COLBY -- Colby Community College announced the launch of a women's wrestling program, set to begin competing in the fall of 2025. The Trojans will participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and face off against other community colleges.

The CCC Athletic Department has initiated a national search for the program’s inaugural head coach.

"We are excited to bring women's wrestling to Colby Community College," said Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez. "Wrestling has been a staple of Trojan Athletics, and this will provide more opportunities for the sport to grow."

Women's wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in college athletics, with the NJCAA set to host its Women's Wrestling Invitational Championship in Council Bluffs, Iowa, this spring. The Trojans will become only the second Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) member to offer the sport.

Scholarships are available for the program. Female students interested in wrestling at CCC can submit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colbytrojans.com/sports/wrest/recruitment">wrestling recruitment form</a>.

<a href="https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/ColbyCommunityCollege/744000024808202-head-women-s-wrestling-coach">Applications for the head coach</a>&nbsp;position are also being accepted.

For more information and updates on the women's wrestling program, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbytrojans.com/">ColbyTrojans.com</a>&nbsp;or email Kenny Hernandez at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kenny.hernandez@colbycc.edu?subject=Women%27s%20Wrestling">kenny.hernandez@colbycc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611227923055.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedCOLBY -- Colby Community College announced the launch of a women's wrestling program, set to begin competing in the fall of 2025. The Trojans will participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and face off against other community colleges.The CCC Athletic Department has initiated a national search for the program’s inaugural head coach."We are excited to bring women's wrestling to Colby Community College," said Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez. "Wrestling has been a staple of Trojan Athletics, and this will provide more opportunities for the sport to grow."Women's wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in college athletics, with the NJCAA set to host its Women's Wrestling Invitational Championship in Council Bluffs, Iowa, this spring. The Trojans will become only the second Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) member to offer the sport.Scholarships are available for the program. Female students interested in wrestling at CCC can submit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.colbytrojans.com/sports/wrest/recruitment">wrestling recruitment form</a>.<a href="https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/ColbyCommunityCollege/744000024808202-head-women-s-wrestling-coach">Applications for the head coach</a>&nbsp;position are also being accepted.For more information and updates on the women's wrestling program, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.colbytrojans.com/">ColbyTrojans.com</a>&nbsp;or email Kenny Hernandez at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kenny.hernandez@colbycc.edu?subject=Women%27s%20Wrestling">kenny.hernandez@colbycc.edu</a>.

Colby Community College announces Women's Wrestling starting in 2025

Editor's note: Corrected 12 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Recent economic data from the Docking Institute of Public Affairs showed that Ellis County had the highest poverty rate in the region at 18%.

Another 23% were classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE. These households are above the federal poverty level but cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county. They do not qualify for public assistance.

Combined, that equals 41% or more than 4 out of 10 Ellis County residents who are struggling financially.

Erica Berges, director of the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way of Ellis County</a>, said the ALICE families are employed, sometimes working multiple jobs, but are not making enough to make ends meet.&nbsp;

The median household income for Ellis County is $59,665. According to the data from United for ALICE, the survival budget for a family with two adults and two children, with the children in child care, is $67,164. That works out to be $33.58 per hour or $16.79 per hour for each adult, with both adults working full time.&nbsp;

The Kansas minimum wage is $7.25 for non-tipped employees.

Hays is a retail hub, and many of those jobs do not pay high wages. Even entry-level positions in education and health care often do not pay high enough wages to meet a survival budget.

Forty-six percent of households with workers who are nursing assistants and 42% of households who are teaching assistants are ALICE households.

“It’s pretty easy to comment, ‘Oh, they just need to go find a higher paying job,’” Bergers said. “If you don’t have a college degree, your options are limited. You want to better yourself and get a college degree, but how are you going to afford that? How are you going to find time to do that if you’re working multiple jobs to make ends meet.”

The population with the highest percentage of households in poverty or under the ALICE threshold are single mothers at 73%.

The next most affected group is households headed by someone 25 and younger. Sixty-nine percent of those households are affected. Students might work retail or food services jobs to accommodate their school schedules, but those are typically lower-paying jobs.

The third most affected group is senior citizens, with 48% of households affected.

Although Social Security lifts many of these households above the federal poverty level, they still don’t have enough income to satisfy a survival budget.

Berges also said some of the figures used in the Docking study seemed low, including $458 per month for rent.&nbsp;

Apartments.com listed the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Hays as $611. Zillow listed the median rent at $800.

Berges said some of the housing in Hays is liveable, but the apartments and homes are not in the best shape.

Hays does not have a rental inspection program, although it has been discussed in years past.

Macey Pfeifer, director of First Call for Help, said her agency has seen increased demand for housing assistance. First Call for Help also recently received a grant from Union Pacific to help people with deposits and the first month’s rent. She said demand for that assistance has also been high.

First Call for Help also provides utility assistance, and Pfeifer said demand also increased in October. She said there was an increase in utility shutoffs before Midwest Energy initiated its Cold Weather Rule, which prohibits utility disconnection during the winter.&nbsp;

Pfeifer said requests for assistance usually increase again in the spring, with some people owing $1,000 or more.

First Call for Help has a client whose utilities have been shut off for more than a year, Pfeifer said. She’s been using a garden hose from a neighbor.

“Everything adds up, and the money doesn’t go very far,” Pfeifer said.

Pfeifer said she thought the increase in assistance has been driven largely by inflation.

“The hourly wage people are receiving is not reflecting the increases they see around them,” she said. “Normal places do a 3% increase, but with everything going up way more than 3%, it’s hard.”

During a recent city commission meeting, Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick urged local businesses to increase their wages.

“The reality is it would take to get all of Hays outside of poverty and not always struggling week to week and month to month, would people with jobs making $25 an hour,” he said.

He added, “We wouldn’t have to have all of these [nonprofit] organizations if we were able to pay people enough so they were outside of the risk zone every month. …

“If we want a community where everyone can participate and put money back into the community by shopping everywhere, then we have to pay people enough so they can participate. We can take care of the poverty level. It’s really a wage thing.”

The most recent available data is from 2022, prior to record-setting inflation driving up costs, especially food costs.

According to the USDA, food prices have increased about 7.3% since 2022.&nbsp;

"Look at the budget," Berges said. "They are paying $1,300. That's probably three meals a day. They're cutting out a meal. They have to cut that expense. With transportation, they might own two carts. They need to probably sell one.

"Those are the decisions those families are probably having to make."

Hays has public transportation through the ACCESS program. However, there is no fixed route for that service, which makes it difficult for workers to rely on it to travel back and forth to work, she said.

Berges said a working adult may be one flat tire or car breakdown away from a crisis.&nbsp;If they can't get to work, they can get fired, Berges said.&nbsp;

United Way of Kansas is trying to lobby the legislature on behalf of the ALICE households to bring more state resources to bear.

"People in poverty, they have more access to federal and state resources—food stamps, SNAP, WIC, Section 8," she said. "The poverty level for two adults and two children is $31,000, so if you make just slightly over, you don't qualify for any of that, yet you still need this help."

Berges said some of the United Way partner agencies help families who are above the poverty line, but they can only do so much with their limited funds, she said.

"It's really those ALICE households who are feeling the pinch because the poverty line has not changed, yet the cost of everything is going up," she said.&nbsp;

United Way receives many calls for rent and utility assistance. Although United Way doesn't offer direct assistance, it refers people to agencies that do.

