On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas First District Rep. Tracy Mann.

<div><iframe title="🎤Forward Ever: Kansas First District Rep. Tracy Mann" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ytbjd-fcb932?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of the Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas First District Rep. Tracy Mann.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas First District Rep. Tracy Mann

The Ellis County Health Department is warning of a scam circulating in the area.

The department warned that the caller attempts to schedule or reschedule a canceled COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

• We will always state right away that we are from ECHD. • We will only call to confirm your appointment. • We will NEVER ask for your personal information. (provider, address, DOB, insurance, Social Security #, etc.)

The Ellis County Health Department is warning of a scam circulating in the area.The department warned that the caller attempts to schedule or reschedule a canceled COVID-19 vaccine appointment.The department reminded residents:&nbsp;• We will always state right away that we are from ECHD. • We will only call to confirm your appointment. • We will NEVER ask for your personal information. (provider, address, DOB, insurance, Social Security #, etc.)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Felliscokshealth%2Fposts%2F2866001817010086&width=500&show_text=true&height=291&appId" width="500" height="291" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Ellis Co. Health Department warns of scam calls

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A storm system that covered a large portion of western Kansas Thursday night brought 0.29 inches of rain to Hays.

It was the first moisture recorded by the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

So far this year, Hays has received 1.08 inches of moisture. The average total by the end of March is 2.46 inches.

Thursday's overnight low was 33 degrees, the first time the overnight temperature has been above freezing in Hays since January 15, according to the research center.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c8552b33-e144-4ad5-a5a3-fa6846b05b1b">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for dry weather through the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614956693186.jpeg" alt="(Photo by Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo by Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA storm system that covered a large portion of western Kansas Thursday night brought 0.29 inches of rain to Hays.It was the first moisture recorded by the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.So far this year, Hays has received 1.08 inches of moisture. The average total by the end of March is 2.46 inches.Thursday's overnight low was 33 degrees, the first time the overnight temperature has been above freezing in Hays since January 15, according to the research center.&nbsp;The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c8552b33-e144-4ad5-a5a3-fa6846b05b1b">three-day weather forecast</a> calls for dry weather through the weekend.

First rain in March falls overnight in Hays

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center vaccinated 70 veterans against COVID-19 Thursday at its outpatient clinic in Hays. Veterans traveled from Russell, Great Bend and Colby — among other towns — to receive the vaccine. Since they were vaccinated with the recently authorized, single-dose Janssen vaccine, they won’t have to make the trip again.

Despite living in Great Bend, an hour away from Hays, Joe Twitchell made his appointment for 9 a.m. He became the first veteran inoculated with the Janssen vaccine. Twitchell said it gives him relief to not only know he is now protected but he is also contributing to the good of the community.

“It’s an overall good thing to do it and do my part to protect other people,” Twitchell said.

He is also happy with the safety of the product. “I read up on the [Janssen vaccine] shot and it’s proven to be a safe one to get.”

Pam Lightfoot, the widow of a Vietnam veteran who suffered from ailments related to exposure to Agent Orange, was the first female to receive the Janssen vaccine. Being vaccinated now gives her the opportunity to enjoy some things she has been putting off for the past year.

“I feel great. I can go see my girlfriends in Kansas City,” said Lightfoot, who has not visited her Kansas City friends since last July.

The staff at the Hays VA clinic take great pride in taking care of their Veterans. Nurse Jennifer Neil said it is quite an honor to be able to see the excitement in the faces of the veterans each time they vaccinate them.

“They’re so excited to be able to get closer to a normal life. I really enjoy it and it melts my heart a little to be able to see that and do that for them,” Neil said.

The Dole VA is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans 65 years of age and older. Veterans must have an appointment; walk-ins are not accepted. Veterans can call the Dole VA at 316-469-0914, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to get scheduled to receive their vaccine.

Veterans need to be enrolled in health care with a Dole VA facility to be eligible for the vaccine. You can learn more about eligibility and how to apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits">www.va.gov/healthbenefits</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-222-VETS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614952994194.jpeg" alt="Joe Twitchell, a resident of Great Bend and Vietnam-era Veteran, is receives the single-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from registered nurse Jennifer Neil at the Robert J. Dole VA community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in Hays, KS. Twitchell was the first Veteran to receive the newly authorized vaccine from the Dole VA." />
 <figcaption>Joe Twitchell, a resident of Great Bend and Vietnam-era Veteran, is receives the single-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from registered nurse Jennifer Neil at the Robert J. Dole VA community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) in Hays, KS. Twitchell was the first Veteran to receive the newly authorized vaccine from the Dole VA.</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert J. Dole VA Medical CenterThe Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center vaccinated 70 veterans against COVID-19 Thursday at its outpatient clinic in Hays. Veterans traveled from Russell, Great Bend and Colby — among other towns — to receive the vaccine. Since they were vaccinated with the recently authorized, single-dose Janssen vaccine, they won’t have to make the trip again.Despite living in Great Bend, an hour away from Hays, Joe Twitchell made his appointment for 9 a.m. He became the first veteran inoculated with the Janssen vaccine. Twitchell said it gives him relief to not only know he is now protected but he is also contributing to the good of the community.“It’s an overall good thing to do it and do my part to protect other people,” Twitchell said.He is also happy with the safety of the product. “I read up on the [Janssen vaccine] shot and it’s proven to be a safe one to get.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614953085996.jpeg" alt="Pam Lightfoot, the widow of a Vietnam Veteran who suffered from ailments related to exposure to Agent Orange, was the first female to receive the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at the VA’s Hays outpatient clinic. Registered nurse Christy Calvin administered the vaccine to Lightfoot." />
 <figcaption>Pam Lightfoot, the widow of a Vietnam Veteran who suffered from ailments related to exposure to Agent Orange, was the first female to receive the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at the VA’s Hays outpatient clinic. Registered nurse Christy Calvin administered the vaccine to Lightfoot.</figcaption>
 </figure>Pam Lightfoot, the widow of a Vietnam veteran who suffered from ailments related to exposure to Agent Orange, was the first female to receive the Janssen vaccine. Being vaccinated now gives her the opportunity to enjoy some things she has been putting off for the past year.“I feel great. I can go see my girlfriends in Kansas City,” said Lightfoot, who has not visited her Kansas City friends since last July.The staff at the Hays VA clinic take great pride in taking care of their Veterans. Nurse Jennifer Neil said it is quite an honor to be able to see the excitement in the faces of the veterans each time they vaccinate them.“They’re so excited to be able to get closer to a normal life. I really enjoy it and it melts my heart a little to be able to see that and do that for them,” Neil said.The Dole VA is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans 65 years of age and older. Veterans must have an appointment; walk-ins are not accepted. Veterans can call the Dole VA at 316-469-0914, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to get scheduled to receive their vaccine.Veterans need to be enrolled in health care with a Dole VA facility to be eligible for the vaccine. You can learn more about eligibility and how to apply at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits">www.va.gov/healthbenefits</a>&nbsp;or call 1-877-222-VETS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614953120718.jpeg" alt="Clinical pharmacist Dinh Nguyen (Dihn Wihn) traveled from Wichita to the VA’s outpatient clinic in Hays to assist and support the Hays staff with vaccinating Veterans this morning. Here, Nguyen draws a dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from a vial that contains five doses of the vaccine. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines come in vials that hold 10 doses." />
 <figcaption>Clinical pharmacist Dinh Nguyen (Dihn Wihn) traveled from Wichita to the VA’s outpatient clinic in Hays to assist and support the Hays staff with vaccinating Veterans this morning. Here, Nguyen draws a dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from a vial that contains five doses of the vaccine. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines come in vials that hold 10 doses.</figcaption>
 </figure>

