By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Championing parents and giving them a voice in their children's education has been very important to Donna Hudson-Hamilton throughout her career.

She said she was inspired to pursue a career in education after witnessing her mother's interactions with the system. Her brother had special needs, and Hudson-Hamilton said she often saw her mother very upset after meetings with teachers concerning her brother's needs.

"I always thought there has to be a better way to do this," she said.

Hudson-Hamilton, director of Early Childhood Connections in Hays, is retiring after 34 years in education.

After earning her degree in school psychology from Fort Hays State University, she served as a child psychologist working in early childhood for 12 years before becoming the director of Early Childhood for USD 489, a position she held for 22 years.

She strove to make parents a part of the education team.&nbsp;

"I have always had the philosophy that parents are their first and foremost teacher," Hudson-Hamilton said, "so if we really want to make lasting change, we need to include parents. They have to be a part of it."

Hudson-Hamilton has been a member of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County since its inception. Dana Stanton, fellow task force member, nominated Hudson-Hamilton for the May Child Care Champion Award.

"For the past 30 years, Donna has been a champion for early childhood services and child care in our community and state," Stanton said. "As the leader of USD 489 Early Childhood Connections, she was instrumental in the development of the USD 489 Early Head Start Child Care Center. ...

"Her expertise in early childhood and the willingness to work on various child care taskforce committees have been greatly appreciated. It is hard to imagine someone in our community who has made a bigger impact on quality early childhood services than Donna Hudson-Hamilton."

Hudson-Hamilton said she quickly knew she was working with the right age group when she was assigned to work with young children.

"I just fell in love with it," she said. "I feel like this is the age to really make a difference and really make an impact."

Research indicates 80% of a child's brain is developed by age 3 and 90% by age 5.

She said the center works closely with teachers to identify the skills that children entering kindergarten might struggle with. In recent years, the center has focused on developing fine motor skills, as children are increasingly playing with electronics and less often engaging in activities such as coloring and playing with materials like Play-Doh.

Early child care, whether in a center or a home, is also very important in developing social skills that are essential for learning in a classroom setting in elementary school, Hudson-Hamilton said.

"If you talk to a kindergarten teacher, they would much rather have a child ready who could play well with others, follow directions, and sit and attend. Those [skills] are probably more important for them than if they know their ABCs," she said.&nbsp;

Hudson-Hamilton said she was proud of the work to establish the Early Childhood Complex.

<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/08/24/early-childhood-connections-relocates-to-renovated-oak-park-complex/">In 2019, USD 489 renovated the building on 13th Street and relocated from its former home in the Washington school.</a>

"We're all at one location where we can be more supportive," she said.

Hudson-Hamilton has had plenty of accolades in her career.&nbsp;

She was named the&nbsp;Kansas Head Start Association&nbsp;Kansas State Children's Champion for 2025 this spring.&nbsp;In 2013, she was named the National Head Start Director of the Year.&nbsp;From 2007 to 2009, she served as president of the Kansas Head Start Association.

She has also served with many other local, state and national organizations. Some of these include: • Heartland Community Foundation Board • Kansas Association of Infant Mental Health • United Methodist Health Ministry Fund • Mental Health Advisory Committee • United Way of Ellis County • KHSA (Kansas Head Start Association) • PACT (Parents and Children Together) • HICC (Hays Interagency Coordinating Council) • Head Start Collaboration Council

However, she said there are small moments every day that make a difference.

"It's the everyday things like seeing the kids and watching them grow and develop, and when parents reach new goals, or when I have active parents on policy council, and they have great ideas, and we're doing good things. Those things fill my heart," she said.

Hudson-Hamilton said COVID changed the way many people saw early child care providers.

"My hope is people continue to see early child care providers, no matter what they're doing, whether they are in a Head Start setting or in their own home day care, that they see them as the professionals they are.

"They are laying that early foundation, providing that safety and that relationship that children desperately need to develop their brains. I hope people see all early childhood providers as professionals."

She said she thought the child care task force has done much to promote the child care profession and educate the community about its importance.

Hudson-Hamilton said she has truly been blessed with an amazing team to work with at Early Childhood Connections.

"We really promote a good school family, and I feel I have had a good school family throughout my career," she said.

Hudson-Hamilton has been in education long enough that children who attended the Early Childhood Center are now in high school and beyond.

"We recently had a student who was in our Ellis classroom who did well at state track, and we'll say, 'Do you remember when they were in our classroom?' or we will have a student win a spelling bee," she said.

The Kansas Head Start Association also awards scholarships to graduating seniors who were previously enrolled in Head Start. Hays students have won that scholarship for the last two years.

"I do think we get to see our students go on to do great and amazing things," Hudson-Hamilton said.

However, Hudson-Hamilton said her greatest achievement has been her family and her own children. She said she has encouraged the center's staff members to make sure they also make time for their families.

Hudson-Hamilton has two daughters, ages 22 and 24, both of whom are also pursuing education as a career. One daughter teaches in an early childhood class in Russell and the other is a school psychologist in the Oakley co-op.

