By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

In today’s fast-paced world, making time for exercise can be a challenge. However, growing research suggests that intense exercise—even in shorter bursts—can offer significant physical and mental health benefits. From improving cardiovascular health to boosting brain function, intense workouts are proving to be one of the most efficient ways to elevate overall well-being.

High-intensity exercise such as interval training or vigorous strength workouts has been linked to improved heart health and better metabolic function. According to the American Heart Association engaging in vigorous physical activity for just 75 minutes per week can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension.

Unlike moderate exercise, intense workouts push the body to operate at or near its maximum capacity, increasing the heart rate and stimulating the muscles in a shorter period of time. This leads to greater calorie burn both during and after the workout, known as the “afterburn effect” or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). As a result, intense exercise is an efficient way to support weight loss and improve metabolic health, particularly for those with limited time.

Intense resistance and body weight training not only build muscle but also improve muscular endurance and bone density. This is especially crucial as we age, when muscle mass naturally declines. Compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and sprints recruit multiple muscle groups, maximizing strength development while also improving coordination and stability.

Furthermore, intense exercise stimulates the production of growth hormone and testosterone, both essential for muscle repair and regeneration. Regular intense sessions can also enhance endurance, allowing individuals to perform daily activities more efficiently and with less fatigue.

The benefits of intense exercise aren’t limited to the body—they also extend to the brain. Short bursts of high-effort activity can significantly elevate levels of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, chemicals responsible for improved mood and reduced stress. 

In fact, studies show that intense workouts can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression more effectively than lower-intensity exercise.

Additionally, intense physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve focus, memory, and cognitive function. Some research even indicates that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may stimulate the growth of new brain cells and delay age-related cognitive decline.

One of the biggest advantages of intense workouts is their time efficiency, HIIT sessions, for instance, often last just 15-30 minutes and can be done with minimal equipment. This makes them ideal for people with busy schedules or those who prefer to exercise at home. Whether it’s a quick sprint session, a vigorous cycling class, or a circuit of bodyweight exercises, intense workouts can fit into almost any lifestyle.

High-intensity workouts, while effective for building strength and improving cardiovascular fitness, are not suitable for everyone. 

Individuals with certain medical conditions—such as heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or joint problems—should approach these workouts with caution or avoid them entirely unless cleared by a healthcare professional. Beginners who lack a solid fitness foundation may also be at greater risk of injury due to poor form or overexertion. 

Additionally, high-intensity training can lead to burnout or overtraining if not balanced with adequate rest and recovery. It’s important for anyone considering this type of exercise to assess their current health status and fitness level and ideally consult a medical provider or certified trainer before beginning a high-intensity regimen.

While all forms of physical activity have their place, intense exercise offers a uniquely powerful combination of physical, mental, and practical benefits. For those looking to maximize either health outcomes with minimal time investment, intense workouts may be the key to a stronger, healthier future.

Source: Atakan MM, Li Y, Koşar ŞN, Turnagöl HH, Yan X. Evidence-Based Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity and Health: A Review with Historical Perspective. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul 5;18(13):7201. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18137201. PMID: 34281138; PMCID: PMC8294064.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictIn today’s fast-paced world, making time for exercise can be a challenge. However, growing research suggests that intense exercise—even in shorter bursts—can offer significant physical and mental health benefits. From improving cardiovascular health to boosting brain function, intense workouts are proving to be one of the most efficient ways to elevate overall well-being.High-intensity exercise such as interval training or vigorous strength workouts has been linked to improved heart health and better metabolic function. According to the American Heart Association engaging in vigorous physical activity for just 75 minutes per week can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and hypertension.Unlike moderate exercise, intense workouts push the body to operate at or near its maximum capacity, increasing the heart rate and stimulating the muscles in a shorter period of time. This leads to greater calorie burn both during and after the workout, known as the “afterburn effect” or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). As a result, intense exercise is an efficient way to support weight loss and improve metabolic health, particularly for those with limited time.Intense resistance and body weight training not only build muscle but also improve muscular endurance and bone density. This is especially crucial as we age, when muscle mass naturally declines. Compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and sprints recruit multiple muscle groups, maximizing strength development while also improving coordination and stability.Furthermore, intense exercise stimulates the production of growth hormone and testosterone, both essential for muscle repair and regeneration. Regular intense sessions can also enhance endurance, allowing individuals to perform daily activities more efficiently and with less fatigue.The benefits of intense exercise aren’t limited to the body—they also extend to the brain. Short bursts of high-effort activity can significantly elevate levels of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, chemicals responsible for improved mood and reduced stress. In fact, studies show that intense workouts can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression more effectively than lower-intensity exercise.Additionally, intense physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve focus, memory, and cognitive function. Some research even indicates that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may stimulate the growth of new brain cells and delay age-related cognitive decline.One of the biggest advantages of intense workouts is their time efficiency, HIIT sessions, for instance, often last just 15-30 minutes and can be done with minimal equipment. This makes them ideal for people with busy schedules or those who prefer to exercise at home. Whether it’s a quick sprint session, a vigorous cycling class, or a circuit of bodyweight exercises, intense workouts can fit into almost any lifestyle.High-intensity workouts, while effective for building strength and improving cardiovascular fitness, are not suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions—such as heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or joint problems—should approach these workouts with caution or avoid them entirely unless cleared by a healthcare professional. Beginners who lack a solid fitness foundation may also be at greater risk of injury due to poor form or overexertion. Additionally, high-intensity training can lead to burnout or overtraining if not balanced with adequate rest and recovery. It’s important for anyone considering this type of exercise to assess their current health status and fitness level and ideally consult a medical provider or certified trainer before beginning a high-intensity regimen.While all forms of physical activity have their place, intense exercise offers a uniquely powerful combination of physical, mental, and practical benefits. For those looking to maximize either health outcomes with minimal time investment, intense workouts may be the key to a stronger, healthier future.Source: Atakan MM, Li Y, Koşar ŞN, Turnagöl HH, Yan X. Evidence-Based Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity and Health: A Review with Historical Perspective. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul 5;18(13):7201. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18137201. PMID: 34281138; PMCID: PMC8294064.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: The power of intense exercise

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752518880223.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

City of Hays The city of Hays will begin asphalt sealcoating work on select streets starting this month, weather permitting.

Sealcoating protects and extends the life of pavement while improving safety and appearance.

During the project, affected areas will be temporarily closed or reduced to one lane. All vehicles must be moved by the dates noted on contractor notices to avoid towing.

Residents are encouraged to follow all posted signage and use caution while the sealcoat cures. The full project map and details are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/155/Project-Management">HaysUSA.com</a>.

Please note that weather conditions could delay the schedule.

This important preventative maintenance is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain road quality.

The city appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation.

Questions may be directed to the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752536446362.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of Hays The city of Hays will begin asphalt sealcoating work on select streets starting this month, weather permitting.Sealcoating protects and extends the life of pavement while improving safety and appearance.During the project, affected areas will be temporarily closed or reduced to one lane. All vehicles must be moved by the dates noted on contractor notices to avoid towing.Residents are encouraged to follow all posted signage and use caution while the sealcoat cures. The full project map and details are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysusa.com/155/Project-Management">HaysUSA.com</a>.Please note that weather conditions could delay the schedule.This important preventative maintenance is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain road quality.The city appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation.Questions may be directed to the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Sealcoating project set to begin as early as today

By JOHN P.&nbsp;TRETBAR Eagle Media

U.S. crude oil production drops for the third week in a row.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports production last week averaged 13.38 million barrels per day. That's the first time since May 16, and only the fifth time this year, in which weekly output has dropped below 13.4 million.&nbsp; The average over the last four weeks and the average so far this year each remain over 13.4 million barrels a day.