"People always need a place to stay, and obviously, they always need heat or water or electricity," she said. "Whereas the food, maybe they can get by."

"One thing with this community is that there are still gaps, but there are good resources in food pantries," Berges said.

She said a need that is not being met is health care, including dental. United Way of Kansas is advocating for Medicaid expansion in its United for Alice campaign.

"If you don't get health care, that can snowball into something bigger, and that can affect the hospital and the clinics," Berges said.

Berges said she hopes the data opens some community members' eyes.

"A lot of people who I work with, I don't think we can relate unless we know someone personally who is going through something like that. You take that for granted," Berges said.

Anyone needing assistance can call 211 to access United Way’s statewide referral system. They can also download the United Ways Ellis County Community Resources Directory app on Apple or Android devices or <a href="https://elliscountykshelp.com/">CLICK HERE.</a>

You can contact First Call for Help at&nbsp;785-623-2800&nbsp;or visit its office from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at 607 E. 13th St., Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731001805145.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: Corrected 12 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11.By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRecent economic data from the Docking Institute of Public Affairs showed that Ellis County had the highest poverty rate in the region at 18%.Another 23% were classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, or ALICE. These households are above the federal poverty level but cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county. They do not qualify for public assistance.Combined, that equals 41% or more than 4 out of 10 Ellis County residents who are struggling financially.Erica Berges, director of the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/">United Way of Ellis County</a>, said the ALICE families are employed, sometimes working multiple jobs, but are not making enough to make ends meet.&nbsp;The median household income for Ellis County is $59,665. According to the data from United for ALICE, the survival budget for a family with two adults and two children, with the children in child care, is $67,164. That works out to be $33.58 per hour or $16.79 per hour for each adult, with both adults working full time.&nbsp;The Kansas minimum wage is $7.25 for non-tipped employees.Hays is a retail hub, and many of those jobs do not pay high wages. Even entry-level positions in education and health care often do not pay high enough wages to meet a survival budget.Forty-six percent of households with workers who are nursing assistants and 42% of households who are teaching assistants are ALICE households.“It’s pretty easy to comment, ‘Oh, they just need to go find a higher paying job,’” Bergers said. “If you don’t have a college degree, your options are limited. You want to better yourself and get a college degree, but how are you going to afford that? How are you going to find time to do that if you’re working multiple jobs to make ends meet.”The population with the highest percentage of households in poverty or under the ALICE threshold are single mothers at 73%.The next most affected group is households headed by someone 25 and younger. Sixty-nine percent of those households are affected. Students might work retail or food services jobs to accommodate their school schedules, but those are typically lower-paying jobs.The third most affected group is senior citizens, with 48% of households affected.Although Social Security lifts many of these households above the federal poverty level, they still don’t have enough income to satisfy a survival budget.Berges also said some of the figures used in the Docking study seemed low, including $458 per month for rent.&nbsp;Apartments.com listed the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Hays as $611. Zillow listed the median rent at $800.Berges said some of the housing in Hays is liveable, but the apartments and homes are not in the best shape.Hays does not have a rental inspection program, although it has been discussed in years past.Macey Pfeifer, director of First Call for Help, said her agency has seen increased demand for housing assistance. First Call for Help also recently received a grant from Union Pacific to help people with deposits and the first month’s rent. She said demand for that assistance has also been high.First Call for Help also provides utility assistance, and Pfeifer said demand also increased in October. She said there was an increase in utility shutoffs before Midwest Energy initiated its Cold Weather Rule, which prohibits utility disconnection during the winter.&nbsp;Pfeifer said requests for assistance usually increase again in the spring, with some people owing $1,000 or more.First Call for Help has a client whose utilities have been shut off for more than a year, Pfeifer said. She’s been using a garden hose from a neighbor.“Everything adds up, and the money doesn’t go very far,” Pfeifer said.Pfeifer said she thought the increase in assistance has been driven largely by inflation.“The hourly wage people are receiving is not reflecting the increases they see around them,” she said. “Normal places do a 3% increase, but with everything going up way more than 3%, it’s hard.”During a recent city commission meeting, Hays City Commissioner Reese Barrick urged local businesses to increase their wages.“The reality is it would take to get all of Hays outside of poverty and not always struggling week to week and month to month, would people with jobs making $25 an hour,” he said.He added, “We wouldn’t have to have all of these [nonprofit] organizations if we were able to pay people enough so they were outside of the risk zone every month. …“If we want a community where everyone can participate and put money back into the community by shopping everywhere, then we have to pay people enough so they can participate. We can take care of the poverty level. It’s really a wage thing.”The most recent available data is from 2022, prior to record-setting inflation driving up costs, especially food costs.According to the USDA, food prices have increased about 7.3% since 2022.&nbsp;"Look at the budget," Berges said. "They are paying $1,300. That's probably three meals a day. They're cutting out a meal. They have to cut that expense. With transportation, they might own two carts. They need to probably sell one."Those are the decisions those families are probably having to make."Hays has public transportation through the ACCESS program. However, there is no fixed route for that service, which makes it difficult for workers to rely on it to travel back and forth to work, she said.Berges said a working adult may be one flat tire or car breakdown away from a crisis.&nbsp;If they can't get to work, they can get fired, Berges said.&nbsp;United Way of Kansas is trying to lobby the legislature on behalf of the ALICE households to bring more state resources to bear."People in poverty, they have more access to federal and state resources—food stamps, SNAP, WIC, Section 8," she said. "The poverty level for two adults and two children is $31,000, so if you make just slightly over, you don't qualify for any of that, yet you still need this help."Berges said some of the United Way partner agencies help families who are above the poverty line, but they can only do so much with their limited funds, she said."It's really those ALICE households who are feeling the pinch because the poverty line has not changed, yet the cost of everything is going up," she said.&nbsp;United Way receives many calls for rent and utility assistance. Although United Way doesn't offer direct assistance, it refers people to agencies that do."People always need a place to stay, and obviously, they always need heat or water or electricity," she said. "Whereas the food, maybe they can get by.""One thing with this community is that there are still gaps, but there are good resources in food pantries," Berges said.She said a need that is not being met is health care, including dental. United Way of Kansas is advocating for Medicaid expansion in its United for Alice campaign."If you don't get health care, that can snowball into something bigger, and that can affect the hospital and the clinics," Berges said.Berges said she hopes the data opens some community members' eyes."A lot of people who I work with, I don't think we can relate unless we know someone personally who is going through something like that. You take that for granted," Berges said.Anyone needing assistance can call 211 to access United Way’s statewide referral system. They can also download the United Ways Ellis County Community Resources Directory app on Apple or Android devices or <a href="https://elliscountykshelp.com/">CLICK HERE.</a>You can contact First Call for Help at&nbsp;785-623-2800&nbsp;or visit its office from 8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at 607 E. 13th St., Hays.

Ellis County reports highest poverty rate in region

&nbsp;The City of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with CC Steel, LLC to conduct sewer line cleaning and sewer repairs at the locations shown on the attached maps.&nbsp; 

These projects will begin Tuesday, Nov. 12. 

Both projects should be completed by Jan. 31, 2025. 

Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected 24 hours prior to cleaning and sewer repairs.

During this process, residents may experience a rumbling sound, in addition to the possibility of water entering your sink, bathtub and/or toilet. 

Sewer lines can develop air pressure or a partial vacuum from the cleaning and repair process. 

