<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/2025/5/1746194231265.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

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF May 5 – May 9, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

--May 5 • Today is Mr. Flax Day! We hope you wore your tie today with your uniform to celebrate Mr. Flax since this is his last school year at Holy Family! Give him a high-5 or hug today! • KinderPrep will eat in the classroom today. • There are No Bus Services today. • Joyful Noise will take a field trip to Good Sam’s and Via Christi to sing this morning.&nbsp;

--May 6 • Feast of St. Dominic Savio so Dominic Savio Club ended the year with a party this morning! • It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! We have the best teachers at HFE!! Teachers work so hard to help our students learn &amp; grow, support us on our educational &amp; faith journey, they grade papers, create fun activities &amp; spend lots of extra hours to plan for each new day of learning! Be sure to tell your teachers “Thank You” this week!! • 2nd Graders were recognized this morning at mass as they had their First Holy Communion over the weekend! Blessings to all of you after making this special sacrament! • 5th Graders are running “Carnival Games” in the A.C. with Mrs. Brown for a special stream project with our preschoolers from 10-11:30.&nbsp;

--May 7 • PK3 Park Day at Massey Park. • 3rd Grade Pioneer Day at the Historical Society. • 5th Grade is on their Ameritowne Field Trip all day today. • Kindergarten Stuffed Animal Day. • KinderPrep Afternoon at Massey Park at 12:30. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon.

--May 8 • We celebrated our Mothers today with Mother’s Mass! Our mothers are so special to us! They love us unconditionally, they take care of us, pray for us &amp; help us grow! Be sure to thank your mom for all she does for you! • We also recognized our Altar Servers in 4th &amp; 5th grade! 3rd graders, this is a wonderful way to get involved in our school masses! Be thinking about if you’d like to train to be an altar server next year! • PK3 End-of-Year Program on the Stage after mass. • 2A Lunch with the Principal Day. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th gr. this afternoon.

--May 9 • 2nd Gr. Church Tours Field Trip. • 3rd Gr. Field Trip to Smoky Hill Museum &amp; Cathedral in Salina. • 5th Gr. Kindergarten-4-a-Day. • 1st Gr. Team Shirt Day &amp; Massey Mayhem. • 4th Gr. Massey Mayhem at 1:30. • This is the LAST DAY of Preschool 3 &amp; 4! Preschoolers will enjoy a Picnic &amp; Fun Morning at Massey Park with their classmates and parents! • Fr. Nick will visit KB this morning. • Hourly Staff Timesheets are due to Ms. Karla in the office this morning.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737555085782.png" alt="Holy Family Elementary School. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Holy Family Elementary SchoolHOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES WEEK OF May 5 – May 9, 2025THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!MONDAY--May 5 • Today is Mr. Flax Day! We hope you wore your tie today with your uniform to celebrate Mr. Flax since this is his last school year at Holy Family! Give him a high-5 or hug today! • KinderPrep will eat in the classroom today. • There are No Bus Services today. • Joyful Noise will take a field trip to Good Sam’s and Via Christi to sing this morning.&nbsp;TUESDAY--May 6 • Feast of St. Dominic Savio so Dominic Savio Club ended the year with a party this morning! • It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! We have the best teachers at HFE!! Teachers work so hard to help our students learn &amp; grow, support us on our educational &amp; faith journey, they grade papers, create fun activities &amp; spend lots of extra hours to plan for each new day of learning! Be sure to tell your teachers “Thank You” this week!! • 2nd Graders were recognized this morning at mass as they had their First Holy Communion over the weekend! Blessings to all of you after making this special sacrament! • 5th Graders are running “Carnival Games” in the A.C. with Mrs. Brown for a special stream project with our preschoolers from 10-11:30.&nbsp;WEDNESDAY--May 7 • PK3 Park Day at Massey Park. • 3rd Grade Pioneer Day at the Historical Society. • 5th Grade is on their Ameritowne Field Trip all day today. • Kindergarten Stuffed Animal Day. • KinderPrep Afternoon at Massey Park at 12:30. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 4th grade this afternoon.THURSDAY--May 8 • We celebrated our Mothers today with Mother’s Mass! Our mothers are so special to us! They love us unconditionally, they take care of us, pray for us &amp; help us grow! Be sure to thank your mom for all she does for you! • We also recognized our Altar Servers in 4th &amp; 5th grade! 3rd graders, this is a wonderful way to get involved in our school masses! Be thinking about if you’d like to train to be an altar server next year! • PK3 End-of-Year Program on the Stage after mass. • 2A Lunch with the Principal Day. • Sr. Rose Marie will visit 5th gr. this afternoon.FRIDAY--May 9 • 2nd Gr. Church Tours Field Trip. • 3rd Gr. Field Trip to Smoky Hill Museum &amp; Cathedral in Salina. • 5th Gr. Kindergarten-4-a-Day. • 1st Gr. Team Shirt Day &amp; Massey Mayhem. • 4th Gr. Massey Mayhem at 1:30. • This is the LAST DAY of Preschool 3 &amp; 4! Preschoolers will enjoy a Picnic &amp; Fun Morning at Massey Park with their classmates and parents! • Fr. Nick will visit KB this morning. • Hourly Staff Timesheets are due to Ms. Karla in the office this morning.&nbsp;

