manager system arose in the 1990s to control insurance companies' costs.However, since then, the benefit pharmacy managers have become part of vertical integration that also includes the ownership of insurance companies and pharmacies.Three pharmacy benefit managers control about 85% of the market and rank in the top 20 companies in the U.S. They include Cigna, United Healthcare and CVS/Caremark."They are charging your insurance plan one cost, reimbursing the pharmacy another cost and then they're keeping everything in the middle," Freeman said.Freeman said these companies require insured people to use the benefits manager's pharmacies or offer significant discounts as incentives.Fred Schertz, pharmacist with Midwest Family Health of Russell, will be participating in lobbying efforts in Topeka on Feb. 5. Midwest Family Health will be closed Wednesday."[Mail-order pharmacies] not only drive revenue out of the state of Kansas and out of our local economy," he said, "but also it is a patient care thing. Patients are forced to fill out of state."He said he sees patients who must fill prescriptions out of town or by mail."The patients that it really hurts are the ones who don't have the modes of transportation where they can make it to Hays every day to pick up medication,"&nbsp;Schertz said.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0317.htm">Many scholarly articles have been written on the importance of community pharmacies in local health outcomes, including a&nbsp;July 23, 2020, article shared by the Centers for Disease Control that discusses the role of local pharmacies in dealing with COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;It also touched on chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.The pharmacy benefit managers reimburse their pharmacies at a much higher rate than independent pharmacies, Freeman said.She said independent pharmacies might be reimbursed 1 cent for the drug and $1 for filling the prescription, but the National Community Pharmacy of Association estimates it costs about $13.85 per prescription for an independent pharmacy to fill a prescription and break even.That includes overhead costs like the container, label, lights and employees, but that doesn't include the cost of the drug."When we're not being paid for the drug or any of our employees, we're operating in the red," Freeman said.Ten Kansas pharmacies closed within the last year, and Freeman said more will close if reforms are not implemented soon.Two pharmacies in Russell recently merged to stay open."In certain pharmacies, up to one in every three prescriptions, they're getting paid below cost,"&nbsp;Schertz said. "That's not taking into account overhead to run it."There is an appeal system for reimbursements, but appeals are always denied, Freeman said."The [pharmacy benefits managers] don't have to play by any rules because there are no rules," Freeman said.Freeman said the most important aspect of this debate is patient access to medications in a timely manner.Independent pharmacies deliver to people who can't leave their homes. Pharmacists are available to answer questions in person and provide other special services, such as bubble packs.&nbsp;Freeman said her pharmacies have even gone to people's homes to give flu shots."You won't find that in a mail-order pharmacy or in a chain pharmacy that is 60 to 75 miles away," she said.Mail-order and chain pharmacies won't be able to handle the volume if more independent pharmacies close, Freeman said.An independent pharmacy in Garden City closed, and the remaining pharmacies are swamped. Freeman said people are waiting up to five days to get prescriptions filled.Mail service in rural Kansas is a barrier for patients who are being required to use mail-order pharmacies.&nbsp;Schertz said patients are seeing delays in receiving their medications."If something gets hung up half a state away with critical medications, it's not just a package from Amazon. It's lifesaving medication that can be held up," he said.Climate control is also a concern. Temperature differences can harm medication efficacy, so pharmacies must maintain their medications at consistent temperatures.&nbsp;Medication that comes through the mail may be sitting in a mail van or on a dock for hours to days in more than 100-degree temperatures or temperatures well below freezing, Freeman said.<h2>The bill</h2>The&nbsp;Kansas Pharmacists Association's bill would set a floor for the reimbursement rate to all pharamcies, Freeman said.Paul Schiferl, pharmacist in Colby, said he did not think the bill would increase prices for consumers."We think that the pharmacies should be trued up," he said. ... "What we believe is that it will put everyone to the middle on a fair playing field."He added, "You can't make a pharmacy run on a $2 dispensing fee."The bill also encourages transparency. Employers and the state could see where their money goes for drug costs.It would also reform the audit system. Freeman said the pharmacy benefit managers perform what she called "predatory audits" of independent pharmacies."It's common sense things," Freeman said. "We just want to level the playing field a little bit more instead of the three [pharmacy benefits managers] running us over and trying to close us."Freeman said she and the other pharmacists did not want to close even for one day, but they need Kansans to understand the importance of this issue."Patients need to understand they may not have a pharmacy," she said. "Until people understand and feel the issue on themselves, they aren't going to fully understand what the impact could be."I can sit here and say until I'm blue in the face, 'If you don't have a pharmacy, you're not going to be able to get your medications.' But until you actually live in that world for a day, it's hard to comprehend."Schiferl said he also did not want to close. He wants to serve his patients."We also want to have this visual representation. We believe our patients want us in their communities," he said, "and we're hoping that when they can see what this would be like if we were closed all of the time, they will want to support this and reach out to their legislators as well and [tell them] how important it is to have a community pharmacy in their town."The pharmacies encourage their patients to contact local legislators to support the legislation. The independent pharmacies are also organizing letter-writing campaigns and will be taking letters written by patients to Topeka on Feb. 5"Having the patient voice is what we really hope to have to help the legislators understand more," Freeman said.Counties that will have pharmacies closed for "Closing for a Cause" on Feb. 5. Anderson Barber Chase Chautauqua Clay Coffey Decatur Dickinson Doniphan Edwards Elk Ellsworth Gove Graham Grant Gray Greenwood Harper Hodgeman Jewell Kingman Kiowa Lane Pawnee Lincoln Logan Marion Meade Mitchell Montgomery Morris Nemaha Ness Norton Osage Ottawa Pawnee Phillips Pottawatomie Rawlins Republic Rice Rooks Rush Russell Sheridan Smith Stafford Stanton Trego Washington Wichita Woodson

Local pharmacies closings across state for advocacy day; learn why, see where

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/kavahn-mansouri">KAVAHN MANSOURI</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-28/home-prices-midwest-rents-kansas-city-housing-real-estate">KCUR</a>

As the cost to buy a home continues to rise in the Midwest, real estate experts say the regional rental market offers affordable housing options and biding your time before buying may be the smart move in 2025.