If you will not be home or on vacation during this time of sewer line cleaning and repairs, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact CC Steel LLC's onsite Supervisor at 701-318-0088, or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699897178724.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>City of Hays&nbsp;The City of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with CC Steel, LLC to conduct sewer line cleaning and sewer repairs at the locations shown on the attached maps.&nbsp; These projects will begin Tuesday, Nov. 12. Both projects should be completed by Jan. 31, 2025. Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected 24 hours prior to cleaning and sewer repairs.During this process, residents may experience a rumbling sound, in addition to the possibility of water entering your sink, bathtub and/or toilet. Sewer lines can develop air pressure or a partial vacuum from the cleaning and repair process. If you will not be home or on vacation during this time of sewer line cleaning and repairs, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down.Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact CC Steel LLC's onsite Supervisor at 701-318-0088, or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.&nbsp;

Sewer line cleaning begins Tuesday in Hays

COLBY — The Annual Northwest Kansas All-Star Volleyball Match, featuring standout high school seniors, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Colby Event Center. The event begins at noon.

For more information, call (785) 269-7728 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nwksvballstar@gmail.com">nwksvballstar@gmail.com</a>.

The rosters for each team and the high schools they represent are as follows:

Aubrey Birney, Russell; Maggie Hingst, Saint Francis Community; McKinzie Horobik, Golden Plains; KcAnna Keiswetter, Norton Community; Makadyn Ketterl, Decatur Community; Taydem Mitzner, Hill City; Brin Muir, Stockton; Addison Poore, Osborne; Kara Roulier, Triplains/Brewster; Brenn Stanley, Colby; Ashlyn Tillitson, Ness City.

Alisabeth Barton, Colby; Jaelyn Daily, Wallace County; Ava Dix, Stockton; Jenna Fortin, Decatur Community; Kassi Kaser, Osborne; Aldea Keith, Hill City; Avery Lewis, Scott Community; Jadyn Mangan, Greeley County; MaKayla Murphy, Natoma; Jaden Ney, Russell; Serenity Steinike, Sylvan-Lucas Unified.

Emily Cheek, Sylvan-Lucas Unified; Ali Flanagin, Colby; Sofie Gourley, Hoxie; Chessie Quenzer, Heartland Christian; Grace Pfeifer, Oakley; Serena Quaranta, Hill City; Kelvie Reeves, Russell; Ashlynn Ricke, Wichita County; Matilynn Smull, Saint Francis Community; Siena Vargas, Golden Plains.

Emily Bainter, Hoxie; Hallie Brooks, Norton Community; Abigail Cheney, Wheatland-Grinnell; Michelle Gallegos, Wichita County; Kendall Gentry, Scott Community; Aubrey Kesler, Stockton; Paige Lankas, Atwood-Rawlins County; Maggie Labertew, Sylvan-Lucas Unified; Tatum Lentz, Northern Valley; Brooke Starns, Ellis.

Taylor Birney, Russell; Hailey Bolyard, Colby; Tayten Dewey, Atwood-Rawlins County; Addison Hargitt, Quinter; Delaney Myers, Saint Francis Community; Jocelyn Perez, Wheatland-Grinnell; Kelvie Reeves, Northern Valley; Delaney Sides, Northern Valley; Jyma Stafford, Wallace County; Gellica Sowers, Heartland Christian; Madelynn Wright, Weskan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724091037403.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>COLBY — The Annual Northwest Kansas All-Star Volleyball Match, featuring standout high school seniors, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Colby Event Center. The event begins at noon.For more information, call (785) 269-7728 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nwksvballstar@gmail.com">nwksvballstar@gmail.com</a>.The rosters for each team and the high schools they represent are as follows:Team 1Aubrey Birney, Russell; Maggie Hingst, Saint Francis Community; McKinzie Horobik, Golden Plains; KcAnna Keiswetter, Norton Community; Makadyn Ketterl, Decatur Community; Taydem Mitzner, Hill City; Brin Muir, Stockton; Addison Poore, Osborne; Kara Roulier, Triplains/Brewster; Brenn Stanley, Colby; Ashlyn Tillitson, Ness City.Team 2Alisabeth Barton, Colby; Jaelyn Daily, Wallace County; Ava Dix, Stockton; Jenna Fortin, Decatur Community; Kassi Kaser, Osborne; Aldea Keith, Hill City; Avery Lewis, Scott Community; Jadyn Mangan, Greeley County; MaKayla Murphy, Natoma; Jaden Ney, Russell; Serenity Steinike, Sylvan-Lucas Unified.Team 3Emily Cheek, Sylvan-Lucas Unified; Ali Flanagin, Colby; Sofie Gourley, Hoxie; Chessie Quenzer, Heartland Christian; Grace Pfeifer, Oakley; Serena Quaranta, Hill City; Kelvie Reeves, Russell; Ashlynn Ricke, Wichita County; Matilynn Smull, Saint Francis Community; Siena Vargas, Golden Plains.Team 4Emily Bainter, Hoxie; Hallie Brooks, Norton Community; Abigail Cheney, Wheatland-Grinnell; Michelle Gallegos, Wichita County; Kendall Gentry, Scott Community; Aubrey Kesler, Stockton; Paige Lankas, Atwood-Rawlins County; Maggie Labertew, Sylvan-Lucas Unified; Tatum Lentz, Northern Valley; Brooke Starns, Ellis.Team 5Taylor Birney, Russell; Hailey Bolyard, Colby; Tayten Dewey, Atwood-Rawlins County; Addison Hargitt, Quinter; Delaney Myers, Saint Francis Community; Jocelyn Perez, Wheatland-Grinnell; Kelvie Reeves, Northern Valley; Delaney Sides, Northern Valley; Jyma Stafford, Wallace County; Gellica Sowers, Heartland Christian; Madelynn Wright, Weskan.

All-Star Volleyball Match November 17   

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Living Well Wednesday is a virtual learning series hosted by K-State Research and Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professionals from across the state of Kansas. Webinars will be offered the second Wednesday of most months, from 12:10-1 pm. There is no charge to participate, however, registration is required.

Our next webinar is scheduled for November 13, 2024. Fall Proof Your Life: A Guide to Better Balance will be presented by Erin Martinez, PhD, Extension Adult Development and Aging Specialist. She will help you discover practical tips and exercises to improve your balance, reduce risk of falls, and help you live a more independent and active life. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/ and register for the free Living Well Wednesday webinar series at: bit.ly/3zvWWGQ

All webinars will be recorded and a link, along with supporting resources, will be included on the Living Well Website: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/

Those who register will also receive a follow-up email with the link to the recorded presentation and the supporting resources.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictLiving Well Wednesday is a virtual learning series hosted by K-State Research and Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professionals from across the state of Kansas. Webinars will be offered the second Wednesday of most months, from 12:10-1 pm. There is no charge to participate, however, registration is required.Our next webinar is scheduled for November 13, 2024. Fall Proof Your Life: A Guide to Better Balance will be presented by Erin Martinez, PhD, Extension Adult Development and Aging Specialist. She will help you discover practical tips and exercises to improve your balance, reduce risk of falls, and help you live a more independent and active life. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/ and register for the free Living Well Wednesday webinar series at: bit.ly/3zvWWGQAll webinars will be recorded and a link, along with supporting resources, will be included on the Living Well Website: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/Those who register will also receive a follow-up email with the link to the recorded presentation and the supporting resources.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Living Well Wednesday

<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/2024/11/1731265293914.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

The Hays USD 489 school board will consider a fleet management contract at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

The school board is considering contracting with Enterprise to purchase and sell all its vehicles, except buses.