Hudson-Hamilton, 59, said she is still developing her retirement plans. She will likely continue to write grants for local agencies. She is also considering doing remote school psychology or technology work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749156652084.jpeg" alt="Donna Hudson-Hamilton, retiring Early Childhood Center director, with a classroom of children. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Donna Hudson-Hamilton, retiring Early Childhood Center director, with a classroom of children. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostChampioning parents and giving them a voice in their children's education has been very important to Donna Hudson-Hamilton throughout her career.She said she was inspired to pursue a career in education after witnessing her mother's interactions with the system. Her brother had special needs, and Hudson-Hamilton said she often saw her mother very upset after meetings with teachers concerning her brother's needs."I always thought there has to be a better way to do this," she said.Hudson-Hamilton, director of Early Childhood Connections in Hays, is retiring after 34 years in education.After earning her degree in school psychology from Fort Hays State University, she served as a child psychologist working in early childhood for 12 years before becoming the director of Early Childhood for USD 489, a position she held for 22 years.She strove to make parents a part of the education team.&nbsp;"I have always had the philosophy that parents are their first and foremost teacher," Hudson-Hamilton said, "so if we really want to make lasting change, we need to include parents. They have to be a part of it."Hudson-Hamilton has been a member of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County since its inception. Dana Stanton, fellow task force member, nominated Hudson-Hamilton for the May Child Care Champion Award."For the past 30 years, Donna has been a champion for early childhood services and child care in our community and state," Stanton said. "As the leader of USD 489 Early Childhood Connections, she was instrumental in the development of the USD 489 Early Head Start Child Care Center. ..."Her expertise in early childhood and the willingness to work on various child care taskforce committees have been greatly appreciated. It is hard to imagine someone in our community who has made a bigger impact on quality early childhood services than Donna Hudson-Hamilton."Hudson-Hamilton said she quickly knew she was working with the right age group when she was assigned to work with young children."I just fell in love with it," she said. "I feel like this is the age to really make a difference and really make an impact."Research indicates 80% of a child's brain is developed by age 3 and 90% by age 5.She said the center works closely with teachers to identify the skills that children entering kindergarten might struggle with. In recent years, the center has focused on developing fine motor skills, as children are increasingly playing with electronics and less often engaging in activities such as coloring and playing with materials like Play-Doh.Early child care, whether in a center or a home, is also very important in developing social skills that are essential for learning in a classroom setting in elementary school, Hudson-Hamilton said."If you talk to a kindergarten teacher, they would much rather have a child ready who could play well with others, follow directions, and sit and attend. Those [skills] are probably more important for them than if they know their ABCs," she said.&nbsp;Hudson-Hamilton said she was proud of the work to establish the Early Childhood Complex.<a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/08/24/early-childhood-connections-relocates-to-renovated-oak-park-complex/">In 2019, USD 489 renovated the building on 13th Street and relocated from its former home in the Washington school.</a>"We're all at one location where we can be more supportive," she said.Hudson-Hamilton has had plenty of accolades in her career.&nbsp;She was named the&nbsp;Kansas Head Start Association&nbsp;Kansas State Children's Champion for 2025 this spring.&nbsp;In 2013, she was named the National Head Start Director of the Year.&nbsp;From 2007 to 2009, she served as president of the Kansas Head Start Association.She has also served with many other local, state and national organizations. Some of these include: • Heartland Community Foundation Board • Kansas Association of Infant Mental Health • United Methodist Health Ministry Fund • Mental Health Advisory Committee • United Way of Ellis County • KHSA (Kansas Head Start Association) • PACT (Parents and Children Together) • HICC (Hays Interagency Coordinating Council) • Head Start Collaboration CouncilHowever, she said there are small moments every day that make a difference."It's the everyday things like seeing the kids and watching them grow and develop, and when parents reach new goals, or when I have active parents on policy council, and they have great ideas, and we're doing good things. Those things fill my heart," she said.Hudson-Hamilton said COVID changed the way many people saw early child care providers."My hope is people continue to see early child care providers, no matter what they're doing, whether they are in a Head Start setting or in their own home day care, that they see them as the professionals they are."They are laying that early foundation, providing that safety and that relationship that children desperately need to develop their brains. I hope people see all early childhood providers as professionals."She said she thought the child care task force has done much to promote the child care profession and educate the community about its importance.Hudson-Hamilton said she has truly been blessed with an amazing team to work with at Early Childhood Connections."We really promote a good school family, and I feel I have had a good school family throughout my career," she said.Hudson-Hamilton has been in education long enough that children who attended the Early Childhood Center are now in high school and beyond."We recently had a student who was in our Ellis classroom who did well at state track, and we'll say, 'Do you remember when they were in our classroom?' or we will have a student win a spelling bee," she said.The Kansas Head Start Association also awards scholarships to graduating seniors who were previously enrolled in Head Start. Hays students have won that scholarship for the last two years."I do think we get to see our students go on to do great and amazing things," Hudson-Hamilton said.However, Hudson-Hamilton said her greatest achievement has been her family and her own children. She said she has encouraged the center's staff members to make sure they also make time for their families.Hudson-Hamilton has two daughters, ages 22 and 24, both of whom are also pursuing education as a career. One daughter teaches in an early childhood class in Russell and the other is a school psychologist in the Oakley co-op.Hudson-Hamilton, 59, said she is still developing her retirement plans. She will likely continue to write grants for local agencies. She is also considering doing remote school psychology or technology work.

Child Care Champion: Early Childhood director retiring after 34 years in education

HB 2045 had bipartisan support. Gov. Laura Kelly said it helped codify some major legislative policies.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/05/22/new-child-care-law-in-kansas-has-mixed-reviews/">The Beacon</a>

Sen. Tory Marie Blew, a Great Bend Republican, signed up for a child care waiting list in 2020. Blew wasn’t even pregnant at the time. But she knew how hard it was to find child care.&nbsp;

Four years later, the child care spot finally came open. Thankfully for Blew, it took her longer to have a child than she suspected. But not every family can linger four years on a waitlist.&nbsp;

“Many folks are not working because either they can’t afford it or they don’t have access to it,” Blew said in April at a ceremonial bill signing. “The thing about child care is it’s an issue across every state.”

Blew said a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2045/">recently passed law</a>&nbsp;will help families like hers. The law, championed by Gov. Laura Kelly, promised to expand access to early childhood programs, make it easier to start child care businesses and reduce costs for families.&nbsp;

Not everybody agrees, though. Some providers say the law does little to help their business and just strips away critical regulations that keep children safe.&nbsp;

The Beacon spoke with multiple providers to see how the new law would affect them.&nbsp;

The new law promises a simpler path toward starting a child care business.&nbsp;

The bill “is a win for businesses,” Kelly said before signing it.&nbsp; “Now, our early childhood system will no longer be bogged down by inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape.”&nbsp;

The law accomplishes that by creating the Office of Early Childhood, which is a single, centralized office for child care. Currently, new providers have to work with multiple state agencies — in addition to county staff — to start their business.&nbsp;

Previously, providers looking for startup grants needed to talk with the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. They also had to work with the Kansas Department for Children and Families to sign up for a child care subsidy before heading over to the Kansas Department of Health for certain permits.&nbsp;

Now, prospective child care providers only need to talk with one state agency. The law also cuts the licensure fee so it’s cheaper to get started.&nbsp;

Most child care providers who spoke with The Beacon applauded the new state-level department, but that doesn’t mean it would help everyone.&nbsp;

Jessica Topper, who started her in-home child care center near El Dorado in 2023, said the new law wasn’t necessary.&nbsp;

Getting her house up to code was the longest part of starting her business. That meant installing carbon dioxide detectors, locks for cabinets, baby gates and trash can lids. Then came the delays associated with background checks and fingerprinting, another part of the licensing process.&nbsp;

Some mandatory classes only happened monthly, which can delay the start date.&nbsp;

Topper said the start-up process wasn’t too difficult to work with.&nbsp;

“Everything makes sense,” she said. “It’s for the safety of the kids. You don’t want somebody … with drug possessions or sexual assault watching kids.”&nbsp;

Angie Carnes, president of the Child Care Provider Coalition of Kansas, also has negative views about the legislation. Carnes runs her business alone out of her Olathe home. There is nothing in the bill that will help her cut prices.&nbsp;

The child care business is tricky. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm">average hourly pay is $15.41</a>, or about $32,000 a year. That’s below the federal poverty line for a family of four. Providers also aren’t offered retirement plans or health insurance. Carnes gets her health insurance through her husband’s plan.&nbsp;

“I can’t afford to lower my prices,” she said. “My cost of business is not going down. My food prices, my insurance, my interest went up.”

Providers can’t always raise prices because not every family can afford them — child care costs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-08-29/child-care-can-cost-more-than-a-mortgage-in-kansas-but-providers-can-barely-afford-to-stay-open">more than a mortgage</a>&nbsp;for some families.&nbsp;

Carnes said the state can help businesses by offering self-employment tax cuts or other reductions.&nbsp;

State officials said a new state agency that reduces red tape will help businesses grow.&nbsp;

The governor’s office also has a track record of child care investment. In 2022, Kelly allocated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/21/gov-laura-kelly-announces-53-million-bonuses-kansas-child-care-workers/">$53 million</a>&nbsp;to give child care workers bonuses. The state even offered grants to help providers fix up their businesses, like installing a new fence if the current one is broken.&nbsp;

A 2024 tax cut extended $18 million in tax credits for working families, which should give parents more room in their budgets, the governor’s office said.&nbsp;

Other items still need legislative approval. There was a bill to pilot a health insurance program for child care providers, but that proposal didn’t advance in the Republican-controlled statehouse.&nbsp;

Kelly took office in 2019, and since then the state has added about 7,700 child care spots. Kelly said she wants child care to be her legacy.&nbsp;

“My administration,” Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2025/05/04/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-wants-her-legacy-to-be-improving-child-care/83271906007/">said after the bill passed</a>, “with the support of the Legislature and federal funds that came in during the pandemic, we’ve invested over $500 million to support early childhood educators and increase access to reliable, affordable programs and services.”

