Numerous law enforcement agencies in northwest Kansas were advising against traveling through the region Wednesday evening as icy weather moved in causing several accidents on I-70 and other state highways.

<a href="https://www.kandrive.org/kandrive/roads/#conditions/-98.41/38.3957/7">For the latest road conditions visit the Kansas Road Conditions website.</a>

Numerous law enforcement agencies in northwest Kansas were advising against traveling through the region Wednesday evening as icy weather moved in causing several accidents on I-70 and other state highways.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTrooperTodKHP%2Fposts%2F2350275838595857&width=500" width="500" height="663" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FThomasCountyKSSheriff%2Fposts%2F2474268809491987&width=500" width="500" height="497" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FShermanCountySheriffsOffice%2Fposts%2F2784022778391901&width=500" width="500" height="416" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHaysPD%2Fposts%2F3230406213653512&width=500" width="500" height="462" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNWSDodgeCity%2Fposts%2F4324754404216348&width=500" width="500" height="435" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div><a href="https://www.kandrive.org/kandrive/roads/#conditions/-98.41/38.3957/7">For the latest road conditions visit the Kansas Road Conditions website.</a>

As winter weather moves in law enforcement advising against travel in northwestern Kansas

Mother Nature was not kind to the annual Wild West Festival in Hays last year.

The 25th annual event celebrating the July 4th holiday was plagued by two consecutive nights of rainfall. Usually, rain is welcomed in Hays but it put a damper on the three-day event.

Attendance at two of the three concerts in Municipal Park was down significantly, resulting in lost revenue.

Summer rains also delayed the area wheat harvest and people who normally planned to attend the festival were instead working in their fields.&nbsp;

"2019 was one of the worst years we had with weather," said longtime committee member&nbsp;Joleen Younger.

Wild West Festival is not a money maker, but "the public just needs to know it takes a lot of money to put on this kind of festival each year," she added.

"Regardless of whether a band performs or not, we have to pay them."&nbsp;

The festival has numerous volunteers and sponsors. Some donations are in-kind while others are cash donations.&nbsp;

"We appreciate everything that everybody does for us, because if we didn't have that, this event wouldn't go on."

Committee members have planned a family-friendly fundraiser on Feb. 22 to help close the financial gap.

A traditional "wedding roast dinner" with sides and dessert, all homemade, will be presented 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday evening in the Schenk Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Children 12 and younger are $10 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine, or from any WWF committee member.

The evening will also include a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.&nbsp;

Music will be provided by the local band DoC and a cash bar will be available.

The social hour kicks off at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m.

New committee member Melissa Dixon joked "it doesn't matter what the weather does, because we're gonna be indoors." As of Wednesday morning, about 300 tickets had been sold, she reported.

Even when the mid-summer&nbsp; weather cooperates, costs for the Wild West Festival keep increasing as bands charge more their appearances.

Many of the $20 WWF tickets are sold in advance at area outlets.&nbsp;

"Where else are you going to get three days of entertainment - country and rock concerts, a carnival, a parade, and a huge fireworks display for just $20?," Younger pointed out.

The free fireworks show costs about $1,000 a minute and "we try to have about a 25-minute show, so you can add that up," she said. 

The professional concert stage and lighting are the biggest expenses.

Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, knows the Wild West Festival draws people from out of town and has an economic impact on the city.&nbsp;

"The motel rooms are pretty well filled," Dixon said, "so we encourage people to book their rooms early for the holiday."

The city provides some in-kind labor in preparing the park for the festival and also supports it monetarily.&nbsp;

Last summer, parks department employees put down mulch to help dry out the festival grounds following the rainstorms.

Younger works with an events agency in Nashville to book the musical entertainment. She likes to keep the total budget at about $50,000.

That's not nearly enough to hire country icons such as George Strait or Tim McGraw who command anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million and up per appearance.

Even the smaller, lesser known groups can get expensive in a hurry.

"A small act with one hit is already asking $15,000 to $20,000. And if they get another hit song or an award, they're just out of our range."

This year's acts have already been booked and announced&nbsp;on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildwestfestival/?__tn__=kC-R&amp;eid=ARBCVognYTa6x-7hrQG-tNEh67Htq533JDRHhXYq6IqJekcH-F7YNLDhmqzzhXywXAKN4Xwx6SI33ssb&amp;hc_ref=ARQDeF7UX1ShwWLprKYe4lYK7prE0CyUZjKgzfuP1ycuqNyJDEkv_rCLw4gPOV9wDO4&amp;fref=nf&amp;__xts__[0]=68.ARCIb_NznAXooCG2ekQB5PNvyCCcbsCbRlZZ7ZBBF8zTuOmQZ2xdkqLsY86zK9GqdQ1esDKNWNmMke1WuPtcn08CnX_vHfq8bkSvWOkUc0UvJNxcYeQkVYFDD1OeIaZDwC0ws_kqHVPUMjMbbsIpvrKGBXYyy9LkHgCCmBtG410Q2eKuoCEHWxEnEgrYknT2_6R2s1gEH7fQf2sQ2yO1KJIeNlpKyQZWvjJ9JhNzcQp2D3ft8Td18BNMyl3NYQfGtcfpHof4ix7T12iqr-8LdKV4KfLEmM1-qjYrOPb5Oe3KHbOCzNa9KJmV0X9aKD5zVEsH35vQaVxlOekf4Ta1NM7OgjDZ">WWF Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;

Country music singer and songwriter Michael Ray will appear on Wednesday, July 1, the Country Throwback Tour with Restless Heart AND Shenandoah is Thursday, July 2, and rock band FireHouse performs Friday, July 3. The fireworks show will be Saturday, July 4.&nbsp;

WEEE Entertainment out of Ford, near Dodge City, will provide the carnival Wednesday through Saturday evenings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582048653036.jpeg" alt="Proceeds to benefit the Hays Wild West Festival" />
 <figcaption>Proceeds to benefit the Hays Wild West Festival</figcaption>
 </figure><div>By BECKY KISER Hays Post</div>Mother Nature was not kind to the annual Wild West Festival in Hays last year.The 25th annual event celebrating the July 4th holiday was plagued by two consecutive nights of rainfall. Usually, rain is welcomed in Hays but it put a damper on the three-day event.Attendance at two of the three concerts in Municipal Park was down significantly, resulting in lost revenue.Summer rains also delayed the area wheat harvest and people who normally planned to attend the festival were instead working in their fields.&nbsp;"2019 was one of the worst years we had with weather," said longtime committee member&nbsp;Joleen Younger.Wild West Festival is not a money maker, but "the public just needs to know it takes a lot of money to put on this kind of festival each year," she added."Regardless of whether a band performs or not, we have to pay them."&nbsp;The festival has numerous volunteers and sponsors. Some donations are in-kind while others are cash donations.&nbsp;"We appreciate everything that everybody does for us, because if we didn't have that, this event wouldn't go on."Committee members have planned a family-friendly fundraiser on Feb. 22 to help close the financial gap.A traditional "wedding roast dinner" with sides and dessert, all homemade, will be presented 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday evening in the Schenk Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Children 12 and younger are $10 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine, or from any WWF committee member.The evening will also include a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.&nbsp;Music will be provided by the local band DoC and a cash bar will be available.The social hour kicks off at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m.New committee member Melissa Dixon joked "it doesn't matter what the weather does, because we're gonna be indoors." As of Wednesday morning, about 300 tickets had been sold, she reported.Even when the mid-summer&nbsp; weather cooperates, costs for the Wild West Festival keep increasing as bands charge more their appearances.Many of the $20 WWF tickets are sold in advance at area outlets.&nbsp;"Where else are you going to get three days of entertainment - country and rock concerts, a carnival, a parade, and a huge fireworks display for just $20?," Younger pointed out.The free fireworks show costs about $1,000 a minute and "we try to have about a 25-minute show, so you can add that up," she said. The professional concert stage and lighting are the biggest expenses.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ksWNQwC-XlY"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Wild West Festival members Melissa Dixon and Joleen Younger&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Dixon, executive director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, knows the Wild West Festival draws people from out of town and has an economic impact on the city.&nbsp; "The motel rooms are pretty well filled," Dixon said, "so we encourage people to book their rooms early for the holiday."The city provides some in-kind labor in preparing the park for the festival and also supports it monetarily.&nbsp;Last summer, parks department employees put down mulch to help dry out the festival grounds following the rainstorms.Younger works with an events agency in Nashville to book the musical entertainment. She likes to keep the total budget at about $50,000.That's not nearly enough to hire country icons such as George Strait or Tim McGraw who command anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million and up per appearance.Even the smaller, lesser known groups can get expensive in a hurry."A small act with one hit is already asking $15,000 to $20,000. And if they get another hit song or an award, they're just out of our range."This year's acts have already been booked and announced&nbsp;on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wildwestfestival/?__tn__=kC-R&amp;eid=ARBCVognYTa6x-7hrQG-tNEh67Htq533JDRHhXYq6IqJekcH-F7YNLDhmqzzhXywXAKN4Xwx6SI33ssb&amp;hc_ref=ARQDeF7UX1ShwWLprKYe4lYK7prE0CyUZjKgzfuP1ycuqNyJDEkv_rCLw4gPOV9wDO4&amp;fref=nf&amp;__xts__[0]=68.ARCIb_NznAXooCG2ekQB5PNvyCCcbsCbRlZZ7ZBBF8zTuOmQZ2xdkqLsY86zK9GqdQ1esDKNWNmMke1WuPtcn08CnX_vHfq8bkSvWOkUc0UvJNxcYeQkVYFDD1OeIaZDwC0ws_kqHVPUMjMbbsIpvrKGBXYyy9LkHgCCmBtG410Q2eKuoCEHWxEnEgrYknT2_6R2s1gEH7fQf2sQ2yO1KJIeNlpKyQZWvjJ9JhNzcQp2D3ft8Td18BNMyl3NYQfGtcfpHof4ix7T12iqr-8LdKV4KfLEmM1-qjYrOPb5Oe3KHbOCzNa9KJmV0X9aKD5zVEsH35vQaVxlOekf4Ta1NM7OgjDZ">WWF Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;Country music singer and songwriter Michael Ray will appear on Wednesday, July 1, the Country Throwback Tour with Restless Heart AND Shenandoah is Thursday, July 2, and rock band FireHouse performs Friday, July 3. The fireworks show will be Saturday, July 4.&nbsp;WEEE Entertainment out of Ford, near Dodge City, will provide the carnival Wednesday through Saturday evenings.