This could be the year of the renter as interest rates, rising housing prices and inflation continue to challenge prospective homeowners.

While homeowner hopefuls may have to wait for a house in their price range, renters in the Midwest live in a region with the lowest rent in the U.S., which may sustain as the market fluctuates. This line? The federal government considers 12 states as "<a href="https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/midwest.htm" target="_blank">the Midwest</a>."

Across the board, rental prices have ticked up, but according to Realtor.com, the Midwest still boasts the cheapest median rent at $1,450 a month. The median rent in the South is roughly $1,600 a month, while renters in the West pay roughly $1,950 and renters in the Northeast pay $2,450.

According to Realtor.com’s data, Kansas City had the highest rate of rent growth in Midwestern cities, at 3.1% in December. St. Louis saw a 1.3% increase in rent during the same period.

In December, at the state level, Nebraska saw the highest rate of growth in rent prices in the Midwest, at 10.8%, while Missouri saw rent growth of 6%.

Regardless of rates creeping up, however, the region is still relatively affordable.

“The Midwest is more affordable for renters than the other regions of the country, which probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise,” said Joel Berner, a senior economist with Realtor.com.

He added that the overall rate of rent increases in the region recently stalled and even fell by 1.4% in December.

“We’ve kind of reached a sort of a balance point where those prices have stopped increasing and they’ve stopped increasing at a place that’s lower than the national median,” Berner said.

Daryl Fairweather,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/author/darylfairweather/" target="_blank">chief economist at Redfin.com,</a>&nbsp;said the Midwest is the hottest housing market in the country.

“Everywhere else got really expensive during the pandemic, including the South, and now the Midwest is one of the only affordable regions left,” Fairweather said. “People are starting to realize that and buy homes there.”

According to a recent report from Redfin.com,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/blog/kansas-city-mo-neighborhoods/" target="_blank">Kansas City and St. Louis ranked in the top 15 U.S. metros with the highest increase in home prices&nbsp;</a>between December 2023 and December 2024.

Kansas City saw home prices rise by 9% from 2023-2024 while St. Louis saw home prices rise by 8.5% from 2023 to 2024. That’s compared to a 6.3% increase in the median home price nationwide.

That same report noted that, collectively, home values in the Midwest are rising at a rate higher than in any other region in the country.

Berner said renters might currently have the upper hand on prospective buyers due to the housing market in the Midwest. The general affordability of rent makes for a good environment to save for a house, he added.

“In a lot of places right now, renting is easier to do,” Berner said. “If you can find a place like an affordable Midwestern market to live for a couple years, save up some cash and have a larger down payment when you do want to buy a home, that’s going to be really effective in this high mortgage rate environment.”

Record low interest and mortgage rates during the pandemic, combined with affordable housing in the Midwest, created a housing “craze” in the region. Berner said the Midwest is rebounding from that era, which makes for difficult terrain for homebuyers.

“The Midwest is picking up because of how affordable it is, and so that’s kind of a double-edged sword,” he said. “It’s affordable, so people want to buy it — and that drives prices up — and then it’s not affordable again.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/" target="_blank">National Association of Realtors</a>, the median age of first-time home buyers increased nationally from 35 to 38 in 2024. Berner said that’s a troubling sign for young first-time homebuyers.

The main factor driving that jump in age, Berner said, is a mixture of high interest rates and difficulty financing their purchases.

“First-time home buyers who don’t have equity built up in a previous home to sell and then transfer into their new purchase are having to finance large portions of their home purchase,” Berner said.

Prospective buyers aren’t out of luck, however. According to Realtor.com data, housing inventory is trending toward pre-pandemic levels.

“That’s going to give buyers more options and more leverage to be able to go and make a purchase,” Berner said.

David Nall, a St. Louis realtor with&nbsp;<a href="https://garciaproperties.com/view-agents/agents/dave-nall" target="_blank">Garcia Properties</a>, said people who hope to buy a home should study the market and know what they’re looking for so they can strike when the right home becomes available.

“If something comes on that fits their criteria and it really excites them, it’s probably going to excite a lot of other buyers as well,” Nall said.

Nall said prospective buyers can take steps to make a competitive offer if they have the financing, including waiving contingencies on the sale, offering a larger deposit or being flexible on a closing date.

Renting while saving for that down payment could be helpful for some house hunters in the meantime.