Crude oil production in Kansas is just over half what it was ten years ago. The Kansas Geological Survey reports just 73,303 &nbsp;barrels a day last year, the lowest annual total in KGS records. Output for the first quarter of this year is down to 68,469 barrels a day. Ellis County output dropped 200 daily barrels from a year ago and seven hundred from two years ago, to an average of 5,299 barrels a day. Haskell County lands in second among counties at 4,551 barrels a day, an increase of more than six hundred daily barrels from the first quarter of last year. Finney County, at third, improved on last year by about 100 barrels at 3,961 barrels a day. Barton County notched production of 3,728 barrels a day through March, down slightly from last year.

The most recent weekly EIA crude-export report of 2.7 million barrels per day is down more than a million daily barrels from a year ago, but up half a million from two years ago. Four-week average crude exports are down eighteen percent from last year at this time.

Crude oil exports in the United States saw ups and downs in the first six months of 2025. Crude exports are down more than a million barrels a day from a month ago, and are nearly 2.5 million barrels lower than the recent peak in mid-April. The Energy Information Administration says crude exports started this year just over three million barrels a day, rising over four million for most of the first three months of the year. Exports topped five million barrels a day for one week in April and have plummeted since, down 214,000 barrels a day in May and another 1.15 million in June.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve took delivery on 200,000 barrels of crude last week. The current dipstick reads 403 million barrels, up nearly 30 million or eight percent from a year ago. The US sold crude for an average of $95 a barrel from the SPR to limit price increases after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We've been refilling the reserves prices about $25 less. That's $970 million in savings since refill operations resumed in April of last year.

Commercial crude stockpiles increased by more than seven million barrels. EIA says the nationwide stockpile of 426 million barrels (as of July 4) is about eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

Fuel inventories dropped last week. EIA says diesel fuel stockpiles are 23% below the five year average for this time of year. Stockpiles of regular gasoline are about one percent below the five-year seasonal average.

Fuel prices tick upward, but remain lower than a year ago. The auto club AAA reports this summer's pump prices reached the lowest seasonal average in four years. The national average of $3.17 a gallon is up a few pennies from earlier in the week, up a nickel from last month, but down 35 cents from a year ago.

Kansas is among the eleven cheapest states for regular gasoline at $2.88 per gallon, down a penny from last week, but up two cents from last month. Average diesel prices in Kansas are about twenty cents higher than a month ago, but nearly a dime cheaper than a year ago at $3.43 per gallon statewide.

The Association of American Railroads reports a decline in US oil-by-rail despite an increase in overall rail traffic. The tally of June petroleum tanker carloads trails last June by 1.5%. Totals for the first half of the year are down just under one percent. The latest weekly tally of just over 10-thousand tanker carloads is up five percent over the same week last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685114004842.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P.&nbsp;TRETBAR Eagle MediaU.S. crude oil production drops for the third week in a row.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports production last week averaged 13.38 million barrels per day. That's the first time since May 16, and only the fifth time this year, in which weekly output has dropped below 13.4 million.&nbsp; The average over the last four weeks and the average so far this year each remain over 13.4 million barrels a day.Crude oil production in Kansas is just over half what it was ten years ago. The Kansas Geological Survey reports just 73,303 &nbsp;barrels a day last year, the lowest annual total in KGS records. Output for the first quarter of this year is down to 68,469 barrels a day. Ellis County output dropped 200 daily barrels from a year ago and seven hundred from two years ago, to an average of 5,299 barrels a day. Haskell County lands in second among counties at 4,551 barrels a day, an increase of more than six hundred daily barrels from the first quarter of last year. Finney County, at third, improved on last year by about 100 barrels at 3,961 barrels a day. Barton County notched production of 3,728 barrels a day through March, down slightly from last year.The most recent weekly EIA crude-export report of 2.7 million barrels per day is down more than a million daily barrels from a year ago, but up half a million from two years ago. Four-week average crude exports are down eighteen percent from last year at this time.Crude oil exports in the United States saw ups and downs in the first six months of 2025. Crude exports are down more than a million barrels a day from a month ago, and are nearly 2.5 million barrels lower than the recent peak in mid-April. The Energy Information Administration says crude exports started this year just over three million barrels a day, rising over four million for most of the first three months of the year. Exports topped five million barrels a day for one week in April and have plummeted since, down 214,000 barrels a day in May and another 1.15 million in June.The Strategic Petroleum Reserve took delivery on 200,000 barrels of crude last week. The current dipstick reads 403 million barrels, up nearly 30 million or eight percent from a year ago. The US sold crude for an average of $95 a barrel from the SPR to limit price increases after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We've been refilling the reserves prices about $25 less. That's $970 million in savings since refill operations resumed in April of last year.Commercial crude stockpiles increased by more than seven million barrels. EIA says the nationwide stockpile of 426 million barrels (as of July 4) is about eight percent below the five-year average for this time of year.Fuel inventories dropped last week. EIA says diesel fuel stockpiles are 23% below the five year average for this time of year. Stockpiles of regular gasoline are about one percent below the five-year seasonal average.Fuel prices tick upward, but remain lower than a year ago. The auto club AAA reports this summer's pump prices reached the lowest seasonal average in four years. The national average of $3.17 a gallon is up a few pennies from earlier in the week, up a nickel from last month, but down 35 cents from a year ago.Kansas is among the eleven cheapest states for regular gasoline at $2.88 per gallon, down a penny from last week, but up two cents from last month. Average diesel prices in Kansas are about twenty cents higher than a month ago, but nearly a dime cheaper than a year ago at $3.43 per gallon statewide.The Association of American Railroads reports a decline in US oil-by-rail despite an increase in overall rail traffic. The tally of June petroleum tanker carloads trails last June by 1.5%. Totals for the first half of the year are down just under one percent. The latest weekly tally of just over 10-thousand tanker carloads is up five percent over the same week last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Kansas, U.S. crude production drop

Hays Police Department activity log: June 29-July 5, 2025

Hays Police Department arrest log: June 29-July 5, 2025

Congratulations to Darren Dunn from WaKeeney &amp; Debbie Windholz from Ogallah on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Malay’s Market in WaKeeney this past Saturday.

Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.

The $10,000 golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752514627628.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Darren Dunn from WaKeeney &amp; Debbie Windholz from Ogallah on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Malay’s Market in WaKeeney this past Saturday.Special thanks to our sponsors: High Plains Roofing and A &amp; A Coors Yuengling.Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist.The $10,000 golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26.

Yuengling Flight Golf Cart finalist from Malay's Market named

Hays Post WAKEENEY - The annual Trego County Fair wrapped up over the weekend with the annual parade on Saturday.

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 </figure>Hays Post WAKEENEY - The annual Trego County Fair wrapped up over the weekend with the annual parade on Saturday.<figure>
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Trego Co. Fair celebrates Hay Bales & Sleigh Bells

Ellis County Jail bookings: July 6-12, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: July 6-12, 2025

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Get ready to rock all week long at the Ellis County Fair, with five nights of live bands taking the stage each evening.

"That fair isn't all country," Ellis County Fair Vice President Jill Pfannenstiel said. "Come out, have fun and listen to some good music."

The fair will feature the local lineup of:

•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimAnthonyBand/">Anthony and the Anamals</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 15 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://paramount80s.com/follow-us">Paramount</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 16 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://sunsetsinners.com/">Sunset Sinners</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 17 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/docacousticdj">DOC</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 18 at the Midway. • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Crazy-Horse-20-100063671161696/">Crazy Horse 2.0</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 19 at the Midway.

Picnic tables and chairs will be available, with food vendors and a new beer garden nearby. Pfannenstiel said the rock bands will play until midnight and are easy to catch following grandstand events such as: •&nbsp;KPRA Rodeo: 8 p.m. July 15-16 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;Ranch Rodeo: 8 p.m. July 17 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52d736e5-de04-4b4b-a988-277667123f6a">Midget Wrestling</a>: 8 p.m. July 18 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b14a780-50e1-4795-b899-9800bd00a9d7">Moto Rodeo</a>: 8 p.m. July 19 at the Rodeo Arena.

