3 hospitalized in Hays after violent I-70 accident

Lane closures on I-70 near Grinnell in Gove County are expected to remain in place during the week of May 19, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

KDOT has closed the passing lanes on both eastbound and westbound I-70 between mile markers 82 and 87. The closures are necessary for utility crews to complete repairs on downed powerlines from severe weather on Sunday evening.

Motorists are advised to use caution and stay alert for work crews in the area. Minor delays may be possible.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

KDOTLane closures on I-70 near Grinnell in Gove County are expected to remain in place during the week of May 19, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.KDOT has closed the passing lanes on both eastbound and westbound I-70 between mile markers 82 and 87. The closures are necessary for utility crews to complete repairs on downed powerlines from severe weather on Sunday evening.Motorists are advised to use caution and stay alert for work crews in the area. Minor delays may be possible.For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

I-70 lane reductions to continue near Grinnell

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Ellis County Jail bookings: May 11-18, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: May 11-17, 2025

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The National Weather Service forecasts a marginal risk of severe weather after 4 p.m. for areas mainly
along and south of Kansas Highway 96. 

The main threats could be hail up to
the size of quarters and wind gusts up to 60 mph.

The storm that brought tornadoes and large hail to other parts of the state only dropped .16 inches of rain on Hays, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

The high today is forecast to be 82. The forecast calls for a windy day on Tuesday with a high of 75.

Chances for rain and thunderstorms return Thursday night and Friday and will remain in the forecast through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Hays has received .73 inches of rain in May. It averages 3.33 inches of rain for May. Year to date, Hays has received 6.43 inches of rain. That compares to an average of 7.92 inches by the end of May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747669727299.png" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe National Weather Service forecasts a marginal risk of severe weather after 4 p.m. for areas mainly
along and south of Kansas Highway 96. The main threats could be hail up to
the size of quarters and wind gusts up to 60 mph.The storm that brought tornadoes and large hail to other parts of the state only dropped .16 inches of rain on Hays, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.The high today is forecast to be 82. The forecast calls for a windy day on Tuesday with a high of 75.Chances for rain and thunderstorms return Thursday night and Friday and will remain in the forecast through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.Hays has received .73 inches of rain in May. It averages 3.33 inches of rain for May. Year to date, Hays has received 6.43 inches of rain. That compares to an average of 7.92 inches by the end of May.

Another chance for thunderstorms in Hays tonight, but severe risk lower

TMP-Marian vs Elkhart Monday, May 19 Spearville, Kan. - Tom Fiest Field

Radio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2434511">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs open postseason play at Spearville Monday against the Elkhart Wildcats.

TMP is the No. 1 seed in the Spearville regional with a record of 24-2.

Elkhart is the eight-seed with a record of 1-19.

The first pitch is set for 12 p.m. on the Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs Elkhart Monday, May 19 Spearville, Kan. - Tom Fiest FieldRadio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2434511">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs open postseason play at Spearville Monday against the Elkhart Wildcats.TMP is the No. 1 seed in the Spearville regional with a record of 24-2.Elkhart is the eight-seed with a record of 1-19.The first pitch is set for 12 p.m. on the Monarchs Sports Network.

🥎🎥 WATCH LIVE TMP vs Elkhart

GOVE COUNTY —Spring storms brought hail, heavy rain, damaging winds and numerous tornadoes to portions of Kansas on Sunday. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings in Cheyenne, Scott, Logan, Gove, Edwards, Pawnee, Kiowa, Stafford, Pratt and Reno&nbsp; Counties on Sunday.

A tornado in Grinnell Sunday caused damage to both the electric and gas systems in the small Gove County community, according to Midwest Energy. There were roughly 330 customers without power, and the utility closed off the gas system to inspect for additional damage and make repairs.&nbsp;

The utility "identified 15 poles down (twelve 34.5 kV poles west of town, and three 115kV transmission structures), as well as damage in Grinnell city limits."&nbsp; Additional damage is likely. "Crews will be working on these into Monday. .Gas&nbsp;crews were conducting leak surveys in town and in rural areas around Grinnell, and could attempt gas restoration Monday morning where safe to do so. There are no reports of serious injury. Interstate 70 exit 85 remains closed at Grinnell due to tornado damage and downed powerlines in town, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Late Sunday afternoon, tornadoes rolled through portions of Scott County near the rural community of Modoc damaging power lines, rail road cars, oil tank batteries and an abandoned house, according to the Scott County Sheriff.&nbsp; &nbsp;Another tornado was reported at the Scott County Lake Park. Emergency responders found no damage from the storm in that area. There were no reports of injuries.

Cheyenne County had tornado damage west and south west of St. Francis, according to Emergency Management Director Ryan Murray. Two farmsteads had significant damage to outbuildings. No occupied homes were destroyed, and there were no injuries or fatalities. Murray also said Cheyenne County had reports of center pivot damage in the same area SW of St. Francis.

&nbsp;Due to the severe weather eastbound&nbsp; Interstate 70 was temporarily closed from Colby to Grinnell and Westbound Interstate 70 closed from Hays to Grinnell due to downed power lines.&nbsp;

Reno County emergency crews are assessing widespread damage after a tornado tore through rural areas and the city of Plevna on Sunday leaving downed trees, damaged homes, and snapped utility poles in its wake.