“There are lots of nuances, in my opinion, to crafting a competitive offer,” he said. “It’s not just the price and it’s not just the closing date.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/midwest-newsroom" target="_blank">Midwest Newsroom</a>&nbsp;is an investigative and enterprise journalism collaboration that includes Iowa Public Radio, KCUR, Nebraska Public Media, St. Louis Public Radio and NPR.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738169785077.png" alt="A sign advertises apartments for rent at the corner of Leado Avenue and 30th Street on Jan. 24, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Experts told The Midwest Newsroom that it might be wiser to rent than buy in 2025. Photo by&nbsp;Nicole Grundmeier/&nbsp;The Midwest Newsroom" />
 <figcaption>A sign advertises apartments for rent at the corner of Leado Avenue and 30th Street on Jan. 24, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Experts told The Midwest Newsroom that it might be wiser to rent than buy in 2025. Photo by&nbsp;Nicole Grundmeier/&nbsp;The Midwest Newsroom</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/kavahn-mansouri">KAVAHN MANSOURI</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-28/home-prices-midwest-rents-kansas-city-housing-real-estate">KCUR</a><h2>As the cost to buy a home continues to rise in the Midwest, real estate experts say the regional rental market offers affordable housing options and biding your time before buying may be the smart move in 2025.</h2>This could be the year of the renter as interest rates, rising housing prices and inflation continue to challenge prospective homeowners.While homeowner hopefuls may have to wait for a house in their price range, renters in the Midwest live in a region with the lowest rent in the U.S., which may sustain as the market fluctuates. This line? The federal government considers 12 states as "<a href="https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/midwest.htm" target="_blank">the Midwest</a>."Across the board, rental prices have ticked up, but according to Realtor.com, the Midwest still boasts the cheapest median rent at $1,450 a month. The median rent in the South is roughly $1,600 a month, while renters in the West pay roughly $1,950 and renters in the Northeast pay $2,450.According to Realtor.com’s data, Kansas City had the highest rate of rent growth in Midwestern cities, at 3.1% in December. St. Louis saw a 1.3% increase in rent during the same period.In December, at the state level, Nebraska saw the highest rate of growth in rent prices in the Midwest, at 10.8%, while Missouri saw rent growth of 6%.Regardless of rates creeping up, however, the region is still relatively affordable.“The Midwest is more affordable for renters than the other regions of the country, which probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise,” said Joel Berner, a senior economist with Realtor.com.He added that the overall rate of rent increases in the region recently stalled and even fell by 1.4% in December.“We’ve kind of reached a sort of a balance point where those prices have stopped increasing and they’ve stopped increasing at a place that’s lower than the national median,” Berner said.<h2>Saving by renting</h2>Daryl Fairweather,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/author/darylfairweather/" target="_blank">chief economist at Redfin.com,</a>&nbsp;said the Midwest is the hottest housing market in the country.“Everywhere else got really expensive during the pandemic, including the South, and now the Midwest is one of the only affordable regions left,” Fairweather said. “People are starting to realize that and buy homes there.”According to a recent report from Redfin.com,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/blog/kansas-city-mo-neighborhoods/" target="_blank">Kansas City and St. Louis ranked in the top 15 U.S. metros with the highest increase in home prices&nbsp;</a>between December 2023 and December 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738170067677.png" alt="A sign advertises a house for sale on Lenox Place in St. Louis on Jan. 27, 2025. Photo by Holly Edgell/The Midwest Newsroom" />
 <figcaption>A sign advertises a house for sale on Lenox Place in St. Louis on Jan. 27, 2025. Photo by Holly Edgell/The Midwest Newsroom</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City saw home prices rise by 9% from 2023-2024 while St. Louis saw home prices rise by 8.5% from 2023 to 2024. That’s compared to a 6.3% increase in the median home price nationwide.That same report noted that, collectively, home values in the Midwest are rising at a rate higher than in any other region in the country.Berner said renters might currently have the upper hand on prospective buyers due to the housing market in the Midwest. The general affordability of rent makes for a good environment to save for a house, he added.“In a lot of places right now, renting is easier to do,” Berner said. “If you can find a place like an affordable Midwestern market to live for a couple years, save up some cash and have a larger down payment when you do want to buy a home, that’s going to be really effective in this high mortgage rate environment.”Record low interest and mortgage rates during the pandemic, combined with affordable housing in the Midwest, created a housing “craze” in the region. Berner said the Midwest is rebounding from that era, which makes for difficult terrain for homebuyers.“The Midwest is picking up because of how affordable it is, and so that’s kind of a double-edged sword,” he said. “It’s affordable, so people want to buy it — and that drives prices up — and then it’s not affordable again.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/" target="_blank">National Association of Realtors</a>, the median age of first-time home buyers increased nationally from 35 to 38 in 2024. Berner said that’s a troubling sign for young first-time homebuyers.The main factor driving that jump in age, Berner said, is a mixture of high interest rates and difficulty financing their purchases.“First-time home buyers who don’t have equity built up in a previous home to sell and then transfer into their new purchase are having to finance large portions of their home purchase,” Berner said.<h2>Rent now, buy later</h2>Prospective buyers aren’t out of luck, however. According to Realtor.com data, housing inventory is trending toward pre-pandemic levels.“That’s going to give buyers more options and more leverage to be able to go and make a purchase,” Berner said.David Nall, a St. Louis realtor with&nbsp;<a href="https://garciaproperties.com/view-agents/agents/dave-nall" target="_blank">Garcia Properties</a>, said people who hope to buy a home should study the market and know what they’re looking for so they can strike when the right home becomes available.“If something comes on that fits their criteria and it really excites them, it’s probably going to excite a lot of other buyers as well,” Nall said.Nall said prospective buyers can take steps to make a competitive offer if they have the financing, including waiving contingencies on the sale, offering a larger deposit or being flexible on a closing date.Renting while saving for that down payment could be helpful for some house hunters in the meantime.“There are lots of nuances, in my opinion, to crafting a competitive offer,” he said. “It’s not just the price and it’s not just the closing date.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/midwest-newsroom" target="_blank">Midwest Newsroom</a>&nbsp;is an investigative and enterprise journalism collaboration that includes Iowa Public Radio, KCUR, Nebraska Public Media, St. Louis Public Radio and NPR.