As bands perform on the Midway, anyone with an empty stomach can also compete in a hot dog eating contest at 8:30 p.m. July 15 and a pie eating contest at 8:30 p.m. July 17.

Tickets for the fair can be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/36944/ellis-county-fair?fbclid=IwY2xjawKujTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6VFdJNnVTa0NYYk82ZUp4AR44_gw2XjWFjbazSFQJZE4y3MXwLLePpTZO8DU_vIYc0eKGGESB4xXlYUunwA_aem_v9FbcbBjuUHs1yaGOY1NgA">here</a>&nbsp;or at the gate. A pass covering seven events costs $40, and a single-night admission costs $20. Children aged 5 and younger enter for free.

You can follow the Ellis County Fair on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750966663007.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostGet ready to rock all week long at the Ellis County Fair, with five nights of live bands taking the stage each evening."That fair isn't all country," Ellis County Fair Vice President Jill Pfannenstiel said. "Come out, have fun and listen to some good music."The fair will feature the local lineup of:•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimAnthonyBand/">Anthony and the Anamals</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 15 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://paramount80s.com/follow-us">Paramount</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 16 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://sunsetsinners.com/">Sunset Sinners</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 17 at the Midway. •&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/docacousticdj">DOC</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 18 at the Midway. • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Crazy-Horse-20-100063671161696/">Crazy Horse 2.0</a>: Free rock concert begins at 8 p.m. July 19 at the Midway.Picnic tables and chairs will be available, with food vendors and a new beer garden nearby. Pfannenstiel said the rock bands will play until midnight and are easy to catch following grandstand events such as: •&nbsp;KPRA Rodeo: 8 p.m. July 15-16 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;Ranch Rodeo: 8 p.m. July 17 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52d736e5-de04-4b4b-a988-277667123f6a">Midget Wrestling</a>: 8 p.m. July 18 at the Rodeo Arena. •&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b14a780-50e1-4795-b899-9800bd00a9d7">Moto Rodeo</a>: 8 p.m. July 19 at the Rodeo Arena.As bands perform on the Midway, anyone with an empty stomach can also compete in a hot dog eating contest at 8:30 p.m. July 15 and a pie eating contest at 8:30 p.m. July 17.Tickets for the fair can be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/36944/ellis-county-fair?fbclid=IwY2xjawKujTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6VFdJNnVTa0NYYk82ZUp4AR44_gw2XjWFjbazSFQJZE4y3MXwLLePpTZO8DU_vIYc0eKGGESB4xXlYUunwA_aem_v9FbcbBjuUHs1yaGOY1NgA">here</a>&nbsp;or at the gate. A pass covering seven events costs $40, and a single-night admission costs $20. Children aged 5 and younger enter for free.You can follow the Ellis County Fair on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>.

Five free nights of rock to light up Ellis County Fair

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/03/clean-air-activists-uneasy-with-holcomb-coal-plants-2-year-exemption-from-new-pollution-rule/?emci=11ffdbf1-8558-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&amp;emdi=59ed3944-b558-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — American Lung Association advocacy director Sara Prem doesn’t want to internalize consequences of the Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. securing a two-year exemption from tighter limits on pollution at its electricity plant in southwest Kansas.

Sunflower’s generating station at Holcomb was among 68 coal plants in two-dozen states given permission by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sidestep elevated mercury and arsenic controls set to take effect in July 2027. The reprieve was tied to President Donald Trump’s executive order in April that said lack of technology and national security considerations could make compliance too onerous for U.S. plants generating power by burning coal.

“We’re creating the risk of more pollution in that community,” Prem said. “With these coal plants, you’re getting a lot of pollutants. It’s not just mercury. Inhaling those particulates can lead to a wide range of health effects.”

She said amplified restraints on emissions from coal plants could save lives because reliance on the fossil fuel damaged people’s lungs, made children susceptible to illness and contributed to climate problems.

The Trump administration shouldn’t have abandoned reforms President Joe Biden delivered to the country’s 200 coal-fired facilities, Prem said.

In 2024, Biden’s EPA directed utilities to adhere to elevated emission standards for toxic metals and to implement a 70% reduction for mercury releases at plants fueled by brown coal. The Democratic president required generating stations making use of coal to address 90% of carbon pollution.

To qualify for Trump’s presidential exemption, Sunflower Electric was told to send an email request to the EPA and await the president’s response.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-04/regulatory-relief-for-certain-stationary-annex-1.pdf" target="_blank">Sunflower Electric was the lone coal plant in Kansas</a>&nbsp;to get an exemption, but others were awarded in Oklahoma and Missouri.

Sunflower Electric, which is owned by cooperatives serving 58 counties in central and western Kansas, didn’t respond to requests for comment about the exemption. On social media, Sunflower Electric celebrated Trump’s work to derail Biden’s amended emission rules.

“Sunflower is encouraged by the EPA’s recent actions to address regulations impacting electric cooperatives,” Sunflower Electric said. “As electricity demand soars, it’s essential to have policies that ensure reliable, affordable power while protecting the environment.”

The Holcomb plant years ago deployed scrubbers and other technology to limit release of pollution in a process that burned coal, heated water and pushed turbines to generate electricity.

In March, Sunflower Electric announced start of construction on its third solar power project. The facility near Dodge City would — if completed — be the largest solar complex in Kansas. The cooperative previously collaborated on solar projects near Russell and closer to the Holcomb coal plant in Johnson City.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported coal’s share of the nation’s power generation had fallen under 20% after supplying approximately half of the country’s electricity in 2000. Natural gas and renewable sources, including solar and wind, absorbed coal’s market share.

Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, said the reprieve for coal plants addressed “unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable” rules advanced late in Biden’s term. The association said Biden’s rules would have been costly to utility companies.

“They will jeopardize the reliability of the electric grid for as long as they remain in effect,” Matheson said.

The federal Clean Air Act included provisions enabling a U.S. president to temporarily exempt industrial sites from new regulations.

Trump said the exemptions were necessary because emission-control technology required to meet Biden’s mandate wasn’t widely available in a commercially viable form. In addition, the president said adherence to his predecessor’s rules raised “the unacceptable risk of the shutdown of many coal-fired power plants, eliminating thousands of jobs, placing our electrical grid at risk and threatening broader, harmful economic and energy security effects.”

“The (Biden) rule places severe burdens on coal-fired power plants and, through its indirect effects, on the viability of our nation’s coal sector,” Trump’s order said.

A coalition of 12 environmental and community organizations filed a lawsuit in June against the Trump administration for the alleged illegal use of presidential authority for benefit of the exemptions.

The Natural Resources Defense Council, which is a plaintiff in the lawsuit, said the majority of coal plants given exemptions had cleaning equipment installed that could meet — or has met — the safer pollution limits. The council said one-fourth of coal units receiving an exemption were scheduled to retire within 5 years.

Prem, the Kansas and Nebraska advocate for the American Lung Association, said Trump’s bid to breathe life into the coal industry meant exempted coal-burning units could avoid installing continuous monitoring equipment to alert communities of excessive emissions.

The real-time data was to have been provided to regulators to track compliance with emissions restrictions, she said.