NW Kan. veterans receive Janssen COVID vaccine at Hays clinic

Hays city commissioners quizzed representatives of First Call For Help (FCFH) for more than 30 minutes Thursday night as Linda Mills, executive director, laid out the request for $30,000 from the city towards construction of transitional housing comprised of four units.

 "First Step Housing" will be located in the back of the FCFH building, 607 E. 13th, Hays, which is currently undergoing renovation.

The back of the building is secured from the FCFH offices in the front and residents will have their own entrance.

The first-ever temporary housing will be open only to Ellis County residents who may live there for up to six months after meeting several qualifications, including drug screening.

"They have to have a commitment and a desire to succeed at providing themselves with stable housing," Mills told commissioners.&nbsp; "They must be employed or looking for a job."

"We're calling this 'First Step Housing' because for some of the participants that will be in the program, it will be a first step. It may be a first step in starting over but it will still be a first step."

She emphasized this will not be just a place to live.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's a place where they can learn and grow, work out obstacles they may have faced in the past," Mills said. "We're going to be working with them a lot about budgeting, about renting, how to find that apartment that fits your budget and make sure it's in the shape you need it to be in."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Laura Allen, client services manager, will become the case manager for the four households living in First Step Housing, which can accommodate individuals, couples and small families. Insurance liability disallows single women and single men occupying the building at the same time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mayor Sandy Jacobs asked how the need for temporary housing in Ellis County was determined.

The numbers come from FCFH based on its daily interaction with residents needing some type of household assistance.

"In 2020, we did help 78 households with emergency finances for their rent or utilities," Mills reported. "That was a total of 215 people, including 89 children."

There were another 51 individuals and households who contacted FCFH several times saying "they did not have a place to live. They were being evicted, or being booted out of a friend's or family's house they'd been living at, or, some have said they're living with someone but it's not a good situation and they need to get out of it."

"Four units is not enough," said Allen, "but it's what we have room for and it's a start."

"I feel this is a need for Hays, said Shaun Musil, commissioner. "I personally don't think it's big enough, but I don't know where you get the money to make it bigger."

Fundraising for the transitional housing began in 2019. Two major fundraisers had to be cancelled in 2020 because of COVID.

The construction, being done by Paul-Wertenberger, Hays, is estimated to cost $227,000; $160,000 of that has been raised. 

FCFH board members hope the remaining $67,000 will be raised soon in order for the project to be completed in June.&nbsp;

Initial concrete work for water drains and plumbing, window openings in block walls and framing of interior walls is has been finished.&nbsp;

FCFH has received large grants of $25,000 from Union Pacific Railroad and $50,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan.

Another $20,000 for construction costs came from federal CARES Act funding for Ellis County.

The local <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/giving">Schmidt Foundation is matching donations</a> up to $50,000 for the First Step Building campaign through June 30. Only individual and business donations will be matched. According to Mills, about $7,000 has been raised since Feb. 1.&nbsp;

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance made a donation to create a large meeting room and another office in the front end of the building. Those funds are not part of the construction budget.&nbsp;

Mills says online donations to FCFH have been steady.

"We have one anonymous donor who paid off his house and he sends us his house payment every month. That was a direct tie-in for him and something that he wanted to see happen."&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The city of Hays has helped support FCFH for several years through its&nbsp; social services funding and the CARE Council, noted commissioner Ron Mellick.

Commissioner Musil pointed out the city's budget is already set for this year.

"What if somebody else has a project and they want $20,000? Is it going to continue every year? And then what do we do for a budget?

"We've always done a really good job with what our budget is, and this is what we play with.

"That's what makes me nervous," Musil said.&nbsp; "Anything we do like that is kind of precedent-setting," added Jacobs.

According to Toby Dougherty, city manager, the requested funds would need to&nbsp;come from the commission capital reserve because the 2021 budget does not have an allocation to absorb a $30,000 nonplanned expenditure.

"I would like to see this completed one way or the other," said Michael Berges, commissioner. He suggested FCFH continue its fundraising and return to the commission in late April or early May, when the financial need and funding request would likely be smaller.

"We definitely want to fund you," said Mellick, "but I think Michael makes a good point. ... We're going to see where you're actually at."

Mills said the construction work is being done and paid for with cash FCFH has in hand.

Commissioners agreed they didn't want the project halted due to no cash flow.

"Construction in Hays is booked out right now," Berges said. "So if they stopped .... To get them back on site may delay the project."