Hoping to buy a home in the Midwest? Renting might be better option for now

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Jan. 27

By TISA MASON FHSU President

At Fort Hays State University (FHSU), a new generation of farmers is emerging, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. 

Joe Ferguson, a senior and a dedicated Kansas Army National Guard member, is a part of that new generation. He is a proud representative of his family’s multi-generational farm and an advocate for the sustainable agricultural practices that will secure a prosperous future for Kansas farming.

Joe, now 23, is poised to become the fourth generation of his family to work their land. 

But he is not merely focusing on the present; he is actively thinking ahead, contemplating the legacy he will leave behind. He firmly believes that farmers today must secure water resources for future generations. Joe’s journey at FHSU has helped him acquire knowledge and apply innovative practices that can help address looming agricultural challenges.

The significance of effective water management was underscored by the recent remarks of Governor Kelly during her State of the State address, where she highlighted both Joe's promising future and concerning data about dwindling water supplies across Kansas, especially in the western regions. 

“Without that water, the agricultural industry that fuels our economy and sustains our rural way of life cannot survive,” Governor Kelly said. Joe Ferguson embodies this challenge, fully aware of its implications for his future as a farmer.

Receiving recognition from Governor Kelly in her address felt surreal for Joe. He described it as a proud moment, made even more significant by the support and encouragement from his family, the university community, and others.

“It was a powerful reminder of how far I’ve come, thanks to the unwavering support of my family, community, and my education at FHSU,” Joe said.

After the address, the flood of support was overwhelming, with individuals expressing gratitude and offering opportunities to assist him in his educational pursuits and his family farm. “Hearing the words of Governor Kelly and being able to connect with esteemed leaders in our state was an unforgettable experience.” 

A particularly memorable moment was when Kansas State Representative Jim Minnix thanked him before he left the Capitol building, reinforcing how meaningful this experience was.

Attending FHSU was an easy decision for Joe. The combination of a supportive community, proximity to his family farm, and the university's exemplary agriculture program made it the perfect fit. He learned of FHSU’s exceptional reputation and affordability through friends and family. Once enrolled, he dove headfirst into the opportunities available, rapidly developing academically and personally.

Having taken on leadership roles as Vice President of the Agronomy Business Club and as an active member of Delta Tau Alpha, the national agriculture honor society, Joe’s experiences extend well beyond the classroom. He appreciates the unique blend of cutting-edge education combined with practical, hands-on learning—a hallmark of FHSU’s approach to preparing students for the realities of modern agriculture.

“My time at FHSU has been transformative. I’ve had the privilege of organizing events that connect students with industry professionals,” Joe said. “Each experience has provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive and continue the proud legacy of my family farm.”

His passion for agriculture is much deeper than fostering soil health or maximizing yields; to Joe, it encompasses the responsibility of adopting innovative technologies and sustainable practices. 

His FHSU education has allowed him to explore essential topics like precision agriculture and water conservation—skills crucial for Kansas farmers as they navigate growing environmental challenges.

A highlight of Joe’s academic journey was being selected to represent FHSU on the Governor’s Water Conference student panel. This prestigious opportunity gave him a platform to emphasize the importance of water conservation practices—and how the younger generation of farmers can contribute to this cause.&nbsp;

 “Engaging with policymakers, researchers, and fellow students who share a passion for agriculture and sustainability was inspiring," he said. His participation underscored his commitment to being part of the solution as Kansas faces critical water management issues.

During the conference, Joe shared insights on essential strategies like precision irrigation, which maximizes water efficiency while maintaining agricultural productivity. 

He emphasized how education is pivotal in preparing the next generation of farming leaders to face these pressing challenges. His enthusiasm for advocacy and community engagement shone through as he presented his ideas, reinforcing the vital link between sustainable practices, education, and legislative support.

Joe’s trajectory at FHSU is not merely about personal achievements but also about building a network that fosters growth and innovation. Being a part of our agriculture program has provided him with invaluable connections and insights that will benefit him as he returns to the family farm.

“FHSU has been more than just a university –it’s been a launchpad for my future,” Joe said.

For those considering agriculture, Joe encourages exploration at FHSU—where academic, professional, and personal growth intertwine seamlessly. "Whether you're from a farm like mine or just have a passion for agriculture, the opportunities here are unmatched, and the encouragement from faculty and peers is incredible."

Joe embodies hope—not just for his family but for the entire agricultural community in Kansas. His commitment to sustainable practices and resource management is a blueprint for the future of farming. With young leaders like Joe at the helm, Kansans have every reason to be optimistic about the future of its agricultural industry. As the state grapples with the critical issue of water scarcity, Joe Ferguson is determined to contribute actively to finding solutions that ensure the land, community, and agriculture remain viable for years.