“We’ve created a situation where they’re allowed less transparency,” Prem said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752083971812.jpeg" alt="Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp., which provides power to communities in 58 Kansas counties, received a two-year exemption for its coal-fired plant in Holcomb from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Photo by Monty Rakusen/Getty Images" />
 <figcaption>Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp., which provides power to communities in 58 Kansas counties, received a two-year exemption for its coal-fired plant in Holcomb from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Photo by Monty Rakusen/Getty Images</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/03/clean-air-activists-uneasy-with-holcomb-coal-plants-2-year-exemption-from-new-pollution-rule/?emci=11ffdbf1-8558-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&amp;emdi=59ed3944-b558-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — American Lung Association advocacy director Sara Prem doesn’t want to internalize consequences of the Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. securing a two-year exemption from tighter limits on pollution at its electricity plant in southwest Kansas.Sunflower’s generating station at Holcomb was among 68 coal plants in two-dozen states given permission by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sidestep elevated mercury and arsenic controls set to take effect in July 2027. The reprieve was tied to President Donald Trump’s executive order in April that said lack of technology and national security considerations could make compliance too onerous for U.S. plants generating power by burning coal.“We’re creating the risk of more pollution in that community,” Prem said. “With these coal plants, you’re getting a lot of pollutants. It’s not just mercury. Inhaling those particulates can lead to a wide range of health effects.”She said amplified restraints on emissions from coal plants could save lives because reliance on the fossil fuel damaged people’s lungs, made children susceptible to illness and contributed to climate problems.The Trump administration shouldn’t have abandoned reforms President Joe Biden delivered to the country’s 200 coal-fired facilities, Prem said.In 2024, Biden’s EPA directed utilities to adhere to elevated emission standards for toxic metals and to implement a 70% reduction for mercury releases at plants fueled by brown coal. The Democratic president required generating stations making use of coal to address 90% of carbon pollution.To qualify for Trump’s presidential exemption, Sunflower Electric was told to send an email request to the EPA and await the president’s response.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-04/regulatory-relief-for-certain-stationary-annex-1.pdf" target="_blank">Sunflower Electric was the lone coal plant in Kansas</a>&nbsp;to get an exemption, but others were awarded in Oklahoma and Missouri.Sunflower Electric, which is owned by cooperatives serving 58 counties in central and western Kansas, didn’t respond to requests for comment about the exemption. On social media, Sunflower Electric celebrated Trump’s work to derail Biden’s amended emission rules.“Sunflower is encouraged by the EPA’s recent actions to address regulations impacting electric cooperatives,” Sunflower Electric said. “As electricity demand soars, it’s essential to have policies that ensure reliable, affordable power while protecting the environment.”The Holcomb plant years ago deployed scrubbers and other technology to limit release of pollution in a process that burned coal, heated water and pushed turbines to generate electricity.In March, Sunflower Electric announced start of construction on its third solar power project. The facility near Dodge City would — if completed — be the largest solar complex in Kansas. The cooperative previously collaborated on solar projects near Russell and closer to the Holcomb coal plant in Johnson City.The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported coal’s share of the nation’s power generation had fallen under 20% after supplying approximately half of the country’s electricity in 2000. Natural gas and renewable sources, including solar and wind, absorbed coal’s market share.Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, said the reprieve for coal plants addressed “unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable” rules advanced late in Biden’s term. The association said Biden’s rules would have been costly to utility companies.“They will jeopardize the reliability of the electric grid for as long as they remain in effect,” Matheson said.The federal Clean Air Act included provisions enabling a U.S. president to temporarily exempt industrial sites from new regulations.Trump said the exemptions were necessary because emission-control technology required to meet Biden’s mandate wasn’t widely available in a commercially viable form. In addition, the president said adherence to his predecessor’s rules raised “the unacceptable risk of the shutdown of many coal-fired power plants, eliminating thousands of jobs, placing our electrical grid at risk and threatening broader, harmful economic and energy security effects.”“The (Biden) rule places severe burdens on coal-fired power plants and, through its indirect effects, on the viability of our nation’s coal sector,” Trump’s order said.A coalition of 12 environmental and community organizations filed a lawsuit in June against the Trump administration for the alleged illegal use of presidential authority for benefit of the exemptions.The Natural Resources Defense Council, which is a plaintiff in the lawsuit, said the majority of coal plants given exemptions had cleaning equipment installed that could meet — or has met — the safer pollution limits. The council said one-fourth of coal units receiving an exemption were scheduled to retire within 5 years.Prem, the Kansas and Nebraska advocate for the American Lung Association, said Trump’s bid to breathe life into the coal industry meant exempted coal-burning units could avoid installing continuous monitoring equipment to alert communities of excessive emissions.The real-time data was to have been provided to regulators to track compliance with emissions restrictions, she said.“We’ve created a situation where they’re allowed less transparency,” Prem said.

Clean-air activists uneasy with Sunflower Electric coal plant’s exemption from new pollution rule

The Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the second draft of the 2026 budget during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.

This version includes revisions from department heads and elected officials. The main budget updates are employee pay adjustments and insurance premium increases.

Several budget items still need further discussion, including a proposed new retirement match tier, outside agency funding and possibly adding one to two mills.

The discussion of mill levies continues from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4077a840-fcf5-4db5-b779-d7f8ed822aba">July 8 meeting</a>.

The commission will be asked to approve sending a notice to the county clerk of its intention to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the 2026 budget year.

This notice does not obligate the commission to exceed the revenue-neutral rate but preserves the legal option to do so as final budget decisions are made.

Current estimates show the general fund mill levy would increase slightly to about 37 mills and the fire district to around four mills to meet projected 2026 revenue requirements. A public hearing on the budget is set for Sept. 9.

Capital improvement projects and bond options

The commission will review several major upcoming capital improvement projects with a total cost of about $9.75 million.

These include remodeling areas in the law enforcement center in Hays, building a new EMS/fire station in Ellis, replacing fan coil units in the administrative building and upgrading the courthouse HVAC system.

Darin Myers, county administrator, will ask the commission to consider using bonds to finance these projects, as the county has a solid AA credit rating.

The Ellis County Fire Department will display two new fire engines after the meeting for the commissioners to see.&nbsp;These engines were approved for purchase in December 2023.

The commission will be requested to approve an updated rental contract for the Schenk and Unrein Buildings at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation requested a change to the indemnity clause limiting their responsibility to injuries or damages only caused by their group or contractors.

The commission will be asked to approve a bid of about $36,200 from JDR Painting to repaint the jail cells and kitchen ceiling at the Ellis County Jail.

The commission will be asked to approve revised job descriptions as part of the previously approved restructuring of the Public Works Department.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152025-685">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will hear an update on the second draft of the 2026 budget during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.This version includes revisions from department heads and elected officials. The main budget updates are employee pay adjustments and insurance premium increases.Several budget items still need further discussion, including a proposed new retirement match tier, outside agency funding and possibly adding one to two mills.The discussion of mill levies continues from the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4077a840-fcf5-4db5-b779-d7f8ed822aba">July 8 meeting</a>.<h2>Notice to exceed revenue-neutral rate</h2>The commission will be asked to approve sending a notice to the county clerk of its intention to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the 2026 budget year.This notice does not obligate the commission to exceed the revenue-neutral rate but preserves the legal option to do so as final budget decisions are made.Current estimates show the general fund mill levy would increase slightly to about 37 mills and the fire district to around four mills to meet projected 2026 revenue requirements. A public hearing on the budget is set for Sept. 9.<h2>Capital improvement projects and bond options</h2>The commission will review several major upcoming capital improvement projects with a total cost of about $9.75 million.These include remodeling areas in the law enforcement center in Hays, building a new EMS/fire station in Ellis, replacing fan coil units in the administrative building and upgrading the courthouse HVAC system.Darin Myers, county administrator, will ask the commission to consider using bonds to finance these projects, as the county has a solid AA credit rating.<h2>Other business</h2>The Ellis County Fire Department will display two new fire engines after the meeting for the commissioners to see.&nbsp;These engines were approved for purchase in December 2023.The commission will be requested to approve an updated rental contract for the Schenk and Unrein Buildings at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation requested a change to the indemnity clause limiting their responsibility to injuries or damages only caused by their group or contractors.The commission will be asked to approve a bid of about $36,200 from JDR Painting to repaint the jail cells and kitchen ceiling at the Ellis County Jail.The commission will be asked to approve revised job descriptions as part of the previously approved restructuring of the Public Works Department.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152025-685">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to discuss 2026 budget; Possible mill increase 

A strategic communication campaign developed by three Fort Hays State University (FHSU) students has earned second place in the Kansas Professional Communicators 2025 Communications Contest for “Video for Web, Nonprofit (Group).”