Holy Family Elementary School notes, May 5-9 

📷 Hays Fire Department conducts rope rescue training

On Thursday, April 17, United Way of Ellis County in partnership with the Pando Initiative, brought a powerful life lesson to 8th graders at Hays Middle School through Reality U—a hands-on, 75-minute personal finance simulation that delivers a dose of real-world experience. 

Designed to be both interactive and eye-opening, Reality U challenges students to envision their lives at age 26. 

After completing an online lifestyle survey, along with input from their current GPA, each student receives a personalized scenario generated by The Pando Initiative’s trademarked software. 

The scenario outlines monthly income, family and marital status, student loan obligations, and credit card debt. Armed with a checkbook register, students visit 12 different booths representing everyday adult expenses—housing, transportation, childcare, insurance, student loan payments, and more. 

The goal? To manage their finances and make it through the month without going broke.

Excitement buzzed at the start as students saw thousands of dollars in their hypothetical bank accounts. Dreams of luxury homes and flashy sports cars quickly gave way to the sobering reality of budgeting. As expenses added up, many were forced to reconsider their choices— swapping a dream car for a bus pass or taking on a second job just to make ends meet. 

Halfway through the simulation, the mood shifted. Laughter turned to deep concentration as students grappled with tough decisions, learning that adult life is more than just income—it’s about priorities, sacrifice, and smart choices. 

Many were surprised at how quickly money disappeared and how much everyday necessities really cost. At the end of the exercise, students felt both relief and accomplishment. 

Jacob Bentley, Reality U manager, gathered them to reflect on their experiences. While some shared humorous takeaways, most echoed a newfound appreciation for their parents and the responsibilities of adulthood. 

Bentley emphasized the importance of having an “attitude of gratitude” —being thankful for what you have and the support you receive. Volunteers also shared wisdom, urging students to “work hard now, so you don’t have to work so hard later,” “stay involved,” and “keep a positive attitude.” 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our premier sponsor, Sunflower Bank, along with Golden Belt Bank and Nex-Tech Wireless for their generous support. 

And to the 60 incredible volunteers who helped run the booths—thank you! Your dedication made this event a huge success. 