Prior to 2019, the Hays school district bought vehicles through the state bid system at steep discounts. Staff drove the vehicles until they wore out, and then they were auctioned at low prices.

Since the pandemic, that state bid system has not been available. The district has 12 Suburban SUVs, none newer than 2019.

At the board’s Oct. 21 meeting, Ken Olsen of Enterprise said that the purchasing and sale program allows entities to decrease costs while operating newer, safer vehicles.

New vehicles would be phased into the fleet over several years.&nbsp;

The school board will also hear a report on the employee benefits survey and vote on the classified staff and administrator handbooks.

Superintendent Ron Wilson will report on the student headcount, progress on the Roosevelt Elementary School and Hays High School bond projects, and the installation of turf at the Hays High School fields.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will consider a fleet management contract at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.The school board is considering contracting with Enterprise to purchase and sell all its vehicles, except buses.Prior to 2019, the Hays school district bought vehicles through the state bid system at steep discounts. Staff drove the vehicles until they wore out, and then they were auctioned at low prices.Since the pandemic, that state bid system has not been available. The district has 12 Suburban SUVs, none newer than 2019.At the board’s Oct. 21 meeting, Ken Olsen of Enterprise said that the purchasing and sale program allows entities to decrease costs while operating newer, safer vehicles.New vehicles would be phased into the fleet over several years.&nbsp;The school board will also hear a report on the employee benefits survey and vote on the classified staff and administrator handbooks.Superintendent Ron Wilson will report on the student headcount, progress on the Roosevelt Elementary School and Hays High School bond projects, and the installation of turf at the Hays High School fields.

Hays USD 489 BOE to discuss fleet management program

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

WAKEENEY—WaKeeney's Iwo Jima Memorial will relocate to Eisenhower Park, with a re-dedication ceremony scheduled for Veterans Day on Monday.

The memorial is off I-70 at Exit 127, next to the retired <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/db7a80a1-cc4c-4370-ad64-8749848b4c75">Navy F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet</a>. The re-dedication ceremony will be at&nbsp;10:30 a.m. Nov. 11.&nbsp;

Lynelle Shubert, WaKeeney Tourism and Main Street Director, said the Iwo Jima Memorial shows the community's appreciation for those who served.

"This memorial serves not only as a poignant reminder of past sacrifices but also as a place of reflection and appreciation of military service, embodying the spirit of patriotism that resonates deeply within this community," she said.

Originally established at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, the memorial has been relocated three times. It was crafted by local veterans with support from community funding.

The memorial features a silhouette of the iconic image of soldiers raising the American flag, inspired by the original Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C.

It includes a blue slate back wall as a backdrop and a brass plaque highlighting the memorial's historical significance.

Bob Funk, Kenney Deutscher and Jim Funk designed and cut the Iwo Jima silhouette memorial. It was removed from the cemetery in 2002.

The American Legion Moore Post 197 rededicated the memorial in 2007, but it moved again due to changes in land ownership, leading to its disassembly and storage.

"We received some grant money and hired Fox Construction. They resurrected our memorial,"&nbsp;Shubert said.

Shubert said the timing was ideal for this Veterans Day. However, there are plans to complete the memorial with landscaping updates in spring.

The re-dedication event begins with a breakfast for veterans, served by the Trego Community High School football team. This is followed by an assembly where veterans share their stories.

The high school band and choir will perform in honor of the veterans.

After the assembly, the community will head to the memorial for a ceremony full of music and speeches about the site's significance.

Shubert said during the memorial's absence, the community expressed concern about its status and wondered when it would return to public view.

"We appreciate our veterans and we appreciate our American freedoms. The re-dedication of this memorial is important to a lot of people here," she said.

A $25,000 grant from the Dane G. Hanson Foundation supported the project to reinstall the Iwo Jima Memorial, along with contributions from the Prairie Rose Inn, WaKeeney Tourism, Trego County and the VFW Auxiliary post 3449.

Community members contributed smaller donations through a grocery store round-up campaign and a city-wide garage sale.

"The community is definitely behind this project,"&nbsp;Shubert said.

You can find more information on the F-14 Fighter Jet, the Kansas Veteran's Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial <a href="https://wakeeney.org/what-to-see-explore/veteran-memorials/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731020214211.jpeg" alt="The Wakeeney Iwo Jima Memorial silhouette with the American flag at Eisenhower Park. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Wakeeney Iwo Jima Memorial silhouette with the American flag at Eisenhower Park. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731093059976.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostWAKEENEY—WaKeeney's Iwo Jima Memorial will relocate to Eisenhower Park, with a re-dedication ceremony scheduled for Veterans Day on Monday.The memorial is off I-70 at Exit 127, next to the retired <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/db7a80a1-cc4c-4370-ad64-8749848b4c75">Navy F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet</a>. The re-dedication ceremony will be at&nbsp;10:30 a.m. Nov. 11.&nbsp;Lynelle Shubert, WaKeeney Tourism and Main Street Director, said the Iwo Jima Memorial shows the community's appreciation for those who served."This memorial serves not only as a poignant reminder of past sacrifices but also as a place of reflection and appreciation of military service, embodying the spirit of patriotism that resonates deeply within this community," she said.Originally established at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, the memorial has been relocated three times. It was crafted by local veterans with support from community funding.The memorial features a silhouette of the iconic image of soldiers raising the American flag, inspired by the original Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731020322143.jpeg" alt="The Wakeeney Iwo Jima Memorial with an accessibility ramp at Eisenhower Park. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Wakeeney Iwo Jima Memorial with an accessibility ramp at Eisenhower Park. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731020356115.jpeg" alt="The Wakeeney Iwo Jima Memorial plaque and other silhouettes at Eisenhower Park. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Wakeeney Iwo Jima Memorial plaque and other silhouettes at Eisenhower Park. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>It includes a blue slate back wall as a backdrop and a brass plaque highlighting the memorial's historical significance.Bob Funk, Kenney Deutscher and Jim Funk designed and cut the Iwo Jima silhouette memorial. It was removed from the cemetery in 2002.The American Legion Moore Post 197 rededicated the memorial in 2007, but it moved again due to changes in land ownership, leading to its disassembly and storage."We received some grant money and hired Fox Construction. They resurrected our memorial,"&nbsp;Shubert said.Shubert said the timing was ideal for this Veterans Day. However, there are plans to complete the memorial with landscaping updates in spring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731020399503.jpeg" alt="The Wakeeney Iwo Jima Memorial and&nbsp;Navy F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet at Eisenhower Park. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Wakeeney Iwo Jima Memorial and&nbsp;Navy F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet at Eisenhower Park. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The re-dedication event begins with a breakfast for veterans, served by the Trego Community High School football team. This is followed by an assembly where veterans share their stories.The high school band and choir will perform in honor of the veterans.After the assembly, the community will head to the memorial for a ceremony full of music and speeches about the site's significance.Shubert said during the memorial's absence, the community expressed concern about its status and wondered when it would return to public view."We appreciate our veterans and we appreciate our American freedoms. The re-dedication of this memorial is important to a lot of people here," she said.A $25,000 grant from the Dane G. Hanson Foundation supported the project to reinstall the Iwo Jima Memorial, along with contributions from the Prairie Rose Inn, WaKeeney Tourism, Trego County and the VFW Auxiliary post 3449.Community members contributed smaller donations through a grocery store round-up campaign and a city-wide garage sale."The community is definitely behind this project,"&nbsp;Shubert said.You can find more information on the F-14 Fighter Jet, the Kansas Veteran's Cemetery and the Iwo Jima Memorial <a href="https://wakeeney.org/what-to-see-explore/veteran-memorials/">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731020460547.jpeg" alt="The Navy F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet at Eisenhower Park in Wakeeney. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Navy F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet at Eisenhower Park in Wakeeney. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: WaKeeney to host re-dedication ceremony for Iwo Jima Memorial

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Our raised deer blind sits on family land just a stone’s throw away from the property line, and each year as I sit and stare over into the neighboring property, I’m reminded of this deer harvest several years back.