The award-winning project was created in the spring 2024 Strategic Campaign Design and Analysis class, taught by Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science at FHSU. The video project was guided and facilitated by Andy Tincknell, Coordinator of Learning Commons at FHSU’s Forsyth Library.

The winning students, all communication majors with an emphasis in public relations and advertising, are:

• Ashtyn Butler&nbsp;of Albert • Allison Hillebrand&nbsp;of Hays, who is dual majoring in Communications (public relations and advertising concentration) and English (writing concentration) • Carley Norton&nbsp;of Minneola

Their campaign was designed to support&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign&nbsp;in celebrating its significant milestone of reaching 100,000 K-12 students with relationship violence prevention education.

Carley Norton shared her profound experience with the project, stating, “The opportunity to work with a real organization and put my skills to use on a more meaningful scale was already an invaluable and unforgettable experience as a student. Working with Jana's Campaign, however, changed my outlook on the public relations industry and has inspired me to pursue nonprofit PR in the future. Jana's Campaign truly opened my eyes to the scale of and stigma around relationship and sexual violence.”

Norton further elaborated on their creative approach: “My group and I wanted to take a more emotional approach to our campaign after we were completely absorbed by Jana and her story. Knowing it would have a similar effect on the audience, we used as much real personal material as we could, from pictures to quotes to voice recordings that best showcased Jana's personality and the journey her family took to form the organization. 

"Then, an element of surprise is unveiled when pictures from the domestic violence awareness assemblies pop up, showing how one family sparked passion throughout the nation and successfully reached 100,000 students. Finally, a recording of Jana herself perfectly encapsulates the impact of Jana's Campaign: ‘It's gonna be bigger than anything that's ever happened before!’ And they are on track to achieve just that.”

Reflecting on her overall FHSU experience, Norton added, “My time at FHSU is marked by lifelong relationships with classmates turned friends and professors turned mentors, thanks to the small class sizes and community-building traditions that allowed for vast personal attention and growth. 

"I gained universal experience and knowledge from people from all over the world, and I feel not only prepared but ahead of the game as I navigate my career post-grad.”

Dr. Yang emphasized the value of service learning and experiential learning in her curriculum, stating, “At Fort Hays State University, our Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science is dedicated to fostering innovative and socially conscious communicators. Through programs like our public relations and advertising concentration, we equip students with the practical skills and ethical understanding to make a tangible difference in the world. 

"This state-wide recognition is a testament to the talent of our students and the effectiveness of our commitment to experiential learning, preparing graduates who are not just career-ready but also community-minded leaders.”

About Jana’s Campaign Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence&nbsp;prevention&nbsp;organization with the single mission of reducing relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana&nbsp;Mackey and other victims and survivors of relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers&nbsp;educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.

About Kansas Professional Communicators Kansas Professional Communicators is an&nbsp;organization dedicated to promoting high standards in communications, fostering professional&nbsp;development, and protecting the First Amendment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752160410189.png" alt="Fort Hays State University communication studies students, Ashtyn Butler, Carley Norton,&nbsp;and Allison Hillebrand (from left) present their strategic campaign for Jana's Campaign to&nbsp;the organization and FHSU faculty members on April 26, 2024, at the university. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University communication studies students, Ashtyn Butler, Carley Norton,&nbsp;and Allison Hillebrand (from left) present their strategic campaign for Jana's Campaign to&nbsp;the organization and FHSU faculty members on April 26, 2024, at the university. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State UniversityA strategic communication campaign developed by three Fort Hays State University (FHSU) students has earned second place in the Kansas Professional Communicators 2025 Communications Contest for “Video for Web, Nonprofit (Group).”The award-winning project was created in the spring 2024 Strategic Campaign Design and Analysis class, taught by Dr. Hsin-Yen Yang, a professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science at FHSU. The video project was guided and facilitated by Andy Tincknell, Coordinator of Learning Commons at FHSU’s Forsyth Library.The winning students, all communication majors with an emphasis in public relations and advertising, are:• Ashtyn Butler&nbsp;of Albert • Allison Hillebrand&nbsp;of Hays, who is dual majoring in Communications (public relations and advertising concentration) and English (writing concentration) • Carley Norton&nbsp;of MinneolaTheir campaign was designed to support&nbsp;Jana’s Campaign&nbsp;in celebrating its significant milestone of reaching 100,000 K-12 students with relationship violence prevention education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752245071777.png" alt="Carley Norton (right) accepts an award on behalf of her group from Gwen Larson, Kansas&nbsp;Professional Communicators Contest Coordinator, at the KPC 2025 award ceremony. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Carley Norton (right) accepts an award on behalf of her group from Gwen Larson, Kansas&nbsp;Professional Communicators Contest Coordinator, at the KPC 2025 award ceremony. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Carley Norton shared her profound experience with the project, stating, “The opportunity to work with a real organization and put my skills to use on a more meaningful scale was already an invaluable and unforgettable experience as a student. Working with Jana's Campaign, however, changed my outlook on the public relations industry and has inspired me to pursue nonprofit PR in the future. Jana's Campaign truly opened my eyes to the scale of and stigma around relationship and sexual violence.”Norton further elaborated on their creative approach: “My group and I wanted to take a more emotional approach to our campaign after we were completely absorbed by Jana and her story. Knowing it would have a similar effect on the audience, we used as much real personal material as we could, from pictures to quotes to voice recordings that best showcased Jana's personality and the journey her family took to form the organization. "Then, an element of surprise is unveiled when pictures from the domestic violence awareness assemblies pop up, showing how one family sparked passion throughout the nation and successfully reached 100,000 students. Finally, a recording of Jana herself perfectly encapsulates the impact of Jana's Campaign: ‘It's gonna be bigger than anything that's ever happened before!’ And they are on track to achieve just that.”Reflecting on her overall FHSU experience, Norton added, “My time at FHSU is marked by lifelong relationships with classmates turned friends and professors turned mentors, thanks to the small class sizes and community-building traditions that allowed for vast personal attention and growth. "I gained universal experience and knowledge from people from all over the world, and I feel not only prepared but ahead of the game as I navigate my career post-grad.”Dr. Yang emphasized the value of service learning and experiential learning in her curriculum, stating, “At Fort Hays State University, our Department of Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science is dedicated to fostering innovative and socially conscious communicators. Through programs like our public relations and advertising concentration, we equip students with the practical skills and ethical understanding to make a tangible difference in the world. "This state-wide recognition is a testament to the talent of our students and the effectiveness of our commitment to experiential learning, preparing graduates who are not just career-ready but also community-minded leaders.”About Jana’s Campaign Jana’s Campaign is a national education and violence&nbsp;prevention&nbsp;organization with the single mission of reducing relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana&nbsp;Mackey and other victims and survivors of relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers&nbsp;educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.About Kansas Professional Communicators Kansas Professional Communicators is an&nbsp;organization dedicated to promoting high standards in communications, fostering professional&nbsp;development, and protecting the First Amendment.

FHSU students earn state recognition for strategic communication campaign

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752242366269.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

MANHATTAN — Nearly 4,600 Kansas State University students have earned semester honors for their academic performance in the spring 2025 semester.

Students earning a grade point average for the semester of 3.75 or above on at least 12 graded credit hours receive semester honors along with commendations from their deans. The honors are also recorded on their permanent academic records.