She said there’s no doubt that the new bill will expand programs, reduce costs and help create a comprehensive child care system.&nbsp;

Teresa Prost, owner of the Lawrence Child Development Center, said there are certainly regulatory burdens.&nbsp;

Prost said it’s hard to keep teachers, due in part to so many requirements they face on the job. It’s hard to keep teachers interested in the job when they could go work for Amazon, make more money and face fewer requirements, Prost said.&nbsp;

Changing certain regulations is a touchy subject, though.&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/06/14/redefined-infant-ages-and-new-to-child-to-staff-ratios-kansas-changes-child-care-regulations/#:~:text=The%20Kansas%20Department%20of%20Health%20and%20Environment%20has%20proposed%2037,care%20spots%2C%20especially%20for%20infants.">37 regulatory changes in June 2024</a>. It changed child-to-staff ratios and allowed providers to take more infants. Adjusting ratios does directly increase child care spots available, cut down on waitlists and help providers make more — though it doesn’t guarantee prices drop.&nbsp;

Prost said those regulatory changes aren’t always great. More children in the same-sized rooms is not good. She said her struggles include more frequent fire marshal inspections and regulators who “don’t know nothing about regulations.”

The new statewide office can’t change fire marshal policies.&nbsp;

The providers who spoke with The Beacon all called for more tax breaks or direct financial support to child care providers to ease the burden. And there was general concern for what they called an increase in unlicensed care.&nbsp;

The new law increases how many kids and how many hours an unlicensed provider can watch children. Before, an unlicensed provider could watch two children for a maximum of 20 hours a week combined. Now, that same provider can watch four kids for up to 35 hours each.&nbsp;

That’s not enough for unlicensed providers to sustain their business, state officials said. Kansas still has stricter requirements than other states, but Topper said she can’t support that change.&nbsp;

She started her business in 2023. She jumped through all sorts of hoops to get started because it was best for the children. Now, certain providers can skip those steps. No background checks, no CPR training — nothing.&nbsp;

“I feel like it is unsafe and a slap in the face to us licensed providers,” Topper said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748011030537.png" alt="State lawmakers say the law makes child care easier to find. Not every provider agrees. Photo courtesy/El Centro" />
 <figcaption>State lawmakers say the law makes child care easier to find. Not every provider agrees. Photo courtesy/El Centro</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>HB 2045 had bipartisan support. Gov. Laura Kelly said it helped codify some major legislative policies.</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/05/22/new-child-care-law-in-kansas-has-mixed-reviews/">The Beacon</a>Sen. Tory Marie Blew, a Great Bend Republican, signed up for a child care waiting list in 2020. Blew wasn’t even pregnant at the time. But she knew how hard it was to find child care.&nbsp;Four years later, the child care spot finally came open. Thankfully for Blew, it took her longer to have a child than she suspected. But not every family can linger four years on a waitlist.&nbsp;“Many folks are not working because either they can’t afford it or they don’t have access to it,” Blew said in April at a ceremonial bill signing. “The thing about child care is it’s an issue across every state.”Blew said a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2045/">recently passed law</a>&nbsp;will help families like hers. The law, championed by Gov. Laura Kelly, promised to expand access to early childhood programs, make it easier to start child care businesses and reduce costs for families.&nbsp;Not everybody agrees, though. Some providers say the law does little to help their business and just strips away critical regulations that keep children safe.&nbsp;The Beacon spoke with multiple providers to see how the new law would affect them.&nbsp;<h2>An in-home business</h2>The new law promises a simpler path toward starting a child care business.&nbsp;The bill “is a win for businesses,” Kelly said before signing it.&nbsp; “Now, our early childhood system will no longer be bogged down by inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape.”&nbsp;The law accomplishes that by creating the Office of Early Childhood, which is a single, centralized office for child care. Currently, new providers have to work with multiple state agencies — in addition to county staff — to start their business.&nbsp;Previously, providers looking for startup grants needed to talk with the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. They also had to work with the Kansas Department for Children and Families to sign up for a child care subsidy before heading over to the Kansas Department of Health for certain permits.&nbsp;Now, prospective child care providers only need to talk with one state agency. The law also cuts the licensure fee so it’s cheaper to get started.&nbsp;Most child care providers who spoke with The Beacon applauded the new state-level department, but that doesn’t mean it would help everyone.&nbsp;Jessica Topper, who started her in-home child care center near El Dorado in 2023, said the new law wasn’t necessary.&nbsp;Getting her house up to code was the longest part of starting her business. That meant installing carbon dioxide detectors, locks for cabinets, baby gates and trash can lids. Then came the delays associated with background checks and fingerprinting, another part of the licensing process.&nbsp;Some mandatory classes only happened monthly, which can delay the start date.&nbsp;Topper said the start-up process wasn’t too difficult to work with.&nbsp;“Everything makes sense,” she said. “It’s for the safety of the kids. You don’t want somebody … with drug possessions or sexual assault watching kids.”&nbsp;<h2>An Olathe in-home provider&nbsp;</h2>Angie Carnes, president of the Child Care Provider Coalition of Kansas, also has negative views about the legislation. Carnes runs her business alone out of her Olathe home. There is nothing in the bill that will help her cut prices.&nbsp;The child care business is tricky. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm">average hourly pay is $15.41</a>, or about $32,000 a year. That’s below the federal poverty line for a family of four. Providers also aren’t offered retirement plans or health insurance. Carnes gets her health insurance through her husband’s plan.&nbsp;“I can’t afford to lower my prices,” she said. “My cost of business is not going down. My food prices, my insurance, my interest went up.”Providers can’t always raise prices because not every family can afford them — child care costs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-08-29/child-care-can-cost-more-than-a-mortgage-in-kansas-but-providers-can-barely-afford-to-stay-open">more than a mortgage</a>&nbsp;for some families.&nbsp;Carnes said the state can help businesses by offering self-employment tax cuts or other reductions.&nbsp;State officials said a new state agency that reduces red tape will help businesses grow.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748010862984.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly signs HB 2045 in April. Photo by Blaise Mesa/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly signs HB 2045 in April. Photo by Blaise Mesa/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>The governor’s office also has a track record of child care investment. In 2022, Kelly allocated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/21/gov-laura-kelly-announces-53-million-bonuses-kansas-child-care-workers/">$53 million</a>&nbsp;to give child care workers bonuses. The state even offered grants to help providers fix up their businesses, like installing a new fence if the current one is broken.&nbsp;A 2024 tax cut extended $18 million in tax credits for working families, which should give parents more room in their budgets, the governor’s office said.&nbsp;Other items still need legislative approval. There was a bill to pilot a health insurance program for child care providers, but that proposal didn’t advance in the Republican-controlled statehouse.&nbsp;<h2>A Lawrence-based child care center&nbsp;</h2>Kelly took office in 2019, and since then the state has added about 7,700 child care spots. Kelly said she wants child care to be her legacy.&nbsp;“My administration,” Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2025/05/04/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-wants-her-legacy-to-be-improving-child-care/83271906007/">said after the bill passed</a>, “with the support of the Legislature and federal funds that came in during the pandemic, we’ve invested over $500 million to support early childhood educators and increase access to reliable, affordable programs and services.”She said there’s no doubt that the new bill will expand programs, reduce costs and help create a comprehensive child care system.&nbsp;Teresa Prost, owner of the Lawrence Child Development Center, said there are certainly regulatory burdens.&nbsp;Prost said it’s hard to keep teachers, due in part to so many requirements they face on the job. It’s hard to keep teachers interested in the job when they could go work for Amazon, make more money and face fewer requirements, Prost said.&nbsp;Changing certain regulations is a touchy subject, though.&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/06/14/redefined-infant-ages-and-new-to-child-to-staff-ratios-kansas-changes-child-care-regulations/#:~:text=The%20Kansas%20Department%20of%20Health%20and%20Environment%20has%20proposed%2037,care%20spots%2C%20especially%20for%20infants.">37 regulatory changes in June 2024</a>. It changed child-to-staff ratios and allowed providers to take more infants. Adjusting ratios does directly increase child care spots available, cut down on waitlists and help providers make more — though it doesn’t guarantee prices drop.&nbsp;Prost said those regulatory changes aren’t always great. More children in the same-sized rooms is not good. She said her struggles include more frequent fire marshal inspections and regulators who “don’t know nothing about regulations.”The new statewide office can’t change fire marshal policies.&nbsp;<h2>Unlicensed child care</h2>The providers who spoke with The Beacon all called for more tax breaks or direct financial support to child care providers to ease the burden. And there was general concern for what they called an increase in unlicensed care.&nbsp;The new law increases how many kids and how many hours an unlicensed provider can watch children. Before, an unlicensed provider could watch two children for a maximum of 20 hours a week combined. Now, that same provider can watch four kids for up to 35 hours each.&nbsp;That’s not enough for unlicensed providers to sustain their business, state officials said. Kansas still has stricter requirements than other states, but Topper said she can’t support that change.&nbsp;She started her business in 2023. She jumped through all sorts of hoops to get started because it was best for the children. Now, certain providers can skip those steps. No background checks, no CPR training — nothing.&nbsp;“I feel like it is unsafe and a slap in the face to us licensed providers,” Topper said.&nbsp;