🎥 Wild West Festival fundraiser dinner set for Saturday

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

<div><iframe title="USD 489 getting ready for kindergarten round-up" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/3tfap-d44d41?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=3&auto=1&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5dd2f46c897d147ad4bb104b">To find out more about The Post Podcast, or subscribe to mobile notifications click here.</a>

🎤Post Podcast: USD 489 getting ready for kindergarten round-up

HaysMed Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbo, orthopedic surgeon at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Medical Center, was recently recognized as a top 10 reviewer for Orthopedics journal.&nbsp; The award recognizes the quantity, quality and timeliness of reviews for the journal.
This is the second consecutive year Dr. Akinbo has been recognized.

For over 40 years, Orthopedics, published by Slack, Inc. has been the preferred choice of orthopedic surgeons for clinically relevant information. A bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal, Orthopedics offers clinically valuable, original articles covering all aspects of adult and pediatric orthopedic surgery and treatment.&nbsp;

Dr. Akinbo has been a peer reviewer for Orthopedics since 2015.&nbsp; In addition, he serves as a peer reviewer for three other publications.&nbsp; According to Akinbo, peer review is a way to ensure that only the most rigorously researched papers make it to publication, and inform practices and patient care of fellow orthopedic surgeons in an evidence based manner.&nbsp;

HaysMed Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbo, orthopedic surgeon at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Medical Center, was recently recognized as a top 10 reviewer for Orthopedics journal.&nbsp; The award recognizes the quantity, quality and timeliness of reviews for the journal.
This is the second consecutive year Dr. Akinbo has been recognized.For over 40 years, Orthopedics, published by Slack, Inc. has been the preferred choice of orthopedic surgeons for clinically relevant information. A bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal, Orthopedics offers clinically valuable, original articles covering all aspects of adult and pediatric orthopedic surgery and treatment.&nbsp;Dr. Akinbo has been a peer reviewer for Orthopedics since 2015.&nbsp; In addition, he serves as a peer reviewer for three other publications.&nbsp; According to Akinbo, peer review is a way to ensure that only the most rigorously researched papers make it to publication, and inform practices and patient care of fellow orthopedic surgeons in an evidence based manner.&nbsp;

HaysMed orthopedic surgeon recognized for literary contributions

Click <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">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">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>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Recent obituaries

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine
 L. Chao announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation will
 award $20.05 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants to 27 
airports in Kansas. This investment in Kansas’ airports is part of a 
$520.5 million national investment in America’s airports that was 
announced today by Secretary Chao.

“This $520.5 million in federal
 support to airports across the country will help to keep our nation’s 
airports in good shape and make air travel a better experience for 
passengers,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

With
 this announcement, the Trump Administration has invested a historic 
$11.42 billion in more than two thousand American airports across the 
United States for safety and infrastructure improvements since January 
2017.

The grants to airports in Kansas include the following awards:

The
 Administration not only supports infrastructure through funding – it is
 making it possible to deliver these much-needed improvements more 
quickly. The Department is working hard to streamline the approval 
process, cut unnecessary red tape and reduce unnecessary, duplicative 
regulations that do not contribute to safety.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These investments 
and reforms are especially timely because the U.S. economy is surging. 
Employers have added more than&nbsp;7 million&nbsp;jobs since January 2017. To 
kick off the new decade, a robust 225,000 American jobs were added in 
January 2020 and the unemployment rate is still a remarkable&nbsp;3.6 
percent—the&nbsp;lowest in 50 years.

Aviation is an important part of 
that growth. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. 
civil aviation supports more than&nbsp;5%&nbsp;of U.S. gross domestic 
product;&nbsp;$1.6 trillion&nbsp;in economic activity; and nearly&nbsp;11 million&nbsp;jobs.

“America’s
 airports provide a gateway to the world for our citizens while at the 
same time delivering first impressions of the United States to visitors 
from abroad,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “It’s in our 
national interest to make them the crown jewel in our transportation 
system. The Airport Improvement Program allows us to do just that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582145168017.jpeg" alt="Chao" />
 <figcaption>Chao</figcaption>
 </figure>USDOTWASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine
 L. Chao announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation will
 award $20.05 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants to 27 
airports in Kansas. This investment in Kansas’ airports is part of a 
$520.5 million national investment in America’s airports that was 
announced today by Secretary Chao.“This $520.5 million in federal
 support to airports across the country will help to keep our nation’s 
airports in good shape and make air travel a better experience for 
passengers,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.With
 this announcement, the Trump Administration has invested a historic 
$11.42 billion in more than two thousand American airports across the 
United States for safety and infrastructure improvements since January 
2017.The grants to airports in Kansas include the following awards:<ol>
 <li>$306,000 to Augusta Municipal Airport for runway reconstruction.</li><li>$450,000 to Cimarron Municipal Airport for taxiway and apron reconstruction.</li><li>$153,375 to Shalz Field in Colby to update the Airport Master Plan.</li><li>$567,000 to Blosser Municipal Airport in Concordia for taxiway lighting work and to seal taxiway pavement.</li><li>$393,078
 to Captain Jack Thomas Memorial Airport in El Dorado to install a 
runway guidance system and for runway lighting construction.</li><li>$180,993 to Emporia Municipal Airport to acquire land for aircraft approaches.</li><li>$1.73 million to Garden City Regional Airport for runway rehabilitation and to install runway incursion markings.</li><li>$600,000 to Gardner Municipal Airport to acquire land for aircraft approaches.</li><li>$1.44
 million to Hays Regional Airport to reconstruct runway lighting and 
airfield guidance signs and to install visual guidance systems.</li><li>$220,500 to Clyde Cessna Field in Kingman for runway pavement sealing.</li><li>$3.61 million to Lawrence Municipal Airport for runway rehabilitation.</li><li>$5.47
 million to Mark Hoard Memorial Airport in Leoti for runway 
reconstruction and to install airport beacons, NAVAIDS, taxiway lighting
 and visual guidance systems.</li><li>$150,000 to Lyons-Rice County Municipal Airport to update the Airport Master Plan.</li><li>$202,500 to McPherson Airport to update the Airport Master Plan.</li><li>$454,639
 to Meade Municipal Airport for runway lighting reconstruction and to 
install NAVAIDS, airfield guidance signs and visual guidance systems.</li><li>$93,060 to Medicine Lodge Airport to conduct an airport-related environmental study.</li><li>$91,935 to Ottawa Municipal Airport to install NAVAIDS.</li><li>$466,259 to Tri-City Airport in Parsons for taxiway construction.</li><li>$279,000 to Phillipsburg Municipal Airport for parking lot and access road construction.</li><li>$517,500 to Russell Municipal Airport for runway and taxiway sealing.</li><li>$450,000 to Cheyanne County Municipal Airport in St. Francis for runway pavement sealing.</li><li>$349,200 to Rooks County Regional Airport to acquire snow removal equipment.</li><li>$600,000 to Syracuse-Hamilton County Municipal Airport for hangar modifications.</li><li>$225,000 to Ulysses Airport to update the Airport Master Plan.</li><li>$375,567 to Colonel James Jabara Airport in Wichita to update the Airport Master Plan and for other studies.</li><li>$189,000 to Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita to conduct an airport study.</li><li>$494,263 to Strother Field in Winfield for taxiway rehabilitation and airport beacon reconstruction.</li>
 </ol>The
 Administration not only supports infrastructure through funding – it is
 making it possible to deliver these much-needed improvements more 
quickly. The Department is working hard to streamline the approval 
process, cut unnecessary red tape and reduce unnecessary, duplicative 
regulations that do not contribute to safety.&nbsp;&nbsp;These investments 
and reforms are especially timely because the U.S. economy is surging. 
Employers have added more than&nbsp;7 million&nbsp;jobs since January 2017. To 
kick off the new decade, a robust 225,000 American jobs were added in 
January 2020 and the unemployment rate is still a remarkable&nbsp;3.6 
percent—the&nbsp;lowest in 50 years.Aviation is an important part of 
that growth. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. 
civil aviation supports more than&nbsp;5%&nbsp;of U.S. gross domestic 
product;&nbsp;$1.6 trillion&nbsp;in economic activity; and nearly&nbsp;11 million&nbsp;jobs.“America’s
 airports provide a gateway to the world for our citizens while at the 
same time delivering first impressions of the United States to visitors 
from abroad,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “It’s in our 
national interest to make them the crown jewel in our transportation 
system. The Airport Improvement Program allows us to do just that.”

