The <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">Heartland Community Foundation</a> is kicking off a summer adventure like no other! Introducing the Heartland No Bummer Summer — a creative challenge dreamed up by members of the Trego County Youth Action Council to help kids and teens get out, explore, and have fun this summer — without spending a fortune or staying glued to their phones.

From June 1 through July 31, teens and kids of all ages, living in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties are invited to complete fun, quirky and community-centered challenges — all designed to make the most of summer. From ice cream taste tests and sidewalk chalk art to choreographed dance videos and backyard obstacle courses, these activities are anything but boring. Maybe you can even get a local elected official to join in on a TikTok dance!

Participants simply complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with their name and hometown to 785-639-2003. Each completed challenge earns one entry into the end-of-summer prize drawings, with winners announced in August! Participants can complete as many challenges as they like — more entries mean more chances to win.

Core Challenges: 21 fun and free ideas you can do anywhere

Bonus Challenges: 23 location-based activities that showcase projects supported by past Heartland grant dollars -- from murals and splash pads to trails and campsites and more. Summer in our Heartland communities is made sweeter, thanks in part to Heartland grant dollars! Get out and explore the Heartland-area communities.

Special thanks to Nex-Tech Wireless, proud sponsor of the 2025 Heartland No Bummer Summer for prizes and for facilitating the dedicated phone number for this challenge! Flyers with full challenge lists are available on the Heartland Community Foundation’s Facebook page, online at <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, or stop by a local HCF office.

“This is such a fun way to celebrate all the great things our communities already have,” said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of Heartland Community Foundation. “We’re proud to support local youth leadership and community engagement in such a creative way.”


Let’s make it a No Bummer Summer in the Heartland — and don’t forget take photos along the way and text them to 785-639-2003 for a chance to WIN!


Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge Rules:

Open to children and teens who live in Ellis, Rooks, or Trego counties.

The Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge runs from June 1 to July 31, 2025.

Complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with your NAME and HOMETOWN to 785-639-2003.

Each completed challenge = 1 entry in the end-of-summer prize drawing.

You can complete as many challenges, in any order, as you want — more challenges = more chances to win!

Entries are counted per child, not per family/group. Each participant submits their own photos to earn entries.

By submitting a photo, you give permission for it to be shared on our social media or in promotional materials.

Winners will be announced in August and contacted by text.

Keep it safe, respectful, and fun — be creative! 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748889923646.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationThe <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">Heartland Community Foundation</a> is kicking off a summer adventure like no other! Introducing the Heartland No Bummer Summer — a creative challenge dreamed up by members of the Trego County Youth Action Council to help kids and teens get out, explore, and have fun this summer — without spending a fortune or staying glued to their phones.From June 1 through July 31, teens and kids of all ages, living in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties are invited to complete fun, quirky and community-centered challenges — all designed to make the most of summer. From ice cream taste tests and sidewalk chalk art to choreographed dance videos and backyard obstacle courses, these activities are anything but boring. Maybe you can even get a local elected official to join in on a TikTok dance!Participants simply complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with their name and hometown to 785-639-2003. Each completed challenge earns one entry into the end-of-summer prize drawings, with winners announced in August! Participants can complete as many challenges as they like — more entries mean more chances to win.Two challenge lists are available:Core Challenges: 21 fun and free ideas you can do anywhereBonus Challenges: 23 location-based activities that showcase projects supported by past Heartland grant dollars -- from murals and splash pads to trails and campsites and more. Summer in our Heartland communities is made sweeter, thanks in part to Heartland grant dollars! Get out and explore the Heartland-area communities.Special thanks to Nex-Tech Wireless, proud sponsor of the 2025 Heartland No Bummer Summer for prizes and for facilitating the dedicated phone number for this challenge! Flyers with full challenge lists are available on the Heartland Community Foundation’s Facebook page, online at <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">www.heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>, or stop by a local HCF office.“This is such a fun way to celebrate all the great things our communities already have,” said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of Heartland Community Foundation. “We’re proud to support local youth leadership and community engagement in such a creative way.”
Let’s make it a No Bummer Summer in the Heartland — and don’t forget take photos along the way and text them to 785-639-2003 for a chance to WIN!
Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge Rules:Open to children and teens who live in Ellis, Rooks, or Trego counties.The Heartland No Bummer Summer Challenge runs from June 1 to July 31, 2025.Complete a challenge, snap a photo, and text it with your NAME and HOMETOWN to 785-639-2003.Each completed challenge = 1 entry in the end-of-summer prize drawing.You can complete as many challenges, in any order, as you want — more challenges = more chances to win!Entries are counted per child, not per family/group. Each participant submits their own photos to earn entries.By submitting a photo, you give permission for it to be shared on our social media or in promotional materials.Winners will be announced in August and contacted by text.Keep it safe, respectful, and fun — be creative!

Heartland launches “No Bummer Summer” challenge for teens and kids across Ellis, Rooks, Trego counties

<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/2025/6/1748871730084.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

This time of year, our lakes are buzzing with activity....boats launched, jet skis revving with excitement, and campers pulling into their favorite spots—ready for a season of summer fun.

We spend time getting our boats tuned up and campers stocked for weekend getaways.

But one thing we never plan for are those sudden summer storms that roll in fast and fierce. Strong wind gusts can knock jet skis clean off the trailer, or tree limbs can crash down on the roof of campers.

Take one more important step...insure your boat, jet ski and camper with Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid in Hays.

With proper coverage on your personal watercraft, camper, or boat, you won't be left high and dry with a huge repair bill.

Claims are handled quickly, so you can be back on the water very soon—less worried, and more focused on making memories.

Call or stop by Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid at 2703 Hall in Hays.

It’s important to review your policies before summer kicks into full swing.

Whether you’re hauling a camper to Cedar Bluff, launching your boat for a lazy Sunday float at Wilson, or racing across the lake on a jet ski at Webster, make sure you're protected.

It only takes a few minutes to check in—and it could save you thousands.

Farmers Insurance Agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid, 2703 Hall in Hays. 785-261-0766

<a target="_blank" href="https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/">https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748882498258.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748882453510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This time of year, our lakes are buzzing with activity....boats launched, jet skis revving with excitement, and campers pulling into their favorite spots—ready for a season of summer fun.We spend time getting our boats tuned up and campers stocked for weekend getaways.But one thing we never plan for are those sudden summer storms that roll in fast and fierce. Strong wind gusts can knock jet skis clean off the trailer, or tree limbs can crash down on the roof of campers.Take one more important step...insure your boat, jet ski and camper with Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid in Hays.With proper coverage on your personal watercraft, camper, or boat, you won't be left high and dry with a huge repair bill.Claims are handled quickly, so you can be back on the water very soon—less worried, and more focused on making memories.Call or stop by Farmers Insurance agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid at 2703 Hall in Hays.It’s important to review your policies before summer kicks into full swing.Whether you’re hauling a camper to Cedar Bluff, launching your boat for a lazy Sunday float at Wilson, or racing across the lake on a jet ski at Webster, make sure you're protected.It only takes a few minutes to check in—and it could save you thousands.Farmers Insurance Agent Chelsy Proehl-Kofoid, 2703 Hall in Hays. 785-261-0766<a target="_blank" href="https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/">https://agents.farmers.com/ks/hays/chelsy-proehl-kofoid/</a>

News from the Oil Patch: Oil Drilling Drops...Again

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will review and offer direction on the first draft of the 2026 county budget during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion on the draft budget.

A mill levy increase is not expected, though that could change depending on the options the commissioners consider in the coming months.

The county commission will be asked to approve a resolution to advance the process of creating a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the proposed Big Creek Estates development.

This is a procedural step and does not finalize the development's creation. Adam Pray of the Platinum Group and David Clingan of Grow Hays will speak at the meeting.

A certified copy will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce if approved. If the secretary approves, the county can schedule a public hearing and further consider the district.

Myers will ask commissioners to decide whether to temporarily ease an existing resolution to allow the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county in 2025.

If approved, the recommended dates and times are to be set the same as those of the city of Hays. However, the city is also reviewing its fireworks ordinance, and no decision has been made yet.

In previous years, the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County was permitted from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to July 4.

Commissioners will hear from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three disability services organizations' programs.

The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025, and the organization is asking for the same amount.

Myers will ask that commissioners reappoint Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.