In an uncertain landscape, Joe reminds us of the power of education, community support, and proactive leadership in shaping a sustainable future. His journey is just beginning, but the impact he will undoubtedly have is already being felt—not only within his family but throughout the broader farming community in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason, FHSU president. FHSU photo" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason, FHSU president. FHSU photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON FHSU PresidentAt Fort Hays State University (FHSU), a new generation of farmers is emerging, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Joe Ferguson, a senior and a dedicated Kansas Army National Guard member, is a part of that new generation. He is a proud representative of his family’s multi-generational farm and an advocate for the sustainable agricultural practices that will secure a prosperous future for Kansas farming.Joe, now 23, is poised to become the fourth generation of his family to work their land. But he is not merely focusing on the present; he is actively thinking ahead, contemplating the legacy he will leave behind. He firmly believes that farmers today must secure water resources for future generations. Joe’s journey at FHSU has helped him acquire knowledge and apply innovative practices that can help address looming agricultural challenges.The significance of effective water management was underscored by the recent remarks of Governor Kelly during her State of the State address, where she highlighted both Joe's promising future and concerning data about dwindling water supplies across Kansas, especially in the western regions. “Without that water, the agricultural industry that fuels our economy and sustains our rural way of life cannot survive,” Governor Kelly said. Joe Ferguson embodies this challenge, fully aware of its implications for his future as a farmer.Receiving recognition from Governor Kelly in her address felt surreal for Joe. He described it as a proud moment, made even more significant by the support and encouragement from his family, the university community, and others.“It was a powerful reminder of how far I’ve come, thanks to the unwavering support of my family, community, and my education at FHSU,” Joe said.After the address, the flood of support was overwhelming, with individuals expressing gratitude and offering opportunities to assist him in his educational pursuits and his family farm. “Hearing the words of Governor Kelly and being able to connect with esteemed leaders in our state was an unforgettable experience.” A particularly memorable moment was when Kansas State Representative Jim Minnix thanked him before he left the Capitol building, reinforcing how meaningful this experience was.Attending FHSU was an easy decision for Joe. The combination of a supportive community, proximity to his family farm, and the university's exemplary agriculture program made it the perfect fit. He learned of FHSU’s exceptional reputation and affordability through friends and family. Once enrolled, he dove headfirst into the opportunities available, rapidly developing academically and personally.Having taken on leadership roles as Vice President of the Agronomy Business Club and as an active member of Delta Tau Alpha, the national agriculture honor society, Joe’s experiences extend well beyond the classroom. He appreciates the unique blend of cutting-edge education combined with practical, hands-on learning—a hallmark of FHSU’s approach to preparing students for the realities of modern agriculture.“My time at FHSU has been transformative. I’ve had the privilege of organizing events that connect students with industry professionals,” Joe said. “Each experience has provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive and continue the proud legacy of my family farm.”His passion for agriculture is much deeper than fostering soil health or maximizing yields; to Joe, it encompasses the responsibility of adopting innovative technologies and sustainable practices. His FHSU education has allowed him to explore essential topics like precision agriculture and water conservation—skills crucial for Kansas farmers as they navigate growing environmental challenges.A highlight of Joe’s academic journey was being selected to represent FHSU on the Governor’s Water Conference student panel. This prestigious opportunity gave him a platform to emphasize the importance of water conservation practices—and how the younger generation of farmers can contribute to this cause.&nbsp; “Engaging with policymakers, researchers, and fellow students who share a passion for agriculture and sustainability was inspiring," he said. His participation underscored his commitment to being part of the solution as Kansas faces critical water management issues.During the conference, Joe shared insights on essential strategies like precision irrigation, which maximizes water efficiency while maintaining agricultural productivity. He emphasized how education is pivotal in preparing the next generation of farming leaders to face these pressing challenges. His enthusiasm for advocacy and community engagement shone through as he presented his ideas, reinforcing the vital link between sustainable practices, education, and legislative support.Joe’s trajectory at FHSU is not merely about personal achievements but also about building a network that fosters growth and innovation. Being a part of our agriculture program has provided him with invaluable connections and insights that will benefit him as he returns to the family farm.“FHSU has been more than just a university –it’s been a launchpad for my future,” Joe said.For those considering agriculture, Joe encourages exploration at FHSU—where academic, professional, and personal growth intertwine seamlessly. "Whether you're from a farm like mine or just have a passion for agriculture, the opportunities here are unmatched, and the encouragement from faculty and peers is incredible."Joe embodies hope—not just for his family but for the entire agricultural community in Kansas. His commitment to sustainable practices and resource management is a blueprint for the future of farming. With young leaders like Joe at the helm, Kansans have every reason to be optimistic about the future of its agricultural industry. As the state grapples with the critical issue of water scarcity, Joe Ferguson is determined to contribute actively to finding solutions that ensure the land, community, and agriculture remain viable for years.In an uncertain landscape, Joe reminds us of the power of education, community support, and proactive leadership in shaping a sustainable future. His journey is just beginning, but the impact he will undoubtedly have is already being felt—not only within his family but throughout the broader farming community in Kansas.

Heart of a Tiger: Meet next-generation Kansas farmer Joe Ferguson

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738249202251.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><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

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A 29-year-old Kansas man accused of allowing his infant son
to fatally ingest methamphetamine was officially charged with murder last week
and will go to trial later this year.

Abraham Duran Leon appeared in front of District Judge Curtis
Brown in Ellis County District Court on Jan. 22 and was charged with first-degree murder in the commission of a felony. The felony stems from
possession of methamphetamine. The alternate charge in the chase is murder in
the second degree, unintentional but reckless. 

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of
April 2, 2024, Leon’s 5-month-old infant son was found unresponsive and not
breathing. 

An autopsy report revealed the child had methamphetamine in
his system and died from complications related to methamphetamine intoxication.

Leon is being held on two other cases totaling nine charges, seven felonies and two misdemeanors. 

Among those charges are two counts of drug possession, three
counts of interference with a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing and eluding, and criminal damage to property.

Leon, who is&nbsp;represented by two court-appointed attorneys, has filed
several pro se motions in all three of the cases. 

Those included a motion to suppress evidence, a writ of
habeas corpus claiming there is no jurisdiction he is held in prison and several
motions to dismiss the case because his right to a speedy trial has been
violated.