Hays, NW Kan. airports awarded federal grants for improvements

With less than 1,200 people, the small western Kansas town of
Hoxie may be as far from urban as a person could get.

But after living in Seattle, a young entrepreneur decided to
return to her hometown and ultimately open a bistro that would stand out even in the
largest of cities. In doing so, she is drawing people to Hoxie from the area and showcasing
the spirit required to stem the tide of the continuing economic decline of
small-town Kansas.

Serving eclectic cuisine she describes as modern French Americana and surrounded
by history Emily Campbell, owner and executive chef of The Elephant Bistro and
Bar wanted to bring something different to her hometown when she opened the restaurant
after moving back to Hoxie with her husband and leaving behind a burgeoning career
as a chef on the west coast.

In moving back she noticed the dining experiences she was a part of in Seattle lacking in the area, so after doing catering work, she acquiesced when her friends pushed her into opening a full-fledged
restaurant.

“That was one of the reasons we started this,” Campbell
said. “Otherwise you don’t get a lot of options when you go out and eat.”

While many may have opened into an existing location, Campbell and her husband decided to create a new restaurant in one of the oldest buildings in Hoxie.

“Everything in here has a history to it,” Campbell said.

Construction began in October 2016 on the building that housed a jewelry store for over 50 years.

&nbsp;“We literally took it
down to the dirt,” Campbell said.

The plaster covering the walls was chipped off to expose
brick, a balcony level was added in the rear, an old apartment in the front was
removed and an outdoor patio was added all in the span of 18 months. The
doors opened in July 2018. 

The final project creates a warm environment that would draw attention even in Seattle or Denver, but with touches of local history sprinkled
throughout the building.

The restaurant’s wood tables are made from the old floor of
the apartment, and the bar was made from the lanes of an old Hoxie bowling alley.

There is a story behind everything, she said, a part of the
vision she had for preserving what makes her hometown special.

“Why let your main street die and build off-site when you
can preserve a little bit of the history that’s here,” Campbell said. “This is
what you see, and this is what people are attracted too.”

And the outdoor seating adds a unique touch.

“It’s a fun atmosphere on the patio,” Campbell said, noting outdoor
dining experiences are rare in the area.

The complete experience results in patrons getting everything
that you don’t see in this region, she said.

“That’s also what we are here to provide—the experience, not
just food and cocktails, a place you can come out, sit down, have fun with
friends, have a date night, whatever the case may be,” Campbell said.

“We want to be that
place for everybody.”

Even as unique as The Elephant is, Campbell said she strives
to be open to anyone that makes the trip.

“You can walk in here in your muddy cowboy boots and get a
burger, or you can come in here in your black tie and get a dry-aged steak,”
Campbell said. “We want to appeal to all different customers.” &nbsp;

So far the blend of inclusiveness and unique dining has
served the restaurant well, as their notoriety continues to grow.

“We probably couldn’t survive if it wasn’t for our regional following,”
Campbell said, noting people from a 90-mile radius often frequent the establishment.

A large part of the success of The Elephant Bistro and
Bar is the community that has stepped up to support her efforts, including a
staff made up of many part-time workers.

“If it wasn’t for community support, it wouldn’t happen,” she said.

People willing to help out staffing a day or two a week –
“You don’t get that in a big city,” she said.“That’s what I appreciate about this place."

&nbsp;Staffing is
notoriously difficult in the restaurant industry, so Campbell said she strives
to ensure her help feels appreciated.

“My No. 1 goal is to have a happy staff, I want people
to come work here,” she said. “We have such a great team atmosphere.”

In a regular week, she said she has at least 20 employees
clocking in, sometimes up to 30, including her full-time kitchen staff that she has
developed in order to spend less time in the kitchen herself.

As time has gone on she has passed on much of her formal training to the staff,
some of which have been with her since the restaurant opened. 

“To bring that out here takes a little bit of time for
people to understand the way to do things, but I have an amazing kitchen staff
that wants to learn and wants to produce high-quality food. That’s what we
are about – from scratch and we source locally. They’ve
really learned a lot,” Campbell said. 

As much as possible the restaurant supports the area economy by sourcing products from as close as they can.

Their beef is raised right outside of Hoxie, as
is the bison at the<a href="https://m.facebook.com/hiddencreekranch1/community/?ref=page_internal&amp;mt_nav=0"> Hidden Creek Ranch just 30 miles west of town.</a>

<a href="https://americasbeststeaks.com/">Dry-aged steak comes from America’s Best Steaks outside of
Bouge.</a>

<a href="https://www.4b-farms.com/">And they source lettuce and herbs from 4B farms just 40 miles
south.</a>

“I’m always looking for local,” Campbell said.

They have used produce from a community garden as well.

&nbsp;“So the community is
definitely supporting this place too, which is awesome,” Campbell said.

The menu features everything from flatbread pizzas, to
tacos, mac and cheese, Wagyu sliders, dry-aged steaks and seafood.

“We really pride ourselves on quality seafood,” Campbell
said. “I’m picky when it comes to my seafood.” She is a fan of Sockeye salmon
from the Alaskan-Seattle region and uses it regularly.

They also have vegan and gluten-free menu options, another item
rare for the area, that has proven to be a draw.

Beverages are also diverse and are not the usual fare that
would be found in the area.

“We offer such a variety of cocktails and liquors, craft
beers and wines,” Campbell said. “We wanted to bring different craft names out
here that people aren’t used to seeing.”

When Emily Campbell returned to Hoxie before opening The
Elephant Bistro and Bar she wondered, “Is this the same town I grew up in?”
noting businesses were closing and people were leaving.

Along with the help
of many from a younger generation taking a stand to keep the town economically viable
and a comfortable place to live, she hopes people outside the area see through entrepreneurship and hard work, small-town Kansas can retain and
recapture what many see as a losing proposition.

“Luckily Hoxie is getting built back up,” Campbell said,
with places like her restaurant.

“Rural Kansas, rural
America is dying and if it's not for entrepreneurs and people that want to see
it live and produce things that people need out here, it will die,” she said.

Another young Hoxie native, Karl Pratt, who returned to
Hoxie last year and works as the board liaison for the Sheridan County
Community Foundation sees Campbell’s work as a good start and is hopeful that
others like her will follow suit.

“The Elephant has been amazing, it has brought so many
people into town and continues to bring them into town coming from further and
further distances,” he said.