The commission will be notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers will announce the openings and invite interested residents to apply.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, will provide an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County.

Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Taylor will request the commissioners approve a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032025-676">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 review and offer direction on the first draft of the 2026 county budget during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion on the draft budget.A mill levy increase is not expected, though that could change depending on the options the commissioners consider in the coming months.<h2>Big Creek Estates</h2>The county commission will be asked to approve a resolution to advance the process of creating a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the proposed Big Creek Estates development.This is a procedural step and does not finalize the development's creation. Adam Pray of the Platinum Group and David Clingan of Grow Hays will speak at the meeting.A certified copy will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce if approved. If the secretary approves, the county can schedule a public hearing and further consider the district.<h2>Discharge of fireworks</h2>Myers will ask commissioners to decide whether to temporarily ease an existing resolution to allow the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county in 2025.If approved, the recommended dates and times are to be set the same as those of the city of Hays. However, the city is also reviewing its fireworks ordinance, and no decision has been made yet.In previous years, the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County was permitted from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to July 4.<h2>DSNWK budget requests</h2>Commissioners will hear from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three disability services organizations' programs.The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025, and the organization is asking for the same amount.<h2>Other business</h2>Myers will ask that commissioners reappoint Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.The commission will be notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers will announce the openings and invite interested residents to apply.Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, will provide an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County.Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Taylor will request the commissioners approve a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032025-676">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to review 2026 county budget

Ellis County Jail bookings: May 25-31, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: May 25-30, 2025

The Hays Fire Department came within two points of earning the top Insurance Services Office class rating in its most recent evaluation.

Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department kept its class 2 rating but raised its score to 88 out of 100, just short of the class 1 rating.

"If you want to think of it like percentages in grade school, if you get a 90, it's an A, if you're in the 80s, you get a B. That's where we're sitting at," Preston said.

Preston credited the improved ISO rating to better training documentation, properly equipped fire trucks, a more efficient dispatch center and a slight improvement in water supply systems.

Preston said the department barely qualified for a class 2 rating in the last evaluation, conducted in the fall. He said the average ISO rating in Kansas is around a four when considering rural departments.

Preston said the higher score reflects the department’s efforts as it influences insurance rates for residents and businesses.

"The general public should be very proud of the fire department, and everything that we've done to help lower their insurance premiums in that case," Preston said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696621093343.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays Fire Department nears top ISO rating" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=hzf8w-18bf832-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Hays Fire Department came within two points of earning the top Insurance Services Office class rating in its most recent evaluation.Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department kept its class 2 rating but raised its score to 88 out of 100, just short of the class 1 rating."If you want to think of it like percentages in grade school, if you get a 90, it's an A, if you're in the 80s, you get a B. That's where we're sitting at," Preston said.Preston credited the improved ISO rating to better training documentation, properly equipped fire trucks, a more efficient dispatch center and a slight improvement in water supply systems.Preston said the department barely qualified for a class 2 rating in the last evaluation, conducted in the fall. He said the average ISO rating in Kansas is around a four when considering rural departments.Preston said the higher score reflects the department’s efforts as it influences insurance rates for residents and businesses."The general public should be very proud of the fire department, and everything that we've done to help lower their insurance premiums in that case," Preston said.

Hays Fire Department nears top ISO rating

Beloit, KS – Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Spring Honor Roll, celebrating the academic excellence and dedication of our students. This distinguished list recognizes students who have achieved outstanding academic performance during the Fall semester.

The 2025 Spring Honor Roll includes students from various programs and disciplines, showcasing the breadth of talent and dedication across the campus. A complete list of honorees is available below or on the Fort Hays Tech | North Central website at <a href="https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll">https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll</a>

Fort Hays Tech | North Central remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and providing students with the tools they need to succeed. The Honor Roll stands as a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff.

For more information about the Honor Roll or other academic achievements at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please contact:

Ryan Emerson Marketing Director Fort Hays Tech | North Central remerson@fhtechnc.edu (785) 738-2276.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989349609.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays Tech | North CentralBeloit, KS – Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Spring Honor Roll, celebrating the academic excellence and dedication of our students. This distinguished list recognizes students who have achieved outstanding academic performance during the Fall semester.The 2025 Spring Honor Roll includes students from various programs and disciplines, showcasing the breadth of talent and dedication across the campus. A complete list of honorees is available below or on the Fort Hays Tech | North Central website at <a href="https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll">https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll</a>Fort Hays Tech | North Central remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and providing students with the tools they need to succeed. The Honor Roll stands as a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff.For more information about the Honor Roll or other academic achievements at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please contact:Ryan Emerson Marketing Director Fort Hays Tech | North Central remerson@fhtechnc.edu (785) 738-2276.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central announces 2025 spring honor roll

KANSAS CITY – The growing maternal-care desert in Kansas is causing more women in the state to drive long distances for care and 59% do not have local access to inpatient maternity services, according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/about/kansas-nursing-workforce-center/research/kansas-nursing-reports.html?=redirect">report</a>&nbsp;released by the University of Kansas School of Nursing.

The report, Access to Maternity Care in Kansas, was produced by KU School of Nursing in collaboration with the Kansas Center for Rural Health, and with funding from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. The report describes and defines issues surrounding the availability of maternity care in Kansas.

Over the last 10 years, many rural hospitals across the country have closed or have stopped offering maternity care services altogether. This includes in Kansas, which is second only to Texas in terms of the number of counties considered rural. Rural hospitals are at an increased risk of closure due to declining occupancy rates, high fixed costs and market pressures.

“Kansas legislators, health care systems, foundations, professional organizations and educational institutions are all working hard to address the concerns of access to care and the health care workforce,” said Karen Weis, Ph.D., FAAN, dean of KU School of Nursing-Salina and lead author of the report. “Sound data is needed to support these efforts. The Access to Maternal Care in Kansas report is a first step in gathering that data in one central source.”

Access to quality perinatal care, which includes care during pregnancy and after the birth, is critical to the health of newborn babies and their mothers. Closures of hospitals and cessation of maternity services are correlated with more babies being born early, more infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units and more women dying during pregnancy or in childbirth.

The report outlines, by county and ZIP code when possible, the numbers of women of reproductive age in the area, the facilities offering prenatal care or inpatient maternity care; the availability of referral and high-risk services; and the providers accepting patients and offering prenatal or full perinatal services, nursing, anesthesia, behavioral health, lactation, and doula support services. It also provides the distances to facilities with delivery capabilities.

Key findings in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/about/kansas-nursing-workforce-center/research/kansas-nursing-reports.html?=redirect">report</a>, which is based on data from 2022-2024, include:&nbsp;

The report also found that the counties with the highest birth rates are the ones losing access to maternity care services. And rural counties had higher birth rates than urban ones: 67 versus 61 live births per 1,000 women of reproductive age.

"To me, the biggest surprise in the report are the two counties in western Kansas with the highest birth rates,” said Weis. Neither of these counties, Wallace and Grant, have a health care system offering maternity care. The distance to inpatient maternity care for those residing in each county is approximately 50 miles and 24 miles, respectively.

The report also provides information clarifying the unrecognized costs of providing maternal health care, which requires the presence of multidisciplinary teams of providers and nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The vast majority of rural hospitals are reimbursed through a Medicare-reimbursement model, which does not cover the high cost of providing maternity care.

"These data paint a stark picture of the current landscape of access to maternal health. The data&nbsp;also emphasize the critical importance of addressing this challenge before it gets worse, as well as recognizing that the location of services is one piece of the puzzle,” said David Jordan, MPA, president and chief executive officer of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, which is based in Hutchinson, Kansas. 