New Kansas child care bill promises lower prices, more spots. Some providers aren’t convinced

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly, in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce, announced a new web page for federal workers seeking employment in Kansas. The landing page provides an overview of the state's current job opportunities, quick links to programs that aid eligible Kansas employees, access to the State of Kansas job portal, and other helpful tools for jobseekers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As many federal employees find themselves in need of new opportunities, I’m excited to launch a web page that showcases all the great career opportunities Kansas has to offer,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“With highly rated schools, low cost of living, and a competitive housing market, our state is ready to welcome new employees and their families with open arms.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The web page specifically highlights the Rural Opportunity Zone program, which offers Student Loan Repayment Assistance and/or 100% State Income Tax Credit for 95 counties across the state.

“Kansas is an incredible place,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.&nbsp;“Since 2019, we’ve been enhancing our communities through quality-of-life perks and elevating our economy by ushering in new and innovative business opportunities — all with the purpose of welcoming folks from across the country to live the good life here in Kansas. If you’re a displaced federal worker — or just someone seeking new horizons — look no further than the Sunflower State.”

The web page can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lovekansas.com/">Love, Kansas&nbsp;site</a>.&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;is the state’s talent recruitment campaign that highlights why Kansas is an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. This marketing initiative, which was approved with bipartisan support of the Kansas Legislature, has a special emphasis on “boomerangs,” or individuals with previous ties to Kansas.

The new web page can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flovekansas.com%2Ffederalworkers%2F/1/0101019722ad1215-4a993863-f427-411f-b0bd-c1546eb4ad4b-000000/il3KECxmTW2wfz_vnHsz93COlu8qQq9ipBusx5xnjV4=407">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749049988678.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly, in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce, announced a new web page for federal workers seeking employment in Kansas. The landing page provides an overview of the state's current job opportunities, quick links to programs that aid eligible Kansas employees, access to the State of Kansas job portal, and other helpful tools for jobseekers.&nbsp;&nbsp;“As many federal employees find themselves in need of new opportunities, I’m excited to launch a web page that showcases all the great career opportunities Kansas has to offer,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“With highly rated schools, low cost of living, and a competitive housing market, our state is ready to welcome new employees and their families with open arms.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The web page specifically highlights the Rural Opportunity Zone program, which offers Student Loan Repayment Assistance and/or 100% State Income Tax Credit for 95 counties across the state.“Kansas is an incredible place,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.&nbsp;“Since 2019, we’ve been enhancing our communities through quality-of-life perks and elevating our economy by ushering in new and innovative business opportunities — all with the purpose of welcoming folks from across the country to live the good life here in Kansas. If you’re a displaced federal worker — or just someone seeking new horizons — look no further than the Sunflower State.”The web page can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lovekansas.com/">Love, Kansas&nbsp;site</a>.&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;is the state’s talent recruitment campaign that highlights why Kansas is an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. This marketing initiative, which was approved with bipartisan support of the Kansas Legislature, has a special emphasis on “boomerangs,” or individuals with previous ties to Kansas.The new web page can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flovekansas.com%2Ffederalworkers%2F/1/0101019722ad1215-4a993863-f427-411f-b0bd-c1546eb4ad4b-000000/il3KECxmTW2wfz_vnHsz93COlu8qQq9ipBusx5xnjV4=407">here</a>.

New web page for federal employees seeking job opportunities in Kansas

By ALEXANDRA&nbsp; MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

In 2021, Kansas Tourism launched the Sunflower Summer program, opening the doors to our state’s zoos, museums, nature centers, and historical sites to Kansas families — for free! Designed to help young Kansans explore and fall in love with their home state, the program has quickly proven to be much more than a feel-good initiative.

It’s a smart investment in our children’s learning and our state’s economic vitality.

Over the past four years, the program has grown dramatically. In 2024, it offered free access to more than 200 attractions across Kansas. Over 154,000 families participated — and nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed, a 55% increase over the previous year — bringing families into local communities, supporting tourism, and enriching the summer experiences of thousands of children.

In fact, 76% of participating families purchased meals, 72% shopped at local stores, and 20% stayed overnight, underscoring the program’s significant contribution to local economies across the state. Every dollar spent on Sunflower Summer returns multiple dollars to local communities, from ticket-adjacent spending at restaurants to increased visibility for small attractions. 

In Abilene alone, the 2024 Sunflower Summer program generated the equivalent of $114,945 in ticket revenue for the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, $34,395 for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and $10,176 for the Dickinson County Heritage Center — providing a substantial boost to the city’s cultural and historical attractions.

The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In April, the Sunflower Summer program was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTourism Summit’s eTSY Awards — national recognition for a uniquely Kansas initiative. As Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe notes, no other state offers a program quite like it.

Yet despite its growing popularity, proven success, and bipartisan support, Sunflower Summer saw its funding significantly reduced during this year’s legislative session. As a result, the 2025 program will run for just three weeks — from July 12 to August 3 — down from a full summer season. That timeline may be cut even shorter, depending on participation and amount of use.

This is not just a scheduling change. It’s a step backward for a program that brings real returns for students, for families, and for local economies across the state.

Cuts to Sunflower Summer come at a time when federal funding cuts to similar initiatives — including National Parks and the Institute of Museum and Library Services — is being reduced. These losses compound one another, with real and lasting consequences for K-12 students, especially those from low-income families. Research consistently shows that summer&nbsp;educational programs help narrow the reading achievement gap by keeping students engaged and learning when school is out. Without them, many children risk falling further behind.

The Sunflower Summer program is a powerful example of the kind of initiative Kansas should champion — one that reflects our values, strengthens our communities, and demonstrates what it looks like to put our money where our mouths are.

For a fraction of the state’s budget, Sunflower Summer delivers outsized returns. When we invest in programs like this we’re putting resources behind our priorities. We’re not just funding summer activities, we’re investing in Kansas, in our kids’ educational enrichment, and local economic opportunity.

If we want to continue building a Kansas where families thrive and kids grow up proud of where they’re from, we need to fight for programs like this. The legislature should restore full funding to Sunflower Summer and Kansans should make sure lawmakers know how much it matters.