View the full list of K-State spring 2025 semester honor recipients at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/lists/sp25/semesterhonors.html">k‑state.edu/news/articles/lists/sp25/semesterhonors.html</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745935717357.png" alt="Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State UniversityMANHATTAN — Nearly 4,600 Kansas State University students have earned semester honors for their academic performance in the spring 2025 semester.Students earning a grade point average for the semester of 3.75 or above on at least 12 graded credit hours receive semester honors along with commendations from their deans. The honors are also recorded on their permanent academic records.Ellis County students are listed below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752162023522.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>View the full list of K-State spring 2025 semester honor recipients at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/lists/sp25/semesterhonors.html">k‑state.edu/news/articles/lists/sp25/semesterhonors.html</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State University students from Ellis County earn spring 2025 semester honors

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

As we walked up the sidewalk and across the patio at my grandson’s house the other night we had to watch our footing as the ground practically moved beneath our feet. 

Dozens of tiny toads the size of quarters hopped in every direction with each step. An adult toad the size of a peach, probably dad or grandpa, perched at the top of the porch. We usually have multitudes of toads at the Gilliland ranch every summer, tumbling from beneath the tomato plants or leaping from under the lilacs. This year though, oddly enough our place seems to be “toad deficient.” I miss the little blighters as they are nature’s ground crew for insect control.

Toad… the name itself conjures up visions of witches adding eyes of newts and wings of bats to a bubbling caldron of potion, or a derogatory remark about a person’s physical appearance. They’re fat and pudgy, their blotchy skin is covered with lumps and warts, their spring mating call sounds like a poor lost calf calling for its mother and they pee on anyone attempting to pick them up. You gotta’ love 'em! 

Their saving grace comes in the form of a voracious appetite for insects.

A few years back during a particularly wet spell like that of late, I spoke with Wildlife Diversity Coordinator for the state of Kansas, Ken Brunson, about the myriad of tiny toads that were literally everywhere that year. 

Just when I thought life was as simple as a toad, was a toad, was a toad, Ken informed me that toads have names, too. Ken said that 95% of the toads seen in Kansas are either Woodhouse’s Toads, or Great Plains Toads. Eastern Kansas also has some American toads and Spadefoot toads. 

Ken linked that year’s abundance of tiny toads to the abundance of standing water in places where there hadn’t been water for ages, and the flood waters forced many from their homes near the streams and swamps where they hatched, and sent them scrambling for higher ground.

Whatever their clan, all toads begin their life as jelly-covered strands of eggs laid in the shallows of swamps, streams and ponds. In about one week the eggs hatch into tadpoles. Next, hind legs begin to grow, then front legs, then lungs replace the gills, the tail is absorbed into the body, and finally, two to three weeks after hatching, the youngsters hop out onto dry land. Woodhouse and Great Plains toads both grow to be three to five inches long when fully mature.

Although not particularly athletic, toads are efficient predators and do have a ravenous appetite for insects. Research suggests that a toad is capable of eating two-thirds its body weight in insects daily.

 Worms of all kinds seem to be favorites as they’re probably easier to catch (and I’m sure more filling!) A study done on Great Plains toads in Oklahoma found that because of their fondness for dining on over-wintering cutworms, these toads were estimated to be worth twenty-five dollars apiece per year to the agriculture industry there. 

Their taste for bugs can easily be seen in their droppings. The black cigar shaped droppings found in driveways and on sidewalks this time of year are in fact, toad poo. When they have acres of yards, gardens and fields to potty in, I’ll never understand why they feel the need to go on the sidewalk or in the driveway (the least they could do is cart it away when they leave.) Next time you see some, take a stick and poke it apart; you’ll see it’s comprised entirely of undigested bug parts like legs and wings.

Contrary to the old-wives tale, handling a toad does not cause warts. The warts on their skin and the glands behind their eyes do, however, produce a toxin capable of making you sick if accidentally ingested. You’ve witnessed this toxin at work if you have ever seen your dog frothing and foaming at the mouth after playing with a toad in the yard.

With that in mind, I guess my advice to you concerning toads would be three-fold.

 1) If you suddenly find your dog foaming and frothing at the mouth, don’t shoot it, it probably just licked a toad.

3) ALWAYS hold a toad way out in front of you with both hands or you’re liable to get your shoes wet. 

So whenever a fat pudgy toad surprises you in the garden or flower bed, tip your hat to them and thank them for the insect removal service they provide. 

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751986027498.png" alt="Female Great Plains Toad from Hamilton County, Kansas. Photo by Travis W. Taggart/FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Female Great Plains Toad from Hamilton County, Kansas. Photo by Travis W. Taggart/FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsAs we walked up the sidewalk and across the patio at my grandson’s house the other night we had to watch our footing as the ground practically moved beneath our feet. Dozens of tiny toads the size of quarters hopped in every direction with each step. An adult toad the size of a peach, probably dad or grandpa, perched at the top of the porch. We usually have multitudes of toads at the Gilliland ranch every summer, tumbling from beneath the tomato plants or leaping from under the lilacs. This year though, oddly enough our place seems to be “toad deficient.” I miss the little blighters as they are nature’s ground crew for insect control.Toad… the name itself conjures up visions of witches adding eyes of newts and wings of bats to a bubbling caldron of potion, or a derogatory remark about a person’s physical appearance. They’re fat and pudgy, their blotchy skin is covered with lumps and warts, their spring mating call sounds like a poor lost calf calling for its mother and they pee on anyone attempting to pick them up. You gotta’ love 'em! Their saving grace comes in the form of a voracious appetite for insects.A few years back during a particularly wet spell like that of late, I spoke with Wildlife Diversity Coordinator for the state of Kansas, Ken Brunson, about the myriad of tiny toads that were literally everywhere that year. Just when I thought life was as simple as a toad, was a toad, was a toad, Ken informed me that toads have names, too. Ken said that 95% of the toads seen in Kansas are either Woodhouse’s Toads, or Great Plains Toads. Eastern Kansas also has some American toads and Spadefoot toads. Ken linked that year’s abundance of tiny toads to the abundance of standing water in places where there hadn’t been water for ages, and the flood waters forced many from their homes near the streams and swamps where they hatched, and sent them scrambling for higher ground.Whatever their clan, all toads begin their life as jelly-covered strands of eggs laid in the shallows of swamps, streams and ponds. In about one week the eggs hatch into tadpoles. Next, hind legs begin to grow, then front legs, then lungs replace the gills, the tail is absorbed into the body, and finally, two to three weeks after hatching, the youngsters hop out onto dry land. Woodhouse and Great Plains toads both grow to be three to five inches long when fully mature.Although not particularly athletic, toads are efficient predators and do have a ravenous appetite for insects. Research suggests that a toad is capable of eating two-thirds its body weight in insects daily. Worms of all kinds seem to be favorites as they’re probably easier to catch (and I’m sure more filling!) A study done on Great Plains toads in Oklahoma found that because of their fondness for dining on over-wintering cutworms, these toads were estimated to be worth twenty-five dollars apiece per year to the agriculture industry there. Their taste for bugs can easily be seen in their droppings. The black cigar shaped droppings found in driveways and on sidewalks this time of year are in fact, toad poo. When they have acres of yards, gardens and fields to potty in, I’ll never understand why they feel the need to go on the sidewalk or in the driveway (the least they could do is cart it away when they leave.) Next time you see some, take a stick and poke it apart; you’ll see it’s comprised entirely of undigested bug parts like legs and wings.Contrary to the old-wives tale, handling a toad does not cause warts. The warts on their skin and the glands behind their eyes do, however, produce a toxin capable of making you sick if accidentally ingested. You’ve witnessed this toxin at work if you have ever seen your dog frothing and foaming at the mouth after playing with a toad in the yard.With that in mind, I guess my advice to you concerning toads would be three-fold. 1) If you suddenly find your dog foaming and frothing at the mouth, don’t shoot it, it probably just licked a toad.2) Don’t lick a toad yourself.3) ALWAYS hold a toad way out in front of you with both hands or you’re liable to get your shoes wet. So whenever a fat pudgy toad surprises you in the garden or flower bed, tip your hat to them and thank them for the insect removal service they provide. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Insect removal technicians

By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post

There are big barns, and then there is the Cooper Barn.