The United Way of Ellis County is proud to bring Reality U to Ellis County and look forward to continuing this impactful program for years to come.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746024058745.jpeg" alt="United Way Reality U" />
 <figcaption>United Way Reality U</figcaption>
 </figure>United Way of Ellis CountyOn Thursday, April 17, United Way of Ellis County in partnership with the Pando Initiative, brought a powerful life lesson to 8th graders at Hays Middle School through Reality U—a hands-on, 75-minute personal finance simulation that delivers a dose of real-world experience. Designed to be both interactive and eye-opening, Reality U challenges students to envision their lives at age 26. After completing an online lifestyle survey, along with input from their current GPA, each student receives a personalized scenario generated by The Pando Initiative’s trademarked software. The scenario outlines monthly income, family and marital status, student loan obligations, and credit card debt. Armed with a checkbook register, students visit 12 different booths representing everyday adult expenses—housing, transportation, childcare, insurance, student loan payments, and more. The goal? To manage their finances and make it through the month without going broke.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746023986161.jpeg" alt="United Way Reality U" />
 <figcaption>United Way Reality U</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746024129245.jpeg" alt="United Way Reality U" />
 <figcaption>United Way Reality U</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746024174753.jpeg" alt="United Way Reality U" />
 <figcaption>United Way Reality U</figcaption>
 </figure>Excitement buzzed at the start as students saw thousands of dollars in their hypothetical bank accounts. Dreams of luxury homes and flashy sports cars quickly gave way to the sobering reality of budgeting. As expenses added up, many were forced to reconsider their choices— swapping a dream car for a bus pass or taking on a second job just to make ends meet. Halfway through the simulation, the mood shifted. Laughter turned to deep concentration as students grappled with tough decisions, learning that adult life is more than just income—it’s about priorities, sacrifice, and smart choices. Many were surprised at how quickly money disappeared and how much everyday necessities really cost. At the end of the exercise, students felt both relief and accomplishment. Jacob Bentley, Reality U manager, gathered them to reflect on their experiences. While some shared humorous takeaways, most echoed a newfound appreciation for their parents and the responsibilities of adulthood. Bentley emphasized the importance of having an “attitude of gratitude” —being thankful for what you have and the support you receive. Volunteers also shared wisdom, urging students to “work hard now, so you don’t have to work so hard later,” “stay involved,” and “keep a positive attitude.” A heartfelt thank you goes out to our premier sponsor, Sunflower Bank, along with Golden Belt Bank and Nex-Tech Wireless for their generous support. And to the 60 incredible volunteers who helped run the booths—thank you! Your dedication made this event a huge success. The United Way of Ellis County is proud to bring Reality U to Ellis County and look forward to continuing this impactful program for years to come.&nbsp;

Reality hits home for Hays Middle Schoolers with United Way’s Reality U

MANHATTAN — How can small towns meet the educational, recreational and wellness needs of all their residents, young and old? Can one facility for 3-year-olds and 83-year-olds alike do the trick?

Kansas State University researchers are helping a rural Kansas town evaluate whether its new multi-use,&nbsp;<a>multigenerational&nbsp;</a>community center is meeting residents' needs in a way that improves educational outcomes, enhances quality of life and is fiscally sustainable.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/psych/about/people/barlett-natalie/">Natalie Barlett</a>, teaching assistant professor of psychology, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/psych/about/people/bailey/">Heather Bailey</a>, associate professor of psychology — both in K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;— are leading the study in rural&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://discoverlogan.com/">Logan</a>&nbsp;which has a population of 436.

Research evaluates benefits of mixing long-term care and elementary populations

The project, titled "It Takes a Village: A Multidisciplinary Project to Assess Impacts and Outcomes of an Intergenerational Program in a Rural Kansas Community," is taking place at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.loganlifecenter.com/">Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center</a>, or LIFE Center.

The center integrates a long-term care facility with a preschool through fourth-grade elementary school, community gymnasium and wellness center. Students and long-term care residents are encouraged to interact with each other to enhance each others' quality of life.

The researchers will evaluate whether the young students experience social and academic improvement and whether the residents experience mental and physical health changes.

They will also assess staff members' workplace satisfaction and help the center achieve state standards of excellence to bolster its long-term success and funding."

This work will benefit not only the residents of Logan but also of surrounding communities that need such a facility," said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/english/about/people/kohn.html">Mary Kohn</a>, director of K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/">Chapman Center for Rural Studies</a>&nbsp;and professor of English.

The Chapman Center awarded the research team a $15,000&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/research/irg/">Interdisciplinary Research Grant</a>&nbsp;to conduct the study. The grant supports the cost of travel, materials and software to develop intergenerational programming, and the team will receive administrative and communications support from the center.

The Interdisciplinary Research Grant encourages creative collaboration among faculty in multiple specializations to either gain knowledge about rural life through partnership with Kansas communities or to improve quality of life for rural Kansans. It is supported by an endowment from the late&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/about/mark-chapman.html">Mark Chapman</a>, an avid supporter of undergraduate research.