Programs like Sunflower Summer don’t just create memories, they connect kids to the places, people, and history that shape our state. That connection is what builds future citizens who care about Kansas.

Sunflower Summer is more than a program — it’s a promise to Kansas’ future. Let’s keep that promise.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740007073583.jpeg" alt="Alexandra Middlewood, PhD, is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alexandra Middlewood, PhD, is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA&nbsp; MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasIn 2021, Kansas Tourism launched the Sunflower Summer program, opening the doors to our state’s zoos, museums, nature centers, and historical sites to Kansas families — for free! Designed to help young Kansans explore and fall in love with their home state, the program has quickly proven to be much more than a feel-good initiative.It’s a smart investment in our children’s learning and our state’s economic vitality.Over the past four years, the program has grown dramatically. In 2024, it offered free access to more than 200 attractions across Kansas. Over 154,000 families participated — and nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed, a 55% increase over the previous year — bringing families into local communities, supporting tourism, and enriching the summer experiences of thousands of children.In fact, 76% of participating families purchased meals, 72% shopped at local stores, and 20% stayed overnight, underscoring the program’s significant contribution to local economies across the state. Every dollar spent on Sunflower Summer returns multiple dollars to local communities, from ticket-adjacent spending at restaurants to increased visibility for small attractions. In Abilene alone, the 2024 Sunflower Summer program generated the equivalent of $114,945 in ticket revenue for the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, $34,395 for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and $10,176 for the Dickinson County Heritage Center — providing a substantial boost to the city’s cultural and historical attractions.The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In April, the Sunflower Summer program was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTourism Summit’s eTSY Awards — national recognition for a uniquely Kansas initiative. As Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe notes, no other state offers a program quite like it.Yet despite its growing popularity, proven success, and bipartisan support, Sunflower Summer saw its funding significantly reduced during this year’s legislative session. As a result, the 2025 program will run for just three weeks — from July 12 to August 3 — down from a full summer season. That timeline may be cut even shorter, depending on participation and amount of use.This is not just a scheduling change. It’s a step backward for a program that brings real returns for students, for families, and for local economies across the state.Cuts to Sunflower Summer come at a time when federal funding cuts to similar initiatives — including National Parks and the Institute of Museum and Library Services — is being reduced. These losses compound one another, with real and lasting consequences for K-12 students, especially those from low-income families. Research consistently shows that summer&nbsp;educational programs help narrow the reading achievement gap by keeping students engaged and learning when school is out. Without them, many children risk falling further behind.The Sunflower Summer program is a powerful example of the kind of initiative Kansas should champion — one that reflects our values, strengthens our communities, and demonstrates what it looks like to put our money where our mouths are.For a fraction of the state’s budget, Sunflower Summer delivers outsized returns. When we invest in programs like this we’re putting resources behind our priorities. We’re not just funding summer activities, we’re investing in Kansas, in our kids’ educational enrichment, and local economic opportunity.If we want to continue building a Kansas where families thrive and kids grow up proud of where they’re from, we need to fight for programs like this. The legislature should restore full funding to Sunflower Summer and Kansans should make sure lawmakers know how much it matters.Programs like Sunflower Summer don’t just create memories, they connect kids to the places, people, and history that shape our state. That connection is what builds future citizens who care about Kansas.Sunflower Summer is more than a program — it’s a promise to Kansas’ future. Let’s keep that promise.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Sunflower Summer builds more than memories

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749132809578.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Cattle incapable of relieving themselves of high temperatures experience heat stress. Humans alleviate overheating through sweating, but Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said cattle do not have that option.

“Heat stress coping behaviors is what we see when cattle are adapting to warmer temperatures,” he said. “Whenever we get hot, we sweat to maintain homeostasis. For livestock species, and especially cattle, that capability gets overwhelmed. They dissipate heat in other ways like increasing their respiratory rate (breathing) by panting.”&nbsp;

Besides panting, producers identify heat stress by their increased standing, large groups of animals bunching up close to water tanks and crowding in shaded areas.

“They're trying to get increased airflow by standing, but they actually end up using each other as shade which is counter-productive,” Tarpoff said.

High temperatures and humidity, slow wind speeds and increased solar radiation comprise the four weather conditions contributing to heat stress.

“When we're comfortable, cattle might not be and vice versa. We really need to consider those four key parameters,” Tarpoff said. “We have an animal comfort index that uses the four of them to get a feel on how cattle are experiencing their environment.”

Monitor the animal comfort index in Kansas through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">K-State Mesonet</a>.

Correctly managing heat stress has proven to be essential for maximizing animal wellbeing and performance, according to Tarpoff.

“It is one of those critical chores just as important as feeding or making sure the animals have water. Whether we are asking them to be good cows or an animal to produce beef in a feedlot, we need to put them in scenarios where they’re more comfortable because then they are more productive,” he said.

Tarpoff urges operations housing their cattle in dry lots to keep it simple when developing a plan to lessen the consequences of heat stress.“

Whenever it comes to heat stress, it's back to the basics: feed and water. Water intake can nearly double as temperatures rise from 70 to 90 degrees (Fahrenheit). We need more water access, flow and availability for those animals,” he said. “We might be able to modify our feeding times to alleviate some of these stressors. Whenever we feed cattle, we feed the rumen microbes, and that comes at a cost called the heat of fermentation. We can feed later in the evening, so the digestion happens during the cooler nighttime hours.”

Producers often construct shades to cool off cattle in times of unrelenting heat. A recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol9/iss1/3/">study</a>&nbsp;conducted by K-State researchers looking at effects of shade on heat stress revealed that shade structures can impact more than just animal temperature.

“They are a piece of infrastructure,” Tarpoff said. “That two-year trial showed added benefits of investing in shades. We saw increased feed efficiency, increased growth rate and increased average daily gain. We also saw reduced panting rates and water consumption needs by over a gallon per head per day.”

Additionally, bedding pens with straw can reduce the pen floor temperature by 25 degrees and fence-line sprinklers help lower ground temperatures and keep cattle cool if used in the overnight hours, according to Tarpoff.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension DistrictCattle incapable of relieving themselves of high temperatures experience heat stress. Humans alleviate overheating through sweating, but Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said cattle do not have that option.“Heat stress coping behaviors is what we see when cattle are adapting to warmer temperatures,” he said. “Whenever we get hot, we sweat to maintain homeostasis. For livestock species, and especially cattle, that capability gets overwhelmed. They dissipate heat in other ways like increasing their respiratory rate (breathing) by panting.”&nbsp;Besides panting, producers identify heat stress by their increased standing, large groups of animals bunching up close to water tanks and crowding in shaded areas.“They're trying to get increased airflow by standing, but they actually end up using each other as shade which is counter-productive,” Tarpoff said.High temperatures and humidity, slow wind speeds and increased solar radiation comprise the four weather conditions contributing to heat stress.“When we're comfortable, cattle might not be and vice versa. We really need to consider those four key parameters,” Tarpoff said. “We have an animal comfort index that uses the four of them to get a feel on how cattle are experiencing their environment.”Monitor the animal comfort index in Kansas through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">K-State Mesonet</a>.Correctly managing heat stress has proven to be essential for maximizing animal wellbeing and performance, according to Tarpoff.“It is one of those critical chores just as important as feeding or making sure the animals have water. Whether we are asking them to be good cows or an animal to produce beef in a feedlot, we need to put them in scenarios where they’re more comfortable because then they are more productive,” he said.Tarpoff urges operations housing their cattle in dry lots to keep it simple when developing a plan to lessen the consequences of heat stress.“Whenever it comes to heat stress, it's back to the basics: feed and water. Water intake can nearly double as temperatures rise from 70 to 90 degrees (Fahrenheit). We need more water access, flow and availability for those animals,” he said. “We might be able to modify our feeding times to alleviate some of these stressors. Whenever we feed cattle, we feed the rumen microbes, and that comes at a cost called the heat of fermentation. We can feed later in the evening, so the digestion happens during the cooler nighttime hours.”Producers often construct shades to cool off cattle in times of unrelenting heat. A recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol9/iss1/3/">study</a>&nbsp;conducted by K-State researchers looking at effects of shade on heat stress revealed that shade structures can impact more than just animal temperature.“They are a piece of infrastructure,” Tarpoff said. “That two-year trial showed added benefits of investing in shades. We saw increased feed efficiency, increased growth rate and increased average daily gain. We also saw reduced panting rates and water consumption needs by over a gallon per head per day.”Additionally, bedding pens with straw can reduce the pen floor temperature by 25 degrees and fence-line sprinklers help lower ground temperatures and keep cattle cool if used in the overnight hours, according to Tarpoff.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;

BOOR: Heat stress in cattle

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The first look at the proposed 2026 budget for Hays city commissioners started Thursday with funding requests from five outside agencies.