The glowing full moon that had bathed the land in orange for two nights in a row was quickly fading and the pink light of morning was struggling to emerge from behind a bank of clouds when the deer began to appear. Like tawny ghosts they silently slipped, one at a time from the tall grass and weeds of the neighbor’s overgrown pasture that concealed them so well. The first two deer to show themselves were mature does, then tagging along were 3 little does we had seen often and figured to be this year’s fawns and maybe even siblings. They were all a little nervous that morning and headed quickly away from our blind toward a nearby open wheat field. Out of the corner of my eye I saw antlers appear from the same spot at the edge of the grassy pasture and a young 6-point buck stepped into view. I should have let him come out a bit farther into the open, but I was afraid he too would be spooky and run, so I put the scope crosshairs just behind his shoulder and shot. He spun and disappeared across the corner of the pasture.

I’ve never put much stock in hunting deer according to moon phases, but I remember that both that day and the day before were rated by the moon phase hunting calendar as “Best” and the previous morning Joyce and I had seen more deer in 5 minutes than in the last 7 days combined; one young buck had even found his way into our freezer via my wife’s invitation, so my interest in the subject was piqued. I still had my tag to fill, so that morning, there I was in the blind, bright and early, awaiting to see what a second day in a row rated as “Best” by the moon sign hunting calendar would offer.

It took only a short while to find my buck, the problem was that the dead deer was completely landlocked because of a deep creek that snaked its way like a tangled garden hose all through the pasture. He had managed to cross the steep-sided creek bed and wound up on the other side. It would be impossible to drag him back across the creek, and going the other direction would mean dragging his carcass a couple hundred yards to a fence I couldn’t get him across when I got there. The landowner has been clearing the trees from the pasture, so stacks of brush and piles of thorny trees and limbs were everywhere. No vehicle of any sort

with rubber tires would stand a chance among all the thorny brush. I cleaned the deer, walked out to my truck and drove around the corner to the landowner’s house in search of options.

Turns out, to help clear the brush, the landowner used a Bobcat skid loader on hard rubber tracks, the perfect tool for “packing-out” my deer. Deer had been playing havoc with his electric fences, so he was glad to help me remove one of his “trouble-makers.” Because of a steep hill and downed tree limbs and brush, it took the farmer awhile to figure a way back to where the deer lay. Once we were past those obstacles, I walked ahead and guided him as he maneuvered the skid loader around stacks of cut trees and limbs, occasionally having to stop long enough to push brush and overhanging limbs from his path. Finally, with the deer laid across the pallet he’d carried in on the forks, we retraced our winding path back and deposited the deer in the back of my truck.

If not for the help of the landowner and his skid loader on tracks, I might still be wondering that overgrown pasture dragging that deer carcass and looking for a way out. A Bobcat skid loader, forks and a pallet; that’s what I call packin’ out a deer Kansas style! 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 OutdoorsOur raised deer blind sits on family land just a stone’s throw away from the property line, and each year as I sit and stare over into the neighboring property, I’m reminded of this deer harvest several years back.The glowing full moon that had bathed the land in orange for two nights in a row was quickly fading and the pink light of morning was struggling to emerge from behind a bank of clouds when the deer began to appear. Like tawny ghosts they silently slipped, one at a time from the tall grass and weeds of the neighbor’s overgrown pasture that concealed them so well. The first two deer to show themselves were mature does, then tagging along were 3 little does we had seen often and figured to be this year’s fawns and maybe even siblings. They were all a little nervous that morning and headed quickly away from our blind toward a nearby open wheat field. Out of the corner of my eye I saw antlers appear from the same spot at the edge of the grassy pasture and a young 6-point buck stepped into view. I should have let him come out a bit farther into the open, but I was afraid he too would be spooky and run, so I put the scope crosshairs just behind his shoulder and shot. He spun and disappeared across the corner of the pasture.I’ve never put much stock in hunting deer according to moon phases, but I remember that both that day and the day before were rated by the moon phase hunting calendar as “Best” and the previous morning Joyce and I had seen more deer in 5 minutes than in the last 7 days combined; one young buck had even found his way into our freezer via my wife’s invitation, so my interest in the subject was piqued. I still had my tag to fill, so that morning, there I was in the blind, bright and early, awaiting to see what a second day in a row rated as “Best” by the moon sign hunting calendar would offer.It took only a short while to find my buck, the problem was that the dead deer was completely landlocked because of a deep creek that snaked its way like a tangled garden hose all through the pasture. He had managed to cross the steep-sided creek bed and wound up on the other side. It would be impossible to drag him back across the creek, and going the other direction would mean dragging his carcass a couple hundred yards to a fence I couldn’t get him across when I got there. The landowner has been clearing the trees from the pasture, so stacks of brush and piles of thorny trees and limbs were everywhere. No vehicle of any sortwith rubber tires would stand a chance among all the thorny brush. I cleaned the deer, walked out to my truck and drove around the corner to the landowner’s house in search of options.Turns out, to help clear the brush, the landowner used a Bobcat skid loader on hard rubber tracks, the perfect tool for “packing-out” my deer. Deer had been playing havoc with his electric fences, so he was glad to help me remove one of his “trouble-makers.” Because of a steep hill and downed tree limbs and brush, it took the farmer awhile to figure a way back to where the deer lay. Once we were past those obstacles, I walked ahead and guided him as he maneuvered the skid loader around stacks of cut trees and limbs, occasionally having to stop long enough to push brush and overhanging limbs from his path. Finally, with the deer laid across the pallet he’d carried in on the forks, we retraced our winding path back and deposited the deer in the back of my truck.If not for the help of the landowner and his skid loader on tracks, I might still be wondering that overgrown pasture dragging that deer carcass and looking for a way out. A Bobcat skid loader, forks and a pallet; that’s what I call packin’ out a deer Kansas style! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Packin’ out a deer Kansas style

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is moving closer to launching the Kansas Home Rebates Program to help Kansas households lower energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Under the program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act, Kansas is set to receive $105.6 million to lower energy costs for low to moderate income households.

The KCC has partnered with HORNE, a nationally recognized professional services firm, to assist the agency with the program design, application development, and implementation process. As a part of the program planning process, the KCC is scheduling&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fkansas-energy-office%2Fevents%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010193025ce0ad-82f4eabc-1e0e-4c3e-9d97-7fcee032231d-000000/abpiF_-2jo81Mz5qVaNYp-nGffzOJ4jmBb8ejETYSfI=378">engagement sessions</a>&nbsp;with stakeholders (Kansas utility companies, contractors, other State agencies, and the community) to ensure the Home Rebates program is tailored to meet the Sunflower state’s needs.

For Kansans to be able to access the rebates, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) must approve the program design and grant applications, which are due by January 31, 2025. Rebate funding is expected to be accessible to Kansas households in 2025 following the application submission and DOE approval.