Mills noted the construction budget might change based on the type of fire suppression system that is selected.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614913464104.jpeg" alt="Laura Allen, First Call For Help client services manager, and Linda Mills, executive director, talk to Hays city commissioners Thursday about a request for a $30,000 donation from the city towards construction of temporary transitional housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Laura Allen, First Call For Help client services manager, and Linda Mills, executive director, talk to Hays city commissioners Thursday about a request for a $30,000 donation from the city towards construction of temporary transitional housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners quizzed representatives of First Call For Help (FCFH) for more than 30 minutes Thursday night as Linda Mills, executive director, laid out the request for $30,000 from the city towards construction of transitional housing comprised of four units. "First Step Housing" will be located in the back of the FCFH building, 607 E. 13th, Hays, which is currently undergoing renovation.The back of the building is secured from the FCFH offices in the front and residents will have their own entrance.The first-ever temporary housing will be open only to Ellis County residents who may live there for up to six months after meeting several qualifications, including drug screening."They have to have a commitment and a desire to succeed at providing themselves with stable housing," Mills told commissioners.&nbsp; "They must be employed or looking for a job.""We're calling this 'First Step Housing' because for some of the participants that will be in the program, it will be a first step. It may be a first step in starting over but it will still be a first step."She emphasized this will not be just a place to live.&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's a place where they can learn and grow, work out obstacles they may have faced in the past," Mills said. "We're going to be working with them a lot about budgeting, about renting, how to find that apartment that fits your budget and make sure it's in the shape you need it to be in."&nbsp;&nbsp;Laura Allen, client services manager, will become the case manager for the four households living in First Step Housing, which can accommodate individuals, couples and small families. Insurance liability disallows single women and single men occupying the building at the same time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mayor Sandy Jacobs asked how the need for temporary housing in Ellis County was determined.The numbers come from FCFH based on its daily interaction with residents needing some type of household assistance."In 2020, we did help 78 households with emergency finances for their rent or utilities," Mills reported. "That was a total of 215 people, including 89 children."There were another 51 individuals and households who contacted FCFH several times saying "they did not have a place to live. They were being evicted, or being booted out of a friend's or family's house they'd been living at, or, some have said they're living with someone but it's not a good situation and they need to get out of it.""Four units is not enough," said Allen, "but it's what we have room for and it's a start."<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XT45nt1KXlQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I feel this is a need for Hays, said Shaun Musil, commissioner. "I personally don't think it's big enough, but I don't know where you get the money to make it bigger."Fundraising for the transitional housing began in 2019. Two major fundraisers had to be cancelled in 2020 because of COVID.The construction, being done by Paul-Wertenberger, Hays, is estimated to cost $227,000; $160,000 of that has been raised. FCFH board members hope the remaining $67,000 will be raised soon in order for the project to be completed in June.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614919717356.jpeg" alt="(Slide courtesy FCFH)" />
 <figcaption>(Slide courtesy FCFH)</figcaption>
 </figure>Initial concrete work for water drains and plumbing, window openings in block walls and framing of interior walls is has been finished.&nbsp;FCFH has received large grants of $25,000 from Union Pacific Railroad and $50,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan.Another $20,000 for construction costs came from federal CARES Act funding for Ellis County.The local <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/giving">Schmidt Foundation is matching donations</a> up to $50,000 for the First Step Building campaign through June 30. Only individual and business donations will be matched. According to Mills, about $7,000 has been raised since Feb. 1.&nbsp;The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance made a donation to create a large meeting room and another office in the front end of the building. Those funds are not part of the construction budget.&nbsp;Mills says online donations to FCFH have been steady. "We have one anonymous donor who paid off his house and he sends us his house payment every month. That was a direct tie-in for him and something that he wanted to see happen."&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The city of Hays has helped support FCFH for several years through its&nbsp; social services funding and the CARE Council, noted commissioner Ron Mellick.Commissioner Musil pointed out the city's budget is already set for this year."What if somebody else has a project and they want $20,000? Is it going to continue every year? And then what do we do for a budget?"We've always done a really good job with what our budget is, and this is what we play with."That's what makes me nervous," Musil said.&nbsp; "Anything we do like that is kind of precedent-setting," added Jacobs.According to Toby Dougherty, city manager, the requested funds would need to&nbsp;come from the commission capital reserve because the 2021 budget does not have an allocation to absorb a $30,000 nonplanned expenditure."I would like to see this completed one way or the other," said Michael Berges, commissioner. He suggested FCFH continue its fundraising and return to the commission in late April or early May, when the financial need and funding request would likely be smaller."We definitely want to fund you," said Mellick, "but I think Michael makes a good point. ... We're going to see where you're actually at."Mills said the construction work is being done and paid for with cash FCFH has in hand.Commissioners agreed they didn't want the project halted due to no cash flow."Construction in Hays is booked out right now," Berges said. "So if they stopped .... To get them back on site may delay the project."Mills noted the construction budget might change based on the type of fire suppression system that is selected.&nbsp;

🎥 City commissioners hold off on donation request for first transitional housing

HUTCHINSON — Twenty-seven new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)&nbsp;on Feb. 26 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;

Deputy Luke Davis of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Chief Nelson Mosley of the Rose Hill Police Department. Mike Satterlee, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 274th Basic Training Class.

Officer Samantha Snell of the Galena Police Department was recognized by KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck and awarded a KLETC Certificate of Commendation for her actions in the performance of her duties. Snell, along with Officer Logan Grant of the Galena Police Department, risked their lives on Jan. 18 in an attempt to save victims of a fiery two-vehicle head-on crash. Grant will be recognized when he graduates March 19.

Jonathon Dunfee of the Kansas City Public Schools Police Department was also recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class “Top Shot.”

Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.

Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of&nbsp;University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.

The graduates, who began their training in October 2020, represented 23 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. 

Graduates are listed below by county and agency:

Brown • Brock Becker, Horton Police Department • Chance Johansen, Hiawatha Police Department

Butler •&nbsp;Peyton
Heidebrecht, Rose Hill Police Department

Cherokee •&nbsp;Samantha
Snell, Galena Police Department

Douglas • Andrew Miller, KU Public Safety • Austin Kost, Eudora Police Department

Ellis •&nbsp;Lindsey
Clayton, Hays Police Department

Franklin •&nbsp;Andrew
Dougan, Ottawa Police Department

Grant •&nbsp;Neal
Baker, Ulysses Police Department

Gray •&nbsp;Luke
Davis, Gray County Sheriff’s Office

Johnson • Darien Willis, Kansas City Public Schools Police Department •&nbsp;Jonathon
Dunfee, Kansas City Public Schools Police Department

Kiowa •&nbsp;Sean
Kost, Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office

Leavenworth •&nbsp;Derrick
Weller, Lansing Police Department

Lyon •&nbsp;Benjamin
Folks, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office

Pottawatomie •&nbsp;Luis
Vargas Baez, St. George Police Department

Rawlins • Michael Runkle, Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office

Reno •&nbsp;Michael
Mendez, Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Adam
Scalisi, Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Camron
Hurley, Hutchinson Police Department

Saline •&nbsp;Trenton
Shaft, Saline County Sheriff’s Office

Seward • Malerie Denson, Liberal Police Department

Sherman •&nbsp;Tanner Feasel, Goodland Police Department •&nbsp;Chalee
Luther, Goodland Police Department

Thomas •&nbsp;Justin Barber, Colby
Police Department

Washington •&nbsp;Kolt
Cooper, Washington County Sheriff’s Office • Joshua Kramer, Washington County Sheriff’s Office