“I definitely believe that spirit is there,” Pratt said. “You
can come home and create a living for yourself.”

Even as retail continues to change and large chain
operations and online shopping becoming a preferred way to procure necessities,
he said there is always going to be a need for some local services and businesses. 

“If you love your hometown, what better place to come back
and do it in,” Pratt said. “Good places to eat and entertainment, you have to
have those aspects in your life,”

Through entrepreneurship, small towns like Hoxie can thrive and the purveyors can develop as well.

“It’s neat how it changes you and how you grow,” Pratt said.
“You become a scrappy person and do what needs to be done.”

When walking through the small town, it’s clear many have
taken up that ideal.

“It’s a hopping place,” Pratt said. &nbsp;“The people want to live here and they want to
improve the quality of life.”

But reenergizing a community takes more than just one or a
few people, Pratt said, it is truly a community effort. He said he hopes more people
will realize small-town life can be as rich and rewarding as one in a big
city.

“It definitely takes a village to make it happen, but it has
happened and continues to happen,” he said. “We’ve got everything you need,
everything in a big town scaled to us, and that’s because of the people living
here.”

“I was so proud moving home,” Pratt said.

As for The Elephant, even if it takes a while to get there,
Campbell said it is worth the trip.

“Come experience something out of the ordinary,” she said.

The Elephant Bistro and Bar is located at 732 Main St. in
Hoxie and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 11
a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more about the restaurant visit <a href="https://theelephantbistrobar.com/">their
webpage</a> or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theelephantbistrobar/">facebook page.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050410333.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostWith less than 1,200 people, the small western Kansas town of
Hoxie may be as far from urban as a person could get.But after living in Seattle, a young entrepreneur decided to
return to her hometown and ultimately open a bistro that would stand out even in the
largest of cities. In doing so, she is drawing people to Hoxie from the area and showcasing
the spirit required to stem the tide of the continuing economic decline of
small-town Kansas.Serving eclectic cuisine she describes as modern French Americana and surrounded
by history Emily Campbell, owner and executive chef of The Elephant Bistro and
Bar wanted to bring something different to her hometown when she opened the restaurant
after moving back to Hoxie with her husband and leaving behind a burgeoning career
as a chef on the west coast.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050449876.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In moving back she noticed the dining experiences she was a part of in Seattle lacking in the area, so after doing catering work, she acquiesced when her friends pushed her into opening a full-fledged
restaurant.“That was one of the reasons we started this,” Campbell
said. “Otherwise you don’t get a lot of options when you go out and eat.”While many may have opened into an existing location, Campbell and her husband decided to create a new restaurant in one of the oldest buildings in Hoxie.“Everything in here has a history to it,” Campbell said.Construction began in October 2016 on the building that housed a jewelry store for over 50 years.&nbsp;“We literally took it
down to the dirt,” Campbell said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050481179.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The plaster covering the walls was chipped off to expose
brick, a balcony level was added in the rear, an old apartment in the front was
removed and an outdoor patio was added all in the span of 18 months. The
doors opened in July 2018. The final project creates a warm environment that would draw attention even in Seattle or Denver, but with touches of local history sprinkled
throughout the building.The restaurant’s wood tables are made from the old floor of
the apartment, and the bar was made from the lanes of an old Hoxie bowling alley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050603227.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There is a story behind everything, she said, a part of the
vision she had for preserving what makes her hometown special.“Why let your main street die and build off-site when you
can preserve a little bit of the history that’s here,” Campbell said. “This is
what you see, and this is what people are attracted too.”And the outdoor seating adds a unique touch.“It’s a fun atmosphere on the patio,” Campbell said, noting outdoor
dining experiences are rare in the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050575979.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The complete experience results in patrons getting everything
that you don’t see in this region, she said.“That’s also what we are here to provide—the experience, not
just food and cocktails, a place you can come out, sit down, have fun with
friends, have a date night, whatever the case may be,” Campbell said.<h2>“We want to be that
place for everybody.”</h2>Even as unique as The Elephant is, Campbell said she strives
to be open to anyone that makes the trip.“You can walk in here in your muddy cowboy boots and get a
burger, or you can come in here in your black tie and get a dry-aged steak,”
Campbell said. “We want to appeal to all different customers.” &nbsp;So far the blend of inclusiveness and unique dining has
served the restaurant well, as their notoriety continues to grow.“We probably couldn’t survive if it wasn’t for our regional following,”
Campbell said, noting people from a 90-mile radius often frequent the establishment.<h2>Local, Local, Local</h2>A large part of the success of The Elephant Bistro and
Bar is the community that has stepped up to support her efforts, including a
staff made up of many part-time workers.“If it wasn’t for community support, it wouldn’t happen,” she said.People willing to help out staffing a day or two a week –
“You don’t get that in a big city,” she said.“That’s what I appreciate about this place."&nbsp;Staffing is
notoriously difficult in the restaurant industry, so Campbell said she strives
to ensure her help feels appreciated.“My No. 1 goal is to have a happy staff, I want people
to come work here,” she said. “We have such a great team atmosphere.”In a regular week, she said she has at least 20 employees
clocking in, sometimes up to 30, including her full-time kitchen staff that she has
developed in order to spend less time in the kitchen herself.As time has gone on she has passed on much of her formal training to the staff,
some of which have been with her since the restaurant opened. “To bring that out here takes a little bit of time for
people to understand the way to do things, but I have an amazing kitchen staff
that wants to learn and wants to produce high-quality food. That’s what we
are about – from scratch and we source locally. They’ve
really learned a lot,” Campbell said. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050840051.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As much as possible the restaurant supports the area economy by sourcing products from as close as they can.Their beef is raised right outside of Hoxie, as
is the bison at the<a href="https://m.facebook.com/hiddencreekranch1/community/?ref=page_internal&amp;mt_nav=0"> Hidden Creek Ranch just 30 miles west of town.</a><a href="https://americasbeststeaks.com/">Dry-aged steak comes from America’s Best Steaks outside of
Bouge.</a><a href="https://www.4b-farms.com/">And they source lettuce and herbs from 4B farms just 40 miles
south.</a>“I’m always looking for local,” Campbell said.They have used produce from a community garden as well.&nbsp;“So the community is
definitely supporting this place too, which is awesome,” Campbell said.The menu features everything from flatbread pizzas, to
tacos, mac and cheese, Wagyu sliders, dry-aged steaks and seafood.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050549732.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We really pride ourselves on quality seafood,” Campbell
said. “I’m picky when it comes to my seafood.” She is a fan of Sockeye salmon
from the Alaskan-Seattle region and uses it regularly.They also have vegan and gluten-free menu options, another item
rare for the area, that has proven to be a draw.Beverages are also diverse and are not the usual fare that
would be found in the area.“We offer such a variety of cocktails and liquors, craft
beers and wines,” Campbell said. “We wanted to bring different craft names out
here that people aren’t used to seeing.”<h2>New life in an old town</h2>When Emily Campbell returned to Hoxie before opening The
Elephant Bistro and Bar she wondered, “Is this the same town I grew up in?”
noting businesses were closing and people were leaving.Along with the help
of many from a younger generation taking a stand to keep the town economically viable
and a comfortable place to live, she hopes people outside the area see through entrepreneurship and hard work, small-town Kansas can retain and
recapture what many see as a losing proposition.“Luckily Hoxie is getting built back up,” Campbell said,
with places like her restaurant.“Rural Kansas, rural
America is dying and if it's not for entrepreneurs and people that want to see
it live and produce things that people need out here, it will die,” she said.Another young Hoxie native, Karl Pratt, who returned to
Hoxie last year and works as the board liaison for the Sheridan County
Community Foundation sees Campbell’s work as a good start and is hopeful that
others like her will follow suit.“The Elephant has been amazing, it has brought so many
people into town and continues to bring them into town coming from further and
further distances,” he said.“I definitely believe that spirit is there,” Pratt said. “You
can come home and create a living for yourself.”Even as retail continues to change and large chain
operations and online shopping becoming a preferred way to procure necessities,
he said there is always going to be a need for some local services and businesses. That is where entrepreneurs can step up.“If you love your hometown, what better place to come back
and do it in,” Pratt said. “Good places to eat and entertainment, you have to
have those aspects in your life,”Through entrepreneurship, small towns like Hoxie can thrive and the purveyors can develop as well.“It’s neat how it changes you and how you grow,” Pratt said.
“You become a scrappy person and do what needs to be done.”When walking through the small town, it’s clear many have
taken up that ideal.“It’s a hopping place,” Pratt said. &nbsp;“The people want to live here and they want to
improve the quality of life.”But reenergizing a community takes more than just one or a
few people, Pratt said, it is truly a community effort. He said he hopes more people
will realize small-town life can be as rich and rewarding as one in a big
city.“It definitely takes a village to make it happen, but it has
happened and continues to happen,” he said. “We’ve got everything you need,
everything in a big town scaled to us, and that’s because of the people living
here.”“I was so proud moving home,” Pratt said.As for The Elephant, even if it takes a while to get there,
Campbell said it is worth the trip.“Come experience something out of the ordinary,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582050202411.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Elephant Bistro and Bar is located at 732 Main St. in
Hoxie and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 11
a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more about the restaurant visit <a href="https://theelephantbistrobar.com/">their
webpage</a> or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theelephantbistrobar/">facebook page.</a>

The Elephant a showpiece of entrepreneurial spirit in western Kansas

First Call For Help, a community assistance agency, is gearing up for its 5th&nbsp;Annual Amazing Race on Saturday, March 7. Teams will check in at 9:15 a.m. The race will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m.