The huge white structure boldly towers above the horizon just off Interstate 70’s Exit 54 at Colby. And it’s a must-see for travelers about midway between the city of Hays, the economic hub of northwest Kansas, and the Colorado state border.

The 150-ton barn, deemed one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture, boasts of being the biggest one in the state with its massive measurements of 66 feet wide, 114 feet long and 48 feet high.

Built in 1936 at Breton, 16 miles northeast of Colby, the barn was donated to the Thomas County Historical Society by the Cooper family and moved to its current location in 1992.

The Prairie Museum of Art and History notes that more than 100 years of history, artifacts, exhibits and photos are on display inside the two-story barn in Colby, which features an expansive haymow upstairs.

The Cooper Barn and several other vintage buildings on the grounds of the Prairie Museum can take visitors back in what most would probably call a slower time in history.

The barn itself offers a lesson in history, with posters lining the outer walls that explain various cattle brands and the evolution of farming practices over the decades. Also on the bottom floor, one can view a covered wagon and a 1930s-era red Chevrolet pickup truck, dating back to the time the barn was built.

Visitors climbing the stairs to the second floor often are in awe as they gaze toward the trusses that span the width of the structure.

The hayloft has played host to numerous weddings, reunions and other activities through the years. There was a wedding there just last month.

It was also popular back in the day, too. Connie Smith Davis remembers that when she was a student at Colby Community College, in January 1967, the Economics club held a party in the hayloft. Chili was made, but it did not warm up the students.

“The weather was extremely cold and snowy, so despite the hot chili and some portable heaters in that large hay mow, we were all very cold and we all went home early,” Davis said.

Foster Farms built the barn nearly 90 years ago to hold its herd of prize-winning cattle.

In the 1960s, the barn was sold to a partnership known as O.C.K. Farms. The partnership dissolved in 1969 and Willard Cooper retained ownership of the company. The barn was used for the community college’s horse production program in the 1970s.

Jim Malcolm, who grew up in Almena but has been a Colby resident since 1970, remembered attending a livestock judging contest at Cooper Barn while in high school in the mid-1950s. When he was a high school teacher in Colby, Malcolm had his physics class watch the barn move to Colby.

“The first time I saw this barn, I was awed,” said Malcom, the current president of the board for the museum. “I thought, ‘Gee whiz, that’s some barn.’ It was the biggest barn I had ever seen.”

Bruce Frahm, a Colby native who graduated from high school there in 1970, remembered being in a livestock judging contest at the barn when he was an underclassman. He took note of the building material, which was made of the finest quality of wood.

The barn was built using lumber from Foster Lumber Company, and house siding was used on the outside instead of barn siding to give it a more attractive appearance.

The lumber company’s owner had the barn built to house a nationally known herd of registered Hereford cattle; at one time, the herd consisted of 731 animals, according to The Fence Post News, an agricultural digital newspaper.

Frahm also was part of the caravan that moved the barn to the museum grounds. Hydraulic lifts raised the barn, and eight-wheel dollies were put in place in preparation for the move.

“There must have been four or five police cars along with the moving truck,” Frahm said. “At certain points there were fairly good-sized crowds. They had to cut out small panels in the side of the barn to run big I-beams through it to support it.”

In 1991, the barn was donated to the local historical society by Gary and Elfriede Cooper and Mary Jo Cooper Pawlus. In May of 1992, the barn was moved to the museum in a three-day trek from Breton to Colby.

Frahm said the Cooper Barn had a rival for being billed as the largest barn in Kansas. He said a barn in Rooks County also claimed the title. The Thomas Big Barn, built in 1912 between Woodston and Alton, was 100 feet long, 64 feet wide and 54 feet tall.

“Turns out we both were right,” Frahm said. “We have the biggest cubic footage barn and the other barn had the biggest square footage barn.”

Frahm added that since the other barn was struck by lightning and burned, Cooper Barn has ever since can lay claim to the title all by itself.

The Eller House features vintage furniture depicting a 1930s homestead.

The old white Nicol School is complete with a wood-burning stove and desks common to one-room schoolhouses. Step outside the school, and one can imagine the laughter of children as they literally flew down the slippery slide and squeals from girls wanting off the moving-too-fast merry-go-round.

One can sit in a pew in the Lone State Church, built in 1915 north of Gem by a group of Danish settlers, and almost hear the preacher giving a Sunday morning message.

The grounds also include the Vacin red barn, built in 1916, and the Western Prairie Educational Site, located on 10 acres south of the museum and providing a natural habitat for wildlife.

“In my opinion, all of these buildings need to be maintained for people here now who have never seen them,” Malcolm said.

The 21,500 square-foot museum features numerous exhibits and artifacts. An earth berm planted with native buffalo grass encircles the building. The museum at 1905 S. Franklin Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Jim Severs and his wife, Jan, visited the Cooper Barn and the other buildings one day last month. The couple from Conway, Arkansas, stopped in Colby a year ago and wanted to visit the museum, only to find it had closed for the day. They made sure to check out this time around on their way to Denver.

“It’s beautiful; I love the architecture,” Jim said of Cooper Barn. “The fact that it’s preserved is amazing. Since it’s billed as (one of the eight) architectural wonders of Kansas, I kind of had to see it.”

Jan Severs was impressed by the size of the hayloft.

“Upstairs, it was beautiful,” she said. “It was wonderful to see how people lived.”

Jan added that Arkansas has nothing like Cooper Barn.