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614785483482.jpeg" alt="Officer Lindsey Clayton&nbsp; graduated Feb. 26 from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center with the 274th class. Officer Clayton joined her shift Tuesday night at the Hays Police Department. Pictured are Corporal Scott Heimann, Officer Lindsey Clayton, Sergeant Phillip Gage, and Officer Alex Broadway. (Photo courtesy HPD)" />
 <figcaption>Officer Lindsey Clayton&nbsp; graduated Feb. 26 from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center with the 274th class. Officer Clayton joined her shift Tuesday night at the Hays Police Department. Pictured are Corporal Scott Heimann, Officer Lindsey Clayton, Sergeant Phillip Gage, and Officer Alex Broadway. (Photo courtesy HPD)</figcaption>
 </figure>KLETC HUTCHINSON — Twenty-seven new law enforcement officers graduated from the&nbsp;Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC)&nbsp;on Feb. 26 at a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;Deputy Luke Davis of the Gray County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Chief Nelson Mosley of the Rose Hill Police Department. Mike Satterlee, KLETC senior instructor of police, was the class coordinator for the 274th Basic Training Class.Officer Samantha Snell of the Galena Police Department was recognized by KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck and awarded a KLETC Certificate of Commendation for her actions in the performance of her duties. Snell, along with Officer Logan Grant of the Galena Police Department, risked their lives on Jan. 18 in an attempt to save victims of a fiery two-vehicle head-on crash. Grant will be recognized when he graduates March 19.Jonathon Dunfee of the Kansas City Public Schools Police Department was also recognized during the ceremony for his firearms proficiency as the class “Top Shot.”Graduates receive certificates of course completion from KLETC and Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority. The training course fulfills the state requirement for law enforcement training. Classroom lectures and hands-on applications help train officers to solve the increasingly complex problems they face in the line of duty.Established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, KLETC trains the majority of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers in Kansas and oversees the training of the remaining officers at seven authorized and certified academy programs operated by local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol.About 300 officers enroll annually in KLETC 14-week basic training programs. KLETC offers continuing education and specialized training to over 10,000 Kansas officers each year. KLETC is located one mile west and one mile south of Yoder, near Hutchinson, and is a division of&nbsp;University of Kansas Lifelong &amp; Professional Education.The graduates, who began their training in October 2020, represented 23 municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across Kansas. Graduates are listed below by county and agency:Brown • Brock Becker, Horton Police Department • Chance Johansen, Hiawatha Police DepartmentButler •&nbsp;Peyton
Heidebrecht, Rose Hill Police DepartmentCherokee •&nbsp;Samantha
Snell, Galena Police Department Douglas • Andrew Miller, KU Public Safety • Austin Kost, Eudora Police Department Ellis •&nbsp;Lindsey
Clayton, Hays Police DepartmentFranklin •&nbsp;Andrew
Dougan, Ottawa Police DepartmentGrant •&nbsp;Neal
Baker, Ulysses Police DepartmentGray •&nbsp;Luke
Davis, Gray County Sheriff’s OfficeJohnson • Darien Willis, Kansas City Public Schools Police Department •&nbsp;Jonathon
Dunfee, Kansas City Public Schools Police DepartmentKiowa •&nbsp;Sean
Kost, Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office Leavenworth •&nbsp;Derrick
Weller, Lansing Police DepartmentLyon •&nbsp;Benjamin
Folks, Lyon County Sheriff’s OfficePottawatomie •&nbsp;Luis
Vargas Baez, St. George Police Department Rawlins • Michael Runkle, Rawlins County Sheriff’s Office Reno •&nbsp;Michael
Mendez, Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Adam
Scalisi, Reno County Sheriff’s Office •&nbsp;Camron
Hurley, Hutchinson Police DepartmentSaline •&nbsp;Trenton
Shaft, Saline County Sheriff’s OfficeSeward • Malerie Denson, Liberal Police DepartmentSherman •&nbsp;Tanner Feasel, Goodland Police Department •&nbsp;Chalee
Luther, Goodland Police Department Thomas •&nbsp;Justin Barber, Colby
Police DepartmentWashington •&nbsp;Kolt
Cooper, Washington County Sheriff’s Office • Joshua Kramer, Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Hays, NW Kan. officers graduate from police academy

Currently proposed legislation for at-risk public school students is an ill-considered mistake. At this writing, part of a bill moving through the Kansas House, if passed in its present form, would set poor precedents for school choice and is fraught with unintended consequences.

The existing law allows low-income K-12 students, who are designated at high risk by their schools and attend the 100 lowest performing schools, to receive as much as $8,000 in state scholarships for private schooling.&nbsp; The funds are made possible through tax credits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The proposed bill increases the number of scholarship recipients by allowing qualifying students in any school to receive scholarship funding.&nbsp; In addition, it assigns the approximate per pupil $4,500 per year of base state funding to “individual savings accounts” and allows these students to draw down their funds yearly to use for private school tuition and other educational needs.&nbsp; Since about 50 percent of Kansas students receive free or reduced fee lunches, this could result in a major decrease in current school funding.&nbsp;

However well intended, the bill is quite disturbing on multiple levels.

First.&nbsp; The bill has been sold to the public as a victory for school choice that has been denied Kansas families and their children.&nbsp; While most can agree that “choice” is good, the lack of school choice in Kansas is a misnomer leading to inaccurate beliefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Depending on the school district, parents have many choices within the public school system among them—home schooling, remote learning, traditional schools and charter schools.&nbsp; Parents also may pay out-of-pocket and send their children to private schools.

Second.&nbsp; Any tax credit at the state level draws resources away from the general fund.&nbsp; Even though the tax credit is capped currently at $10 million, in a COVID induced contracting economy, do we really want to pull any tax dollars away from the general fund?&nbsp; The real benefit of tax credit scholarships goes to wealthy individuals, who may claim their scholarship donation as a state tax write-off, not middle- and lower-earning Kansans, who, by virtue of their income level, cannot benefit from such tax-avoidance opportunities.

Third. Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers has written that the tax credit part of the bill alone would likely cost the state more than $12 million per year to administer.&nbsp; In the current economy, do we really want more burden on taxpayers?

Fourth.&nbsp; Kansas has many private secular and religious schools that provide strong learning environments, but the current bill opens the door to misuse of state funds. The tax credit part of the bill requires private schools to be accredited, yet even though these schools meet initial accreditation standards, they are not prevented from having selective admissions.&nbsp; Neither are private schools monitored regularly, as public schools are, to ensure that they continue to maintain on-going, high-quality standards.&nbsp; The education savings account part of the bill allows state funds to be used at non-accredited private schools that are not regulated by the Kansas State Department of Education.

In its current state, this legislation is bad for Kansas.&nbsp; Its faults are so numerous, onerous and down-right indefensible that major revisions probably cannot repair it.&nbsp; Our legislators need to t step back and give more thought to fair and appropriate ways that the state can provide equitable educational opportunities to low income, low performing students.&nbsp;

Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593719779701.jpeg" alt="Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education." />
 <figcaption>Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.</figcaption>
 </figure>Currently proposed legislation for at-risk public school students is an ill-considered mistake. At this writing, part of a bill moving through the Kansas House, if passed in its present form, would set poor precedents for school choice and is fraught with unintended consequences.The existing law allows low-income K-12 students, who are designated at high risk by their schools and attend the 100 lowest performing schools, to receive as much as $8,000 in state scholarships for private schooling.&nbsp; The funds are made possible through tax credits.&nbsp;&nbsp;The proposed bill increases the number of scholarship recipients by allowing qualifying students in any school to receive scholarship funding.&nbsp; In addition, it assigns the approximate per pupil $4,500 per year of base state funding to “individual savings accounts” and allows these students to draw down their funds yearly to use for private school tuition and other educational needs.&nbsp; Since about 50 percent of Kansas students receive free or reduced fee lunches, this could result in a major decrease in current school funding.&nbsp;However well intended, the bill is quite disturbing on multiple levels.First.&nbsp; The bill has been sold to the public as a victory for school choice that has been denied Kansas families and their children.&nbsp; While most can agree that “choice” is good, the lack of school choice in Kansas is a misnomer leading to inaccurate beliefs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on the school district, parents have many choices within the public school system among them—home schooling, remote learning, traditional schools and charter schools.&nbsp; Parents also may pay out-of-pocket and send their children to private schools.Second.&nbsp; Any tax credit at the state level draws resources away from the general fund.&nbsp; Even though the tax credit is capped currently at $10 million, in a COVID induced contracting economy, do we really want to pull any tax dollars away from the general fund?&nbsp; The real benefit of tax credit scholarships goes to wealthy individuals, who may claim their scholarship donation as a state tax write-off, not middle- and lower-earning Kansans, who, by virtue of their income level, cannot benefit from such tax-avoidance opportunities.Third. Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Rogers has written that the tax credit part of the bill alone would likely cost the state more than $12 million per year to administer.&nbsp; In the current economy, do we really want more burden on taxpayers?Fourth.&nbsp; Kansas has many private secular and religious schools that provide strong learning environments, but the current bill opens the door to misuse of state funds. The tax credit part of the bill requires private schools to be accredited, yet even though these schools meet initial accreditation standards, they are not prevented from having selective admissions.&nbsp; Neither are private schools monitored regularly, as public schools are, to ensure that they continue to maintain on-going, high-quality standards.&nbsp; The education savings account part of the bill allows state funds to be used at non-accredited private schools that are not regulated by the Kansas State Department of Education.In its current state, this legislation is bad for Kansas.&nbsp; Its faults are so numerous, onerous and down-right indefensible that major revisions probably cannot repair it.&nbsp; Our legislators need to t step back and give more thought to fair and appropriate ways that the state can provide equitable educational opportunities to low income, low performing students.&nbsp;Sharon Hartin Iorio is Dean Emerita Wichita State University College of Education.

INSIGHT KANSAS: State scholarships create more problems than solutions

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas recently announced that the United Way of Ellis County has allocated $25,600 for the Job Placement Follow-along program for 2021. Follow-along services are provided to all individuals who complete DSNWK's Job Placement Program for support to maintain employment and for additional training in the future.&nbsp; DSNWK’s Job Placement Follow-along program can intervene before the individual loses his or her employment and reduces the dollars spent on job procurement, training new employees, and unemployment or disability payments. &nbsp;

ACCESS Public Transportation was informed by the CARE Council of Ellis County that they have recommended an allocation to the Hays City Commission for an award of $77,732.50 for transportation services from the City of Hays Social Service Funds for the 2022 budget.&nbsp; ACCESS provides general public transportation services to the people of Hays and Ellis County.

DSNWK would like to thank the United Way of Ellis County for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities and to the Care Council for recommending an allocation to the City of Hays for ACCESS general public transportation.&nbsp;

DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261742827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas recently announced that the United Way of Ellis County has allocated $25,600 for the Job Placement Follow-along program for 2021. Follow-along services are provided to all individuals who complete DSNWK's Job Placement Program for support to maintain employment and for additional training in the future.&nbsp; DSNWK’s Job Placement Follow-along program can intervene before the individual loses his or her employment and reduces the dollars spent on job procurement, training new employees, and unemployment or disability payments. &nbsp;ACCESS Public Transportation was informed by the CARE Council of Ellis County that they have recommended an allocation to the Hays City Commission for an award of $77,732.50 for transportation services from the City of Hays Social Service Funds for the 2022 budget.&nbsp; ACCESS provides general public transportation services to the people of Hays and Ellis County.DSNWK would like to thank the United Way of Ellis County for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities and to the Care Council for recommending an allocation to the City of Hays for ACCESS general public transportation.&nbsp;DSNWK is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving 18 counties in northwest Kansas with a mission to advocate for persons with disabilities and those who care about them by planning and supporting a life of dignity, interdependence, and personal satisfaction in the community.&nbsp;

DSNWK benefits from the support of United Way, CARE Council

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Eagle Radio auction is underway!

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=direct&amp;utm_campaign=hayspost_obituary_category">HERE</a> for the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hays Post is honored to publish full obituaries at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>.<figure>
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Three-day weather outlook

Career opportunity available from Farmers National Bank, with offices in Phillipsburg, Agra, Logan, Kensington, Stockton and Atwood, Kansas.&nbsp; Seeking the right motivated individual to join our team as a Loan Officer with agricultural emphasis.&nbsp; 

Duties include meeting with customers,
 farm visits and inspections, cash flow analysis and general banking.&nbsp; 
Farmers National Bank offers a strong team environment, competitive 
salary and benefits package including retirement.&nbsp; 

Come join our
 team, celebrating 100 years of financial services in the area.&nbsp; 

Submit 
your resume to Farmers National Bank, PO Box 546, Phillipsburg, Kansas 
67661, or deliver to 759 State Street, Phillipsburg, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614780563822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Career opportunity available from Farmers National Bank, with offices in Phillipsburg, Agra, Logan, Kensington, Stockton and Atwood, Kansas.&nbsp; Seeking the right motivated individual to join our team as a Loan Officer with agricultural emphasis.&nbsp; Duties include meeting with customers,
 farm visits and inspections, cash flow analysis and general banking.&nbsp; 
Farmers National Bank offers a strong team environment, competitive 
salary and benefits package including retirement.&nbsp; Come join our
 team, celebrating 100 years of financial services in the area.&nbsp; Submit 
your resume to Farmers National Bank, PO Box 546, Phillipsburg, Kansas 
67661, or deliver to 759 State Street, Phillipsburg, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

HPD arrest log, Feb. 25 to 28

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">notifications click here.</a>

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🎙 Post Podcast: FHSU continues leading online education during pandemic

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Ellis County Rural Water District No. 1C public water supply system in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from Ellis County Rural Water District No. 1C indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDQuMzYzNTQ5OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.5spJsp_Qdy1aXt5HE-JqB1foHaxarNKaAOWH5gn4thY/s/1305913623/br/99430252381-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Ellis County Rural Water District No. 1C public water supply system in Ellis County. The advisory was issued because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing samples collected from Ellis County Rural Water District No. 1C indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMDQuMzYzNTQ5OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvcHdzL2VtZXJnZW5jeXJlc3BvbnNlL3dhdGVyX2Rpc3J1cHRpb24uaHRtP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.5spJsp_Qdy1aXt5HE-JqB1foHaxarNKaAOWH5gn4thY/s/1305913623/br/99430252381-l" target="_blank">http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm</a>

Boil water advisory rescinded for Ellis County Rural Water District No. 1C

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Driven by pleas from desperate local officials, Kansas legislators on Wednesday quickly created a state low-interest loan program to help cities cover spikes in costs associated with providing heat and electricity to their residents during last month’s intense cold snap.