Other members of the research team are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/directory/jirving/">Justine Irving</a>, associate teaching professor of gerontology; and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/aging/about/people/faculty/ljh8484/">Laci Cornelison</a>, director of K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/aging/">Center on Aging</a>, both in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>; and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apdesign.k-state.edu/about/faculty-staff/kaup/">Migette Kaup</a>, professor of interior design in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apdesign.k-state.edu/">College of Architecture, Planning &amp; Design</a>.

"We're thankful to have the grant to help us overcome one of the biggest hurdles of working with rural communities: distance between us," Barlett said. "And we're excited to help the Logan community improve its quality of life and economic concerns, and to gain insight that could benefit other rural Kansas communities as well."

Community outreach gives K-State undergrads hands-on service learning

Scholarships are also being provided by the Chapman Center for undergraduate students to support the research and gain valuable applied learning experience in data collection and analysis and research presentation.

"Our undergraduate research assistants will observe and engage with the research team and the Logan community, gaining a deeper understanding of how research can serve and be shaped by local needs," said Barlett.

Kohn said the project is a perfect example of K-State's mission and vision to lead as a next-generation land-grant university."

Logan's LIFE Center represents the best of rural resilience and ingenuity," Kohn said. "That strength and the town's partnership with highly skilled K-State faculty and student experts will no doubt influence both how communities tackle child and elder care challenges in the future and how we do research here at K-State."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746019446577.png" alt="LIFE Center, Logan. Artist's rendition" />
 <figcaption>LIFE Center, Logan. Artist's rendition</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State NewsMANHATTAN — How can small towns meet the educational, recreational and wellness needs of all their residents, young and old? Can one facility for 3-year-olds and 83-year-olds alike do the trick?Kansas State University researchers are helping a rural Kansas town evaluate whether its new multi-use,&nbsp;<a>multigenerational&nbsp;</a>community center is meeting residents' needs in a way that improves educational outcomes, enhances quality of life and is fiscally sustainable.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/psych/about/people/barlett-natalie/">Natalie Barlett</a>, teaching assistant professor of psychology, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/psych/about/people/bailey/">Heather Bailey</a>, associate professor of psychology — both in K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;— are leading the study in rural&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://discoverlogan.com/">Logan</a>&nbsp;which has a population of 436.<h2>Research evaluates benefits of mixing long-term care and elementary populations</h2>The project, titled "It Takes a Village: A Multidisciplinary Project to Assess Impacts and Outcomes of an Intergenerational Program in a Rural Kansas Community," is taking place at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.loganlifecenter.com/">Logan Intergenerational Family Education Center</a>, or LIFE Center.The center integrates a long-term care facility with a preschool through fourth-grade elementary school, community gymnasium and wellness center. Students and long-term care residents are encouraged to interact with each other to enhance each others' quality of life.The researchers will evaluate whether the young students experience social and academic improvement and whether the residents experience mental and physical health changes.They will also assess staff members' workplace satisfaction and help the center achieve state standards of excellence to bolster its long-term success and funding."This work will benefit not only the residents of Logan but also of surrounding communities that need such a facility," said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/english/about/people/kohn.html">Mary Kohn</a>, director of K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/">Chapman Center for Rural Studies</a>&nbsp;and professor of English.The Chapman Center awarded the research team a $15,000&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/research/irg/">Interdisciplinary Research Grant</a>&nbsp;to conduct the study. The grant supports the cost of travel, materials and software to develop intergenerational programming, and the team will receive administrative and communications support from the center.The Interdisciplinary Research Grant encourages creative collaboration among faculty in multiple specializations to either gain knowledge about rural life through partnership with Kansas communities or to improve quality of life for rural Kansans. It is supported by an endowment from the late&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/about/mark-chapman.html">Mark Chapman</a>, an avid supporter of undergraduate research.Other members of the research team are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/directory/jirving/">Justine Irving</a>, associate teaching professor of gerontology; and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/aging/about/people/faculty/ljh8484/">Laci Cornelison</a>, director of K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/aging/">Center on Aging</a>, both in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>; and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apdesign.k-state.edu/about/faculty-staff/kaup/">Migette Kaup</a>, professor of interior design in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apdesign.k-state.edu/">College of Architecture, Planning &amp; Design</a>."We're thankful to have the grant to help us overcome one of the biggest hurdles of working with rural communities: distance between us," Barlett said. "And we're excited to help the Logan community improve its quality of life and economic concerns, and to gain insight that could benefit other rural Kansas communities as well."<h2>Community outreach gives K-State undergrads hands-on service learning</h2>Scholarships are also being provided by the Chapman Center for undergraduate students to support the research and gain valuable applied learning experience in data collection and analysis and research presentation."Our undergraduate research assistants will observe and engage with the research team and the Logan community, gaining a deeper understanding of how research can serve and be shaped by local needs," said Barlett.Kohn said the project is a perfect example of K-State's mission and vision to lead as a next-generation land-grant university."Logan's LIFE Center represents the best of rural resilience and ingenuity," Kohn said. "That strength and the town's partnership with highly skilled K-State faculty and student experts will no doubt influence both how communities tackle child and elder care challenges in the future and how we do research here at K-State."&nbsp;&nbsp;