In the meantime, Kansans can visit the<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fkansas-energy-office%2Fkansas-home-rebates%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010193025ce0ad-82f4eabc-1e0e-4c3e-9d97-7fcee032231d-000000/AGeUGcKh3EYdF-BDz8hMTA11qIQxNuUR7VVWD1EFSnA=378">&nbsp;KCC website</a>&nbsp;for information on how to participate in the engagement sessions, learn more about the Home Rebates program, track the status, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578754176087.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is moving closer to launching the Kansas Home Rebates Program to help Kansas households lower energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Under the program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act, Kansas is set to receive $105.6 million to lower energy costs for low to moderate income households.The KCC has partnered with HORNE, a nationally recognized professional services firm, to assist the agency with the program design, application development, and implementation process. As a part of the program planning process, the KCC is scheduling&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fkansas-energy-office%2Fevents%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010193025ce0ad-82f4eabc-1e0e-4c3e-9d97-7fcee032231d-000000/abpiF_-2jo81Mz5qVaNYp-nGffzOJ4jmBb8ejETYSfI=378">engagement sessions</a>&nbsp;with stakeholders (Kansas utility companies, contractors, other State agencies, and the community) to ensure the Home Rebates program is tailored to meet the Sunflower state’s needs.For Kansans to be able to access the rebates, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) must approve the program design and grant applications, which are due by January 31, 2025. Rebate funding is expected to be accessible to Kansas households in 2025 following the application submission and DOE approval.In the meantime, Kansans can visit the<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fkansas-energy-office%2Fkansas-home-rebates%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010193025ce0ad-82f4eabc-1e0e-4c3e-9d97-7fcee032231d-000000/AGeUGcKh3EYdF-BDz8hMTA11qIQxNuUR7VVWD1EFSnA=378">&nbsp;KCC website</a>&nbsp;for information on how to participate in the engagement sessions, learn more about the Home Rebates program, track the status, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

 KCC is laying the groundwork to make Home Rebates available in Kansas and wants your input 

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

The 2024 election results in Kansas demonstrate that the state’s conservative foundation remains firmly intact, with Republicans holding onto important state and federal offices. However, a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-finalv3-corrections-10.28.24-execsum-final-bullet-and-10.31.24-appendix-c-crosstabs-table-17-title.pdf">survey</a>, Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, shows a more nuanced and complex reality.

Despite recent buzz that the presidential race could be tighter, Republicans held strong up and down the ballot. At the state level, they held onto their supermajority in the Kansas Legislature, giving them considerable influence over key issues like taxes, education, and healthcare. This puts them on a collision course with Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, who may find it harder to push back against their agenda, as Republicans will likely have enough votes to override any vetoes she might try to use to block their bills.

Interestingly, the Docking Institute’s survey shows that more Kansans approve of Governor Kelly’s job performance than disapprove, creating an interesting dynamic as she navigates working with a legislature that holds such a strong Republican majority.

On the national front, Kansas’s congressional delegation remains predominantly Republican, with the notable exception of Democratic Representative Sharice Davids in the 3rd District. And since no U.S. Senate seats were up for election this year, the state’s U.S. Senate seats will stay in Republican hands.

Economic concerns clearly weighed heavily on voters, according to the survey. Over half of respondents (51.2%) said inflation had greatly affected their families, and nearly 43% expressed concern about economic threats to their well-being.

President Biden’s low approval ratings in the state, coupled with economic frustrations, likely helped Donald Trump, who won Kansas by a wide margin, continuing a long tradition of Republican victories in presidential races here. In fact, Trump’s margin of victory in 2024 closely mirrors his 2020 performance, indicating his electoral fortunes were not hurt despite being embroiled in legal and political scandals over the last four years.

However, when it comes to some social issues, Kansans appear to be moving in a different direction. In the Docking Institute’s survey, 65.4% of respondents agreed that women, not politicians, should decide whether to have an abortion, and over half (54.9%) said the government should not impose any restrictions on abortion access.

This is in line with the decisive vote in August 2022, when Kansans rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have removed abortion protections. These results suggest that Kansans are willing to break with conservative positions on certain issues, particularly when it comes to personal freedoms.

With a combination of traditional conservative values and an emerging independent streak on key issues, Kansas seems to be heading toward a more dynamic political landscape. While the state’s conservative foundation remains strong, the growing diversity of opinions suggests that Kansas’s political future may be more fluid and open to new perspectives than it has been in the past.

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375743023.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasThe 2024 election results in Kansas demonstrate that the state’s conservative foundation remains firmly intact, with Republicans holding onto important state and federal offices. However, a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-finalv3-corrections-10.28.24-execsum-final-bullet-and-10.31.24-appendix-c-crosstabs-table-17-title.pdf">survey</a>, Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, shows a more nuanced and complex reality.Despite recent buzz that the presidential race could be tighter, Republicans held strong up and down the ballot. At the state level, they held onto their supermajority in the Kansas Legislature, giving them considerable influence over key issues like taxes, education, and healthcare. This puts them on a collision course with Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, who may find it harder to push back against their agenda, as Republicans will likely have enough votes to override any vetoes she might try to use to block their bills.Interestingly, the Docking Institute’s survey shows that more Kansans approve of Governor Kelly’s job performance than disapprove, creating an interesting dynamic as she navigates working with a legislature that holds such a strong Republican majority.On the national front, Kansas’s congressional delegation remains predominantly Republican, with the notable exception of Democratic Representative Sharice Davids in the 3rd District. And since no U.S. Senate seats were up for election this year, the state’s U.S. Senate seats will stay in Republican hands.Economic concerns clearly weighed heavily on voters, according to the survey. Over half of respondents (51.2%) said inflation had greatly affected their families, and nearly 43% expressed concern about economic threats to their well-being.President Biden’s low approval ratings in the state, coupled with economic frustrations, likely helped Donald Trump, who won Kansas by a wide margin, continuing a long tradition of Republican victories in presidential races here. In fact, Trump’s margin of victory in 2024 closely mirrors his 2020 performance, indicating his electoral fortunes were not hurt despite being embroiled in legal and political scandals over the last four years.However, when it comes to some social issues, Kansans appear to be moving in a different direction. In the Docking Institute’s survey, 65.4% of respondents agreed that women, not politicians, should decide whether to have an abortion, and over half (54.9%) said the government should not impose any restrictions on abortion access.This is in line with the decisive vote in August 2022, when Kansans rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have removed abortion protections. These results suggest that Kansans are willing to break with conservative positions on certain issues, particularly when it comes to personal freedoms.With a combination of traditional conservative values and an emerging independent streak on key issues, Kansas seems to be heading toward a more dynamic political landscape. While the state’s conservative foundation remains strong, the growing diversity of opinions suggests that Kansas’s political future may be more fluid and open to new perspectives than it has been in the past.Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: The case for same-day voter registration

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731167223101.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>

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The agenda for Thursday's Hays City Commission work session was short, and each of the three discussion items involved new developments in the city.

"This is one of the most exciting agendas we've had in a while," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner. "So many growth projects."

A partnership between DP Management Commercial Real Estate Services and RMDX Development, Omaha, Nebraska, proposes building a multi-family housing project with 136 apartment units. It would be located at the southeast corner of Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd St., just east of the Bright Minds Academy child care facility.

The apartment complex will cost $22 million for phase one, and $9.8 million for phase two.