Lawmakers sent Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb88_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow the state to loan out $100 million of its idle funds immediately to cities that operate their own electric and natural gas utilities, to cover “extraordinary” energy costs last month. Cities would have up to 10 years to pay off the loans.

The bill was introduced Tuesday, had a hearing, cleared a House committee Wednesday morning and passed the House less than two hours later,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210303113520_567345/" target="_blank">124-0.</a>&nbsp;The Senate approved it,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210303155357_970568/" target="_blank">37-1,</a>&nbsp;in the afternoon, and Kelly promised to sign it immediately.

“This loan program is very important to our cities,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “It gives them the immediate relief they need to avoid dire financial decisions while we pursue other, long-term solutions.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/www.apnews.com/ca8d4314b7f7d7d763325b79d4963305" target="_blank">Subzero temperatures</a>&nbsp;in mid-February led to a big spike in demand for natural gas, and other problems, such as freezing equipment, made gas hard to obtain, causing prices to jump. That left dozens of cities in Kansas with big energy bills that are coming due, and advocates of the bill said some could face bankruptcy without help.

The city of Denison, with about 190 residents 40 miles north of Topeka, has been billed about $241,000 for gas in February, when its bill last year was about $4,100, City Clerk Yvonne Hamer told the House committee&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1_20210303_37_testimony.html" target="_blank">in written testimony.&nbsp;</a>She said that without help, the city will “go under” after 134 years.

“Now I am fearful that I will have to close my doors if the city has to pass on the outrageous gas prices which were incurred in February,” Samantha Correll, who purchased the Finer Than A Frog Hair Bar &amp; Grill in Denison, said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1_20210303_38_testimony.html" target="_blank">in a statement</a>&nbsp;to the committee.

Lawmakers were concentrating first on helping cities operating their own utilities because they’ve already received one round of bills from the cold snap and have another round coming due. Kimberly Gencur Svaty, a lobbyist for municipal utilities, said many of those cities tapped out available funds to cover the first round.

Fifty-three cities provide natural gas to their residents for heat, and 118 operate their own electric utilities — some of which also use natural gas to generate power. Svaty said within a week, gas prices spiked at as much as 200 times what cities had been paying.

She said cities operating their own utilities face “an immediate financial crisis” because Great Depression-era laws aimed at stabilizing their finances greatly limit their ability to borrow money. Without help, she and other supporters said, those cities face imposing huge, short-term increases in customers’ bills, when loans would allow them to “smooth out” the extra costs over time.

Svaty also said that if cities can’t pay their gas bills, they risk being excluded from the market, which would leave some of them unable to supply their residents.

“This is something you can do right here right now that will literally make a difference in the lives of people in the next week to 10 days,” Svaty said.

In Argonia, a town of around 500 people about 50 miles southwest of Wichita, the city expects a bill of more than $500,000 from February when its typical monthly cost is $9,000, according to City Clerk Tara Pierce.

“This extreme cost could break us,” she said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1_20210303_32_testimony.html" target="_blank">in testimony</a>&nbsp;to the House committee.

In the House, Democratic Rep. Henry Helgerson, of Wichita, worried that the state would be on the hook if a city defaulted on a loan but voted for the bill.

The only no vote in either chamber came from freshman Republican Sen. Alicia Straub, of Ellinwood. She said allowing cities to take out low-interest loans is “acknowledging that somehow the consumer was at fault for this.”

“I don’t feel that the consumer is at fault, and I don’t feel that the consumer should have to pay this in any way,” she said.

But Chris Komarek, the city administrator in Straub’s central Kansas hometown of 2,100 residents, had urged lawmakers to pass the bill, saying in written testimony that it was “huge to the survival of communities across the state of Kansas.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614869274133.png" alt="“This loan program is very important to our cities,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference Wednesday.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>“This loan program is very important to our cities,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference Wednesday.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Driven by pleas from desperate local officials, Kansas legislators on Wednesday quickly created a state low-interest loan program to help cities cover spikes in costs associated with providing heat and electricity to their residents during last month’s intense cold snap.Lawmakers sent Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/supp_note_sb88_01_0000.pdf" target="_blank">a bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow the state to loan out $100 million of its idle funds immediately to cities that operate their own electric and natural gas utilities, to cover “extraordinary” energy costs last month. Cities would have up to 10 years to pay off the loans.The bill was introduced Tuesday, had a hearing, cleared a House committee Wednesday morning and passed the House less than two hours later,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210303113520_567345/" target="_blank">124-0.</a>&nbsp;The Senate approved it,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/vote_view/je_20210303155357_970568/" target="_blank">37-1,</a>&nbsp;in the afternoon, and Kelly promised to sign it immediately.“This loan program is very important to our cities,” Kelly said during a Statehouse news conference. “It gives them the immediate relief they need to avoid dire financial decisions while we pursue other, long-term solutions.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613863213415.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/www.apnews.com/ca8d4314b7f7d7d763325b79d4963305" target="_blank">Subzero temperatures</a>&nbsp;in mid-February led to a big spike in demand for natural gas, and other problems, such as freezing equipment, made gas hard to obtain, causing prices to jump. That left dozens of cities in Kansas with big energy bills that are coming due, and advocates of the bill said some could face bankruptcy without help.The city of Denison, with about 190 residents 40 miles north of Topeka, has been billed about $241,000 for gas in February, when its bill last year was about $4,100, City Clerk Yvonne Hamer told the House committee&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1_20210303_37_testimony.html" target="_blank">in written testimony.&nbsp;</a>She said that without help, the city will “go under” after 134 years.“Now I am fearful that I will have to close my doors if the city has to pass on the outrageous gas prices which were incurred in February,” Samantha Correll, who purchased the Finer Than A Frog Hair Bar &amp; Grill in Denison, said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1_20210303_38_testimony.html" target="_blank">in a statement</a>&nbsp;to the committee.Lawmakers were concentrating first on helping cities operating their own utilities because they’ve already received one round of bills from the cold snap and have another round coming due. Kimberly Gencur Svaty, a lobbyist for municipal utilities, said many of those cities tapped out available funds to cover the first round.Fifty-three cities provide natural gas to their residents for heat, and 118 operate their own electric utilities — some of which also use natural gas to generate power. Svaty said within a week, gas prices spiked at as much as 200 times what cities had been paying.She said cities operating their own utilities face “an immediate financial crisis” because Great Depression-era laws aimed at stabilizing their finances greatly limit their ability to borrow money. Without help, she and other supporters said, those cities face imposing huge, short-term increases in customers’ bills, when loans would allow them to “smooth out” the extra costs over time.Svaty also said that if cities can’t pay their gas bills, they risk being excluded from the market, which would leave some of them unable to supply their residents.“This is something you can do right here right now that will literally make a difference in the lives of people in the next week to 10 days,” Svaty said.In Argonia, a town of around 500 people about 50 miles southwest of Wichita, the city expects a bill of more than $500,000 from February when its typical monthly cost is $9,000, according to City Clerk Tara Pierce.“This extreme cost could break us,” she said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_financial_institutions_and_rural_developm_1_20210303_32_testimony.html" target="_blank">in testimony</a>&nbsp;to the House committee.In the House, Democratic Rep. Henry Helgerson, of Wichita, worried that the state would be on the hook if a city defaulted on a loan but voted for the bill.The only no vote in either chamber came from freshman Republican Sen. Alicia Straub, of Ellinwood. She said allowing cities to take out low-interest loans is “acknowledging that somehow the consumer was at fault for this.”“I don’t feel that the consumer is at fault, and I don’t feel that the consumer should have to pay this in any way,” she said.But Chris Komarek, the city administrator in Straub’s central Kansas hometown of 2,100 residents, had urged lawmakers to pass the bill, saying in written testimony that it was “huge to the survival of communities across the state of Kansas.”____