“We need to figure out solutions to complete the puzzle in order to provide women, children and families across the state with better access to the services they need to thrive.”&nbsp;



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633133027075.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceKANSAS CITY – The growing maternal-care desert in Kansas is causing more women in the state to drive long distances for care and 59% do not have local access to inpatient maternity services, according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/about/kansas-nursing-workforce-center/research/kansas-nursing-reports.html?=redirect">report</a>&nbsp;released by the University of Kansas School of Nursing.The report, Access to Maternity Care in Kansas, was produced by KU School of Nursing in collaboration with the Kansas Center for Rural Health, and with funding from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. The report describes and defines issues surrounding the availability of maternity care in Kansas.Over the last 10 years, many rural hospitals across the country have closed or have stopped offering maternity care services altogether. This includes in Kansas, which is second only to Texas in terms of the number of counties considered rural. Rural hospitals are at an increased risk of closure due to declining occupancy rates, high fixed costs and market pressures.“Kansas legislators, health care systems, foundations, professional organizations and educational institutions are all working hard to address the concerns of access to care and the health care workforce,” said Karen Weis, Ph.D., FAAN, dean of KU School of Nursing-Salina and lead author of the report. “Sound data is needed to support these efforts. The Access to Maternal Care in Kansas report is a first step in gathering that data in one central source.”Access to quality perinatal care, which includes care during pregnancy and after the birth, is critical to the health of newborn babies and their mothers. Closures of hospitals and cessation of maternity services are correlated with more babies being born early, more infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units and more women dying during pregnancy or in childbirth.The report outlines, by county and ZIP code when possible, the numbers of women of reproductive age in the area, the facilities offering prenatal care or inpatient maternity care; the availability of referral and high-risk services; and the providers accepting patients and offering prenatal or full perinatal services, nursing, anesthesia, behavioral health, lactation, and doula support services. It also provides the distances to facilities with delivery capabilities.Key findings in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/about/kansas-nursing-workforce-center/research/kansas-nursing-reports.html?=redirect">report</a>, which is based on data from 2022-2024, include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>An increasing number of Kansans travel up to 60 miles for low-risk prenatal and postpartum and labor and delivery care, particularly in the central and southwest parts of the state.</li><li>Fifty-nine percent of Kansans do not have local access to inpatient maternity care.</li><li>The availability of services for women with high-risk pregnancies is extremely limited. Close to 30% of ZIP codes in Kansas are more than 100 miles away from tertiary, high-risk services.</li><li>Forty-two counties in Kansas are without any documented anesthesia providers, and most of those are on the western side of the state.</li>
 </ul>The report also found that the counties with the highest birth rates are the ones losing access to maternity care services. And rural counties had higher birth rates than urban ones: 67 versus 61 live births per 1,000 women of reproductive age."To me, the biggest surprise in the report are the two counties in western Kansas with the highest birth rates,” said Weis. Neither of these counties, Wallace and Grant, have a health care system offering maternity care. The distance to inpatient maternity care for those residing in each county is approximately 50 miles and 24 miles, respectively.The report also provides information clarifying the unrecognized costs of providing maternal health care, which requires the presence of multidisciplinary teams of providers and nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The vast majority of rural hospitals are reimbursed through a Medicare-reimbursement model, which does not cover the high cost of providing maternity care."These data paint a stark picture of the current landscape of access to maternal health. The data&nbsp;also emphasize the critical importance of addressing this challenge before it gets worse, as well as recognizing that the location of services is one piece of the puzzle,” said David Jordan, MPA, president and chief executive officer of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, which is based in Hutchinson, Kansas. “We need to figure out solutions to complete the puzzle in order to provide women, children and families across the state with better access to the services they need to thrive.”&nbsp;

KU study: 59% of Kansas women have no local access to inpatient maternity services

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work on a bridge repair project along K-27 in Sherman County the week of June 2.

The bridge spans the Kyle Railroad and is located 0.84 mile north of the I-70 junction in Goodland. Project work will include a concrete overlay, deck patching and replacement of the bridge rails and approach slabs.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by a temporary traffic signal. An 18-foot width restriction will also be in effect. Motorists should anticipate delays of up to 15 minutes during the project. Work is expected to be completed in October, conditions permitting.

Bridges Inc., of Newton, is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $1.2 million. For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748616894341.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work on a bridge repair project along K-27 in Sherman County the week of June 2.The bridge spans the Kyle Railroad and is located 0.84 mile north of the I-70 junction in Goodland. Project work will include a concrete overlay, deck patching and replacement of the bridge rails and approach slabs.Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by a temporary traffic signal. An 18-foot width restriction will also be in effect. Motorists should anticipate delays of up to 15 minutes during the project. Work is expected to be completed in October, conditions permitting.Bridges Inc., of Newton, is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $1.2 million. For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.Project map:

Bridge repair project to begin on K-27 near Goodland

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748613176903.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>

Washington&nbsp;–Kansas&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, visited&nbsp;Sierra Vista, Arizona Friday to tour the Joint Task Force-Southern Border Command&nbsp;offices, thank members of Kansas’ own 1st&nbsp;Infantry Division from Fort Riley, participate in tours along the southern border, receive briefings, and take an aerial tour of the border near Arizona with several Kansas law enforcement officials, according to a media release from the Senator's office.

Having visited the southern border multiple times under the Biden-Harris Administration, I witnessed chaos, lawlessness, and a system overwhelmed by over 10 million illegal crossings –including individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“But during my most recent trip, the difference was clear. Since President Trump returned to office, we’ve already seen a dramatic shift with illegal border crossings dropping 93% compared to last year. What I’ve witnessed firsthand at the border proves that President Trump’s bold leadership is delivering results, and he is keeping his promises. To continue delivering on the President’s agenda, the Senate must pass the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ – legislation that will provide critical funding our border agencies need to keep America safe.”

Since President Trump took office in January 2025, the number of illegal immigrant crossings at the southern border has dropped dramatically. In April 2024, there were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-april-2024-monthly-update">128,900 crossings at the border</a>, while in April 2025, there&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/migrant-crossings-u-s-mexico-border-historically-low-levels/">were only 8,400</a>.

The Kansas law enforcement officers who accompanied Senator Marshall included Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Director Tony Mattivi, Director of the Riley County Police Department Brian Peete, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffery Easter, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, Ellis County Sheriff and Kansas Sheriffs’ Association President Scott Braun, Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie, and Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.

“I was honored to join Senator Marshall and several sheriffs&nbsp;and police chiefs in experiencing firsthand the challenges at our southern border,”&nbsp;said KBI Director Tony Mattivi.&nbsp;“We know&nbsp;every fentanyl pill sold in Kansas is trafficked by Mexican drug cartels through this border. Every single pill that kills a Kansan enters the country here, so we must continue the fight to keep dangerous and violent criminals out.”

“Senator Marshall champions law enforcement and public safety efforts. He understands the unique role the Riley County Police Department plays in protecting national security and operational readiness because of our ties to NBAF and Fort Riley,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Riley County Police Department&nbsp;Director Brian Peete.&nbsp;“This opportunity has helped the department forge new strategic plans and procedures to keep our county safe from narcotic and human trafficking, as well as foreign terrorist organizations. My sincerest thanks to both he and his team.”

“The experience was very informative. It was amazing to me to see what 4 years of an unsecured border looked like and the issues it created for the United States,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Sedgwick County&nbsp;Sheriff Jeffrey Easter.&nbsp;“This trip highlighted the absolute cooperation between the U.S military, Border Patrol, and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office. These men and women are on the front lines protecting Kansans from the fentanyl and methamphetamine scourge that has gripped Sedgwick County. I am very appreciative of Senator Marshall inviting me to observe and understand the situation at our border.”

“We’ve learned where it’s coming in from, we’ve learned where it’s being transported to, and this is a hub where it’s coming out of,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Crawford County&nbsp;Sheriff Billy Tomasi.&nbsp;“Like I told the voters when I came on, that I am going to learn about this and I’m going to start taking it off the streets, and that’s my goal. And I appreciate the opportunity from Senator Marshall allowing me to come down here with him to learn this, to bring back to our community.”

“Our visit to the Arizona border with the dedicated military – including soldiers from Fort Riley –and border agencies, was eye-opening. The fight against illegal immigrants and the deadly flow of fentanyl is real.&nbsp; It’s happening on the ground, and it’s impacting Kansas communities every day. The brave men and women on the front lines deserve our full support as they work to protect our borders and save lives back home,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie.&nbsp;“I am extremely grateful to Senator Marshall and his staff for the opportunity to see firsthand the fight against the cartels that are trafficking fentanyl across our border daily. The fight against these cartels is not just a border issue – it is a fight for the safety of every Kansas community.”