The proposed "Victory Village" would include 48 market-rate units and 88 low-income units.

Brian Reilly, president of DP Management, said the company will apply for $650,000 in moderate-income housing grant funding from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and is asking the city for a resolution of support.

The developer is also partnering with Ellis County to submit an application for the low-income housing tax credits program.&nbsp;

DP Management already has a presence in Hays. 

Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, is managed by DP Management as a third-party project on behalf of the owner.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We want to do this [housing] project independently. That's what brought us here today. We believe there's a strong need for this housing and feel we can execute it very well," Reilly said.&nbsp;

DP Management Commercial Real Estate Services has completed similar housing projects in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Norfolk and North Platte, Nebraska.&nbsp;

Reilly said construction could start in October 2025 if the project is successful.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Jarrod Kuckelman, Hays management analyst, updated the CERVS project to build a new convenience store and Phillips 66 gas station at its 3701 Vine Street facility.

CERVS wants to establish a 1.5% community improvement district (CID) sales tax on the site. The developer estimates the tax will generate about $895,000 over the maximum 22-year term of the CID.

City staff recommends that the ordinance establishing the CID, passing the sales tax, and approving the development agreement be approved.&nbsp;

A design-build agreement for remodeling the Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort, into the new Hays police and municipal court facility was presented by Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.

The city has been sharing space since 1976 with the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center at 105 W. 12th.

"This process has involved many phases and is near ready for preliminary design to begin for the renovation," Bielser said.

City staff recommends the governing body proceed with the proposal submitted by PWC, Inc., Hays.

PWC has submitted a lump sum fee of $182,000 to complete Phase 1 services. This will provide 30% design plans for the renovation and establish a guaranteed maximum price for the project. The project will be funded by general obligation temporary notes issued in October.

The commission moved to add the three agenda items for a vote at their Nov. 14 meeting.

Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the meeting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731099505711.png" alt="Existing housing complex owned by DP Management in Norfolk, Nebraska, that is similar to the proposed Victory Village to be built in Hays.&nbsp; Courtesy image&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Existing housing complex owned by DP Management in Norfolk, Nebraska, that is similar to the proposed Victory Village to be built in Hays.&nbsp; Courtesy image&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe agenda for Thursday's Hays City Commission work session was short, and each of the three discussion items involved new developments in the city."This is one of the most exciting agendas we've had in a while," said Alaina Cunningham, commissioner. "So many growth projects."A partnership between DP Management Commercial Real Estate Services and RMDX Development, Omaha, Nebraska, proposes building a multi-family housing project with 136 apartment units. It would be located at the southeast corner of Wheatland Avenue and East 22nd St., just east of the Bright Minds Academy child care facility.The apartment complex will cost $22 million for phase one, and $9.8 million for phase two.The proposed "Victory Village" would include 48 market-rate units and 88 low-income units.Brian Reilly, president of DP Management, said the company will apply for $650,000 in moderate-income housing grant funding from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and is asking the city for a resolution of support.The developer is also partnering with Ellis County to submit an application for the low-income housing tax credits program.&nbsp;DP Management already has a presence in Hays. Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, is managed by DP Management as a third-party project on behalf of the owner.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We want to do this [housing] project independently. That's what brought us here today. We believe there's a strong need for this housing and feel we can execute it very well," Reilly said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731099775395.jpeg" alt="Brian Reilly, president, DP Management Commercial Real Estate Services, Omaha, talks to the Hays city commission about constructing a large multi-family apartment complex in east Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Brian Reilly, president, DP Management Commercial Real Estate Services, Omaha, talks to the Hays city commission about constructing a large multi-family apartment complex in east Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>DP Management Commercial Real Estate Services has completed similar housing projects in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Norfolk and North Platte, Nebraska.&nbsp;Reilly said construction could start in October 2025 if the project is successful.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728058506970.png" alt="CERVS, 3701 Vine. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>CERVS, 3701 Vine. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Jarrod Kuckelman, Hays management analyst, updated the CERVS project to build a new convenience store and Phillips 66 gas station at its 3701 Vine Street facility.CERVS wants to establish a 1.5% community improvement district (CID) sales tax on the site. The developer estimates the tax will generate about $895,000 over the maximum 22-year term of the CID.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731101447674.png" alt="CERVS' eligible expenses in a proposed community improvement district for a new facility at 3701 Vine.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>CERVS' eligible expenses in a proposed community improvement district for a new facility at 3701 Vine.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>City staff recommends that the ordinance establishing the CID, passing the sales tax, and approving the development agreement be approved.&nbsp;A design-build agreement for remodeling the Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort, into the new Hays police and municipal court facility was presented by Collin Bielser, deputy city manager.The city has been sharing space since 1976 with the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center at 105 W. 12th."This process has involved many phases and is near ready for preliminary design to begin for the renovation," Bielser said.City staff recommends the governing body proceed with the proposal submitted by PWC, Inc., Hays.PWC has submitted a lump sum fee of $182,000 to complete Phase 1 services. This will provide 30% design plans for the renovation and establish a guaranteed maximum price for the project. The project will be funded by general obligation temporary notes issued in October.The commission moved to add the three agenda items for a vote at their Nov. 14 meeting.Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the meeting.&nbsp;

More development projects in Hays involve housing, business, city

Midwest Energy met with U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) personnel Thursday, Nov. 7 to formally kickoff $145 million in transmission system and substation protection upgrade projects, to be partially funded by a $97 million DoE Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) grant.

“We were selected for the grant in October 2023, and have spent the last year refining details of the projects with the Department of Energy,” said Nathan McNeil, Vice President of Engineering at Midwest Energy. “We’ve done a lot of preparation work to get us to this point, but this kickoff gives us the green light to push ahead with our plans.”

Under the terms of the grant, Midwest Energy will replace 150 miles of 115 kilovolt transmission lines across seven western Kansas counties (Rush, Ness, Ellis, Graham, Sheridan, Thomas and Rawlins), where the existing lines have been in service for more than 50 years. Replacing these lines with new poles and conductor will improve the reliability and resiliency of Midwest Energy’s transmission system, while mitigating wildfire risk and increasing capacity to allow them to carry more power, which reduces congestion and supports further expansion of renewable energy resources.

The grant also covers upgrading protection equipment in substations in Hodgeman, Stafford, Ness and Ellis Counties, replacing oil-insulated circuit breakers with gas-insulated circuit breakers and electromechanical relays with digital relays that are capable of faster fault clearing times and bring improved reliability.

Midwest Energy has five years to complete all of the projects included in the grant. Work on substation upgrades will begin immediately; engineering work and coordination with landowners on the transmission line replacements will be ongoing for much of the next year, with construction on the first segment of transmission line expected to start in fall of 2025.

The grant to Midwest is part of $10.5 billion being made available through DoE under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, and to ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable and clean electricity.