• Fort Hays State University Hays Scholarship Program-$100,000 (same as 2025) • Grow Hays-$180,000 (same as 2025) • The Bricks-$54,000 (same as 2025) • CARE Council Social Service Funds-$180,000 (same as 2025) (Includes ACCESS Public Transportation, First Call for Help, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hays Senior Center, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, Options, CASA of the High Plains, Cancer Council of Ellis County, Western Kansas Association for the Concerns of the Disabled) • ACCESS Public Transportation-$107,673 (new request)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mayor Sandy Jacobs, who has been involved with The Bricks (formerly the Downtown Hays Development Corporation) since its inception 25 years ago, issued a challenge to the board of directors.

"There's another way of funding this organization and it is within this community. The whole community needs to step up with support and sponsorships for this organization," Jacobs said.&nbsp; 

All the other commissioners agreed with Jacobs.

"Your mission should change," said Commissioner Reese Barrick. "There's filling up businesses, there's stabilizing, and then it's on to the next big thing, new events coming up. ... Challenge yourselves."

A search for a new executive director is underway following the recent departure of Julie Ryder.&nbsp;

"Downtown Hays, The Bricks, is a destination in this city. It's a quality of life thing and the board support is unbelievable," Jacobs said.&nbsp;

She also suggested The Bricks work to incorporate more of the history of downtown Hays into its mission by working with the Ellis County Historical Society.

A new funding request came from ACCESS Public Transportation for $107,673, in addition to the $82,500 included in the CARE Council's recommended distributions.

Jerry Michaud of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas which operates the system as an ancillary service, told commissioners that ACCESS is facing a budget shortfall of $173,000 due to funding cuts from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

"We've already raised fares," Michaud said. ACCESS is also asking Ellis County for additional funding.

During 2024, ACCESS provided more than 35,000 rides to Hays and Ellis County residents. Most of them were low income, elderly or disabled people.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Commissions offered suggestions of subsidizing trips in cooperation with rideshares and seeking grants.

Nearly 2,400 people responded to the city's online opinion survey during May as to whether Hays should make changes to its fireworks use policy.

James Bell, public relations manager, reported that the majority of respondents wanted no changes.

Currently, the city's fireworks policy allows the sale and use of common fireworks from July 2 through July 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.&nbsp;

The rural areas of Ellis County adhere to the same regulations as Hays.&nbsp;The city of Ellis allows discharge from July 3 to 4, and the city of Victoria only allows it on July 4. 

Jeff Boyle, parks director, presented a proposal to raise fees for the first time in 20 years at the city's two cemeteries, Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Mount Allen Cemetery.

After checking with other communities across the state, Boyle determined&nbsp;all current fees, except for the&nbsp;columbarium niche fees, are well below average.

"This seems like a big jump for one year," Commissioner Shaun Musil said, and suggested the increases be spread over two years.

The other commissioners disagreed with Musil and supported Boyle's recommendations. "It's been 20 years since we've raised them," said Jacobs, "and this keeps us in the middle of other cities' fees."

"The cemetery budget has been operating at a deficit for years," said Boyle, "and probably will continue to do so." He said most cities operate their cemeteries at a loss.

 "It's a&nbsp;quality of life thing," said Toby Dougherty, city manager. "We're not trying to make a profit."

Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, presented the design/build agreement and guaranteed maximum price for Phase 2 services of the new police department and municipal court to be built in Astra Bank, 1100 Fort.&nbsp;

Astra Bank is constructing a new facility at 27th and Main, which is expected to be open by Sept. 1.

PWC, Hays, has presented a guaranteed maximum price&nbsp;of $5.9 million to renovate the existing Astra Bank, giving the police station more than twice the operational space it currently has.&nbsp;

"We're very pleased with it," said Don Scheibler, police chief.

Property/Liability Insurance Coverage Renewal

The city will pay a 30% increase in the premium for its 2025-2026 property/liability insurance policy renewal.&nbsp;

"It was the perfect storm of losses and rate adjustments," said Kim Rupp, finance director. Most of the losses came from wind and hail damage claims.&nbsp;

The city's insurance broker, Taylor Pfannenstiel of Insurance Planning Inc., Hays, concluded the current provider,&nbsp;MPR, offered the lowest cost option.

Rupp said said it is&nbsp;staff’s intention to actively pursue the remarketing&nbsp;process for the renewal in 2026-2027,&nbsp; including a look at hybrid coverage and self-funding.&nbsp;

A proposed low bid for a new LED marquee sign for the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine, was presented by Melissa Dixon, executive director. Commercial Sign, Hays, is the low bidder at $44,773.