The tornado touched down around 11:50 p.m. north of Turon, cutting a destructive path through the countryside before striking Plevna. It then continued approximately five miles northeast of the city before dissipating.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747687235623.jpeg" alt="Storm damage in Grinnell -photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Grinnell -photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GOVE COUNTY —Spring storms brought hail, heavy rain, damaging winds and numerous tornadoes to portions of Kansas on Sunday. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings in Cheyenne, Scott, Logan, Gove, Edwards, Pawnee, Kiowa, Stafford, Pratt and Reno&nbsp; Counties on Sunday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747687209257.png" alt="Storm damage in Grinnell -Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Grinnell -Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>A tornado in Grinnell Sunday caused damage to both the electric and gas systems in the small Gove County community, according to Midwest Energy. There were roughly 330 customers without power, and the utility closed off the gas system to inspect for additional damage and make repairs.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747675067860.png" alt="Tornado damage in Grinnell-image courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Tornado damage in Grinnell-image courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The utility "identified 15 poles down (twelve 34.5 kV poles west of town, and three 115kV transmission structures), as well as damage in Grinnell city limits."&nbsp; Additional damage is likely. "Crews will be working on these into Monday. .Gas&nbsp;crews were conducting leak surveys in town and in rural areas around Grinnell, and could attempt gas restoration Monday morning where safe to do so. There are no reports of serious injury. Interstate 70 exit 85 remains closed at Grinnell due to tornado damage and downed powerlines in town, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747613397106.png" alt="I-70 at Grainfield just before 7p.m. Sunday-KDOT camera" />
 <figcaption>I-70 at Grainfield just before 7p.m. Sunday-KDOT camera</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747622565029.png" alt="-Radar image Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>-Radar image Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>Late Sunday afternoon, tornadoes rolled through portions of Scott County near the rural community of Modoc damaging power lines, rail road cars, oil tank batteries and an abandoned house, according to the Scott County Sheriff.&nbsp; &nbsp;Another tornado was reported at the Scott County Lake Park. Emergency responders found no damage from the storm in that area. There were no reports of injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747615187888.png" alt="-I-70 in Trego County during a hail storm just after 7:30p.m. Sunday" />
 <figcaption>-I-70 in Trego County during a hail storm just after 7:30p.m. Sunday</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At 932pm CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was located 10 miles southeast of Mullinville, moving northeast at 35 mph. Locations in this storms path is Greensburg. Those in or near the Greensburg area should seek shelter immediately! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1924293853843960260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0HaHZJaM3nut5V21JmXN6DpjtmJSxSta9c1r72g4eXitVkhJ7mfa65zaATpt6jJCjl%26id%3D100069503049327&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="189" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Cheyenne County had tornado damage west and south west of St. Francis, according to Emergency Management Director Ryan Murray. Two farmsteads had significant damage to outbuildings. No occupied homes were destroyed, and there were no injuries or fatalities. Murray also said Cheyenne County had reports of center pivot damage in the same area SW of St. Francis.&nbsp;Due to the severe weather eastbound&nbsp; Interstate 70 was temporarily closed from Colby to Grinnell and Westbound Interstate 70 closed from Hays to Grinnell due to downed power lines.&nbsp;Reno County emergency crews are assessing widespread damage after a tornado tore through rural areas and the city of Plevna on Sunday leaving downed trees, damaged homes, and snapped utility poles in its wake.The tornado touched down around 11:50 p.m. north of Turon, cutting a destructive path through the countryside before striking Plevna. It then continued approximately five miles northeast of the city before dissipating.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Numerous tornadoes from spring storm in Kansas

Ellis County parents overwhelmingly said they trust their child care providers, but they wished they were paying less for care, according to a recent survey.

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County received results from the online survey at its meeting on Tuesday.

The survey was taken by 121 people, including parents, child care providers and business people, with parents and child care providers making up the two largest groups of survey respondents.

Of the 60 parents or future parents who responded to the survey, a quarter said they were looking for child care.&nbsp;

Two-thirds of parents said their children are currently enrolled in a licensed child care. One-third said they were not.

Dana Stanton, Childcare Program Specialist with the&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, said the survey results do not mean those 20 parents have their children in unlicensed child care. She said it could mean a parent is staying home with the children or the children are being cared for by another family member.

More than half of the parents said their children are in an in-home child care. About 19% of children were enrolled in child care centers and 16% were cared for by family members.

Sixty-eight percent of parents responding said they were satisfied with their child care arrangements. When asked what aspects contributed to their satisfaction, 95% said they trusted their children's caregiver.

Stanton said parental preference mirrored child placement. Most parents said they preferred having their children cared for by in-home child care providers.

Seventy-five percent of respondents said they were pleased with the quality of their children's care and education.

Seventy-five percent of parents surveyed said they were dissatisfied with the cost of care. The survey indicated the county's child care costs varied widely, with parents paying $80 to more than $200 per week per child for care.

The respondents said they would prefer to pay $141 to $160 per week per child for care. Stanton said that the price range is low for the cost of care in Ellis County.

Most parents said they needed full-time care Mondays through Fridays, with a few also needing care for school-age children during school breaks and snow days.

Most respondents said they had found child care through word of mouth, not the state child care system, <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">Child Care Aware of Kansas</a>.

Stanton said the child care task force should consider placing more emphasis on using the Child Care Aware online database.

Of the child care providers surveyed, 27% said they did not update their capacity openings with Child Care Aware.

The state resource tracks child care openings across the state and can be searched by community. It only lists licensed providers.&nbsp;

Only four businesses responded to the survey. All four said they have experienced workforce gaps due to a lack of child care for their employees.

Half of all respondents said they had missed work due to child care needs. Twelve people said they had delayed entering or reentering the workforce because of child care needs. Stanton said 12 people is low compared to other communities she has worked with in Kansas, where workers had to plan their careers around child care.

None of the employers said they wanted to offer in-house child care.

The task force has identified a continued need for more infant care in Ellis County. None of the businesses surveyed said they allowed employees to bring infants to work.

One employer said they allowed workers to bring their children to work after school if needed. One employer said they allowed employees to work from home if a worker was experiencing child care issues.

Of the child care providers surveyed, 92% said they accept infants. However, the state limits the number of infants that in-home child care providers can care for.

Only 34% of providers said they were certified to take funds from the Department of Children and Family Services for income-qualified families.

All of the providers surveyed said they offer full-time care Mondays through Fridays. However, many providers offered additional services such as care for school-age children during school breaks or care before or after school.

Sixty-three percent of survey respondents said they thought Ellis County does not have an adequate supply of child care.