Teams of four will solve clues to secret locations and compete in various challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each team must have a licensed driver and vehicle. All contestants will receive a complimentary T-shirt and snacks.

The first team to cross the finish line will win bragging rights and First Call’s new traveling trophy.&nbsp;&nbsp;There will also be prizes for individuals who raise an additional $100, $200 and $300.

“But the ultimate winner is really our community,” said Laura Shoaff, race coordinator.

“Our Rent Assistance Program strives to help people remain in their homes and avoid eviction. In 2019 FCFH paid out $22,304 to help people remain in their homes,” Shoaff said.

First Call also provides utilities assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;“During 2019, we spent $4,985 helping those in crisis of utility disruption. Although it’s not possible to help everyone needing a hand, 229 people were assisted by us last year seeking either rent or utility assistance,” she added.

The race entry fee is $50 per person or $200 per team.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-registration is required by midnight Monday Feb. 24.&nbsp;&nbsp;No walk-ins will be allowed. Teams may register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://firstcallelliscounty.com/amazing-race">firstcallelliscounty.com/amazing-race</a>, or by calling (785) 623-2800, or by printing off and returning a registration form to First Call’s office at 206 E. 13th.

Shoaff said that First Call would be happy to match individuals who want to compete with a team still needing members.&nbsp;&nbsp;Participants must be age 12 or older.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581950446822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LINN ANN HUNTINGTONFirst Call For Help, a community assistance agency, is gearing up for its 5th&nbsp;Annual Amazing Race on Saturday, March 7. Teams will check in at 9:15 a.m. The race will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m.Teams of four will solve clues to secret locations and compete in various challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each team must have a licensed driver and vehicle. All contestants will receive a complimentary T-shirt and snacks.The first team to cross the finish line will win bragging rights and First Call’s new traveling trophy.&nbsp;&nbsp;There will also be prizes for individuals who raise an additional $100, $200 and $300.“But the ultimate winner is really our community,” said Laura Shoaff, race coordinator.“Our Rent Assistance Program strives to help people remain in their homes and avoid eviction. In 2019 FCFH paid out $22,304 to help people remain in their homes,” Shoaff said.First Call also provides utilities assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;“During 2019, we spent $4,985 helping those in crisis of utility disruption. Although it’s not possible to help everyone needing a hand, 229 people were assisted by us last year seeking either rent or utility assistance,” she added.The race entry fee is $50 per person or $200 per team.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-registration is required by midnight Monday Feb. 24.&nbsp;&nbsp;No walk-ins will be allowed. Teams may register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://firstcallelliscounty.com/amazing-race">firstcallelliscounty.com/amazing-race</a>, or by calling (785) 623-2800, or by printing off and returning a registration form to First Call’s office at 206 E. 13th.Shoaff said that First Call would be happy to match individuals who want to compete with a team still needing members.&nbsp;&nbsp;Participants must be age 12 or older.

Amazing Race fundraiser scheduled for March 7

TOPEKA - The <a href="http://ogallalawater.org/2020-ogallala-aquifer-summit/" target="_blank">2020
Ogallala Aquifer Summit</a> will take place in Amarillo, Texas, from March 31 to April 1, bringing together water management leaders from all eight Ogallala region states: Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota and Wyoming. The
dynamic, interactive event will focus on encouraging exchange among participants about innovative programs and effective approaches being implemented to address the region’s significant water-related challenges.

Panelists include&nbsp;Tim and Gerald Franklin, corn producers in Goodland. The Franklins were the first family in Kansas to enroll in a Water Conservation Area, and one of the first farms to be involved with the Water Technology Farm at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland.

“Tackling Tough Questions,” is the theme of the event. Workshops and speakers share and compare responses to questions
such as: “What is the value of groundwater to current and future generations” and “how do locally-led actions aimed at addressing water challenges have larger-scale impact?”

“The summit provides a unique opportunity to strengthen
collaborations&nbsp;among a diverse range of water-focused stakeholders,” said summit co-chair Meagan Schipanski, an associate professor in the Department of Soil
and Crop Sciences at CSU. “Exploring where we have common vision and identifying innovative concepts or practices already being implemented can catalyze additional actions with potential to benefit the aquifer and Ogallala region communities over the short-
and long-term.”

Schipanski co-directs the <a href="http://www.ogallalawater.org/" target="_blank">Ogallala
Water Coordinated Agriculture Project</a> (CAP) with Colorado Water Center director and summit co-chair Reagan Waskom, who is also a faculty member in Soil and Crop Sciences. The Ogallala Water CAP, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National
Institute of Food and Agriculture, has a multi-disciplinary team of 70 people based at 10 institutions in 6 Ogallala-region states, engaged in collaborative research and outreach aimed at sustaining agriculture and ecosystems in the region.

Some
Ogallala Water CAP research and outreach results will be shared at the 2020 Ogallala Summit. The Ogallala Water CAP has led the coordination of this event, in partnership with colleagues at Texas
A&amp;M AgriLife, the Kansas Water Office, and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service-funded Ogallala Aquifer Program, with additional support provided by many other individuals and organizations from the eight Ogallala states.

The 2020 Summit will highlight several activities and outcomes inspired by or expanded as a result
of the <a href="https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fogallalawater.org%2F2018-ogallala-aquifer-summit%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAmy.Kremen%40colostate.edu%7Cbb8a7d66a0f6459ed3f808d7958d4b7e%7Cafb58802ff7a4bb1ab21367ff2ecfc8b%7C0%7C0%7C637142306402497667&amp;sdata=oH27BJ7Xe2sTjgdbd5zSI2tyPtJeWZXvHLWVPIDfT7E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">2018
Ogallala Summit</a>. Participants will include producers, irrigation company and commodity group representatives, students and academics, local and state
policy makers, groundwater management district leaders, crop consultants, agricultural lenders, state and federal agency staff, and others, including new and returning summit participants.

“Water conservation technologies are helpful, and we need more of them, but human decision-making is the real key to conserving the Ogallala,” said Brent Auvermann, Center
Director at Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Research – Amarillo. “The emergence of voluntary associations among agricultural water users to reduce ground water use is an encouraging step, and we need to learn from those associations’ experiences with regard to what works,
and what doesn’t, and what possibilities exist that don’t require expanding the regulatory state.”

The summit will take place over two half-days, starting at 11:00 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, March 31 and concluding the next day on Wednesday,
April 1 at 2:30 p.m. The event includes a casual evening social on the evening of March 31 that will feature screening of a portion of the film “<a href="https://vimeo.com/351062879" target="_blank">Rising
Water</a>,” by Nebraska filmmaker Becky McMillen, followed by a panel discussion on effective agricultural water-related communications.