The deteriorated sign, installed in 2007, has been dark for two years. Dixon said the message software is no longer supported.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749227105006.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners and City Manager Toby Dougherty (left) hear funding requests from outside agencies during Thursday's work session. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners and City Manager Toby Dougherty (left) hear funding requests from outside agencies during Thursday's work session. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe first look at the proposed 2026 budget for Hays city commissioners started Thursday with funding requests from five outside agencies.Asking for city allocations are• Fort Hays State University Hays Scholarship Program-$100,000 (same as 2025) • Grow Hays-$180,000 (same as 2025) • The Bricks-$54,000 (same as 2025) • CARE Council Social Service Funds-$180,000 (same as 2025) (Includes ACCESS Public Transportation, First Call for Help, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hays Senior Center, Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, Options, CASA of the High Plains, Cancer Council of Ellis County, Western Kansas Association for the Concerns of the Disabled) • ACCESS Public Transportation-$107,673 (new request)&nbsp;&nbsp;Mayor Sandy Jacobs, who has been involved with The Bricks (formerly the Downtown Hays Development Corporation) since its inception 25 years ago, issued a challenge to the board of directors."There's another way of funding this organization and it is within this community. The whole community needs to step up with support and sponsorships for this organization," Jacobs said.&nbsp; All the other commissioners agreed with Jacobs."Your mission should change," said Commissioner Reese Barrick. "There's filling up businesses, there's stabilizing, and then it's on to the next big thing, new events coming up. ... Challenge yourselves."A search for a new executive director is underway following the recent departure of Julie Ryder.&nbsp;"Downtown Hays, The Bricks, is a destination in this city. It's a quality of life thing and the board support is unbelievable," Jacobs said.&nbsp;She also suggested The Bricks work to incorporate more of the history of downtown Hays into its mission by working with the Ellis County Historical Society.A new funding request came from ACCESS Public Transportation for $107,673, in addition to the $82,500 included in the CARE Council's recommended distributions.Jerry Michaud of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas which operates the system as an ancillary service, told commissioners that ACCESS is facing a budget shortfall of $173,000 due to funding cuts from the Kansas Department of Transportation."We've already raised fares," Michaud said. ACCESS is also asking Ellis County for additional funding. During 2024, ACCESS provided more than 35,000 rides to Hays and Ellis County residents. Most of them were low income, elderly or disabled people.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Commissions offered suggestions of subsidizing trips in cooperation with rideshares and seeking grants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742842374008.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Fireworks Poll Update</h2>Nearly 2,400 people responded to the city's online opinion survey during May as to whether Hays should make changes to its fireworks use policy.James Bell, public relations manager, reported that the majority of respondents wanted no changes.Currently, the city's fireworks policy allows the sale and use of common fireworks from July 2 through July 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.&nbsp;The rural areas of Ellis County adhere to the same regulations as Hays.&nbsp;The city of Ellis allows discharge from July 3 to 4, and the city of Victoria only allows it on July 4. <h2>Cemetery Budget Increases</h2>Jeff Boyle, parks director, presented a proposal to raise fees for the first time in 20 years at the city's two cemeteries, Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Mount Allen Cemetery.After checking with other communities across the state, Boyle determined&nbsp;all current fees, except for the&nbsp;columbarium niche fees, are well below average.The following increases are proposed<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749138518074.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749138734091.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"This seems like a big jump for one year," Commissioner Shaun Musil said, and suggested the increases be spread over two years.The other commissioners disagreed with Musil and supported Boyle's recommendations. "It's been 20 years since we've raised them," said Jacobs, "and this keeps us in the middle of other cities' fees.""The cemetery budget has been operating at a deficit for years," said Boyle, "and probably will continue to do so." He said most cities operate their cemeteries at a loss. "It's a&nbsp;quality of life thing," said Toby Dougherty, city manager. "We're not trying to make a profit."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749228625102.png" alt="Depiction of new Hays Police/Municipal Courts building, 1100 Fort.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Depiction of new Hays Police/Municipal Courts building, 1100 Fort.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>New Police/Municipal Court Phase 2</h2>Collin Bielser, assistant city manager, presented the design/build agreement and guaranteed maximum price for Phase 2 services of the new police department and municipal court to be built in Astra Bank, 1100 Fort.&nbsp;Astra Bank is constructing a new facility at 27th and Main, which is expected to be open by Sept. 1.PWC, Hays, has presented a guaranteed maximum price&nbsp;of $5.9 million to renovate the existing Astra Bank, giving the police station more than twice the operational space it currently has.&nbsp; "We're very pleased with it," said Don Scheibler, police chief.<h2>Property/Liability Insurance Coverage Renewal</h2>The city will pay a 30% increase in the premium for its 2025-2026 property/liability insurance policy renewal.&nbsp; "It was the perfect storm of losses and rate adjustments," said Kim Rupp, finance director. Most of the losses came from wind and hail damage claims.&nbsp;The city's insurance broker, Taylor Pfannenstiel of Insurance Planning Inc., Hays, concluded the current provider,&nbsp;MPR, offered the lowest cost option.Rupp said said it is&nbsp;staff’s intention to actively pursue the remarketing&nbsp;process for the renewal in 2026-2027,&nbsp; including a look at hybrid coverage and self-funding.&nbsp;<h2>Welcome Center Sign</h2>A proposed low bid for a new LED marquee sign for the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2700 Vine, was presented by Melissa Dixon, executive director. Commercial Sign, Hays, is the low bidder at $44,773.The deteriorated sign, installed in 2007, has been dark for two years. Dixon said the message software is no longer supported.&nbsp;

$622K in Hays city funds requested by outside agencies for 2026

&nbsp;Fort Hays State University Communications

Fort Hays State University’s Esports Club and Department of Informatics are excited to announce a&nbsp;free, four-day STEM-based Gaming Development Camp&nbsp;in July for students entering grades 8 through 12. The day camp will be held in two identical sessions:&nbsp;July 8–11&nbsp;and&nbsp;July 14–17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at FHSU’s Tomanek Hall, Room 123.&nbsp;

Led by&nbsp;Kevin Shaffer, associate professor and interim chair of FHSU’s Department of Informatics, along with members and alumni of the FHSU Esports Club, the camp offers a hands-on introduction to game development using&nbsp;Minecraft for PC. Campers will explore creative and survival modes, learn command line interaction, design gameplay arenas, and develop custom modules. They’ll also dive into 3D modeling to create character skins and participate in a gameplay contest.

“This camp gives students the chance to get under the hood of the game and change gameplay variables—sometimes in very entertaining ways,” Shaffer said.

Lunch, a camp T-shirt, and all materials are free of charge.&nbsp;Each session is limited to 12 participants to ensure a focused, interactive experience.

Important Notes:&nbsp;All participants must have a&nbsp;Minecraft for PC account. Those without one should bring a&nbsp;Minecraft for PC gift card, and camp staff will assist with setup on-site.&nbsp; This is a day camp only, so accommodations are not provided.&nbsp;

Registration is now open,&nbsp;and spots are limited. Interested students should register early to secure their place. Special thanks to McDonald’s for sponsoring this exciting opportunity for young learners.

For more information or to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/informatics/esports">fhsu.edu/esports</a>&nbsp;or contact the Department of Informatics at&nbsp;785-628-5373.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749047202990.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Fort Hays State University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s Esports Club and Department of Informatics are excited to announce a&nbsp;free, four-day STEM-based Gaming Development Camp&nbsp;in July for students entering grades 8 through 12. The day camp will be held in two identical sessions:&nbsp;July 8–11&nbsp;and&nbsp;July 14–17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at FHSU’s Tomanek Hall, Room 123.&nbsp;Led by&nbsp;Kevin Shaffer, associate professor and interim chair of FHSU’s Department of Informatics, along with members and alumni of the FHSU Esports Club, the camp offers a hands-on introduction to game development using&nbsp;Minecraft for PC. Campers will explore creative and survival modes, learn command line interaction, design gameplay arenas, and develop custom modules. They’ll also dive into 3D modeling to create character skins and participate in a gameplay contest.“This camp gives students the chance to get under the hood of the game and change gameplay variables—sometimes in very entertaining ways,” Shaffer said.Lunch, a camp T-shirt, and all materials are free of charge.&nbsp;Each session is limited to 12 participants to ensure a focused, interactive experience.Important Notes:&nbsp;All participants must have a&nbsp;Minecraft for PC account. Those without one should bring a&nbsp;Minecraft for PC gift card, and camp staff will assist with setup on-site.&nbsp; This is a day camp only, so accommodations are not provided.&nbsp;Registration is now open,&nbsp;and spots are limited. Interested students should register early to secure their place. Special thanks to McDonald’s for sponsoring this exciting opportunity for young learners.For more information or to register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/informatics/esports">fhsu.edu/esports</a>&nbsp;or contact the Department of Informatics at&nbsp;785-628-5373.

FHSU hosts free STEM-based gaming development camp for teens

MANHATTAN — Hays High School FFA member, Marisa Wasinger, was elected to serve the Kansas FFA as their State Secretary for the 2025-2026 year at the seventh session of the 97th Kansas FFA State Convention on Kansas State University’s campus. 

Wasinger gave her speech at the opening session on May 28, and election results were announced on May 30. 

Wasinger’s involvement in FFA began with creed speaking, where her dedication and growth transformed her from a quiet freshman into a confident public speaker and leader, opening the door to continued involvement and leadership opportunities in the organization.