"We had more yeses than I thought," Stanton said. "I'm thinking that is a lot of our current providers. We have talked about it in this group. While there may be a need for openings in infant care, we have a lot of in-home providers who have openings."

The number of needed child care spots in Ellis County, as reported by the state, has dramatically decreased since the child care task force was created four years ago. An additional 77 slots are set to open in August with the completion of the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center.

However, Stanton said of the survey, "It tells us that we're making progress, but there are still some issues."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737585359699.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis County parents overwhelmingly said they trust their child care providers, but they wished they were paying less for care, according to a recent survey.The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County received results from the online survey at its meeting on Tuesday.The survey was taken by 121 people, including parents, child care providers and business people, with parents and child care providers making up the two largest groups of survey respondents.Of the 60 parents or future parents who responded to the survey, a quarter said they were looking for child care.&nbsp;Two-thirds of parents said their children are currently enrolled in a licensed child care. One-third said they were not.Dana Stanton, Childcare Program Specialist with the&nbsp;Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, said the survey results do not mean those 20 parents have their children in unlicensed child care. She said it could mean a parent is staying home with the children or the children are being cared for by another family member.More than half of the parents said their children are in an in-home child care. About 19% of children were enrolled in child care centers and 16% were cared for by family members.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747323512097.png" alt="Parent satisfaction survey question results" />
 <figcaption>Parent satisfaction survey question results</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What parents want</h2>Sixty-eight percent of parents responding said they were satisfied with their child care arrangements. When asked what aspects contributed to their satisfaction, 95% said they trusted their children's caregiver.Stanton said parental preference mirrored child placement. Most parents said they preferred having their children cared for by in-home child care providers.Seventy-five percent of respondents said they were pleased with the quality of their children's care and education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747323701556.png" alt="Parent dissatisfaction" />
 <figcaption>Parent dissatisfaction</figcaption>
 </figure>Seventy-five percent of parents surveyed said they were dissatisfied with the cost of care. The survey indicated the county's child care costs varied widely, with parents paying $80 to more than $200 per week per child for care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747255193501.png" alt="Cost paid per child per week for child care." />
 <figcaption>Cost paid per child per week for child care.</figcaption>
 </figure>The respondents said they would prefer to pay $141 to $160 per week per child for care. Stanton said that the price range is low for the cost of care in Ellis County.Most parents said they needed full-time care Mondays through Fridays, with a few also needing care for school-age children during school breaks and snow days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747255500306.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Most respondents said they had found child care through word of mouth, not the state child care system, <a href="https://ks.childcareaware.org/">Child Care Aware of Kansas</a>.Stanton said the child care task force should consider placing more emphasis on using the Child Care Aware online database.Of the child care providers surveyed, 27% said they did not update their capacity openings with Child Care Aware.The state resource tracks child care openings across the state and can be searched by community. It only lists licensed providers.&nbsp;<h2>Employers</h2>Only four businesses responded to the survey. All four said they have experienced workforce gaps due to a lack of child care for their employees.Half of all respondents said they had missed work due to child care needs. Twelve people said they had delayed entering or reentering the workforce because of child care needs. Stanton said 12 people is low compared to other communities she has worked with in Kansas, where workers had to plan their careers around child care.None of the employers said they wanted to offer in-house child care.The task force has identified a continued need for more infant care in Ellis County. None of the businesses surveyed said they allowed employees to bring infants to work.One employer said they allowed workers to bring their children to work after school if needed. One employer said they allowed employees to work from home if a worker was experiencing child care issues.<h2>Providers</h2>Of the child care providers surveyed, 92% said they accept infants. However, the state limits the number of infants that in-home child care providers can care for.Only 34% of providers said they were certified to take funds from the Department of Children and Family Services for income-qualified families.All of the providers surveyed said they offer full-time care Mondays through Fridays. However, many providers offered additional services such as care for school-age children during school breaks or care before or after school.Sixty-three percent of survey respondents said they thought Ellis County does not have an adequate supply of child care."We had more yeses than I thought," Stanton said. "I'm thinking that is a lot of our current providers. We have talked about it in this group. While there may be a need for openings in infant care, we have a lot of in-home providers who have openings."The number of needed child care spots in Ellis County, as reported by the state, has dramatically decreased since the child care task force was created four years ago. An additional 77 slots are set to open in August with the completion of the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center.However, Stanton said of the survey, "It tells us that we're making progress, but there are still some issues."

Ellis County child care survey shows progress, but issues remain

The Child Care Task Force of Ellis County and the Chamber in Hays announced a new charitable fund that has been established with the Heartland Community Foundation.

The Chamber board agreed to invest $10,230 in the fund, Sarah Wasinger, Chamber president and CEO, told the task force on Tuesday.

Some of the funds came from unused Chamber checks. The Chamber also opted to donate funds from a child care grant that had been set aside to pay the Chamber for providing administrative support for the task force.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation also provided an additional $2,000 match to the fund.

The fund is not fully endowed, Sarah Meitner, director of the Heartland Community Foundation, said. The task force can grant nonprofits anything over the $10,000 investment.&nbsp;

For community-wide child care needs for in-home or for-profit facilities, the Chamber could serve as a pass-through agency for the grant funds, Meitner said.

Meitner said she hopes the fund will encourage further giving to support child care in the community. This can come in the form of direct donations or estate gifts.

The child care task force will be charged with awarding money from the fund and developing an application process.

"I know it may seem like, 'How are we going to do all of this?'" Meitner said. "But having the bucket is the first step. That's how you can start communicating with donors."