Visit the <a href="http://ogallalawater.org/2020-ogallala-aquifer-summit/" target="_blank">2020 Ogallala summit webpage</a>
to see a detailed agenda, lodging info, and to access online registration. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. The registration deadline is Saturday, March 21 at midnight Central Time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582037539026.png" alt="Tim and Gerald Franklin, father and son farmers in Sherman County, were not only the first family in Kansas to enroll in a Water Conservation Area, but they were also one of the first farms to be involved with the Water Technology Farm at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland. (Photo courtesy Kansas Corn)" />
 <figcaption>Tim and Gerald Franklin, father and son farmers in Sherman County, were not only the first family in Kansas to enroll in a Water Conservation Area, but they were also one of the first farms to be involved with the Water Technology Farm at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland. (Photo courtesy Kansas Corn)</figcaption>
 </figure>KWOTOPEKA - The <a href="http://ogallalawater.org/2020-ogallala-aquifer-summit/" target="_blank">2020
Ogallala Aquifer Summit</a> will take place in Amarillo, Texas, from March 31 to April 1, bringing together water management leaders from all eight Ogallala region states: Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota and Wyoming. The
dynamic, interactive event will focus on encouraging exchange among participants about innovative programs and effective approaches being implemented to address the region’s significant water-related challenges.Panelists include&nbsp;Tim and Gerald Franklin, corn producers in Goodland. The Franklins were the first family in Kansas to enroll in a Water Conservation Area, and one of the first farms to be involved with the Water Technology Farm at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland.“Tackling Tough Questions,” is the theme of the event. Workshops and speakers share and compare responses to questions
such as: “What is the value of groundwater to current and future generations” and “how do locally-led actions aimed at addressing water challenges have larger-scale impact?”“The summit provides a unique opportunity to strengthen
collaborations&nbsp;among a diverse range of water-focused stakeholders,” said summit co-chair Meagan Schipanski, an associate professor in the Department of Soil
and Crop Sciences at CSU. “Exploring where we have common vision and identifying innovative concepts or practices already being implemented can catalyze additional actions with potential to benefit the aquifer and Ogallala region communities over the short-
and long-term.”Schipanski co-directs the <a href="http://www.ogallalawater.org/" target="_blank">Ogallala
Water Coordinated Agriculture Project</a> (CAP) with Colorado Water Center director and summit co-chair Reagan Waskom, who is also a faculty member in Soil and Crop Sciences. The Ogallala Water CAP, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National
Institute of Food and Agriculture, has a multi-disciplinary team of 70 people based at 10 institutions in 6 Ogallala-region states, engaged in collaborative research and outreach aimed at sustaining agriculture and ecosystems in the region. Some
Ogallala Water CAP research and outreach results will be shared at the 2020 Ogallala Summit. The Ogallala Water CAP has led the coordination of this event, in partnership with colleagues at Texas
A&amp;M AgriLife, the Kansas Water Office, and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service-funded Ogallala Aquifer Program, with additional support provided by many other individuals and organizations from the eight Ogallala states.The 2020 Summit will highlight several activities and outcomes inspired by or expanded as a result
of the <a href="https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fogallalawater.org%2F2018-ogallala-aquifer-summit%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7CAmy.Kremen%40colostate.edu%7Cbb8a7d66a0f6459ed3f808d7958d4b7e%7Cafb58802ff7a4bb1ab21367ff2ecfc8b%7C0%7C0%7C637142306402497667&amp;sdata=oH27BJ7Xe2sTjgdbd5zSI2tyPtJeWZXvHLWVPIDfT7E%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">2018
Ogallala Summit</a>. Participants will include producers, irrigation company and commodity group representatives, students and academics, local and state
policy makers, groundwater management district leaders, crop consultants, agricultural lenders, state and federal agency staff, and others, including new and returning summit participants. “Water conservation technologies are helpful, and we need more of them, but human decision-making is the real key to conserving the Ogallala,” said Brent Auvermann, Center
Director at Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Research – Amarillo. “The emergence of voluntary associations among agricultural water users to reduce ground water use is an encouraging step, and we need to learn from those associations’ experiences with regard to what works,
and what doesn’t, and what possibilities exist that don’t require expanding the regulatory state.”The summit will take place over two half-days, starting at 11:00 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, March 31 and concluding the next day on Wednesday,
April 1 at 2:30 p.m. The event includes a casual evening social on the evening of March 31 that will feature screening of a portion of the film “<a href="https://vimeo.com/351062879" target="_blank">Rising
Water</a>,” by Nebraska filmmaker Becky McMillen, followed by a panel discussion on effective agricultural water-related communications.Visit the <a href="http://ogallalawater.org/2020-ogallala-aquifer-summit/" target="_blank">2020 Ogallala summit webpage</a>
to see a detailed agenda, lodging info, and to access online registration. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. The registration deadline is Saturday, March 21 at midnight Central Time.

Goodland farmers to present at Ogallala Aquifer Summit

MANHATTAN – Get your walking shoes ready! Walk Kansas 2020 is just around the corner.

The
 popular K-State Research and Extension program that encourages physical
 activity and healthy eating, runs March 15 through May 9.

Participants can sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walkkansas.org/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;starting Feb. 18 or through their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.
 The cost to participate is $10 per person, which includes access to the
 online tracker, a weekly newsletter with tips and recipes, program 
resources, and local activities. Walk Kansas t-shirts are available for 
an additional $9.50.

“With spring getting closer by the day, this 
is a great way to make a promise to yourself to be more active and to 
make lifestyle choices that support healthy living,” said Sharolyn 
Jackson, K-State Research and Extension family and consumer science 
specialist and Walk Kansas coordinator. “Plus it’s fun to support 
friends, family, neighbors or co-workers – anyone who makes up your 
team.”

Participants form teams of six, with one serving as a team 
captain. Team members record their own activity online each week. 
Participants do not have to walk or participate in other types of 
activity together, or even live in Kansas. Many teams form with family 
members or friends in other parts of the state or country. Teams connect
 through technology.

While physical activity is at the heart of 
Walk Kansas, the program will have a couple of new twists this year, 
Jackson said. One focuses on the Mediterranean style of eating.

“Eating
 the Med way is not about flavors,” Jackson said. “It is about eating 
lots of fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, eating more beans 
and legumes, reducing added sugars, using olive and canola oil, and 
more.”

The second twist centers on introducing participants to 
nine shared lifestyle traits of the Blue Zones, places around the world 
where people are known to live measurably longer and healthier lives. 
These traits, and ways to incorporate them into your life, will be 
introduced during the eight week program.

“Your health is so much more than a number on the scale,” Jackson said.

More information and registration (starting Feb. 18) for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walkkansas.org/" target="_blank">Walk Kansas</a>&nbsp;is available online or through a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581691532213.jpeg" alt="A previous Walk Kansas team from Sedgwick County. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>A previous Walk Kansas team from Sedgwick County. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – Get your walking shoes ready! Walk Kansas 2020 is just around the corner.The
 popular K-State Research and Extension program that encourages physical
 activity and healthy eating, runs March 15 through May 9.Participants can sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walkkansas.org/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;starting Feb. 18 or through their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.
 The cost to participate is $10 per person, which includes access to the
 online tracker, a weekly newsletter with tips and recipes, program 
resources, and local activities. Walk Kansas t-shirts are available for 
an additional $9.50.“With spring getting closer by the day, this 
is a great way to make a promise to yourself to be more active and to 
make lifestyle choices that support healthy living,” said Sharolyn 
Jackson, K-State Research and Extension family and consumer science 
specialist and Walk Kansas coordinator. “Plus it’s fun to support 
friends, family, neighbors or co-workers – anyone who makes up your 
team.”Participants form teams of six, with one serving as a team 
captain. Team members record their own activity online each week. 
Participants do not have to walk or participate in other types of 
activity together, or even live in Kansas. Many teams form with family 
members or friends in other parts of the state or country. Teams connect
 through technology.While physical activity is at the heart of 
Walk Kansas, the program will have a couple of new twists this year, 
Jackson said. One focuses on the Mediterranean style of eating.“Eating
 the Med way is not about flavors,” Jackson said. “It is about eating 
lots of fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, eating more beans 
and legumes, reducing added sugars, using olive and canola oil, and 
more.”The second twist centers on introducing participants to 
nine shared lifestyle traits of the Blue Zones, places around the world 
where people are known to live measurably longer and healthier lives. 
These traits, and ways to incorporate them into your life, will be 
introduced during the eight week program.“Your health is so much more than a number on the scale,” Jackson said.More information and registration (starting Feb. 18) for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.walkkansas.org/" target="_blank">Walk Kansas</a>&nbsp;is available online or through a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" target="_blank">K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

Walk Kansas 2020 starts March 15

<a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a>

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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/state-farm-weather-window/">For a full look at weather visit the State Farm Weather Window by clicking here.</a><figure>
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Three-day weather outlook

BY GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

This past week, I was lucky enough to be allowed to attend the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leaders Conference in Manhattan. I say lucky enough because I have come to grips with the realization that I am no longer a young farmer or rancher. I guess it is the gray in my beard or maybe the fact that I have children who attend the conference on their own. Either way I am allowed to attend but not qualified.