 “I’m honored to serve as a role model and resource for members—sharing what I’ve learned, encouraging growth, and working hard to reflect the same dedication that inspired me in my own FFA journey,” Wasinger said in her officer application.

The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of more than 13,739 agricultural education students who are members in 240 chapters in every corner of Kansas.&nbsp;It is part of the National FFA Organization, a national youth organization of 1,027,273 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture, with 9,235 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.&nbsp;Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749048780903.jpeg" alt="Marisa Wasinger, Hays. FFA photo" />
 <figcaption>Marisa Wasinger, Hays. FFA photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas FFAMANHATTAN — Hays High School FFA member, Marisa Wasinger, was elected to serve the Kansas FFA as their State Secretary for the 2025-2026 year at the seventh session of the 97th Kansas FFA State Convention on Kansas State University’s campus. Wasinger gave her speech at the opening session on May 28, and election results were announced on May 30. Wasinger’s involvement in FFA began with creed speaking, where her dedication and growth transformed her from a quiet freshman into a confident public speaker and leader, opening the door to continued involvement and leadership opportunities in the organization. “I’m honored to serve as a role model and resource for members—sharing what I’ve learned, encouraging growth, and working hard to reflect the same dedication that inspired me in my own FFA journey,” Wasinger said in her officer application.The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of more than 13,739 agricultural education students who are members in 240 chapters in every corner of Kansas.&nbsp;It is part of the National FFA Organization, a national youth organization of 1,027,273 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture, with 9,235 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.&nbsp;Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Hays FFA member elected state secretary

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Chinch bug activity has been elevated in Kansas over the last couple of seasons. Now would be a good time to discuss the differences between chinch bugs (Blissus leucopterus) and false chinch bugs (Nysius sp.). To make proper management decisions, knowing how to correctly identify these insects is critical.

Adult chinch bugs are less than ¼ inch long bugs with black bodies and white wings that are kept folded over their backs. Two dark, triangular markings are present near the center of the wings, creating a distinctive “X” mark (Figure 1).

Adult false chinch bugs are very similar in appearance, but smaller. Instead of having black bodies, false chinch bugs are brownish-gray with clear wings that lack a distinct “X” mark (Figure 2).

Immature chinch bugs are bright red after hatching, darkening to black as they go through a series of five molts. A distinct white band will be visible across the nymphs’ bodies until the wing buds become large enough to obscure it.

Immature false chinch bugs are grayish-brown, never bright red, and lack the white band across their bodies.

Chinch bugs and false chinch bugs are true bugs in the order Hemiptera, which means they both have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to puncture plant tissue to feed on plant juices. 

However, the symptoms of feeding appear differently for these two bugs. 

When chinch bugs feed, digestive enzymes are injected into the plant tissue, causing it to break down and discolor. Reddish spots are often present at chinch bug feeding sites. Heavy chinch bug feeding can also cause stunting, wilting, and necrotic lesions on plants. 

False chinch bug feeding, on the other hand, usually has little effect on plants, but extreme numbers of the bugs on a plant can cause wilting and death.

Be proactive about chinch bug management - think about chinch bug management before wheat is harvested. Simply relying on rescue treatments for young sorghum fields is not recommended. If possible, avoid planting sorghum adjacent to wheat, particularly if the wheat stand is thin and stressed out. 

Wheat fields should be scouted for the presence of chinch bugs before harvest to provide an estimate of risk to newly planted sorghum fields. One adult chinch bug or five nymphs per foot of row will be a hazard to the borders of sorghum planted nearby. If chinch bug problems are expected, an early planted trap crop of sorghum can be utilized between&nbsp;the wheat and sorghum fields, and this trap crop can be sprayed if migrating chinch bugs become numerous.

&nbsp;Follow-up sprays will likely be needed if the local chinch bug population is high; five chinch bugs per seedling would warrant action. Planting time insecticides and seed treatments can provide some early protection for young sorghum, but their effectiveness deteriorates beyond a few weeks. 

Additionally, scouting should be done weekly during the growing season. Plants that are a foot tall and all the way through flowering can be damaged by 50 chinch bugs per plant.

Additional details on life history and management recommendations for these two pests can be found in the following Kansas Crop Pest publications:

· Chinch Bug: <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/chinch-bug-kansas-crop-pests_MF3107.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3107.pdf</a> · False Chinch bug: <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/false-chinch-bug-kansas-crop-pests_MF3047.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3047.pdf</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictChinch bug activity has been elevated in Kansas over the last couple of seasons. Now would be a good time to discuss the differences between chinch bugs (Blissus leucopterus) and false chinch bugs (Nysius sp.). To make proper management decisions, knowing how to correctly identify these insects is critical.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749044121354.png" alt="Fig. 1. Adult chinch bug. Photo by K-State Entomology" />
 <figcaption>Fig. 1. Adult chinch bug. Photo by K-State Entomology</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749044669704.png" alt="Fig. 2. Adult false chinch bug. Note the lack of a dark “X.” Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Fig. 2. Adult false chinch bug. Note the lack of a dark “X.” Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Adult chinch bugs are less than ¼ inch long bugs with black bodies and white wings that are kept folded over their backs. Two dark, triangular markings are present near the center of the wings, creating a distinctive “X” mark (Figure 1).Adult false chinch bugs are very similar in appearance, but smaller. Instead of having black bodies, false chinch bugs are brownish-gray with clear wings that lack a distinct “X” mark (Figure 2).Immature chinch bugs are bright red after hatching, darkening to black as they go through a series of five molts. A distinct white band will be visible across the nymphs’ bodies until the wing buds become large enough to obscure it.Immature false chinch bugs are grayish-brown, never bright red, and lack the white band across their bodies.Chinch bugs and false chinch bugs are true bugs in the order Hemiptera, which means they both have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to puncture plant tissue to feed on plant juices. However, the symptoms of feeding appear differently for these two bugs. When chinch bugs feed, digestive enzymes are injected into the plant tissue, causing it to break down and discolor. Reddish spots are often present at chinch bug feeding sites. Heavy chinch bug feeding can also cause stunting, wilting, and necrotic lesions on plants. False chinch bug feeding, on the other hand, usually has little effect on plants, but extreme numbers of the bugs on a plant can cause wilting and death.Be proactive about chinch bug management - think about chinch bug management before wheat is harvested. Simply relying on rescue treatments for young sorghum fields is not recommended. If possible, avoid planting sorghum adjacent to wheat, particularly if the wheat stand is thin and stressed out. Wheat fields should be scouted for the presence of chinch bugs before harvest to provide an estimate of risk to newly planted sorghum fields. One adult chinch bug or five nymphs per foot of row will be a hazard to the borders of sorghum planted nearby. If chinch bug problems are expected, an early planted trap crop of sorghum can be utilized between&nbsp;the wheat and sorghum fields, and this trap crop can be sprayed if migrating chinch bugs become numerous.&nbsp;Follow-up sprays will likely be needed if the local chinch bug population is high; five chinch bugs per seedling would warrant action. Planting time insecticides and seed treatments can provide some early protection for young sorghum, but their effectiveness deteriorates beyond a few weeks. Additionally, scouting should be done weekly during the growing season. Plants that are a foot tall and all the way through flowering can be damaged by 50 chinch bugs per plant.Additional details on life history and management recommendations for these two pests can be found in the following Kansas Crop Pest publications:· Chinch Bug: <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/chinch-bug-kansas-crop-pests_MF3107.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3107.pdf</a> · False Chinch bug: <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/false-chinch-bug-kansas-crop-pests_MF3047.pdf">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3047.pdf</a>Information provided by Jeff Whitworth, K-State Extension Entomologist.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at&nbsp;scampbel@ksu.edu&nbsp;or by calling 785-628-9430.