"Getting it started is half the battle," she added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747239827267.jpeg" alt="Members of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County with Chamber board member Amanda Rohleder celebrate the creation of a child care fund through the Heartland Community Foundation." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County with Chamber board member Amanda Rohleder celebrate the creation of a child care fund through the Heartland Community Foundation.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Child Care Task Force of Ellis County and the Chamber in Hays announced a new charitable fund that has been established with the Heartland Community Foundation.The Chamber board agreed to invest $10,230 in the fund, Sarah Wasinger, Chamber president and CEO, told the task force on Tuesday.Some of the funds came from unused Chamber checks. The Chamber also opted to donate funds from a child care grant that had been set aside to pay the Chamber for providing administrative support for the task force.The Dane G. Hansen Foundation also provided an additional $2,000 match to the fund.The fund is not fully endowed, Sarah Meitner, director of the Heartland Community Foundation, said. The task force can grant nonprofits anything over the $10,000 investment.&nbsp;For community-wide child care needs for in-home or for-profit facilities, the Chamber could serve as a pass-through agency for the grant funds, Meitner said.Meitner said she hopes the fund will encourage further giving to support child care in the community. This can come in the form of direct donations or estate gifts.The child care task force will be charged with awarding money from the fund and developing an application process."I know it may seem like, 'How are we going to do all of this?'" Meitner said. "But having the bucket is the first step. That's how you can start communicating with donors.""Getting it started is half the battle," she added.

Chamber in Hays creates new fund to assist child care providers

ELLIS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Sunday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Impala driven by Austin J. Smith, 26,&nbsp;Bunnlevel, North Carolina, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Victoria exit. The driver became distracted. The car traveled into the south ditch, through a KDOT fence, struck several trees and coming to rest in the bottom of a creek.

EMS transported Smith to Hays Medical Center. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

ELLIS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Sunday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Impala driven by Austin J. Smith, 26,&nbsp;Bunnlevel, North Carolina, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of the Victoria exit. The driver became distracted. The car traveled into the south ditch, through a KDOT fence, struck several trees and coming to rest in the bottom of a creek.EMS transported Smith to Hays Medical Center. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

Driver hospitalized in Hays after car lands in a creek

Hays, KS – In response to a request made by the City of Hays, the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources has issued a control order restricting the watering of lawns and other vegetation from private wells between noon and 7:00 p.m. from June 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.&nbsp;

This measure is part of a greater interest to reduce water waste and to improve conservation practices in the Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area (IGUCA) located in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;

The IGUCA in Hays was established in 1985 at the request of the City to help implement water conservation measures. It provides a mechanism to address preventable water waste by privately-owned wells.&nbsp;

Currently, the City of Hays prohibits the following year-round: the washing down of sidewalks, parking lots and driveways; the known loss of water through breaks or leaks in plumbing systems; and the escape of water from private property onto public property such as sidewalks or into the street guttering from landscape irrigation; in addition to outdoor water use between noon and 7:00 p.m. from June 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.&nbsp;

By restricting daytime outdoor water use, including the watering of landscapes and gardens, unnecessary water loss due to wind and evaporation can be reduced, thus conserving the resource for more efficient use.&nbsp;

All citizens are encouraged to practice the conservation of natural resources, including water, and look for ways to improve conservation measures in our homes and businesses, both indoors and out. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712865557187.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Water conservation measures implemented in 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=jxi72-18ab684-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>City of HaysHays, KS – In response to a request made by the City of Hays, the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources has issued a control order restricting the watering of lawns and other vegetation from private wells between noon and 7:00 p.m. from June 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.&nbsp;This measure is part of a greater interest to reduce water waste and to improve conservation practices in the Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area (IGUCA) located in Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;The IGUCA in Hays was established in 1985 at the request of the City to help implement water conservation measures. It provides a mechanism to address preventable water waste by privately-owned wells.&nbsp;Currently, the City of Hays prohibits the following year-round: the washing down of sidewalks, parking lots and driveways; the known loss of water through breaks or leaks in plumbing systems; and the escape of water from private property onto public property such as sidewalks or into the street guttering from landscape irrigation; in addition to outdoor water use between noon and 7:00 p.m. from June 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.&nbsp;By restricting daytime outdoor water use, including the watering of landscapes and gardens, unnecessary water loss due to wind and evaporation can be reduced, thus conserving the resource for more efficient use.&nbsp;All citizens are encouraged to practice the conservation of natural resources, including water, and look for ways to improve conservation measures in our homes and businesses, both indoors and out. &nbsp;

🎙 Water conservation measures implemented in Hays

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will hear a request from the city of Victoria for help repairing sections of Old Highway 40 during the county's meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay and Victoria Mayor John Schulte will discuss potential financial support to fix the deteriorating road approaches connecting Old Highway 40 to East Main and West Main streets.

The total cost to repair both streets is about $79,750. In a request letter, Schulte said while Victoria would prefer to repair both approaches, East Main Street would take priority if only one can be funded due to its higher traffic volume.

The county will be asked to cover one-third of the expenses.

Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun will discuss with commissioners a grant application that would fully cover upgrades to in-car and body cameras, docking stations, antennas and routers.

Braun will also request approval to purchase 16 armor vests for detention officers for about $15,530. Funding is available in the 2025 capital outlay budget.

Commissioners will review monthly departmental reports, including data on emergency service calls and response times at incident scenes.

Darin Myers, county administrator, will discuss several reports, including those from Ellis County Communications, Environmental Services, EMS and the Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;

Tom Lippert and Julie Edgeman will request the commissioners waive municipal waste fees for the 2025 Wild West Festival. The waiver would apply to trash hauled to the Ellis County Transfer Station during the event.

Commissioner Michael Berges will continue a discussion from March on creating a plan to maintain and improve roads in Ellis County subdevelopments. Commissioners will also hear public input on the issue.

Monique Koerner and Tamara Robertson from the Cottonwood Extension District will give an update on their current programs and activities in the district.