“I would like to thank Senator Marshall for the opportunity to see firsthand the great work being done by our men and women of law enforcement, border patrol, and the military,”&nbsp;said Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.&nbsp;“Eliminating drug smuggling is still a major challenge at the border, and additional resources are needed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748726141663.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington&nbsp;–Kansas&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, visited&nbsp;Sierra Vista, Arizona Friday to tour the Joint Task Force-Southern Border Command&nbsp;offices, thank members of Kansas’ own 1st&nbsp;Infantry Division from Fort Riley, participate in tours along the southern border, receive briefings, and take an aerial tour of the border near Arizona with several Kansas law enforcement officials, according to a media release from the Senator's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748725833116.jpeg" alt="The Kansas law enforcement officers who accompanied Senator Marshall included Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Director Tony Mattivi, Director of the Riley County Police Department Brian Peete, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffery Easter, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, Ellis County Sheriff and Kansas Sheriffs’ Association President Scott Braun, Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie, and Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman." />
 <figcaption>The Kansas law enforcement officers who accompanied Senator Marshall included Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Director Tony Mattivi, Director of the Riley County Police Department Brian Peete, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffery Easter, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, Ellis County Sheriff and Kansas Sheriffs’ Association President Scott Braun, Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie, and Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.</figcaption>
 </figure>Having visited the southern border multiple times under the Biden-Harris Administration, I witnessed chaos, lawlessness, and a system overwhelmed by over 10 million illegal crossings –including individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“But during my most recent trip, the difference was clear. Since President Trump returned to office, we’ve already seen a dramatic shift with illegal border crossings dropping 93% compared to last year. What I’ve witnessed firsthand at the border proves that President Trump’s bold leadership is delivering results, and he is keeping his promises. To continue delivering on the President’s agenda, the Senate must pass the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ – legislation that will provide critical funding our border agencies need to keep America safe.”Since President Trump took office in January 2025, the number of illegal immigrant crossings at the southern border has dropped dramatically. In April 2024, there were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-april-2024-monthly-update">128,900 crossings at the border</a>, while in April 2025, there&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/migrant-crossings-u-s-mexico-border-historically-low-levels/">were only 8,400</a>.The Kansas law enforcement officers who accompanied Senator Marshall included Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Director Tony Mattivi, Director of the Riley County Police Department Brian Peete, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffery Easter, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, Ellis County Sheriff and Kansas Sheriffs’ Association President Scott Braun, Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie, and Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.“I was honored to join Senator Marshall and several sheriffs&nbsp;and police chiefs in experiencing firsthand the challenges at our southern border,”&nbsp;said KBI Director Tony Mattivi.&nbsp;“We know&nbsp;every fentanyl pill sold in Kansas is trafficked by Mexican drug cartels through this border. Every single pill that kills a Kansan enters the country here, so we must continue the fight to keep dangerous and violent criminals out.”“Senator Marshall champions law enforcement and public safety efforts. He understands the unique role the Riley County Police Department plays in protecting national security and operational readiness because of our ties to NBAF and Fort Riley,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Riley County Police Department&nbsp;Director Brian Peete.&nbsp;“This opportunity has helped the department forge new strategic plans and procedures to keep our county safe from narcotic and human trafficking, as well as foreign terrorist organizations. My sincerest thanks to both he and his team.”“The experience was very informative. It was amazing to me to see what 4 years of an unsecured border looked like and the issues it created for the United States,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Sedgwick County&nbsp;Sheriff Jeffrey Easter.&nbsp;“This trip highlighted the absolute cooperation between the U.S military, Border Patrol, and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office. These men and women are on the front lines protecting Kansans from the fentanyl and methamphetamine scourge that has gripped Sedgwick County. I am very appreciative of Senator Marshall inviting me to observe and understand the situation at our border.”“We’ve learned where it’s coming in from, we’ve learned where it’s being transported to, and this is a hub where it’s coming out of,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Crawford County&nbsp;Sheriff Billy Tomasi.&nbsp;“Like I told the voters when I came on, that I am going to learn about this and I’m going to start taking it off the streets, and that’s my goal. And I appreciate the opportunity from Senator Marshall allowing me to come down here with him to learn this, to bring back to our community.”“Our visit to the Arizona border with the dedicated military – including soldiers from Fort Riley –and border agencies, was eye-opening. The fight against illegal immigrants and the deadly flow of fentanyl is real.&nbsp; It’s happening on the ground, and it’s impacting Kansas communities every day. The brave men and women on the front lines deserve our full support as they work to protect our borders and save lives back home,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie.&nbsp;“I am extremely grateful to Senator Marshall and his staff for the opportunity to see firsthand the fight against the cartels that are trafficking fentanyl across our border daily. The fight against these cartels is not just a border issue – it is a fight for the safety of every Kansas community.”“I would like to thank Senator Marshall for the opportunity to see firsthand the great work being done by our men and women of law enforcement, border patrol, and the military,”&nbsp;said Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.&nbsp;“Eliminating drug smuggling is still a major challenge at the border, and additional resources are needed.”

Ellis Co. Sheriff joins Senator Marshall on visit to the southern border 

Reporter Cristina Janney asks Doug Williams of Grow Hays questions from our listeners on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Please submit your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Answering Listener Questions with Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=97g37-18c2c84-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney asks Doug Williams of Grow Hays questions from our listeners on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.Please submit your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays answers questions about Microfactory

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Having just returned from a fishing trip with my son, his father-in-law and my grandson, a fishing story from my youth comes to mind. It involves a high school class mate of mine, his older brother and a muskrat. So, sit back and enjoy Larry and the Muskrat.

John and I graduated together and were just a few years out of high school at the time of the story. He and his older brother Larry both had bass boats and were avid largemouth bass fishermen who liked to spend Sunday mornings on a nice local reservoir named Clear Fork. Larry said he enjoyed the quiet time and all the wildlife he saw as much as the fishing. This particular morning, he was fishing with a spinner-bait, a large odd-shaped contraption full of hooks and shiny blades that makes the whole rig spin and chatter as it’s retrieved through the water. He was close to shore and had stopped casting to watch a muskrat putter about along the bank. A few feet of line hung from his rod with the spinner bait dangling from the end. After several minutes of being amused by the muskrat, he decided it was time to fish again, so he slapped the water with the spinner bait just to scare the muskrat. However, the line carried the lure farther than expected, mistakenly hooking the surprised muskrat, and the fight was on!

John was fishing a ways off, but the commotion caught his attention and Larry’s rod bent doubly into the water was the first thing he saw. Between chuckles, Larry quickly explained the situation and asked for his help. John got his boat as close as possible and after what must have been quite a tussle, he managed to dip the struggling muskrat from the water, but razor-sharp teeth made quick work of the net and it was in the water again, this time with Larry’s line running through a dip net sporting a huge hole in its bottom. After another lengthy scuffle they once again managed to somehow hoist the combative muskrat into the boat, and then the real rodeo began. Now John and Larry were both avid outdoorsmen and conservationists, and all they wanted to do was unhook poor muskrat Sam without harming him. Like I said before, a spinner-bait is full of sharp treble hooks, and now they had one very ticked-off, soaking wet muskrat in the boat with several sets of those hooks fastened securely to him and he evidently was not obeying their verbal commands very well. Remember, Larry’s line was still running through a ruined dip net that I’m sure was very much in the way. Somehow, he got the muskrat pulled back through the net and John was able to pounce on it, pinning the hapless critter to the floor with the rim of the net across its neck. John held it down with his foot while Larry went to work with his pliers attempting to extract the hooks. A fish with a couple hooks in its mouth is one thing, but a feisty, soaking wet rodent the size of a loaf of bread with who-knows-how-many hooks fastened securely to its fur-covered body is quite another matter.

Larry worked feverishly, noticing that the muskrat’s eyeballs were bulging slightly from the weight of John’s foot on the steel ring across its neck. Each embedded hook had to be wobbled and wiggled until the sharp barb on its tip pulled free from the muskrat’s tough hide. Finally, success as the last of the hooks came free! But then there remained the problem of how to get one still ticked-off but now absolutely free muskrat out of the boat. With that quandary swirling in their minds, both guys simultaneously stepped backwards to suddenly release the muskrat, (in their minds somehow hoping it would just launch itself over the side and back into the water) but looked at each other in disbelief as the poor luckless creature lay lifeless on the floor, evidently strangled in the process, despite their best intentions - problem solved!