'It takes a village': K-State helps rural Logan meet all generations' needs

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced $14.5 million for 47 aviation projects across the state through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), which provides funding for planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports.&nbsp;

“The Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“Keeping our aviation infrastructure in optimal condition is a large part of that economic growth and job creation, allowing local businesses and communities to prosper.”&nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 81 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $42 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were selected from across the state and focused on pavement preservation, safety, and air ambulance accessibility to remote communities.&nbsp;

“Combining state and local funds to provide vital improvements to general aviation airports has helped to create a statewide aviation network citizens can depend on,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.&nbsp;“This offers more services, like air ambulance accessibility, that can help support transportation needs in all areas of Kansas.”&nbsp;

The KAIP receives $15 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires local matching funds of 10-50%, depending on the project. With local matching funds for these projects, the KAIP total project value this year is $22.9 million.&nbsp;

• $409,500 for design and construction of a taxilane project.&nbsp;

• $153,000 for Jet A fuel system.&nbsp;

Atkinson Municipal Airport, Pittsburg&nbsp;&nbsp;

• $81,000 for a focused Airport Layout Plan update.&nbsp;

Atwood-Rawlins County City—County Airport, Atwood&nbsp;&nbsp;

• $270,000 for new Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chanute Martin Johnson Airport, Chanute&nbsp;

• $450,000 for design and reconstruction of south apron phased pavement project.&nbsp;

Cheyenne County Municipal Airport, Saint Francis&nbsp;

• $180,000 for runway pavement rehabilitation.&nbsp;

Clay Center Municipal Airport, Clay Center&nbsp;

• $468,000 to construct taxilanes and hangar approaches.&nbsp;

• $90,000 for fuel system upgrades.&nbsp;

• $540,000 for runway and taxiway lights.&nbsp; • $90,000 for fuel system improvements.&nbsp;

• $34,650 for aircraft parking ramp and drainage.&nbsp; • $22,680 for Taxiway A extension.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dighton Airport, Dighton&nbsp;&nbsp;

• $274,500 for runway and taxiway pavement crack fill, seal coat, and markings.

Emporia Municipal Airport,&nbsp;Emporia&nbsp;

• $391,000 to rehabilitate the south apron. • $208,000 to relocate and upgrade fuel system. &nbsp;

Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Fort Scott&nbsp;

• $684,000 to replace taxiway edge lighting.&nbsp;

• $189,000 for tip-down rotating beacon.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• $20,000 help with local match for phased FAA runway reconstruction project.&nbsp;

Gove County Airport, Quinter&nbsp;

• $120,000 for a pilot lounge, restroom, hangar, and snow removal equipment storage.&nbsp;

Great Bend Municipal Airport, Great Bend&nbsp;

• $450,000 for design of runway 11/29 reconstruction.&nbsp; • $146,000 for local match for FAA funded runway 17/35 rehabilitation.&nbsp;

Greensburg Municipal Airport, Greensburg&nbsp;

• $191,250 for design of a project to pave runway 18/36.&nbsp;

Independence Municipal Airport, Independence&nbsp;