Jami Benyshek, senior audit manager with Adams Brown, LLC, will present the 2024 Ellis County audit report to the commission.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202025-674">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will hear a request from the city of Victoria for help repairing sections of Old Highway 40 during the county's meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.Ellis County Public Works Director Brendan Mackay and Victoria Mayor John Schulte will discuss potential financial support to fix the deteriorating road approaches connecting Old Highway 40 to East Main and West Main streets.The total cost to repair both streets is about $79,750. In a request letter, Schulte said while Victoria would prefer to repair both approaches, East Main Street would take priority if only one can be funded due to its higher traffic volume.The county will be asked to cover one-third of the expenses.<h2>Ellis County Sheriff's cameras, vests</h2>Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun will discuss with commissioners a grant application that would fully cover upgrades to in-car and body cameras, docking stations, antennas and routers.Braun will also request approval to purchase 16 armor vests for detention officers for about $15,530. Funding is available in the 2025 capital outlay budget.<h2>Monthly departmental reports</h2>Commissioners will review monthly departmental reports, including data on emergency service calls and response times at incident scenes.Darin Myers, county administrator, will discuss several reports, including those from Ellis County Communications, Environmental Services, EMS and the Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;<h2>Other business</h2>Tom Lippert and Julie Edgeman will request the commissioners waive municipal waste fees for the 2025 Wild West Festival. The waiver would apply to trash hauled to the Ellis County Transfer Station during the event.Commissioner Michael Berges will continue a discussion from March on creating a plan to maintain and improve roads in Ellis County subdevelopments. Commissioners will also hear public input on the issue.Monique Koerner and Tamara Robertson from the Cottonwood Extension District will give an update on their current programs and activities in the district.Jami Benyshek, senior audit manager with Adams Brown, LLC, will present the 2024 Ellis County audit report to the commission. You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202025-674">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to discuss highway 40 repairs in Victoria

<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/2025/5/1747405068851.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;

Change is a constant in every day life. Sometimes change is fun, sometimes hard, and nearly always challenging.

After almost nine years of working in the 4-H Youth Development program, I am beginning a move to Family and Community Wellness. This move continues my commitment to my goal of helping rural communities – and most importantly, MY rural communities – to thrive, not just survive!

While my heart will always beat a little 4-H green, I am excited about the potential in continuing established programs such as Stay Strong, Stay Healthy and SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas) and working with the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. 

Financial literacy for every age has been an important part of my professional world for many years and I look forward to additional training and experiences that will help me to expand that knowledge and resources across the Cottonwood Extension District.

For the next couple of months, I will still be focused on a positive learning experience for 4-H youth at the Barton County Fair! 

Come support the 120 4-H members during the fair June 25th through 30th. They have been working all year on livestock projects, foods and nutrition, photography, woodworking, and many more of the 50 available project areas! 

We use a process of consultative judging in many areas of 4-H and I love listening in as a 4-H member shares their challenges and learning experiences with a judge. I enjoy consultative judging so much that I judge at several area fairs after ours is complete.

Change is a part of the teaching youth to be resilient, flexible, and problem-solvers. 

While I know that my change impacts their 4-H experience, I hope that they always know that I am here to cheer them on, support a new 4-H agent when hired, and celebrate their successes and commiserate when things don’t go quite as planned. Every 4-H youth I have had the opportunity to work with becomes just a little bit one of “my kids.”

 I will continue to encourage them to live the 4-H Pledge every day:

I pledge my Head to clearer thinking (make good decisions)

My Heart to greater loyalty (be a good friend)

My Hands to larger service (be engaged in making our communities better)

And My Health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran&nbsp;is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District.&nbsp;Change is a constant in every day life. Sometimes change is fun, sometimes hard, and nearly always challenging.After almost nine years of working in the 4-H Youth Development program, I am beginning a move to Family and Community Wellness. This move continues my commitment to my goal of helping rural communities – and most importantly, MY rural communities – to thrive, not just survive!While my heart will always beat a little 4-H green, I am excited about the potential in continuing established programs such as Stay Strong, Stay Healthy and SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas) and working with the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Financial literacy for every age has been an important part of my professional world for many years and I look forward to additional training and experiences that will help me to expand that knowledge and resources across the Cottonwood Extension District.For the next couple of months, I will still be focused on a positive learning experience for 4-H youth at the Barton County Fair! Come support the 120 4-H members during the fair June 25th through 30th. They have been working all year on livestock projects, foods and nutrition, photography, woodworking, and many more of the 50 available project areas! We use a process of consultative judging in many areas of 4-H and I love listening in as a 4-H member shares their challenges and learning experiences with a judge. I enjoy consultative judging so much that I judge at several area fairs after ours is complete.Change is a part of the teaching youth to be resilient, flexible, and problem-solvers. While I know that my change impacts their 4-H experience, I hope that they always know that I am here to cheer them on, support a new 4-H agent when hired, and celebrate their successes and commiserate when things don’t go quite as planned. Every 4-H youth I have had the opportunity to work with becomes just a little bit one of “my kids.” I will continue to encourage them to live the 4-H Pledge every day:I pledge my Head to clearer thinking (make good decisions)My Heart to greater loyalty (be a good friend)My Hands to larger service (be engaged in making our communities better)And My Health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Change is a constant

WB I-70 closed at Hays/EB I-70 closed at Colby due to downed porwelines. Use alternate routes.

K-DOTWB I-70 closed at Hays/EB I-70 closed at Colby due to downed porwelines. Use alternate routes.

I-70 closed westbound at Hays, eastbound at Colby due to storm damage

State and local water leaders are partnering with K-State to host a water summit in June to focus on water resource issues impacting local communities.

The Know Water Summit was rescheduled from an earlier date and will now take place from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on June 3, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.

An optional Environmental Tour that will be offered at 5 p.m. on June 2, for those interested in getting a closer look at municipal water quality facilities and water quality efforts at a local farm.

Registration is required. The cost for the summit (including the tour) is $25. Those interested in attending can register at <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a3IfjAZOsvpkT6m">https://bit.ly/KnowWaterSummit</a>.

Organizers say the agenda is filled with information and activities focusing on water conservation and water quality specific to western Kansas. Local watershed specialists, city officials, university researchers, and state representatives will be on-hand to answer questions and provide information about local issues affecting water resources.

“This is a unique opportunity for people in this area of Kansas to hear about the issues affecting their water, right here at home,” said Stacie Minson, Kansas State University extension watershed specialist.