Midwest Energy is an electric and natural gas cooperative serving 50,000 electric and 43,000 natural gas customers, located in 40 central and western Kansas counties. Midwest Energy also provides transmission services to several other electric cooperatives and municipal utility systems.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731084595736.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy met with U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) personnel Thursday, Nov. 7 to formally kickoff $145 million in transmission system and substation protection upgrade projects, to be partially funded by a $97 million DoE Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) grant.“We were selected for the grant in October 2023, and have spent the last year refining details of the projects with the Department of Energy,” said Nathan McNeil, Vice President of Engineering at Midwest Energy. “We’ve done a lot of preparation work to get us to this point, but this kickoff gives us the green light to push ahead with our plans.”Under the terms of the grant, Midwest Energy will replace 150 miles of 115 kilovolt transmission lines across seven western Kansas counties (Rush, Ness, Ellis, Graham, Sheridan, Thomas and Rawlins), where the existing lines have been in service for more than 50 years. Replacing these lines with new poles and conductor will improve the reliability and resiliency of Midwest Energy’s transmission system, while mitigating wildfire risk and increasing capacity to allow them to carry more power, which reduces congestion and supports further expansion of renewable energy resources.The grant also covers upgrading protection equipment in substations in Hodgeman, Stafford, Ness and Ellis Counties, replacing oil-insulated circuit breakers with gas-insulated circuit breakers and electromechanical relays with digital relays that are capable of faster fault clearing times and bring improved reliability.Midwest Energy has five years to complete all of the projects included in the grant. Work on substation upgrades will begin immediately; engineering work and coordination with landowners on the transmission line replacements will be ongoing for much of the next year, with construction on the first segment of transmission line expected to start in fall of 2025.The grant to Midwest is part of $10.5 billion being made available through DoE under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, and to ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable and clean electricity.Midwest Energy is an electric and natural gas cooperative serving 50,000 electric and 43,000 natural gas customers, located in 40 central and western Kansas counties. Midwest Energy also provides transmission services to several other electric cooperatives and municipal utility systems.

Midwest Energy kicks off $145 million in transmission, substation projects

OSBORNE- Today, the Todd Becker Foundation, a nationally recognized high school outreach group, announced that they are bringing their presentation, “Hear the Story. Be Moved.” to Osborne High School on Nov. 20.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the gymnasium. Doors open at 6:40 p.m., with the event starting at 7:00 p.m. 

The night will feature a live concert from the band “All the Noise”, followed by an impactful and life-changing message from Keith Becker.

About the Todd Becker Foundation:

Started in Kearney, NE, the Todd Becker Foundation was created in the spring of 2005 following the tragic death of 18-year-old high school student, Todd Becker, in an alcohol-related car accident. Keith, who was the older brother of Todd Becker, unfolds the true, and life-changing story of his younger brother’s untimely death and the events shortly thereafter that changed his own life. 

Since 2005, the Todd Becker Foundation’s outreach program has reached close to 100,000 students in over 500 high schools across the nation.

SubmittedOSBORNE- Today, the Todd Becker Foundation, a nationally recognized high school outreach group, announced that they are bringing their presentation, “Hear the Story. Be Moved.” to Osborne High School on Nov. 20.The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the gymnasium. Doors open at 6:40 p.m., with the event starting at 7:00 p.m. The night will feature a live concert from the band “All the Noise”, followed by an impactful and life-changing message from Keith Becker.About the Todd Becker Foundation: Started in Kearney, NE, the Todd Becker Foundation was created in the spring of 2005 following the tragic death of 18-year-old high school student, Todd Becker, in an alcohol-related car accident. Keith, who was the older brother of Todd Becker, unfolds the true, and life-changing story of his younger brother’s untimely death and the events shortly thereafter that changed his own life. Since 2005, the Todd Becker Foundation’s outreach program has reached close to 100,000 students in over 500 high schools across the nation.

'Hear the Story. Be Moved' presentation set for Nov. 20 in Osborne

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Kansas State University agronomists have tapped the powerful world of digital technology to make more than four decades worth of crop information almost instantly available to farmers via their phones or home computers. Cropping systems agronomist Ignacio Ciampitti and the director for research for the Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics (ID3A), says this new site means that yield and other valuable information may now be available within hours of university researchers harvesting crops from Kansas fields. Farmers decide what hybrids to plant the following year during or right after this year’s harvest. A problem we’ve had in the past is that the results of K-State’s crop performance tests have not been made available for two or three months until data was processed and all publications were printed. There was a need to transform how the data was shared so that the information is available immediately, easier for farmers to digest, and more visual.

The Kansas State University Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics, integrated with Dr. Ciampitti’s research lab (led by Pedro Cisdeli), has created a website called Analysis and Visualization of Crop Yield Trials – or AVYield – that will pack 40 years of K-State crop performance tests and other information into easy-to-read formats for farmers. The online tool is located at https://www.avyield.com. Jane Lingenfelser, an assistant agronomist and coordinator of the university’s crop performance tests each year, said she routinely advises producers to research as many data sources as possible when making decisions on crop varieties to plant. But we haven’t provided the tools for them to do that fully until now. There’s no cost or risk to researching all production options. Using this new tool, switching between crops in a specific growing location is very easy. For example, it is possible to immediately see how canola performed overall and which hybrid performed the best in south central Kansas, without devoting the land or expense to a new enterprise.

K-State’s database makes more than 40 years of data available for most crops – including canola, corn, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, and wheat. With a few on-screen clicks, farmers can find information based on variety, rainfed versus irrigated production, and geographic location within the state. This online resource is available at no cost to producers and researchers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictKansas State University agronomists have tapped the powerful world of digital technology to make more than four decades worth of crop information almost instantly available to farmers via their phones or home computers. Cropping systems agronomist Ignacio Ciampitti and the director for research for the Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics (ID3A), says this new site means that yield and other valuable information may now be available within hours of university researchers harvesting crops from Kansas fields. Farmers decide what hybrids to plant the following year during or right after this year’s harvest. A problem we’ve had in the past is that the results of K-State’s crop performance tests have not been made available for two or three months until data was processed and all publications were printed. There was a need to transform how the data was shared so that the information is available immediately, easier for farmers to digest, and more visual.The Kansas State University Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics, integrated with Dr. Ciampitti’s research lab (led by Pedro Cisdeli), has created a website called Analysis and Visualization of Crop Yield Trials – or AVYield – that will pack 40 years of K-State crop performance tests and other information into easy-to-read formats for farmers. The online tool is located at https://www.avyield.com. Jane Lingenfelser, an assistant agronomist and coordinator of the university’s crop performance tests each year, said she routinely advises producers to research as many data sources as possible when making decisions on crop varieties to plant. But we haven’t provided the tools for them to do that fully until now. There’s no cost or risk to researching all production options. Using this new tool, switching between crops in a specific growing location is very easy. For example, it is possible to immediately see how canola performed overall and which hybrid performed the best in south central Kansas, without devoting the land or expense to a new enterprise.K-State’s database makes more than 40 years of data available for most crops – including canola, corn, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, and wheat. With a few on-screen clicks, farmers can find information based on variety, rainfed versus irrigated production, and geographic location within the state. This online resource is available at no cost to producers and researchers.K-State canola breeder Mike Stamm has also made available the results of the National Winter Canola Variety trials, which his program coordinates at 30 locations in the United States. The collection dates back to the mid-1990s. “We live in an information-rich society, and we are usedto having the information immediately available,” Stamm said. “Sometimes, some of the most important work we do is not readily available because it takes time to analyze, write, review, and publish. We still need to publish our results, to show progress in our programs…but easier and more immediate access to the results will drive impact on our farms.” Kansas Corn provided funding to build AVYield, in collaboration with the Institute of Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics, which was introduced in late September during Celebrate Ag Day at K-State’s home football game against Oklahoma State.“We are one of the first groups in the country to introduce these types of tools,” Ciampitti said. “The beauty of it is that much of the research information we produce related to crop production doesn’t take too long to get to farmers. Now, they can make their final decisions on planting crops based on information and visualization coming from this tool.”Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

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