During the hearing, Judge Brown explained to Leon his
right to a speedy trial does not start until he is arraigned. 

He also told Leon any delays caused by the defendant’s
motions would not count against the state’s time. It has to take him to trial, and it
counts against the defendant.

Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham said the state wants to
try all three cases separately, and the state will be going forward with a jury trial
in the murder case.

The court initially scheduled the trial for late June, but that
has already been moved to September.

Because Leon has filed several motions himself, the court will have a special hearing on March 7 to consider them. 

Leon remains in the custody of the Ellis County Sheriff’s
Department. 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA 29-year-old Kansas man accused of allowing his infant son
to fatally ingest methamphetamine was officially charged with murder last week
and will go to trial later this year.Abraham Duran Leon appeared in front of District Judge Curtis
Brown in Ellis County District Court on Jan. 22 and was charged with first-degree murder in the commission of a felony. The felony stems from
possession of methamphetamine. The alternate charge in the chase is murder in
the second degree, unintentional but reckless. According to court documents, in the early morning hours of
April 2, 2024, Leon’s 5-month-old infant son was found unresponsive and not
breathing. An autopsy report revealed the child had methamphetamine in
his system and died from complications related to methamphetamine intoxication.Leon is being held on two other cases totaling nine charges, seven felonies and two misdemeanors. Among those charges are two counts of drug possession, three
counts of interference with a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing and eluding, and criminal damage to property.Leon pleaded not guilty to all charges.Leon, who is&nbsp;represented by two court-appointed attorneys, has filed
several pro se motions in all three of the cases. Those included a motion to suppress evidence, a writ of
habeas corpus claiming there is no jurisdiction he is held in prison and several
motions to dismiss the case because his right to a speedy trial has been
violated.During the hearing, Judge Brown explained to Leon his
right to a speedy trial does not start until he is arraigned. He also told Leon any delays caused by the defendant’s
motions would not count against the state’s time. It has to take him to trial, and it
counts against the defendant.Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham said the state wants to
try all three cases separately, and the state will be going forward with a jury trial
in the murder case.The court initially scheduled the trial for late June, but that
has already been moved to September.Because Leon has filed several motions himself, the court will have a special hearing on March 7 to consider them. Leon remains in the custody of the Ellis County Sheriff’s
Department.

Man pleads not guilty in baby's death in Hays

To ensure the health and safety of our community, HaysMed is implementing visitor restrictions due to increased local spread of Influenza, the hospital said via Facebook.

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

Additionally, surgical masks must be worn by all visitors and associates in the following units:

We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our community safe.

HaysMedTo ensure the health and safety of our community, HaysMed is implementing visitor restrictions due to increased local spread of Influenza, the hospital said via Facebook.At this time, we kindly request that visitors who are feeling unwell or are younger than the age of 12 refrain from visiting. To assist in safeguarding everyone, signage and stations with hand sanitizer and masks are available at all entrances.Additionally, surgical masks must be worn by all visitors and associates in the following units:- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)- The Birth Center/NICU (OB)- Dreiling Schmidt Cancer InstituteWe are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our community safe.

HaysMed implements visitor restrictions

FHSU crime log: Jan. 24-30, 2025

Becca Wilkie has been a child care provider for 15 years.

Although she has always loved caring for children, she and her husband took a leap four years ago, which they said improved their family's life.

They bought a second home to house their child care.

"I love my job so much more now that it's not in my home," she said.

Wilkie said the move has made being a provider even more enjoyable.

She doesn't have to worry about someone accidentally leaving something out that the children shouldn't be into. The family remodeled their home and were able to make some changes that they would not have been able to do if the child care was still housed there.

Wilkie said working in a second location gets her out of the house, and the day care house is near Massey Park, which provides easy access to outdoor play.

Although the family now has two house payments and getting out on snowy or icy mornings is a pain, she said it was the best move her family could have made.

Mary Lewis nominated Wilkie for the January Child Care Champion award, saying, "Becca has been phenomenal with my two grandchildren."

Wilkie, 42, started in-home child care when her daughter was born. Her son, now 21, grew up too fast, and she felt she missed too much of his childhood.

Growing up, Wilkie wanted to be a teacher, and her sister also ran an in-home child care facility.

"I thought, 'kill two birds with one stone'— stay home with my daughter and have the teaching role that I always wanted to," she said.&nbsp;

Wilkie does not consider her child care a preschool; however, she does introduce the basics, such as colors, numbers, the alphabet and shapes.

"No. 1, I love those kids. No. 2, I'm caring. To me, that's more important than teaching," she said.

When it's cold and the kids can't go outside, they do YouTube kids' exercises and dance parties.

Wilkie is starting to see a second generation of children. One of the children she had when she first opened now has a baby of her own. The mom wanted to use Wilkie's child care, but she was full.

Wilkie has both of her nieces in her child care now.

She said she feels great rewards from seeing the children's happiness.&nbsp;

"I go out in public, and they see me, yell my name, run up to me, and give me a hug," she said. "That fills my heart to the fullest."

Wilkie said one of the most significant challenges of being a provider has been keeping up with the ever-changing regulations.

"I know they are for the safety of the kids, but some of them are kind of crazy to me," she said.

Wilkie said being a child care provider takes a lot of patience and a lot of love.

"If you're going to do it for the money, don't do it," she said. ... "But if you want a rewarding job, it's the job to do. I feel it's the most rewarding job except an EMT or a firefighter."