Minson said that attendees at the summit will hear about modern water quality management, updates on the most recent research, conservation efforts from within the City of Hays, water quality in private wells, and more. 

Those who opt to take the Environmental Tour on June 2 will see how the City of Hays uses each drop of water efficiently while protecting water supplies downstream. Stops will include the drinking water treatment plant, the water reclamation and reuse facility, and Pleasant View Farms. Tour spots are limited, and Minson said early registration is the best way to ensure a place.

The Know Water Summit is sponsored by Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds, the City of Hays, Kansas WRAPS program, and K-State 105.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747319432730.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysState and local water leaders are partnering with K-State to host a water summit in June to focus on water resource issues impacting local communities.The Know Water Summit was rescheduled from an earlier date and will now take place from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on June 3, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747319583287.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>An optional Environmental Tour that will be offered at 5 p.m. on June 2, for those interested in getting a closer look at municipal water quality facilities and water quality efforts at a local farm.Registration is required. The cost for the summit (including the tour) is $25. Those interested in attending can register at <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a3IfjAZOsvpkT6m">https://bit.ly/KnowWaterSummit</a>.Organizers say the agenda is filled with information and activities focusing on water conservation and water quality specific to western Kansas. Local watershed specialists, city officials, university researchers, and state representatives will be on-hand to answer questions and provide information about local issues affecting water resources.“This is a unique opportunity for people in this area of Kansas to hear about the issues affecting their water, right here at home,” said Stacie Minson, Kansas State University extension watershed specialist.Minson said that attendees at the summit will hear about modern water quality management, updates on the most recent research, conservation efforts from within the City of Hays, water quality in private wells, and more. Those who opt to take the Environmental Tour on June 2 will see how the City of Hays uses each drop of water efficiently while protecting water supplies downstream. Stops will include the drinking water treatment plant, the water reclamation and reuse facility, and Pleasant View Farms. Tour spots are limited, and Minson said early registration is the best way to ensure a place.The Know Water Summit is sponsored by Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds, the City of Hays, Kansas WRAPS program, and K-State 105.

Regional water summit in Hays rescheduled to June 3

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/rose-conlon">ROSE CONLON</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2025-05-09/how-one-rural-kansas-town-is-bringing-kids-and-nursing-home-residents-together">Kansas News Service</a>

Research shows intergenerational connection boosts wellbeing. The residents of Logan are putting that to the test.

LOGAN — With children’s shouts echoing off of playground equipment, the Logan Manor doesn’t look or sound like your typical nursing home.

This rural farm town, with a population of 436, recently welcomed nursing home residents and students into its new intergenerational facility, called the Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center. By bringing different age groups together under the same roof, LIFE Center administrators are hoping to foster connection and learning across generations.

Inside, Betty Albright — age 90 — is laughing and making May Day baskets with three of her friends: Jensen, Harper and Harper, ages 11 and 12.

“Betty, when’s your birthday?” Harper asks.

“October,” Betty says. “Why, what are you gonna do?”

“I will sing Happy Birthday to you on that day, OK?” Harper replies.

As more young people move away from rural Kansas, many communities are aging. That can mean increased social isolation for older adults who stay. The LIFE Center is an effort to improve their quality of life while teaching kids crucial skills.

The setup lets nursing home residents volunteer in classrooms and help with science projects.

And it provides learning opportunities for kids. One class is interviewing residents and recording their life stories. High school students can job shadow physical therapists and speech-language pathologists, and a few work part-time as nursing assistants and dietary aides.

Down the hall, 6-year-old Rhett is practicing his reading with 63-year-old Tom Goscha. Goscha has pulmonary fibrosis, and he’s lived in the nursing home for five years. He’s a favorite among the kids.

“My nieces and nephews are all grown and gone,” Goscha said. “They've got kids of their own, but they're in Imperial, Nebraska, Texas and Omaha, and so it's fun to have the little ones around.”

The LIFE Center is the brainchild of school Principal David Kirkendall, who says he’s envisioned creating a facility like it for decades.

Now that the LIFE Center is open after years of planning and construction, he says it offers unique opportunities.

“If there's a resident that is recovering from a stroke, and they're learning eye-hand coordination, they can come in with my preschoolers who are also learning eye-hand coordination, and just kick a ball back and forth,” he said. “It helps both groups.”

Kirkendall thinks Logan could be a model for other communities trying to improve well-being. So do researchers at Kansas State University. They’re studying whether the new facility can boost social skills and academic achievement in kids and reduce cognitive decline and depression in residents.

“Having Logan step forward with a very innovative idea that’s not often (seen) in the United States is exciting,” said Natalie Barlett, a teaching assistant professor of psychology at K-State who is studying its impact on students.

Teresa McComb, the nursing home’s administrator, says she’s already seen benefits in the 36 adults who live here.

“Even residents that are unable to verbalize how much they like the kids coming over, their faces light up. They smile,” she said. “They’re just in better moods.”

Research indicates intergenerational contact can reduce inflammation and improve psychological health in older adults. Shannon Jarrott, a social work professor at Ohio State University, says children also have a lot to gain.

“One of the the misnomers is this idea that these intergenerational programs are really for the benefit of the older adults,” she said. “In reality, if the program is a good one, the children are going to get just as much out of this as the older adults will.”

Younger kids, she says, gain crucial social-emotional skills and confidence. Teenagers — who, data indicates, are increasingly isolated and have increased mental health challenges — can develop perspective and lasting relationships.

There are also challenges, like how to keep residents safe during flu season, and how to keep them busy when school breaks for the summer.

Logan’s school year is almost over, but Goscha thinks he and his younger friends will manage.