Kansas to loan up to $100M to cities with huge energy costs

SCOTT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident during a chase by law enforcement just before 12:30a.m. Thursday in Scott County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the Scott County Sheriff's office was in pursuit of a 2002 Nissan Altima driven by Monica Renee Garcia, 33, Ogallala, NE, eastbound on County Road 290&nbsp;at North Omaha Road one mile east of U.S. 83.

Garcia lost control of the Nissan.&nbsp; It traveled off the road into the south and rolled.

EMS transported Garcia and a passenger in the Nissan David Paul Nuno, 24, Kearney, NE, to the Scott County Hospital.&nbsp; Garcia was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;Nuno has been booked into the Scott County jail, according to online jail records.

SCOTT COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident during a chase by law enforcement just before 12:30a.m. Thursday in Scott County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the Scott County Sheriff's office was in pursuit of a 2002 Nissan Altima driven by Monica Renee Garcia, 33, Ogallala, NE, eastbound on County Road 290&nbsp;at North Omaha Road one mile east of U.S. 83.Garcia lost control of the Nissan.&nbsp; It traveled off the road into the south and rolled.EMS transported Garcia and a passenger in the Nissan David Paul Nuno, 24, Kearney, NE, to the Scott County Hospital.&nbsp; Garcia was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;Nuno has been booked into the Scott County jail, according to online jail records.

2 hospitalized after crash during chase by Kan. deputies

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

<a href="https://patsbeefjerky.com/">Pat's Beef Jerky</a> in Liebenthal is under new management with the new owners hoping for expansion.

Chris and Dana&nbsp;Schumacher took over the business from founder and owner <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e45b97165b5d31438496795">Pat Carver in September upon his retirement</a>.

"Pat's Beef Jerky has established itself as a Kansas staple, and we wanted to be a part of growing the brand," Dana&nbsp;Schumacher said.

Dana, 43, said she and Chris, 43, grew up in Hays around family businesses, so they saw the hard work and dedication it took by their parents to develop a business in ever-changing economies. Both Dana and Chris are Thomas More Prep-Marian alums.

"Chris has always had a love for cooking and creating in the kitchen," Dana said. "He started Shorty's BBQ in 2010 as a hobby and enjoyed developing menu items for friends and family, which developed into a catering business."

So far, little has changes at the business, especially in the recipes that Pat's Beef Jerky fans are used to.&nbsp;You will get the same legendary beef jerky, beef sticks, bologna, bratwursts and summer sausage as you always have.

The&nbsp;Schumachers are also partnering with Alma Cheese, and you can now buy their cheese products in Liebenthal at Pat's and Pat's Beef Jerky in Alma.

The&nbsp;Schumachers are also planning to keep Pat's in Liebenthal.

"The area has so much character, and we have grown to love it here," Dana said. "The small-town atmosphere makes the job so much more interesting as we meet people from all over the country who make it a point to stop at Pat's Beef Jerky."

You can still purchase the jerky at the plant, in select retail outlets and online at&nbsp;<a href="http://patsbeefjerky.com">patsbeefjerky.com</a>. You can also follow Pat's on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pats-Beef-Jerky-166891520028584">Facebook</a>.

Although Chris trained under Pat before taking over the business and plans on keeping the classic flavors, the couple is also looking toward the future.&nbsp;

"We hope to expand production capabilities by updating equipment and modernizing our facilities," Dana said. "We would love to expand our retail space to provide a larger variety of products.  We hope to develop some new flavors to add to our jerky selection."

The business makes about 80 pounds of jerky four days a week and 85 to 95 pounds of beef pepper sticks one day each week.

Chris is working on a teriyaki beef jerky to add to the business's classic offerings.

"We would love to establish our brand in retail locations across the United States," Dana said. "We are always actively searching for stores to feature the Pat's Beef Jerky brand."

Dana said the couple did not have concerns about taking on a new business during the pandemic.

"I think during this tumultuous time, people are looking for things close to home to bring them comfort.  Pat's Beef Jerky is a perfect comfort food," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614619182669.jpeg" alt="Chris and Dana Schumacher are the new owners of Pat's Beef Jerky in Liebenthal. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Chris and Dana Schumacher are the new owners of Pat's Beef Jerky in Liebenthal. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post<a href="https://patsbeefjerky.com/">Pat's Beef Jerky</a> in Liebenthal is under new management with the new owners hoping for expansion.Chris and Dana&nbsp;Schumacher took over the business from founder and owner <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e45b97165b5d31438496795">Pat Carver in September upon his retirement</a>."Pat's Beef Jerky has established itself as a Kansas staple, and we wanted to be a part of growing the brand," Dana&nbsp;Schumacher said.Dana, 43, said she and Chris, 43, grew up in Hays around family businesses, so they saw the hard work and dedication it took by their parents to develop a business in ever-changing economies. Both Dana and Chris are Thomas More Prep-Marian alums."Chris has always had a love for cooking and creating in the kitchen," Dana said. "He started Shorty's BBQ in 2010 as a hobby and enjoyed developing menu items for friends and family, which developed into a catering business."So far, little has changes at the business, especially in the recipes that Pat's Beef Jerky fans are used to.&nbsp;You will get the same legendary beef jerky, beef sticks, bologna, bratwursts and summer sausage as you always have.The&nbsp;Schumachers are also partnering with Alma Cheese, and you can now buy their cheese products in Liebenthal at Pat's and Pat's Beef Jerky in Alma.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614619222538.jpeg" alt="Chris&nbsp;Schumacher, new Pat's Beef Jerky owner, taking a batch of beef jerky out of the oven at their plant in Liebenthal. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Chris&nbsp;Schumacher, new Pat's Beef Jerky owner, taking a batch of beef jerky out of the oven at their plant in Liebenthal. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Schumachers are also planning to keep Pat's in Liebenthal."The area has so much character, and we have grown to love it here," Dana said. "The small-town atmosphere makes the job so much more interesting as we meet people from all over the country who make it a point to stop at Pat's Beef Jerky."You can still purchase the jerky at the plant, in select retail outlets and online at&nbsp;<a href="http://patsbeefjerky.com">patsbeefjerky.com</a>. You can also follow Pat's on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pats-Beef-Jerky-166891520028584">Facebook</a>.Although Chris trained under Pat before taking over the business and plans on keeping the classic flavors, the couple is also looking toward the future.&nbsp;"We hope to expand production capabilities by updating equipment and modernizing our facilities," Dana said. "We would love to expand our retail space to provide a larger variety of products. We hope to develop some new flavors to add to our jerky selection."The business makes about 80 pounds of jerky four days a week and 85 to 95 pounds of beef pepper sticks one day each week.Chris is working on a teriyaki beef jerky to add to the business's classic offerings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614629419235.jpeg" alt="Pat's Beef Jerky employee Heather LaPorte removes beef jerky from an oven. Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Pat's Beef Jerky employee Heather LaPorte removes beef jerky from an oven. Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"We would love to establish our brand in retail locations across the United States," Dana said. "We are always actively searching for stores to feature the Pat's Beef Jerky brand."Dana said the couple did not have concerns about taking on a new business during the pandemic."I think during this tumultuous time, people are looking for things close to home to bring them comfort. Pat's Beef Jerky is a perfect comfort food," she said.