Although not funny that muskrat Sammy had to give his life for this adventure, this is yet another story I’ll take with me to my grave when I sometimes can’t remember what I had for breakfast. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsHaving just returned from a fishing trip with my son, his father-in-law and my grandson, a fishing story from my youth comes to mind. It involves a high school class mate of mine, his older brother and a muskrat. So, sit back and enjoy Larry and the Muskrat.John and I graduated together and were just a few years out of high school at the time of the story. He and his older brother Larry both had bass boats and were avid largemouth bass fishermen who liked to spend Sunday mornings on a nice local reservoir named Clear Fork. Larry said he enjoyed the quiet time and all the wildlife he saw as much as the fishing. This particular morning, he was fishing with a spinner-bait, a large odd-shaped contraption full of hooks and shiny blades that makes the whole rig spin and chatter as it’s retrieved through the water. He was close to shore and had stopped casting to watch a muskrat putter about along the bank. A few feet of line hung from his rod with the spinner bait dangling from the end. After several minutes of being amused by the muskrat, he decided it was time to fish again, so he slapped the water with the spinner bait just to scare the muskrat. However, the line carried the lure farther than expected, mistakenly hooking the surprised muskrat, and the fight was on!John was fishing a ways off, but the commotion caught his attention and Larry’s rod bent doubly into the water was the first thing he saw. Between chuckles, Larry quickly explained the situation and asked for his help. John got his boat as close as possible and after what must have been quite a tussle, he managed to dip the struggling muskrat from the water, but razor-sharp teeth made quick work of the net and it was in the water again, this time with Larry’s line running through a dip net sporting a huge hole in its bottom. After another lengthy scuffle they once again managed to somehow hoist the combative muskrat into the boat, and then the real rodeo began. Now John and Larry were both avid outdoorsmen and conservationists, and all they wanted to do was unhook poor muskrat Sam without harming him. Like I said before, a spinner-bait is full of sharp treble hooks, and now they had one very ticked-off, soaking wet muskrat in the boat with several sets of those hooks fastened securely to him and he evidently was not obeying their verbal commands very well. Remember, Larry’s line was still running through a ruined dip net that I’m sure was very much in the way. Somehow, he got the muskrat pulled back through the net and John was able to pounce on it, pinning the hapless critter to the floor with the rim of the net across its neck. John held it down with his foot while Larry went to work with his pliers attempting to extract the hooks. A fish with a couple hooks in its mouth is one thing, but a feisty, soaking wet rodent the size of a loaf of bread with who-knows-how-many hooks fastened securely to its fur-covered body is quite another matter.Larry worked feverishly, noticing that the muskrat’s eyeballs were bulging slightly from the weight of John’s foot on the steel ring across its neck. Each embedded hook had to be wobbled and wiggled until the sharp barb on its tip pulled free from the muskrat’s tough hide. Finally, success as the last of the hooks came free! But then there remained the problem of how to get one still ticked-off but now absolutely free muskrat out of the boat. With that quandary swirling in their minds, both guys simultaneously stepped backwards to suddenly release the muskrat, (in their minds somehow hoping it would just launch itself over the side and back into the water) but looked at each other in disbelief as the poor luckless creature lay lifeless on the floor, evidently strangled in the process, despite their best intentions - problem solved!Although not funny that muskrat Sammy had to give his life for this adventure, this is yet another story I’ll take with me to my grave when I sometimes can’t remember what I had for breakfast. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Larry and the muskrat

My mom was so allergic to poison ivy I still believe to this day she could have caught it by merely looking at the plants. I remember her being hospitalized once with poison ivy so bad on her hand that it resembled raw hamburger. My dad on the other hand could’ve rolled around in the stuff and never known it.

 One night a few years back I went to change a flat tire on our mobile deer blind which was still in the woods, and found it to be afloat in a sea of the healthiest poison ivy I’d ever seen. I chopped it down all around the tire, wore gloves and was pretty careful as I worked, but three or four days later I had a small patch of rash on one arm, the first time I ever “got” poison ivy.

Each stem of a poison ivy plant has three shiny, pointed green leaves, thus the old saying “Leaves of three, let them be.” 

The troublemaker is the oil called “Urushiol” that is found on poison ivy plants. Urushiol by itself is fairly harmless, but when absorbed by our skin, our body attacks to it as an intruder and the red, itchy rash follows. 

Urushiol is found in ALL parts of a poison ivy plant ALL year round, and has actually been found to be present in plants that have been dead for up to five years. 

Animals and pets do not react to urushiol but can carry it on their fur or hide and infect humans that way. It can also remain indefinitely on clothing and tools. 

Liquid from poison ivy blisters WILL NOT spread poison ivy; urushiol must be absorbed by our skin to cause a reaction and by the time a rash develops the oil has long since been absorbed. 

Sensitivity to poison ivy is thought to be genetic so it can run in the family; someone sensitive to poison ivy can also have a reaction from the smoke of burning poison ivy plants.

To keep this from reading like a pamphlet about poison ivy you’d pick up at the county Extension office, I’ve put together a little fun trivia about the “leaves-of-three” plant, plus few not-so-common facts and cures for poison ivy rash.

Five hundred people could itch from the amount of urushiol found on the head of a pin. It’s estimated that 85% of the world’s population would have an allergic reaction to poison ivy. Samples of urushiol several centuries old have still been found to cause skin irritation on sensitive people.

If using water to attempt to rinse urushiol off your skin before it’s absorbed, ALWAYS rinse with COOL water as hot water will actually open skin pores and speed absorption.

Capsaicin cream, labeled for arthritis pain, can suppress the itch of poison ivy rash for hours.

Apple cider vinegar, rubbing alcohol or lemon juice poured liberally over your skin can rinse off urushiol if done soon enough after contact. Either liquid can also help heal poison ivy rash if drizzled over the rash or used on a compress.

Other ways to soothe poison ivy rash include coating the rash with cucumber slices or a paste made from cucumber, and rubbing the rash with the inside of a banana peel or cool melon rind.

Witch hazel, strongly brewed tea, buttermilk or yogurt dabbed on poison ivy rash with a cotton ball can help draw toxins out of the rash and dry up seeping blisters.

Aloe Vera juice will soothe poison ivy rash like it soothes sunburn.

One cup of oatmeal ground into a fine powder, put into an old pair of pantyhose and used like a teabag in a tub of cool bathwater can provide relief from the intense itching of poison ivy rash.

Three teaspoons of baking soda mixed with one teaspoon of water makes a good paste to spread over poison ivy rash to aid in healing and offer temporary relief from itching.

In summary, lots of things can give relief from the itch of poison ivy rash, but the only sure way to prevent a reaction is to rinse off the urushiol oil before it can be absorbed into the skin. 