"The kids make it rewarding for me—their happiness, their smiles, when they say, 'I love you, Miss Becca,' when they write me notes. They love to write me letters and notes, and I save every one of them."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738018072047.jpeg" alt="Becca Wilkie, far left, Child Care Champion for January, and the children in her child care. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Becca Wilkie, far left, Child Care Champion for January, and the children in her child care. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostBecca Wilkie has been a child care provider for 15 years.Although she has always loved caring for children, she and her husband took a leap four years ago, which they said improved their family's life.They bought a second home to house their child care."I love my job so much more now that it's not in my home," she said.Wilkie said the move has made being a provider even more enjoyable.She doesn't have to worry about someone accidentally leaving something out that the children shouldn't be into. The family remodeled their home and were able to make some changes that they would not have been able to do if the child care was still housed there. Wilkie said working in a second location gets her out of the house, and the day care house is near Massey Park, which provides easy access to outdoor play.Although the family now has two house payments and getting out on snowy or icy mornings is a pain, she said it was the best move her family could have made.Mary Lewis nominated Wilkie for the January Child Care Champion award, saying, "Becca has been phenomenal with my two grandchildren."Wilkie, 42, started in-home child care when her daughter was born. Her son, now 21, grew up too fast, and she felt she missed too much of his childhood.Growing up, Wilkie wanted to be a teacher, and her sister also ran an in-home child care facility."I thought, 'kill two birds with one stone'— stay home with my daughter and have the teaching role that I always wanted to," she said.&nbsp;Wilkie does not consider her child care a preschool; however, she does introduce the basics, such as colors, numbers, the alphabet and shapes."No. 1, I love those kids. No. 2, I'm caring. To me, that's more important than teaching," she said.When it's cold and the kids can't go outside, they do YouTube kids' exercises and dance parties.Wilkie is starting to see a second generation of children. One of the children she had when she first opened now has a baby of her own. The mom wanted to use Wilkie's child care, but she was full.Wilkie has both of her nieces in her child care now.She said she feels great rewards from seeing the children's happiness.&nbsp;"I go out in public, and they see me, yell my name, run up to me, and give me a hug," she said. "That fills my heart to the fullest."Wilkie said one of the most significant challenges of being a provider has been keeping up with the ever-changing regulations."I know they are for the safety of the kids, but some of them are kind of crazy to me," she said.Wilkie said being a child care provider takes a lot of patience and a lot of love."If you're going to do it for the money, don't do it," she said. ... "But if you want a rewarding job, it's the job to do. I feel it's the most rewarding job except an EMT or a firefighter.""The kids make it rewarding for me—their happiness, their smiles, when they say, 'I love you, Miss Becca,' when they write me notes. They love to write me letters and notes, and I save every one of them."

Child Care Champion: 2nd home helped her love her job more

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police Department are proud to announce they have been awarded an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to expand de-escalation training initiatives for law enforcement personnel. 

This award increases the amount of federal funding to facilitate advanced de-escalation training to more than $3.5 million.

This grant will enable the Central Region Training Center of the National De-escalation Training Center, housed within the Criminal Justice Program, to expand evidence-based de-escalation techniques and training programs aimed at improving officer safety, reducing use-of-force incidents, and strengthening community trust.

“The funding provided by the COPS Office is critical to equipping officers with the tools and training needed to respond to challenging situations effectively while prioritizing the safety of all parties involved,” said Dr. Tamara Lynn, chair and professor of criminal justice. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing community policing strategies and fostering positive relationships with the communities we serve.”

The training emphasizes traditional procedural justice, crisis intervention, and rapid personality identification through communication skills, conflict resolution, and scenario-based exercises to better prepare officers for dynamic, real-world situations. These efforts align with national goals to improve public safety outcomes while reducing unnecessary confrontations and injuries.

&nbsp;“Fort Hays State University has been leading the way in evidence-based de-escalation training for law enforcement,” said Dr. Morgan Steele, assistant professor of criminal justice. “Through the different modalities that we offer, we have been able to teach officers the skills they need to communicate with the public more effectively without compromising their safety.”

“This training can help officers bridge the divide between their communities and the criminal justice system by fostering procedurally-just conversations. The recent grant from the COPS Office will help Fort Hays expand the reach of its trainings outside the Midwest and partner with agencies to provide de-escalation training across the U.S.”

The Central Region Training Center has trained nearly 3,000 law enforcement personnel from across the U.S. and just under 1,000 in Kansas in advanced de-escalation since receiving the first Regional De-escalation Training Center grant in 2021. 

The most recent award,&nbsp;Safer Outcomes: Enhancing De-Escalation and Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement – Expansion of Regional De-escalation Training Centers, has positioned FHSU to develop training hubs outside of the immediate region to increase the number of law enforcement and emergency personnel trained in de-escalation.

“The funding from this new grant, awarded to FHSU from the COPS Office, will be utilized to provide valuable evidence-based de-escalation training to law enforcement officers across the Central Region,” said Chief Terry Pierce, FHSU director of police and security. “FHSU will continue to provide law enforcement agencies with training that can improve the safety of the officers and the public.”

The COPS Office has long been a leader in advancing community policing and officer training across the United States. Through grants like this, law enforcement agencies are provided the resources necessary to innovate and implement strategies that improve both officer and public safety.