“(The kids) tell me, ‘We're going to come over and see you this summer.’ And I said, ‘OK, that'll work. You can come over and visit.’"And I’ve got a jar of candy, and they’re like, ‘So will you have candy this summer?’ I said, ‘I’ll always have candy.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747417953373.png" alt="Tom Goscha, 63, and Rhett, 6, read together at the Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center in Logan. Photo by Rose Conlon/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Tom Goscha, 63, and Rhett, 6, read together at the Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center in Logan. Photo by Rose Conlon/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/rose-conlon">ROSE CONLON</a> <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2025-05-09/how-one-rural-kansas-town-is-bringing-kids-and-nursing-home-residents-together">Kansas News Service</a><h2>Research shows intergenerational connection boosts wellbeing. The residents of Logan are putting that to the test.</h2>LOGAN — With children’s shouts echoing off of playground equipment, the Logan Manor doesn’t look or sound like your typical nursing home.That’s because it’s also a school.This rural farm town, with a population of 436, recently welcomed nursing home residents and students into its new intergenerational facility, called the Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center. By bringing different age groups together under the same roof, LIFE Center administrators are hoping to foster connection and learning across generations.Inside, Betty Albright — age 90 — is laughing and making May Day baskets with three of her friends: Jensen, Harper and Harper, ages 11 and 12.“Betty, when’s your birthday?” Harper asks.“October,” Betty says. “Why, what are you gonna do?”“I will sing Happy Birthday to you on that day, OK?” Harper replies.As more young people move away from rural Kansas, many communities are aging. That can mean increased social isolation for older adults who stay. The LIFE Center is an effort to improve their quality of life while teaching kids crucial skills.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747418063501.png" alt="Nursing home residents recently made May Day baskets with fifth- and sixth-graders. Photo by Rose Conlon/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Nursing home residents recently made May Day baskets with fifth- and sixth-graders. Photo by Rose Conlon/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The setup lets nursing home residents volunteer in classrooms and help with science projects.And it provides learning opportunities for kids. One class is interviewing residents and recording their life stories. High school students can job shadow physical therapists and speech-language pathologists, and a few work part-time as nursing assistants and dietary aides.Down the hall, 6-year-old Rhett is practicing his reading with 63-year-old Tom Goscha. Goscha has pulmonary fibrosis, and he’s lived in the nursing home for five years. He’s a favorite among the kids.“My nieces and nephews are all grown and gone,” Goscha said. “They've got kids of their own, but they're in Imperial, Nebraska, Texas and Omaha, and so it's fun to have the little ones around.”The LIFE Center is the brainchild of school Principal David Kirkendall, who says he’s envisioned creating a facility like it for decades.Now that the LIFE Center is open after years of planning and construction, he says it offers unique opportunities.“If there's a resident that is recovering from a stroke, and they're learning eye-hand coordination, they can come in with my preschoolers who are also learning eye-hand coordination, and just kick a ball back and forth,” he said. “It helps both groups.”Kirkendall thinks Logan could be a model for other communities trying to improve well-being. So do researchers at Kansas State University. They’re studying whether the new facility can boost social skills and academic achievement in kids and reduce cognitive decline and depression in residents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747418145591.png" alt="Nursing home residents' windows look out on the school's playground and track field. Photo by Rose Conlon/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Nursing home residents' windows look out on the school's playground and track field. Photo by Rose Conlon/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>“Having Logan step forward with a very innovative idea that’s not often (seen) in the United States is exciting,” said Natalie Barlett, a teaching assistant professor of psychology at K-State who is studying its impact on students.Teresa McComb, the nursing home’s administrator, says she’s already seen benefits in the 36 adults who live here.“Even residents that are unable to verbalize how much they like the kids coming over, their faces light up. They smile,” she said. “They’re just in better moods.”Research indicates intergenerational contact can reduce inflammation and improve psychological health in older adults. Shannon Jarrott, a social work professor at Ohio State University, says children also have a lot to gain.“One of the the misnomers is this idea that these intergenerational programs are really for the benefit of the older adults,” she said. “In reality, if the program is a good one, the children are going to get just as much out of this as the older adults will.”Younger kids, she says, gain crucial social-emotional skills and confidence. Teenagers — who, data indicates, are increasingly isolated and have increased mental health challenges — can develop perspective and lasting relationships.There are also challenges, like how to keep residents safe during flu season, and how to keep them busy when school breaks for the summer.Logan’s school year is almost over, but Goscha thinks he and his younger friends will manage.“(The kids) tell me, ‘We're going to come over and see you this summer.’ And I said, ‘OK, that'll work. You can come over and visit.’"And I’ve got a jar of candy, and they’re like, ‘So will you have candy this summer?’ I said, ‘I’ll always have candy.’”

How Logan is bringing kids and nursing home residents together

WICHITA — Credit Union of America (CUA) has awarded $40,520 in Teach, Grow, and Inspire the Future (TGIF) classroom grants to 49 teachers across Kansas, including in Hays. 

Since its inception in 2000, CUA has contributed more than $565,000 to help educators enhance their curriculum by funding classroom projects, supplies, field trips, and other educational activities that enrich the student experience. Recipients submit applications outlining their classroom funding needs, which are then reviewed anonymously by a team of CUA staff and retired educators. Additional details are available on individual projects by request. 

We congratulate our Spring 2025 TGIF grant recipients and wish them and their students a rewarding and engaging experience as they bring their educational projects to life.&nbsp;