The opening lines of the old Coasters song “Poison Ivy” say “she comes on like a rose but everybody knows she’ll get you in dutch, you can look but you better not touch; poison ivy, poison ivy, at night when you’re sleepin’ poison ivy comes creeping around.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751278793695.jpeg" alt="Poison ivy. Photo by Alabama Cooperative Extension System&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Poison ivy. Photo by Alabama Cooperative Extension System&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILANDMy mom was so allergic to poison ivy I still believe to this day she could have caught it by merely looking at the plants. I remember her being hospitalized once with poison ivy so bad on her hand that it resembled raw hamburger. My dad on the other hand could’ve rolled around in the stuff and never known it. One night a few years back I went to change a flat tire on our mobile deer blind which was still in the woods, and found it to be afloat in a sea of the healthiest poison ivy I’d ever seen. I chopped it down all around the tire, wore gloves and was pretty careful as I worked, but three or four days later I had a small patch of rash on one arm, the first time I ever “got” poison ivy.Each stem of a poison ivy plant has three shiny, pointed green leaves, thus the old saying “Leaves of three, let them be.” The troublemaker is the oil called “Urushiol” that is found on poison ivy plants. Urushiol by itself is fairly harmless, but when absorbed by our skin, our body attacks to it as an intruder and the red, itchy rash follows. Urushiol is found in ALL parts of a poison ivy plant ALL year round, and has actually been found to be present in plants that have been dead for up to five years. Animals and pets do not react to urushiol but can carry it on their fur or hide and infect humans that way. It can also remain indefinitely on clothing and tools. Liquid from poison ivy blisters WILL NOT spread poison ivy; urushiol must be absorbed by our skin to cause a reaction and by the time a rash develops the oil has long since been absorbed. Sensitivity to poison ivy is thought to be genetic so it can run in the family; someone sensitive to poison ivy can also have a reaction from the smoke of burning poison ivy plants.To keep this from reading like a pamphlet about poison ivy you’d pick up at the county Extension office, I’ve put together a little fun trivia about the “leaves-of-three” plant, plus few not-so-common facts and cures for poison ivy rash.Five hundred people could itch from the amount of urushiol found on the head of a pin. It’s estimated that 85% of the world’s population would have an allergic reaction to poison ivy. Samples of urushiol several centuries old have still been found to cause skin irritation on sensitive people.If using water to attempt to rinse urushiol off your skin before it’s absorbed, ALWAYS rinse with COOL water as hot water will actually open skin pores and speed absorption.Capsaicin cream, labeled for arthritis pain, can suppress the itch of poison ivy rash for hours.Apple cider vinegar, rubbing alcohol or lemon juice poured liberally over your skin can rinse off urushiol if done soon enough after contact. Either liquid can also help heal poison ivy rash if drizzled over the rash or used on a compress.Other ways to soothe poison ivy rash include coating the rash with cucumber slices or a paste made from cucumber, and rubbing the rash with the inside of a banana peel or cool melon rind.Witch hazel, strongly brewed tea, buttermilk or yogurt dabbed on poison ivy rash with a cotton ball can help draw toxins out of the rash and dry up seeping blisters.Aloe Vera juice will soothe poison ivy rash like it soothes sunburn.One cup of oatmeal ground into a fine powder, put into an old pair of pantyhose and used like a teabag in a tub of cool bathwater can provide relief from the intense itching of poison ivy rash.Three teaspoons of baking soda mixed with one teaspoon of water makes a good paste to spread over poison ivy rash to aid in healing and offer temporary relief from itching.In summary, lots of things can give relief from the itch of poison ivy rash, but the only sure way to prevent a reaction is to rinse off the urushiol oil before it can be absorbed into the skin. The opening lines of the old Coasters song “Poison Ivy” say “she comes on like a rose but everybody knows she’ll get you in dutch, you can look but you better not touch; poison ivy, poison ivy, at night when you’re sleepin’ poison ivy comes creeping around.” …Continue to Explore Kansas OutdoorsSteve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Don’t scratch that itch!

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The word armor might evoke a picture of a knight clad in metal, but creatures from the tiniest insects to ancient fish, giant alligators and dinosaurs have been using armor as protection for millions of years.

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History opened a new exhibit, "Animal Armor," by Gaston Designs of Grand Junction, Colorado, this week.

"Instead of focusing on one animal group, we are taking an idea, armor, and having a chance to look at how that's used across all animal groups,"&nbsp; Reese Barrick, museum director, said. ... "It gives you a diversity of things to look at."

He said visitors also have the chance to see how armor has evolved across Earth's history.

As you enter the museum, a couple of the more stunning armored creatures greet you. One is a prehistoric crocodile-like creature, Sarcosuchus, that lived in North Africa, and the other is a prehistoric alligator-like creature, Deinosuchus, found in North America.

Deinosuchus lived between&nbsp;83.5 million and 70.6 million years ago. The animals could grow up to 11,000 pounds and reach lengths of 45 feet. Their teeth could grow as large as six inches.

"It's interesting to see that even the big carnivores have lots of armor," Barrick said. "There are always big crocodiles that will eat smaller ones. Everyone needs animal armor, even if you are a super predator."

Both creatures, like modern-day alligators and crocodiles, possess dermal armor, characterized by bony plates embedded in their skin.

Sarcosuchus, with its narrower snout, was probably  a fish-eater, Barrick said. However,&nbsp;Deinosuchus, which had a more rounded snout, probably could snatch dinosaurs off banks, he said.

A Jurassic crocodilian is also featured, which predated the&nbsp;Sarcosuchus and&nbsp;Deinosuchus, but was much smaller and also had armor on its belly.

Once you crest the stairs in the exhibit hall, you go forward in time to modern-day insects and sea creatures.

You can see an array of beetles, along with snails (gastropods) and crabs (arthropods), including the shell of a giant clam, which still lives in our oceans today.

The Eurypterids,&nbsp;ancient arthropods  also commonly referred to as sea scorpions, were heavily armored. Most examples average only about 5 to 9 inches in length, but some Eurypterids could grow as large as 8 feet long.

They had to be considering what they swam with and ate in the shallow seas about 420 million years ago.&nbsp;

The fish in those seas also had armor, multiple examples of which can be seen in the exhibit at the Sternberg. These armored fish lived until about 320 million years ago, when fish closer to our modern fish began to appear, Barrick said.

"Something is always trying to eat you, so armor has always been a mainstay of protection," Barrick said.

Akainacephalus is one of the armored dinosaurs that had a clubbed tail.

These creatures ate plants, but had large spikes on their backs and used their clubbed tail in defense.&nbsp;

"If you are big and you can't hide, and you're slow and you can't run, you develop armor as a way to protect yourself," Barrick said. ... "These particular guys aren't very smart, either. They have very small brains. If you're big, slow and stupid, it's good to have armor."

During the Ice Age, you would have seen creatures that more closely resembled modern animals, but much larger.&nbsp;

The exhibit has an example of a&nbsp;Glyptodon. It looks like a giant armadillo and would have been found in South America between 12,000 and 100,000 years ago.

The exhibit concludes with examples of modern mammals that use armor, including&nbsp;armadillos, hedgehogs, porcupines and the endangered pangolins of Africa.

Not to be excluded are humans. Although humans have used metal for centuries in armor, the exhibit also features a replica of a suit of armor crafted from crocodilian skin, as well as replicas of helmets adorned with antlers and crab pincers.

"What I think is interesting is that you think of armored animals, you might think of armored dinosaurs or armadillos," Barrick said, "but what I want people to know is that armor has been important throughout the whole evolutionary history of the planet, from fish to snails to all sorts of invertebrates to insects.&nbsp;

"Insects have some of the most dynamic armor on the planet. Every key animal group you can think of has developed armor because it is one of the key things to avoid being eaten," he said. "If you want to survive to reproduce, you have to survive and not be eaten by something else. There's always something that's trying to eat you."

Animals have utilized armor in various ways.

"But there's always the battle between how do you eat something and how do you keep from being eaten," Barrick said. "If you have armor, you're trying to keep from being eaten, but someone is trying to defeat that armor to survive also."

The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 15. Admission to the exhibit is available with museum general admission or free to members.

The museum is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays&nbsp; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays&nbsp;through the summer.&nbsp;

Admission Adults (age 13-59) $10 Youths (age 4-12) $7&nbsp; Senior citizens (60+) $9 FHSU students (w/valid ID) $6