The YF&amp;R program is something that is near and dear to my heart. It was where Jennifer and I got our first taste of Kansas Farm Bureau and saw the power and importance of not just being a member but being involved. It was where we learned that while attending was a sacrifice, what we got back was more than worth the time invested.

I must admit my motivation for attending the conference is somewhat selfish. Yes, there are many great workshops, and I always come away with great information and ideas, but the workshops are not the most important thing. The conference also has some of the most incredible speakers, and often they are very motivational. While I need as much motivation as possible, and I enjoy a great speaker, that is not my number-one reason for attending.

No, my greatest motivation for attending is to soak up the energy and excitement that comes with being in a room with nearly 600 of the best and brightest in agriculture in Kansas. The passion that comes from the young farmers and ranchers in Kansas Farm Bureau is incredible. They are the newest and best trained professionals in our business and excited about the future.

If you have ever been worried about the future of agriculture, you have never attended this conference. It is so infectious, even an old guy like me can catch it. I must admit I learn a lot from this group, and my energy and enthusiasm levels are through the roof after this weekend.

It is refreshing to see the way new technology and ideas are embraced and considered. Again, I must admit as an old guy I am envious of how easily they adapt to the ever-changing landscape of agriculture. Often skeptics wonder how we are going to meet the challenge of feeding a growing world population. Spend the weekend at the YF&amp;R Conference and it will be apparent.

Optimism and enthusiasm are infectious, and after this weekend I have caught it. I must admit that this conference makes me a little jealous — if only I could find the fountain of youth and start all over again. I guess in a way I did find that fountain of youth at the conference; just being there made me feel young again. OK, maybe that is overstating it, but I am grateful they allowed this old-young farmer to tag along.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574091484634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherThis past week, I was lucky enough to be allowed to attend the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leaders Conference in Manhattan. I say lucky enough because I have come to grips with the realization that I am no longer a young farmer or rancher. I guess it is the gray in my beard or maybe the fact that I have children who attend the conference on their own. Either way I am allowed to attend but not qualified.The YF&amp;R program is something that is near and dear to my heart. It was where Jennifer and I got our first taste of Kansas Farm Bureau and saw the power and importance of not just being a member but being involved. It was where we learned that while attending was a sacrifice, what we got back was more than worth the time invested.I must admit my motivation for attending the conference is somewhat selfish. Yes, there are many great workshops, and I always come away with great information and ideas, but the workshops are not the most important thing. The conference also has some of the most incredible speakers, and often they are very motivational. While I need as much motivation as possible, and I enjoy a great speaker, that is not my number-one reason for attending.No, my greatest motivation for attending is to soak up the energy and excitement that comes with being in a room with nearly 600 of the best and brightest in agriculture in Kansas. The passion that comes from the young farmers and ranchers in Kansas Farm Bureau is incredible. They are the newest and best trained professionals in our business and excited about the future.If you have ever been worried about the future of agriculture, you have never attended this conference. It is so infectious, even an old guy like me can catch it. I must admit I learn a lot from this group, and my energy and enthusiasm levels are through the roof after this weekend.It is refreshing to see the way new technology and ideas are embraced and considered. Again, I must admit as an old guy I am envious of how easily they adapt to the ever-changing landscape of agriculture. Often skeptics wonder how we are going to meet the challenge of feeding a growing world population. Spend the weekend at the YF&amp;R Conference and it will be apparent.Optimism and enthusiasm are infectious, and after this weekend I have caught it. I must admit that this conference makes me a little jealous — if only I could find the fountain of youth and start all over again. I guess in a way I did find that fountain of youth at the conference; just being there made me feel young again. OK, maybe that is overstating it, but I am grateful they allowed this old-young farmer to tag along."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Young at heart

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Three Asian countries are promising economic stimulus to offset the impact of the coronavirus. Bloomberg reports the move by China, Hong Kong and Singapore could buoy crude-oil demand. Beijing could even go so far as to lower corporate taxes. Worries about the economic impact of the virus waned last week, and crude prices recovered more than five percent, the biggest gain since September.&nbsp;

Kansas Comnon crude at CHS in McPherson gained 50 cents on Friday to start the week at $42.25 per barrel. That's nearly two dollars higher than a week ago, but is down more than two dollars from last year at this time.

The Kansas Geological Survey reports last year's total statewide crude-oil production through October reached 27.7 million barrels. Barton County pumped 133,000 barrels, bringing the total through October to 1.35 million barrels. Ellis County operators added 209,000 in October, bringing the total to 2.1 million barrels. Russell County operators produced over 124,000 barrels for the month, for a running total of 1.25 million barrels. Stafford County checked in with nearly 91,000 barrels (862,000 year-to-date).

The statewide rig count in Kansas was down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 14 active rigs in Western Kansas, down one, and six east of Wichita, which is unchanged from last week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 790 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of two oil rigs. The count in Texas was up three and New Mexico was up one.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 16 new well completions for the week, 162 so far this year. There were six in eastern Kansas and ten west of Wichita, including one newly-completed well in Stafford County.

Kansas regulators posted eight new drilling permits last week, two east of Wichita and six out west. There are 85 new drilling permits so far this year.

U.S. operators set another weekly crude-production record last week. The government reports total production for the week ending February 7 of 12.987 million barrels per day. That's up 102,000 barrels per day from the week before.

The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude inventories of 442.5 million barrels, an increase of seven and a half million barrels. Stockpiles are about two percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government report on Wednesday marked a slightly higher increase than the American Petroleum Institute's estimate the day before.

EIA says U.S. crude oil imports averaged 7.0 million barrels per day last week, up by 363,000 barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged about 6.7 million barrels per day, 6.8% less than the same four-week period last year.

Oil by rail in the U.S. is up two-tenths of one percent from levels reported during last year's spike. The Association of American Railroads says the spike in Canada continues, increasing more than 72 percent from year-ago levels.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will start trial oil production from their jointly-operated oilfields in what has become known as the "Neutral Zone" between the two countries. Kuwait’s oil minister said trial production from the two fields will increase gradually till it reaches its normal levels, and expects production from the fields to reach 550,000 barrels per day before the end of the year. Production from the zone is divided between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The two countries agreed last year to end a five-year dispute over the border area, allowing production to resume.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574099516454.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBARThree Asian countries are promising economic stimulus to offset the impact of the coronavirus. Bloomberg reports the move by China, Hong Kong and Singapore could buoy crude-oil demand. Beijing could even go so far as to lower corporate taxes. Worries about the economic impact of the virus waned last week, and crude prices recovered more than five percent, the biggest gain since September.&nbsp;Kansas Comnon crude at CHS in McPherson gained 50 cents on Friday to start the week at $42.25 per barrel. That's nearly two dollars higher than a week ago, but is down more than two dollars from last year at this time.The Kansas Geological Survey reports last year's total statewide crude-oil production through October reached 27.7 million barrels. Barton County pumped 133,000 barrels, bringing the total through October to 1.35 million barrels. Ellis County operators added 209,000 in October, bringing the total to 2.1 million barrels. Russell County operators produced over 124,000 barrels for the month, for a running total of 1.25 million barrels. Stafford County checked in with nearly 91,000 barrels (862,000 year-to-date).The statewide rig count in Kansas was down one. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 14 active rigs in Western Kansas, down one, and six east of Wichita, which is unchanged from last week. Drilling is underway on one lease in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Baker Hughes reports 790 active drilling rigs across the U.S., an increase of two oil rigs. The count in Texas was up three and New Mexico was up one.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 16 new well completions for the week, 162 so far this year. There were six in eastern Kansas and ten west of Wichita, including one newly-completed well in Stafford County.Kansas regulators posted eight new drilling permits last week, two east of Wichita and six out west. There are 85 new drilling permits so far this year.U.S. operators set another weekly crude-production record last week. The government reports total production for the week ending February 7 of 12.987 million barrels per day. That's up 102,000 barrels per day from the week before.The Energy Information Administration reported U.S. crude inventories of 442.5 million barrels, an increase of seven and a half million barrels. Stockpiles are about two percent below the five-year seasonal average. The government report on Wednesday marked a slightly higher increase than the American Petroleum Institute's estimate the day before.EIA says U.S. crude oil imports averaged 7.0 million barrels per day last week, up by 363,000 barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged about 6.7 million barrels per day, 6.8% less than the same four-week period last year.Oil by rail in the U.S. is up two-tenths of one percent from levels reported during last year's spike. The Association of American Railroads says the spike in Canada continues, increasing more than 72 percent from year-ago levels.Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will start trial oil production from their jointly-operated oilfields in what has become known as the "Neutral Zone" between the two countries. Kuwait’s oil minister said trial production from the two fields will increase gradually till it reaches its normal levels, and expects production from the fields to reach 550,000 barrels per day before the end of the year. Production from the zone is divided between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The two countries agreed last year to end a five-year dispute over the border area, allowing production to resume.&nbsp; &nbsp;