• $756,000 for rehabilitating north asphalt apron pavement.&nbsp;

Jetmore Municipal Airport, Jetmore&nbsp;

• $800,000 for planning and design for runway 17/35 reconstruction project.&nbsp;

• $13,600 for pavement maintenance materials.&nbsp;

• $537,000 for design and construction of runway 14/32 lighting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lawrence Regional Airport, Lawrence&nbsp;

• $666,000 for design and construction of runway 1/19 pavement rehabilitation.&nbsp;

Lt. William M. Milliken Airport, Eureka&nbsp;

• $385,200 for design and construction of a runway light and PAPI rehab project.&nbsp;

• $333,333 for design of a runway extension, rehab, and lighting project.

• $138,330 to replace the fuel system.&nbsp;

Mark Hoard Memorial Airport, Leoti&nbsp;&nbsp;

• $373,860 help with local match for FAA funded hangar project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• $350,000 for design and construction for phased fuel system replacement.

• $765,000 to rehabilitate west taxilanes and hangar ramps.&nbsp;

Mid-America Regional Airport, Liberal&nbsp;

• $382,500 to replace runway 04/22 PAPI and REIL systems.&nbsp;

Ness City Municipal Airport, Ness City&nbsp;

• $25,215 for help with local match for FAA funded apron expansion project.&nbsp;

• $800,000 for rehabilitation of the central portion of the west apron. • $13,600 for pavement preservation materials.

Newton City-County Airport, Newton&nbsp;&nbsp;

• 647,361 for electrical upgrades to runway 8/26.&nbsp;

Oakley Municipal Airport, Oakley&nbsp;

• $180,000 for fuel system improvements.&nbsp;

Osborne Municipal Airport, Osborne&nbsp;

• $800,000 to rehabilitate runway 02/20 pavement.&nbsp;

Scott City Municipal Airport, Scott City&nbsp;

• $27,360 to relocate wind cone and upgrade segmented circle.&nbsp;

• $180,000 to construction taxiway extension.&nbsp;

Stanton County Municipal Airport, Johnson&nbsp;

• $270,000 to install electric vault and relocate airfield electrical controls and regulators.&nbsp;

Syracuse-Hamilton County Airport, Syracuse&nbsp;

• $27,000 for runway 13/31 pavement crack seal.&nbsp;

Wellington Municipal Airport, Wellington&nbsp;