You can learn more about the museum or get help planning your trip at the <a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/">museum's website</a> or by following the museum on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum/">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748535574830.jpeg" alt="A cast of a&nbsp;Deinosuchus, which lived&nbsp;83.5 million years ago in the United States and was similar to modern alligators. They could grow as long as 45 feet. The Deinosuchus is part of a current exhibit at the Sternberg Museum,&nbsp;"Animal Armor." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A cast of a&nbsp;Deinosuchus, which lived&nbsp;83.5 million years ago in the United States and was similar to modern alligators. They could grow as long as 45 feet. The Deinosuchus is part of a current exhibit at the Sternberg Museum,&nbsp;"Animal Armor." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe word armor might evoke a picture of a knight clad in metal, but creatures from the tiniest insects to ancient fish, giant alligators and dinosaurs have been using armor as protection for millions of years.The Sternberg Museum of Natural History opened a new exhibit, "Animal Armor," by Gaston Designs of Grand Junction, Colorado, this week."Instead of focusing on one animal group, we are taking an idea, armor, and having a chance to look at how that's used across all animal groups,"&nbsp; Reese Barrick, museum director, said. ... "It gives you a diversity of things to look at."He said visitors also have the chance to see how armor has evolved across Earth's history.As you enter the museum, a couple of the more stunning armored creatures greet you. One is a prehistoric crocodile-like creature, Sarcosuchus, that lived in North Africa, and the other is a prehistoric alligator-like creature, Deinosuchus, found in North America.Deinosuchus lived between&nbsp;83.5 million and 70.6 million years ago. The animals could grow up to 11,000 pounds and reach lengths of 45 feet. Their teeth could grow as large as six inches."It's interesting to see that even the big carnivores have lots of armor," Barrick said. "There are always big crocodiles that will eat smaller ones. Everyone needs animal armor, even if you are a super predator."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748536251816.jpeg" alt="A cast and depiction of&nbsp;Sarcosuchus. Crocodilians have armor plates in their skin on their backs, as can be seen on these prehistoric giants from North Africa. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A cast and depiction of&nbsp;Sarcosuchus. Crocodilians have armor plates in their skin on their backs, as can be seen on these prehistoric giants from North Africa. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Both creatures, like modern-day alligators and crocodiles, possess dermal armor, characterized by bony plates embedded in their skin.Sarcosuchus, with its narrower snout, was probably a fish-eater, Barrick said. However,&nbsp;Deinosuchus, which had a more rounded snout, probably could snatch dinosaurs off banks, he said.A Jurassic crocodilian is also featured, which predated the&nbsp;Sarcosuchus and&nbsp;Deinosuchus, but was much smaller and also had armor on its belly.Once you crest the stairs in the exhibit hall, you go forward in time to modern-day insects and sea creatures.You can see an array of beetles, along with snails (gastropods) and crabs (arthropods), including the shell of a giant clam, which still lives in our oceans today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748536610811.jpeg" alt="A model of an&nbsp;Eurypterid, commonly called a sea scorpion.&nbsp;Eurypterids patrolled the seas about 420 million years ago. It fed on armored fish and sported its own armor. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A model of an&nbsp;Eurypterid, commonly called a sea scorpion.&nbsp;Eurypterids patrolled the seas about 420 million years ago. It fed on armored fish and sported its own armor. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748536918887.jpeg" alt="A cast of a Dunkleosteus, which lived about 382 to 358 million years ago. These fish, which were armored with sharp tooth plates, were believed to have the most powerful bite of any known fish. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A cast of a Dunkleosteus, which lived about 382 to 358 million years ago. These fish, which were armored with sharp tooth plates, were believed to have the most powerful bite of any known fish. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Eurypterids,&nbsp;ancient arthropods also commonly referred to as sea scorpions, were heavily armored. Most examples average only about 5 to 9 inches in length, but some Eurypterids could grow as large as 8 feet long.They had to be considering what they swam with and ate in the shallow seas about 420 million years ago.&nbsp;The fish in those seas also had armor, multiple examples of which can be seen in the exhibit at the Sternberg. These armored fish lived until about 320 million years ago, when fish closer to our modern fish began to appear, Barrick said."Something is always trying to eat you, so armor has always been a mainstay of protection," Barrick said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748537309852.jpeg" alt="Akainacephalus was a 2-ton armored dinosaur that lived about 75 million years ago. This specimen was found in southern Utah. Not only did this creature have armor, but it also had a clubbed tail that it could use to fight off tyrannosaurids. Those stubby legs gave it a low center of gravity, making it difficult for predators to flip over. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Akainacephalus was a 2-ton armored dinosaur that lived about 75 million years ago. This specimen was found in southern Utah. Not only did this creature have armor, but it also had a clubbed tail that it could use to fight off tyrannosaurids. Those stubby legs gave it a low center of gravity, making it difficult for predators to flip over. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748538811440.jpeg" alt="Another example of a clubbed tail. This example comes from a Doedicurus, which lived about 150,000 to 12,000 years ago. This specimen was found in South America. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Another example of a clubbed tail. This example comes from a Doedicurus, which lived about 150,000 to 12,000 years ago. This specimen was found in South America. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Akainacephalus is one of the armored dinosaurs that had a clubbed tail.These creatures ate plants, but had large spikes on their backs and used their clubbed tail in defense.&nbsp;"If you are big and you can't hide, and you're slow and you can't run, you develop armor as a way to protect yourself," Barrick said. ... "These particular guys aren't very smart, either. They have very small brains. If you're big, slow and stupid, it's good to have armor."During the Ice Age, you would have seen creatures that more closely resembled modern animals, but much larger.&nbsp;The exhibit has an example of a&nbsp;Glyptodon. It looks like a giant armadillo and would have been found in South America between 12,000 and 100,000 years ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748538412434.jpeg" alt="Glyptodonts weighed over a ton and were protected from Ice Age predators by massive shells. Above is a cast of a saber-toothed cat. The Glyptodonts, which were similar to modern armadillos, developed robust limbs and pelvises to support the extra weight. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Glyptodonts weighed over a ton and were protected from Ice Age predators by massive shells. Above is a cast of a saber-toothed cat. The Glyptodonts, which were similar to modern armadillos, developed robust limbs and pelvises to support the extra weight. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The exhibit concludes with examples of modern mammals that use armor, including&nbsp;armadillos, hedgehogs, porcupines and the endangered pangolins of Africa.Not to be excluded are humans. Although humans have used metal for centuries in armor, the exhibit also features a replica of a suit of armor crafted from crocodilian skin, as well as replicas of helmets adorned with antlers and crab pincers."What I think is interesting is that you think of armored animals, you might think of armored dinosaurs or armadillos," Barrick said, "but what I want people to know is that armor has been important throughout the whole evolutionary history of the planet, from fish to snails to all sorts of invertebrates to insects.&nbsp;"Insects have some of the most dynamic armor on the planet. Every key animal group you can think of has developed armor because it is one of the key things to avoid being eaten," he said. "If you want to survive to reproduce, you have to survive and not be eaten by something else. There's always something that's trying to eat you."Animals have utilized armor in various ways."But there's always the battle between how do you eat something and how do you keep from being eaten," Barrick said. "If you have armor, you're trying to keep from being eaten, but someone is trying to defeat that armor to survive also."The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 15. Admission to the exhibit is available with museum general admission or free to members.The museum is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays&nbsp; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays&nbsp;through the summer.&nbsp;Admission Adults (age 13-59) $10 Youths (age 4-12) $7&nbsp; Senior citizens (60+) $9 FHSU students (w/valid ID) $6 You can learn more about the museum or get help planning your trip at the <a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/">museum's website</a> or by following the museum on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum/">Facebook</a>.

From titans to tiny, Sternberg Museum welcomes 'Armored Animals' exhibit

For an up-to-the-minute calendar of events, check the CVB website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748357281877.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>For an up-to-the-minute calendar of events, check the CVB website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

June 2025 community events in Hays 

<a href="https://news.ku.edu/">KU News Service</a>

LAWRENCE – Fourteen University of Kansas School of Law students received awards during the spring 2025 semester for distinguishing themselves in scholarship, leadership and service to the law school and the community.

All award winners are graduates of the Class of 2025, who were recognized at the KU Law hooding ceremony May 17. Emma Mays, of Hastings, Nebraska, was selected to serve as the 2025 banner carrier, an honor bestowed upon the student who exemplifies excellence in their program.&nbsp;The class is composed of 126 recipients of the Juris Doctor as well as two Doctor of Juridical Science graduates. Eight students graduated from the Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law &amp; Policy program.

Funds for the awards are managed by KU Endowment, the independent and nonprofit organization serving as KU’s official fundraising and fund-management organization. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

Student awards are listed below alphabetically.

Neelie Browne, of Olathe, received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. Browne founded the KU Law Balance and Wellbeing club, where she coordinated programs and events aimed at improving student well-being. She also served as a Dean’s Fellow and staff articles editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy. Browne is the daughter of Kevin and Kindra Browne. She graduated from Olathe East High School and KU.

Karen Campbell, of Lawrence, received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;Campbell served as the editor-in-chief of the Kansas Law Review for the 2024-25 school year. She has also been a student ambassador since her first year at KU Law and formerly served as the Student Federal Bar Association president. Campbell is the daughter of Terrence and Kristin Campbell. She graduated from Free State High School and KU.