Pat's Beef Jerky under new ownership, same tasty jerky

TOPEKA — The Kansas Chamber this week announced its 2021 Leadership Kansas class, including two members from northwest Kansas.

Leadership Kansas, or LK, is a nationally recognized program focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.

Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb said the Kansas Chamber is excited to welcome the newest Leadership Kansas class — one of the most diverse classes in the program's 42-year history.

Class members include Joseph Leroux, Victoria, operations manager of Hess Services Inc., in Hays, and Tamara&nbsp;Clymer, Brewster, president/CEO of Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

"As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas has a long history of fostering greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues. The program helps develop our state leaders to make Kansas a stronger and more vibrant business engine," said Cobb.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583264003733.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseTOPEKA — The Kansas Chamber this week announced its 2021 Leadership Kansas class, including two members from northwest Kansas.Leadership Kansas, or LK, is a nationally recognized program focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb said the Kansas Chamber is excited to welcome the newest Leadership Kansas class — one of the most diverse classes in the program's 42-year history.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614705023559.jpeg" alt="Joe Leroux" />
 <figcaption>Joe Leroux</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614699054622.jpeg" alt="Tamara Clymer" />
 <figcaption>Tamara Clymer</figcaption>
 </figure>Class members include Joseph Leroux, Victoria, operations manager of Hess Services Inc., in Hays, and Tamara&nbsp;Clymer, Brewster, president/CEO of Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;"As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas has a long history of fostering greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues. The program helps develop our state leaders to make Kansas a stronger and more vibrant business engine," said Cobb.Leadership Kansas received more than 600 nominations for the 2021 program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee chose 42 individuals for the 2021 class.&nbsp;The committee and the Leadership Kansas Board of Advisors make every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.&nbsp;The program begins in April with an orientation session in Lawrence and ends with graduation in October after the completion of seven sessions. The other cities the 2021 class will visit for this year's program include Garden City, Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Kansas City, KS, Leavenworth, Hays, Pittsburg, Hutchinson, Wichita, El Dorado, Manhattan, and Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the six-month program, the class interacts with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.&nbsp;"Participants in the Leadership Kansas program contribute their unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the LK program. They receive once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet the business and government leaders of Kansas, who help them become better leaders in their businesses and communities," said Stan Rasmussen,&nbsp;LK Board of Advisors Chairman (Class of 2007)&nbsp;&nbsp;Leadership Kansas has more than 1,400 alumni.Jeff "Chappie" Chapman (Class of 2012) serves as the Executive Director of the Leadership Kansas program.<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010FYr0aucuy9lqEHe10h0GIhWpbb7Q7H7x09vgeGmjlh-wqZ2K6rqeAbzbh3cMmRPGaZBVJ0hpsGU7OjMJ_fskpf_zxv1S98NJS38zKi3yshyo3AtDj5RHW6mfZpMgnJiDd0ZWemA7gT9LMkwnR57GjjL-Q_6m8L86VMiPfRRETja4La0PEExGt0iiCipe2Y9511wN6K9wALa06EOskegIqrbB1efzaQax6cpt0JNa8U=&amp;c=BiBb7ADP7KNhBzcquFxUrt_2Mkri-ttHgC2Fy9G1HBlWimn6yFKfRg==&amp;ch=4M0eR_1GKQUuz36F03P8_Dfo7jfKw6vZKtoGfEo7o72g_f89cZlsPw==" target="_blank">Click here</a>to see a complete list of the 2021 Leadership Kansas class.About the Kansas Chamber The Kansas Chamber, with headquarters in Topeka, is the leading statewide pro-business advocacy group moving Kansas towards becoming the best state in America to live and work. The Chamber represents small, medium and large employers all across Kansas.&nbsp;The mission of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce is to continually strive to improve the economic climate for the benefit of every business and citizen and to safeguard our system of free, competitive enterprise.&nbsp;For more information on the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010FYr0aucuy9lqEHe10h0GIhWpbb7Q7H7x09vgeGmjlh-wqZ2K6rqeD-fxI9wUK1zYoiS5Psj2AnMKjNcUSSv5dzECLST_Xct4dR1-6Kw89ofyhJbHFHU7uA7k6a8zdp87Kc9hovYrupqZu1qchcJKw==&amp;c=BiBb7ADP7KNhBzcquFxUrt_2Mkri-ttHgC2Fy9G1HBlWimn6yFKfRg==&amp;ch=4M0eR_1GKQUuz36F03P8_Dfo7jfKw6vZKtoGfEo7o72g_f89cZlsPw==" target="_blank">www.KansasChamber.org</a>.About Leadership Kansas Established by the Kansas Chamber Education Foundation at the encouragement of&nbsp;former Governor of Kansas Robert Bennett, Leadership Kansas is supported and administered by the Kansas Chamber. The program is entering its fifth decade of educating and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state. It has more than 1,400 alumni. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010FYr0aucuy9lqEHe10h0GIhWpbb7Q7H7x09vgeGmjlh-wqZ2K6rqeGprma7yBhnbgEAT9lKjIfdsYalwxxSVibqji6kKU8mNrc--rIQ6E87nFvEfzIntnU3-pfSXmhcAScMnGV8QsOWA1SlPMxFScw==&amp;c=BiBb7ADP7KNhBzcquFxUrt_2Mkri-ttHgC2Fy9G1HBlWimn6yFKfRg==&amp;ch=4M0eR_1GKQUuz36F03P8_Dfo7jfKw6vZKtoGfEo7o72g_f89cZlsPw==" target="_blank">www.LeadershipKansas.org</a>&nbsp;to learn more about the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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