For more information about the de-escalation training program or the Central Region Training Center’s efforts, please contact Dr. Tamara Lynn at 785-628-5668 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tjlynn@fhsu.edu">tjlynn@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731851852824.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsFort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police Department are proud to announce they have been awarded an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to expand de-escalation training initiatives for law enforcement personnel. This award increases the amount of federal funding to facilitate advanced de-escalation training to more than $3.5 million.This grant will enable the Central Region Training Center of the National De-escalation Training Center, housed within the Criminal Justice Program, to expand evidence-based de-escalation techniques and training programs aimed at improving officer safety, reducing use-of-force incidents, and strengthening community trust.“The funding provided by the COPS Office is critical to equipping officers with the tools and training needed to respond to challenging situations effectively while prioritizing the safety of all parties involved,” said Dr. Tamara Lynn, chair and professor of criminal justice. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing community policing strategies and fostering positive relationships with the communities we serve.”The training emphasizes traditional procedural justice, crisis intervention, and rapid personality identification through communication skills, conflict resolution, and scenario-based exercises to better prepare officers for dynamic, real-world situations. These efforts align with national goals to improve public safety outcomes while reducing unnecessary confrontations and injuries.&nbsp;“Fort Hays State University has been leading the way in evidence-based de-escalation training for law enforcement,” said Dr. Morgan Steele, assistant professor of criminal justice. “Through the different modalities that we offer, we have been able to teach officers the skills they need to communicate with the public more effectively without compromising their safety.”“This training can help officers bridge the divide between their communities and the criminal justice system by fostering procedurally-just conversations. The recent grant from the COPS Office will help Fort Hays expand the reach of its trainings outside the Midwest and partner with agencies to provide de-escalation training across the U.S.”The Central Region Training Center has trained nearly 3,000 law enforcement personnel from across the U.S. and just under 1,000 in Kansas in advanced de-escalation since receiving the first Regional De-escalation Training Center grant in 2021. The most recent award,&nbsp;Safer Outcomes: Enhancing De-Escalation and Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement – Expansion of Regional De-escalation Training Centers, has positioned FHSU to develop training hubs outside of the immediate region to increase the number of law enforcement and emergency personnel trained in de-escalation.“The funding from this new grant, awarded to FHSU from the COPS Office, will be utilized to provide valuable evidence-based de-escalation training to law enforcement officers across the Central Region,” said Chief Terry Pierce, FHSU director of police and security. “FHSU will continue to provide law enforcement agencies with training that can improve the safety of the officers and the public.”The COPS Office has long been a leader in advancing community policing and officer training across the United States. Through grants like this, law enforcement agencies are provided the resources necessary to innovate and implement strategies that improve both officer and public safety.For more information about the de-escalation training program or the Central Region Training Center’s efforts, please contact Dr. Tamara Lynn at 785-628-5668 or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tjlynn@fhsu.edu">tjlynn@fhsu.edu</a>.

FHSU programs receive third de-escalation grant since 2021

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Under the glow of decorations and the savory scent of fresh dumplings, Fort Hays State University is ringing in the Lunar New Year.

The FHSU International Student Union is hosting the event at 5 p.m. on Friday in the Black and Gold Room at the Memorial Union.

Jadyn Snyder, FHSU's coordinator of global engagement and special projects, organized the event with Yifan Liu, the graduate assistant for student engagement.

"We have a big Asian population because of some of our partnerships here at Fort Hays," Snyder said. "There's a big interest in this event. It provides a place for them to share their culture."

The event will feature a presentation on the Lunar New Year, snake-themed crafts and a raffle. Attendees can enjoy dumplings, rice and other Asian cuisines as the main dish.

Liu will lead an activity where participants learn to write Chinese characters on red paper, a traditional Lunar New Year custom.

Originally from Henan Province, China, Liu arrived at FHSU in the summer 2023 and is passionate about sharing Chinese culture with others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738100082698.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University students celebrating the 2024 Lunar New Year. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University students celebrating the 2024 Lunar New Year. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostUnder the glow of decorations and the savory scent of fresh dumplings, Fort Hays State University is ringing in the Lunar New Year.The FHSU International Student Union is hosting the event at 5 p.m. on Friday in the Black and Gold Room at the Memorial Union.Jadyn Snyder, FHSU's coordinator of global engagement and special projects, organized the event with Yifan Liu, the graduate assistant for student engagement."We have a big Asian population because of some of our partnerships here at Fort Hays," Snyder said. "There's a big interest in this event. It provides a place for them to share their culture."The event will feature a presentation on the Lunar New Year, snake-themed crafts and a raffle. Attendees can enjoy dumplings, rice and other Asian cuisines as the main dish.Liu will lead an activity where participants learn to write Chinese characters on red paper, a traditional Lunar New Year custom.Originally from Henan Province, China, Liu arrived at FHSU in the summer 2023 and is passionate about sharing Chinese culture with others."Not only does this holiday drive away bad luck, but it also praises good luck and the upcoming year's harvest. It's an occasion for family and friend reunions," Liu said.Liu said the Lunar New Year dates back thousands of years and is linked to the legend of Nian, a monster known for devouring livestock, crops and even people."This monster will come on the day of the Lunar New Year to scare and attack people," she said.Liu said to stop Nian from wreaking havoc, people discovered its fear of the color red, loud noises and fireworks, which inspired many Lunar New Year traditions.The FHSU celebration will also showcase lion and tiger dancing, a tradition meant to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the year ahead."In China, we use this dance to scare the Nian monster. We also use it to celebrate our Chinese customs and to praise good luck in the new year," Liu said.The holiday is not only China’s most significant celebration but is also embraced worldwide in countries like Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam.The date of the Lunar Year is based on the traditional Chinese calendar and typically falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. This year, the Lunar New Year fell on Jan. 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake.Liu hopes the celebration attendees will better appreciate family time and reflect on their journeys over the past year."I want people to realize how important it is to cherish and utilize the time we can to relax and reunite with our family," she said. "It's a special holiday to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the last year and look forward to the upcoming year."