Dane Caster, of Inman, received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. During his time at KU Law, Caster served as Chief Justice En Banc of the KU Court of Parking Appeals, also known as Traffic Court. He dedicated his time teaching new students how to prep cases and give strong oral arguments. He also worked as a staff and comments editor of the Kansas Law Review. Caster is the son of Carol Summervill and Michael Caster. He graduated from Inman High School and Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748359791010.jpeg" alt="KU Law students were recently honored for their contributions to the law school and community." />
 <figcaption>KU Law students were recently honored for their contributions to the law school and community.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://news.ku.edu/">KU News Service</a>LAWRENCE – Fourteen University of Kansas School of Law students received awards during the spring 2025 semester for distinguishing themselves in scholarship, leadership and service to the law school and the community.The recipients:<ul>
 <li>Neelie Browne, Olathe: Janean Meigs Memorial Award</li><li>Karen Campbell, Lawrence: Class of 1949 Leadership Award</li><li>Dane Caster, Inman: Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement</li><li>Sam Crawford, Ellis: Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement</li><li>Josh Hukill, West Valley, Utah: Class of 1949 Leadership Award</li><li>Kelli Ludlum, Uniontown: Robert F. Bennett Award</li><li>Joshua Lollar, Lawrence: Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement</li><li>Emma Mays, Hastings, Nebraska: Samuel Mellinger Scholarship, Leadership and Service Award</li><li>Emily Moyes, Parkville, Missouri: Class of 1949 Leadership Award</li><li>Ben Murphy, Overland Park: Janean Meigs Memorial Award</li><li>Ayaan Musse, Vancouver, British Columbia: Janean Meigs Memorial Award</li><li>Gabby Phillips, Norwich: Justice Lloyd Kagey Leadership Award</li><li>Leah Stein, Dodge City: Walter Hiersteiner Outstanding Service Award&nbsp;</li><li>Corrine Yoder-Mulkey,&nbsp;Eudora: The Dru Mort Sampson Center for Diversity &amp; Inclusion Award of Distinction.</li>
 </ul>All award winners are graduates of the Class of 2025, who were recognized at the KU Law hooding ceremony May 17. Emma Mays, of Hastings, Nebraska, was selected to serve as the 2025 banner carrier, an honor bestowed upon the student who exemplifies excellence in their program.&nbsp;The class is composed of 126 recipients of the Juris Doctor as well as two Doctor of Juridical Science graduates. Eight students graduated from the Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law &amp; Policy program.Funds for the awards are managed by KU Endowment, the independent and nonprofit organization serving as KU’s official fundraising and fund-management organization. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.Student awards are listed below alphabetically.Neelie Browne, of Olathe, received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. Browne founded the KU Law Balance and Wellbeing club, where she coordinated programs and events aimed at improving student well-being. She also served as a Dean’s Fellow and staff articles editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy. Browne is the daughter of Kevin and Kindra Browne. She graduated from Olathe East High School and KU.Karen Campbell, of Lawrence, received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;Campbell served as the editor-in-chief of the Kansas Law Review for the 2024-25 school year. She has also been a student ambassador since her first year at KU Law and formerly served as the Student Federal Bar Association president. Campbell is the daughter of Terrence and Kristin Campbell. She graduated from Free State High School and KU.Dane Caster, of Inman, received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. During his time at KU Law, Caster served as Chief Justice En Banc of the KU Court of Parking Appeals, also known as Traffic Court. He dedicated his time teaching new students how to prep cases and give strong oral arguments. He also worked as a staff and comments editor of the Kansas Law Review. Caster is the son of Carol Summervill and Michael Caster. He graduated from Inman High School and Wichita State University.Sam Crawford,&nbsp;of Ellis,&nbsp;received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. Crawford worked as an articles editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy, where her article was selected for publication. She also competed on the bankruptcy moot court team, placing third at the national Duberstein competition. She was a Shook, Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar, served as a Moot Court Council officer, was on the Mock Trial Council and was elected treasurer of the KU Law chapter of the Federal Bar Association for two years. Crawford is the daughter of Kim Andries and the late George Crawford III. She graduated from Ellis High School and Kansas State University.Josh Hukill, of West Valley City, Utah, received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;As Chief Justice of the Traffic Court, Hukill not only led the court but also mentored first- and second-year law students. He was an active member of the mock trial team and represented KU Law in the American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition. He graduated from Hunter High School and Utah Valley University.Joshua Lollar, of Lawrence,&nbsp;received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. He served on the Moot Court Council and as articles editor for the Kansas Law Review. Lollar is the son of Robin Kluge and Kevin Lollar. He is a graduate of Wichita East High School, Kansas State University, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary and the University of Notre Dame.Kelli Ludlum, of Uniontown, received the Robert F. Bennett Award. This award is presented to the graduate whose undergraduate degree is from a Kansas university or college and who has demonstrated leadership qualities through public service.&nbsp;During her time at KU Law, Ludlum served in a leadership position in Women in Law, &nbsp;participated in moot court and was staff editor of the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy. &nbsp;Her efforts as president of the Federal Bar Association earned the KU chapter national recognition with the Innovation Award as one of the top three student divisions in the country. Ludlum also earned pro bono distinction for her work in KU Law's Legal Aid Clinic and served on the search committee to hire a director for the new Veterans Legal Support Clinic. Ludlum is the daughter of Joe and Ann Ludlum. She graduated from Uniontown High School and Kansas State University.Emma Mays, of Hastings, Nebraska, received the Samuel Mellinger Scholarship, Leadership and Service Award. This award is given annually to the graduate who has most distinguished themselves in the combined areas of scholarship, leadership and service. Mays served as the editor-in-chief of the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy for the 2024-25 school year. She served as a Lawyering Skills and writing teaching assistant, helping first-year students learn the complexities of the Bluebook. Mays received the highest grade-point average of any student in the Class of 2025. Mays is the daughter of Greg and Ann Mays. She graduated from Hastings High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.Emily Moyes,&nbsp;of Parkville, Missouri,&nbsp;received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;She served as a Lawyering Skills teaching assistant, was the president of the Environmental Law Society and held a position on the Moot Court Council. Moyes is the daughter of Andrew and Cathryn Moyes. She is a graduate of Park Hill South High School and Baylor University.Ben Murphy,&nbsp;of Overland Park,&nbsp;received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. Murphy served as the executive comment editor on the Kansas Law Review, where he had his paper on the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes and the applicability of U.S. law published. He was also a Shook, Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar. Murphy is the son of Mark and Susan Murphy. He is a graduate of Olathe East High School and KU.Ayaan Musse,&nbsp;of Vancouver, British Columbia, received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. She served as executive staff articles editor of the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy, where her article proposing and advocating for legislation on community land trusts in Kansas and Missouri was selected for publication. She worked for two semesters in KU Law's Legal Aid Clinic, representing low-income clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys. She also served as a Shook, Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar, where she led Constitutional Law study groups to support first-year law students' academic success. Musse held leadership roles in several student organizations, including the Black Law Students Association and the Student Bar Association, and mentored prospective law students through the KU Minority Pre-Law Student Association. She is a graduate of Lee's Summit North High School’s International Baccalaureate program and Arizona State University.Gabby Phillips, of Norwich, received the Justice Lloyd Kagey Leadership Award. This award is presented to the graduate who has most distinguished themselves through leadership in the School of Law.&nbsp; Phillips is a Weigand Scholar. She served as a comments editor for the Kansas Law Review, where her article was selected for publication. She was a member of the Moot Court Council, the president for the Business and Tax Law Society, the program manager for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, the treasurer of the Asian Law Students’ Association, a teaching assistant for the Lawyering Skills program and a Shook Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar. She also worked as Professor Mike Hoeflich’s research assistant. Phillips is the daughter of Jessie and Judy Garrison and Nghia Nguyen. She is a graduate of Norwich High School, Emporia State University and KU.Leah Stein, of Dodge City,&nbsp;received the Walter Hiersteiner Outstanding Service Award. The recipient of this award is the graduate whose service to their fellow students in the School of Law or the university community demonstrates the greatest promise for contribution to the legal profession and to society.&nbsp;Stein served as a head Dean’s Fellow and the symposium editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy, where she coordinated their 2025 symposium “Cities of Tomorrow: Legal Approaches to Urban Health and Sustainability.” Stein is the daughter of Michael and Coleen Stein. She is a graduate of Dodge City High School and KU.Corrinne Yoder-Mulkey,&nbsp;of Eudora, received the Dru Mort Sampson Center for Diversity &amp; Inclusion Award of Distinction. This award is given to a student who has exhibited exemplary leadership and a commitment to promoting diversity and belonging – both in Green Hall and in the law school’s broader communities.&nbsp;They served as the president of OUTLaws &amp; Accomplices for two years and was a founding member of the first Trans Law Student Association of its kind. Yoder-Mulkey is the child of Christine Yoder and Kent Mulkey. They graduated from Eudora High School and Wellesley College.

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