News From the Oil Patch, Feb. 17

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140720976.jpeg">Hays Post and Eagle Radio are seeking nominations for Teacher of the Month for 2019-20!Through April, Hays Post will solicit nominations from through the area from parents, students and colleagues. Nominate your favorite educator by sending the following information to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(119, 119, 119);">admin@hayspost.com</a>.• Your name and telephone number (will not be published).• Teacher’s name• Teacher’s school• Tell us why you are nominating this teacher<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140720976.jpeg">

Submit your nomination for Hays Post’s Teacher of the Month honor

On February 13, 2020, the Senate Agricutlural and Natural Resources Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 308, which would change regulations regarding the sale and advertisement of raw milk products in Kansas. The hearing itself had considerable testimony from those either for or against the bill. 

One change in the proposed law is the sale of raw milk, which would allow producers of raw milk to advertise it from beyond the premises of dairy farms, where current state law allows for advertisement only on the premises of dairy farms.  

The other major change is the labeling of raw milk, which would add language to the containers of raw milk or raw milk products sold in Kansas.  This change would require a disclaimer regarding health concerns over raw milk consumption. Additionally, the bill would require that the font of the disclaimer be the same size, or greater, than other language on the container of for raw milk. 

Proponent testimony regarding the bill was provided by the Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Department of Agriculture, and other groups. Their testimony focused mostly on health concerns of raw milk consumption and on the need for labeling and advertising regulations that would protect consumers from the risks of cosuming raw milk. 

Opponent testimony to the bill was provided by the Kansas Justice Institute, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, and a number of Kansas dairy operators. Their testimony aimed at countering the health concerns of raw milk consumption.  They also voiced concerns that labeling regulations in the law would be onerous to dairy operators, both economically and to their first amendment rights. 

The question of meat and alternative meat products has reached the point of legislation in the Kansas Legislature. House bill 2437 was recommended out of the House Ag Committee to the House Floor last week. The proposed legislation concerns the labeling of alternative meat products. 

Under the proposed legislation new definitions would be added to the Kansas legal code, like “meat analog”, meaning any food that approximates the aesthetic qualities or chemical characteristic of any specific meat type or product but does contain any meat or meat products, and “identifiable meat term”, which would include all meat items from beef to goat to roast to wings. The bill would also require a disclaimer for meat analog products sold in stores that lacked a disclaimer, otherwise they would be misbranded under Kansas law.  

This Monday, February 10, the House Appropriations Committee began the budgeting process by having the budget chairmen report the recommendations for their respective budgets. 

Throughout the week, we heard and deliberated on the budgets and then made our amendments or changes to be included in the final budgets for 2020 and 2021.  Some of the budgets that we had reported were:  Kansas Historical Society, Insurance Department, State Library, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Sentencing Commission, Kansas Highway Patrol, Board of Cosmetology, Kansas Neurological Institute, the budgets for all of the state hospitals, and numerous more. 

The committee also held bill hearings on new legislation that has been introduced this legislative session. 

The first bill that had a hearing on is House Bill 2548, which are claims against the state of Kansas.  The next three bills all referenced the Kansas Corporate Commission to combine two funds regarding abandoned oil wells in the state of Kansas. 

We also held a hearing on the Executive Reorganization, as mentioned in last week’s newsletter, that will rename the Kansas Department of Children and Families to the Kansas Department of Human Services. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581438801245.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), 109th Dist. " />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), 109th Dist. </figcaption>
 </figure>Tax Modernization Report On February 13, 2020, the Senate Agricutlural and Natural Resources Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 308, which would change regulations regarding the sale and advertisement of raw milk products in Kansas. The hearing itself had considerable testimony from those either for or against the bill. One change in the proposed law is the sale of raw milk, which would allow producers of raw milk to advertise it from beyond the premises of dairy farms, where current state law allows for advertisement only on the premises of dairy farms. The other major change is the labeling of raw milk, which would add language to the containers of raw milk or raw milk products sold in Kansas. This change would require a disclaimer regarding health concerns over raw milk consumption. Additionally, the bill would require that the font of the disclaimer be the same size, or greater, than other language on the container of for raw milk. Proponent testimony regarding the bill was provided by the Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Department of Agriculture, and other groups. Their testimony focused mostly on health concerns of raw milk consumption and on the need for labeling and advertising regulations that would protect consumers from the risks of cosuming raw milk. Opponent testimony to the bill was provided by the Kansas Justice Institute, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, and a number of Kansas dairy operators. Their testimony aimed at countering the health concerns of raw milk consumption. They also voiced concerns that labeling regulations in the law would be onerous to dairy operators, both economically and to their first amendment rights. Where’s the Beef The question of meat and alternative meat products has reached the point of legislation in the Kansas Legislature. House bill 2437 was recommended out of the House Ag Committee to the House Floor last week. The proposed legislation concerns the labeling of alternative meat products. Under the proposed legislation new definitions would be added to the Kansas legal code, like “meat analog”, meaning any food that approximates the aesthetic qualities or chemical characteristic of any specific meat type or product but does contain any meat or meat products, and “identifiable meat term”, which would include all meat items from beef to goat to roast to wings. The bill would also require a disclaimer for meat analog products sold in stores that lacked a disclaimer, otherwise they would be misbranded under Kansas law. This Week In Appropriations This Monday, February 10, the House Appropriations Committee began the budgeting process by having the budget chairmen report the recommendations for their respective budgets. Throughout the week, we heard and deliberated on the budgets and then made our amendments or changes to be included in the final budgets for 2020 and 2021. Some of the budgets that we had reported were: Kansas Historical Society, Insurance Department, State Library, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Sentencing Commission, Kansas Highway Patrol, Board of Cosmetology, Kansas Neurological Institute, the budgets for all of the state hospitals, and numerous more. The committee also held bill hearings on new legislation that has been introduced this legislative session. The first bill that had a hearing on is House Bill 2548, which are claims against the state of Kansas. The next three bills all referenced the Kansas Corporate Commission to combine two funds regarding abandoned oil wells in the state of Kansas. We also held a hearing on the Executive Reorganization, as mentioned in last week’s newsletter, that will rename the Kansas Department of Children and Families to the Kansas Department of Human Services. Reciprocal Licensing for Military Service Members and Spouses The House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development held a hearing Thursday on House Bill 2506, which would allow military service members and their spouses to apply for and receive an occupational or professional license in Kansas if they currently hold a license in another state. If they have already received the training and qualifications to practice a specific profession in another state, this bill would allow them to receive that same license here in Kansas. This includes all Kansas regulated professions such as accountants, cosmetologists, realtors, pharmacists, and several other professions, but does not include the law profession. If an individual received a license in another state which had fewer or lesser requirements for a professional license and should they seek an equivalent license in Kansas, that individual would still be required to make up the difference in order to meet the Kansas requirements. Individuals who have established or plans to establish residency in Kansas may apply for an equivalent license in Kansas as well. Like many other states, Kansas is enjoying a relatively low unemployment rate. However, also like other states across the country, Kansas needs more qualified workers. The legislation is modeled after an Arizona law signed by Gov. Doug Ducey in April 2019, and has been widely promoted by President Trump. Proponents of the bill asserted it will ease the transition of military service member and their spouses, increasing the pool of qualified workers to fill job openings in communities across the state and will eliminate governmental licensing barriers costs and regulations. Opponents argued&nbsp;that the language is too broad and would create administrative hurdles for the regulatory agencies.This legislation will help ease the transition of our military servicemembers and their spouses, should they have a technical or professional license. If they have received the proper training and licensure to practice their profession, they are work-ready and able to contribute to the Kansas economy. President Trump has widely promoted this legislation in effort to reduce work-related barriers. Contact Information Anytime that one would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, one can tune in by listening to the audio footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>. As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at #waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Also, if you happen to visit the statehouse, please let my office know. It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.