“We have a lot of barns,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t know of any this large.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173319169.jpeg" alt="A group of 16 windows run along each side of the Cooper Barn, a 114-foot long building in Colby deemed as the largest barn in Kansas. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>A group of 16 windows run along each side of the Cooper Barn, a 114-foot long building in Colby deemed as the largest barn in Kansas. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752174451190.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays PostThere are big barns, and then there is the Cooper Barn.The huge white structure boldly towers above the horizon just off Interstate 70’s Exit 54 at Colby. And it’s a must-see for travelers about midway between the city of Hays, the economic hub of northwest Kansas, and the Colorado state border.The 150-ton barn, deemed one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture, boasts of being the biggest one in the state with its massive measurements of 66 feet wide, 114 feet long and 48 feet high.Built in 1936 at Breton, 16 miles northeast of Colby, the barn was donated to the Thomas County Historical Society by the Cooper family and moved to its current location in 1992.The Prairie Museum of Art and History notes that more than 100 years of history, artifacts, exhibits and photos are on display inside the two-story barn in Colby, which features an expansive haymow upstairs.The Cooper Barn and several other vintage buildings on the grounds of the Prairie Museum can take visitors back in what most would probably call a slower time in history.The barn itself offers a lesson in history, with posters lining the outer walls that explain various cattle brands and the evolution of farming practices over the decades. Also on the bottom floor, one can view a covered wagon and a 1930s-era red Chevrolet pickup truck, dating back to the time the barn was built.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173371897.jpeg" alt="The massive hayloft of the Cooper Barn has been the site of numerous special occasions over the years, including weddings and reunions of all sorts. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>The massive hayloft of the Cooper Barn has been the site of numerous special occasions over the years, including weddings and reunions of all sorts. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>Visitors climbing the stairs to the second floor often are in awe as they gaze toward the trusses that span the width of the structure.The hayloft has played host to numerous weddings, reunions and other activities through the years. There was a wedding there just last month.It was also popular back in the day, too. Connie Smith Davis remembers that when she was a student at Colby Community College, in January 1967, the Economics club held a party in the hayloft. Chili was made, but it did not warm up the students.“The weather was extremely cold and snowy, so despite the hot chili and some portable heaters in that large hay mow, we were all very cold and we all went home early,” Davis said.<h2>Building and moving the barn</h2>Foster Farms built the barn nearly 90 years ago to hold its herd of prize-winning cattle.In the 1960s, the barn was sold to a partnership known as O.C.K. Farms. The partnership dissolved in 1969 and Willard Cooper retained ownership of the company. The barn was used for the community college’s horse production program in the 1970s.Jim Malcolm, who grew up in Almena but has been a Colby resident since 1970, remembered attending a livestock judging contest at Cooper Barn while in high school in the mid-1950s. When he was a high school teacher in Colby, Malcolm had his physics class watch the barn move to Colby.“The first time I saw this barn, I was awed,” said Malcom, the current president of the board for the museum. “I thought, ‘Gee whiz, that’s some barn.’ It was the biggest barn I had ever seen.”Bruce Frahm, a Colby native who graduated from high school there in 1970, remembered being in a livestock judging contest at the barn when he was an underclassman. He took note of the building material, which was made of the finest quality of wood.The barn was built using lumber from Foster Lumber Company, and house siding was used on the outside instead of barn siding to give it a more attractive appearance.The lumber company’s owner had the barn built to house a nationally known herd of registered Hereford cattle; at one time, the herd consisted of 731 animals, according to The Fence Post News, an agricultural digital newspaper.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173458364.jpeg" alt="After it was donated to the local historical society, the Cooper Barn was moved from 16 miles outside Colby to its current location at the Prairie Museum of Art and History. The 1992 trek to Colby took three days to complete. Photo courtesy of Prairie Museum of Art and History" />
 <figcaption>After it was donated to the local historical society, the Cooper Barn was moved from 16 miles outside Colby to its current location at the Prairie Museum of Art and History. The 1992 trek to Colby took three days to complete. Photo courtesy of Prairie Museum of Art and History</figcaption>
 </figure>Frahm also was part of the caravan that moved the barn to the museum grounds. Hydraulic lifts raised the barn, and eight-wheel dollies were put in place in preparation for the move.“There must have been four or five police cars along with the moving truck,” Frahm said. “At certain points there were fairly good-sized crowds. They had to cut out small panels in the side of the barn to run big I-beams through it to support it.”In 1991, the barn was donated to the local historical society by Gary and Elfriede Cooper and Mary Jo Cooper Pawlus. In May of 1992, the barn was moved to the museum in a three-day trek from Breton to Colby.<h2>The biggest barn?</h2>Frahm said the Cooper Barn had a rival for being billed as the largest barn in Kansas. He said a barn in Rooks County also claimed the title. The Thomas Big Barn, built in 1912 between Woodston and Alton, was 100 feet long, 64 feet wide and 54 feet tall.“Turns out we both were right,” Frahm said. “We have the biggest cubic footage barn and the other barn had the biggest square footage barn.”Frahm added that since the other barn was struck by lightning and burned, Cooper Barn has ever since can lay claim to the title all by itself.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173410678.jpeg" alt="The massive hayloft of the Cooper Barn has been the site of numerous special occasions over the years, including weddings and reunions of all sorts. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien" />
 <figcaption>The massive hayloft of the Cooper Barn has been the site of numerous special occasions over the years, including weddings and reunions of all sorts. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Other museum attractions</h2>The Eller House features vintage furniture depicting a 1930s homestead.The old white Nicol School is complete with a wood-burning stove and desks common to one-room schoolhouses. Step outside the school, and one can imagine the laughter of children as they literally flew down the slippery slide and squeals from girls wanting off the moving-too-fast merry-go-round.One can sit in a pew in the Lone State Church, built in 1915 north of Gem by a group of Danish settlers, and almost hear the preacher giving a Sunday morning message.The grounds also include the Vacin red barn, built in 1916, and the Western Prairie Educational Site, located on 10 acres south of the museum and providing a natural habitat for wildlife.“In my opinion, all of these buildings need to be maintained for people here now who have never seen them,” Malcolm said.The 21,500 square-foot museum features numerous exhibits and artifacts. An earth berm planted with native buffalo grass encircles the building. The museum at 1905 S. Franklin Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.Jim Severs and his wife, Jan, visited the Cooper Barn and the other buildings one day last month. The couple from Conway, Arkansas, stopped in Colby a year ago and wanted to visit the museum, only to find it had closed for the day. They made sure to check out this time around on their way to Denver.“It’s beautiful; I love the architecture,” Jim said of Cooper Barn. “The fact that it’s preserved is amazing. Since it’s billed as (one of the eight) architectural wonders of Kansas, I kind of had to see it.”Jan Severs was impressed by the size of the hayloft.“Upstairs, it was beautiful,” she said. “It was wonderful to see how people lived.”Jan added that Arkansas has nothing like Cooper Barn.“We have a lot of barns,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t know of any this large.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752173597504.jpeg" alt="After it was donated to the local historical society, the Cooper Barn was moved from 16 miles outside Colby to its current location at the Prairie Museum of Art and History. The 1992 trek to Colby took three days to complete. Photo courtesy of Prairie Museum of Art and History" />
 <figcaption>After it was donated to the local historical society, the Cooper Barn was moved from 16 miles outside Colby to its current location at the Prairie Museum of Art and History. The 1992 trek to Colby took three days to complete. Photo courtesy of Prairie Museum of Art and History</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: Colby’s Cooper Barn one of a kind

The Heartland Community Foundation invites all interested residents, leaders, and community stakeholders to two upcoming Strategic Doing meetings in Trego and Rooks counties. These collaborative gatherings are designed to bring people together to address local opportunities and challenges through a practical, action-oriented approach. 

Plainville Thursday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Plainville Senior Center Topic: The Future of Redbud Village and Estates

 Redbud Village and Estates has served as a vital provider of long-term care and employment since 1963. As the facility undergoes a cultural and operational renewal, the time is right for the community to consider its future direction. This session will focus on sustaining and strengthening Redbud for future generations.

 “For decades, Redbud has provided essential services in our area,” said Deanna Hammerschmidt, Heartland’s Rooks County director. “We’re asking our neighbors to join us, share their ideas, and help shape a strong path forward.” 

WaKeeney Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Western Kansas Electric Cooperative Community Room Topic: Exploring Opportunities for WaKeeney and Trego County

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752159785748.png" alt="Heartland Community Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Heartland Community Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationThe Heartland Community Foundation invites all interested residents, leaders, and community stakeholders to two upcoming Strategic Doing meetings in Trego and Rooks counties. These collaborative gatherings are designed to bring people together to address local opportunities and challenges through a practical, action-oriented approach. Plainville Thursday, July 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Plainville Senior Center Topic: The Future of Redbud Village and Estates Redbud Village and Estates has served as a vital provider of long-term care and employment since 1963. As the facility undergoes a cultural and operational renewal, the time is right for the community to consider its future direction. This session will focus on sustaining and strengthening Redbud for future generations. “For decades, Redbud has provided essential services in our area,” said Deanna Hammerschmidt, Heartland’s Rooks County director. “We’re asking our neighbors to join us, share their ideas, and help shape a strong path forward.” WaKeeney Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Western Kansas Electric Cooperative Community Room Topic: Exploring Opportunities for WaKeeney and Trego County This broader session will highlight current projects in the area and invite residents to contribute ideas and feedback.&nbsp;Participants will help identify actionable next steps to ensure continued community vitality.&nbsp;“Strategic Doing goes beyond just sharing ideas—it’s focused on taking action,” said Savannah Downing, Heartland’s Trego County director. “We’re inviting our community members in WaKeeney to come together and be part of creating real solutions.”Both meetings use the Strategic Doing model, a guided process that helps communities form collaborative groups, develop practical solutions, and build momentum through measurable steps. Participation is also part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, which encourages long-term, collaborative thinking by offering additional grant opportunities to communities that actively engage in this process. No RSVP is required. Refreshments will be provided at both events. All are welcome. For more information: Plainville meeting: Contact Deanna Hammerschmidt at 785-621-4090 or visit www.heartlandcf.org. WaKeeney meeting: Contact Savannah Downing at 785-743-3270 or email savannah@gscf.org.&nbsp;

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