Community Markets Ashley Davis,&nbsp;Alternative Supplies for Alternative Learning, Great Bend, Jefferson Elementary Sarah Allison,&nbsp;Gross Motor Skills, Great Bend, Little Panthers&nbsp;&nbsp; Dianna Fisher,&nbsp;Classical Shakespeare and Novel Studies, Stafford, Stafford Junior &amp; Senior High Jami Dryden,&nbsp;Empowering Students with Hands-On Learning and Flexible Spaces, Fort Larned, Fort Larned Elementary&nbsp;&nbsp; Krista Brooks,&nbsp;Book Vending Machine Books, Hays, Wilson Elementary&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747316917990.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Credit Union of America WICHITA — Credit Union of America (CUA) has awarded $40,520 in Teach, Grow, and Inspire the Future (TGIF) classroom grants to 49 teachers across Kansas, including in Hays. Since its inception in 2000, CUA has contributed more than $565,000 to help educators enhance their curriculum by funding classroom projects, supplies, field trips, and other educational activities that enrich the student experience. Recipients submit applications outlining their classroom funding needs, which are then reviewed anonymously by a team of CUA staff and retired educators. Additional details are available on individual projects by request. We congratulate our Spring 2025 TGIF grant recipients and wish them and their students a rewarding and engaging experience as they bring their educational projects to life.&nbsp;Recipients include: Community Markets Ashley Davis,&nbsp;Alternative Supplies for Alternative Learning, Great Bend, Jefferson Elementary Sarah Allison,&nbsp;Gross Motor Skills, Great Bend, Little Panthers&nbsp;&nbsp; Dianna Fisher,&nbsp;Classical Shakespeare and Novel Studies, Stafford, Stafford Junior &amp; Senior High Jami Dryden,&nbsp;Empowering Students with Hands-On Learning and Flexible Spaces, Fort Larned, Fort Larned Elementary&nbsp;&nbsp; Krista Brooks,&nbsp;Book Vending Machine Books, Hays, Wilson Elementary&nbsp; &nbsp;

Wilson Elementary teacher receives classroom grant from Credit Union of America

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

With the “road-kill” season upon us, considering the financial struggles of many folks right now, and the political agendas of even more, I’ve planned in my mind what I’ll do if the day ever arrives when the only way for me to feed my family will be to harvest road-kill. I would become a “Road-Kill Griller” in the purest sense of the phrase, and I’m bettin’ there are bunches more of you out there that are afraid to come forward.

Grilling utensils of a Road-Kill chef would be very different than the usual grilling tools. 

Your spatula would become a flat ended shovel, preferably the short-handled kind with the “D” shaped handle, allowing you to put maximum power behind your spatula when scraping meals from the asphalt. The fork normally used to turn steaks on the grill would become a pitchfork or potato fork, anything capable of holding your find while removing gravel with the shovel/spatula. 

Timing for harvesting road-killed meals would be an important issue. The five-second rule would become the five-day rule. You would want to either get to a kill while it’s fresh, or wait until it became jerky. 

Cooking road-kill would be a whole new learning experience in itself and should definitely be done outside; the hotter the fire the better to quickly burn off hair and sterilize your meal.

Concerning recipes, just plan to toss all your favorites and start anew. 

I’ll list a few examples: The rare find of a chicken that could once have become chicken tetrazzini, would now be chicken flattened by machinery. The closest you’d ever get to potatoes au gratin would be opossum smells rotten. 

The internet fairly teems with road-kill recipes free for the reading. A few of my favorite main dishes were skunk skillet stew, shake-n-bake snake, rack of raccoon, pavement possum and too-slow doe. Side dishes included square of hare, fork of stork and bowl of mole.

If you were to suddenly become unemployed, I’m quite sure a good living could be made by fixing up your old camping trailer and following the state fair or carnival circuit peddling road-kill on a stick.

 It wouldn’t matter what species it was; just cut it into chunks, skewer it with a stick, slather it in some sort of batter and fry it up in old french-fry grease. If you didn’t tell customers what it was, I’m&nbsp;sure they’d think it tasted just like chicken, and the unique name alone would probably flood you with business.

The driving habits of a true road-kill griller would be changed forever.

 While we’d once have avoided hitting critters on the roadway at all costs, especially deer, we now would strive to hit every critter possible, especially deer. No Hunting signs would become No Gleaning signs, and turf wars might break out as we all tried to protect our favorite back roads, swamps and river bridges where road-kill often abounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsWith the “road-kill” season upon us, considering the financial struggles of many folks right now, and the political agendas of even more, I’ve planned in my mind what I’ll do if the day ever arrives when the only way for me to feed my family will be to harvest road-kill. I would become a “Road-Kill Griller” in the purest sense of the phrase, and I’m bettin’ there are bunches more of you out there that are afraid to come forward.Grilling utensils of a Road-Kill chef would be very different than the usual grilling tools. Your spatula would become a flat ended shovel, preferably the short-handled kind with the “D” shaped handle, allowing you to put maximum power behind your spatula when scraping meals from the asphalt. The fork normally used to turn steaks on the grill would become a pitchfork or potato fork, anything capable of holding your find while removing gravel with the shovel/spatula. Timing for harvesting road-killed meals would be an important issue. The five-second rule would become the five-day rule. You would want to either get to a kill while it’s fresh, or wait until it became jerky. Cooking road-kill would be a whole new learning experience in itself and should definitely be done outside; the hotter the fire the better to quickly burn off hair and sterilize your meal.Concerning recipes, just plan to toss all your favorites and start anew. I’ll list a few examples: The rare find of a chicken that could once have become chicken tetrazzini, would now be chicken flattened by machinery. The closest you’d ever get to potatoes au gratin would be opossum smells rotten. The internet fairly teems with road-kill recipes free for the reading. A few of my favorite main dishes were skunk skillet stew, shake-n-bake snake, rack of raccoon, pavement possum and too-slow doe. Side dishes included square of hare, fork of stork and bowl of mole.If you were to suddenly become unemployed, I’m quite sure a good living could be made by fixing up your old camping trailer and following the state fair or carnival circuit peddling road-kill on a stick. It wouldn’t matter what species it was; just cut it into chunks, skewer it with a stick, slather it in some sort of batter and fry it up in old french-fry grease. If you didn’t tell customers what it was, I’m&nbsp;sure they’d think it tasted just like chicken, and the unique name alone would probably flood you with business.The driving habits of a true road-kill griller would be changed forever. While we’d once have avoided hitting critters on the roadway at all costs, especially deer, we now would strive to hit every critter possible, especially deer. No Hunting signs would become No Gleaning signs, and turf wars might break out as we all tried to protect our favorite back roads, swamps and river bridges where road-kill often abounds.Yes, if the world someday crumples around our feet, I have no doubt good ol’ American ingenuity will abound and those of us here in the Midwest will still be able to feed our families and make a living as road-kill harvesters and grillers. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.