• $29,925 fuel system improvement.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676480405970.jpg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Gov. KellyTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced $14.5 million for 47 aviation projects across the state through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), which provides funding for planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports.&nbsp;“The Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“Keeping our aviation infrastructure in optimal condition is a large part of that economic growth and job creation, allowing local businesses and communities to prosper.”&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 81 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $42 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were selected from across the state and focused on pavement preservation, safety, and air ambulance accessibility to remote communities.&nbsp;“Combining state and local funds to provide vital improvements to general aviation airports has helped to create a statewide aviation network citizens can depend on,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.&nbsp;“This offers more services, like air ambulance accessibility, that can help support transportation needs in all areas of Kansas.”&nbsp;The KAIP receives $15 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires local matching funds of 10-50%, depending on the project. With local matching funds for these projects, the KAIP total project value this year is $22.9 million.&nbsp;Approved state FY 2026 KAIP projects:Allen County Airport, Iola&nbsp;• $409,500 for design and construction of a taxilane project.&nbsp;Anthony Municipal Airport, Anthony&nbsp;• $153,000 for Jet A fuel system.&nbsp;Atkinson Municipal Airport, Pittsburg&nbsp;&nbsp;• $81,000 for a focused Airport Layout Plan update.&nbsp;Atwood-Rawlins County City—County Airport, Atwood&nbsp;&nbsp;• $270,000 for new Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS).&nbsp;&nbsp;Chanute Martin Johnson Airport, Chanute&nbsp;• $450,000 for design and reconstruction of south apron phased pavement project.&nbsp;Cheyenne County Municipal Airport, Saint Francis&nbsp;• $180,000 for runway pavement rehabilitation.&nbsp;Clay Center Municipal Airport, Clay Center&nbsp;• $468,000 to construct taxilanes and hangar approaches.&nbsp;Clyde Cessna Field, Kingman&nbsp;• $90,000 for fuel system upgrades.&nbsp;Comanche County Airport&nbsp;• $540,000 for runway and taxiway lights.&nbsp; • $90,000 for fuel system improvements.&nbsp;Cook Airfield, Rose Hill&nbsp;• $34,650 for aircraft parking ramp and drainage.&nbsp; • $22,680 for Taxiway A extension.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dighton Airport, Dighton&nbsp;&nbsp;• $274,500 for runway and taxiway pavement crack fill, seal coat, and markings.Emporia Municipal Airport,&nbsp;Emporia&nbsp;• $391,000 to rehabilitate the south apron. • $208,000 to relocate and upgrade fuel system. &nbsp;Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Fort Scott&nbsp;• $684,000 to replace taxiway edge lighting.&nbsp;Freeman Field, Junction City&nbsp;• $189,000 for tip-down rotating beacon.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Garnett Municipal Airport, Garnett&nbsp;• $20,000 help with local match for phased FAA runway reconstruction project.&nbsp;Gove County Airport, Quinter&nbsp;• $120,000 for a pilot lounge, restroom, hangar, and snow removal equipment storage.&nbsp;Great Bend Municipal Airport, Great Bend&nbsp;• $450,000 for design of runway 11/29 reconstruction.&nbsp; • $146,000 for local match for FAA funded runway 17/35 rehabilitation.&nbsp;Greensburg Municipal Airport, Greensburg&nbsp;• $191,250 for design of a project to pave runway 18/36.&nbsp;Independence Municipal Airport, Independence&nbsp;• $756,000 for rehabilitating north asphalt apron pavement.&nbsp;Jetmore Municipal Airport, Jetmore&nbsp;• $800,000 for planning and design for runway 17/35 reconstruction project.&nbsp;Johnson County Airport, Olathe&nbsp;• $13,600 for pavement maintenance materials.&nbsp;Kearny County Airport, Lakin&nbsp;• $537,000 for design and construction of runway 14/32 lighting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lawrence Regional Airport, Lawrence&nbsp;• $666,000 for design and construction of runway 1/19 pavement rehabilitation.&nbsp;Lt. William M. Milliken Airport, Eureka&nbsp;• $385,200 for design and construction of a runway light and PAPI rehab project.&nbsp;Mankato Airport, Mankato&nbsp;• $333,333 for design of a runway extension, rehab, and lighting project.Marion Municipal Airport, Marion&nbsp;• $138,330 to replace the fuel system.&nbsp;Mark Hoard Memorial Airport, Leoti&nbsp;&nbsp;• $373,860 help with local match for FAA funded hangar project.&nbsp;&nbsp;McPherson Airport, McPherson&nbsp;&nbsp;• $350,000 for design and construction for phased fuel system replacement.Miami County Airport, Paola&nbsp;• $765,000 to rehabilitate west taxilanes and hangar ramps.&nbsp;Mid-America Regional Airport, Liberal&nbsp;• $382,500 to replace runway 04/22 PAPI and REIL systems.&nbsp;Ness City Municipal Airport, Ness City&nbsp;• $25,215 for help with local match for FAA funded apron expansion project.&nbsp;New Century Air Center, Olathe&nbsp;• $800,000 for rehabilitation of the central portion of the west apron. • $13,600 for pavement preservation materials.Newton City-County Airport, Newton&nbsp;&nbsp;• 647,361 for electrical upgrades to runway 8/26.&nbsp;Oakley Municipal Airport, Oakley&nbsp;• $180,000 for fuel system improvements.&nbsp;Osborne Municipal Airport, Osborne&nbsp;• $800,000 to rehabilitate runway 02/20 pavement.&nbsp;Pratt Regional Airport, Pratt&nbsp;• $77,490 to update ALP.Scott City Municipal Airport, Scott City&nbsp;• $27,360 to relocate wind cone and upgrade segmented circle.&nbsp;Shalz Field, Colby&nbsp;• $180,000 to construction taxiway extension.&nbsp;Stanton County Municipal Airport, Johnson&nbsp;• $270,000 to install electric vault and relocate airfield electrical controls and regulators.&nbsp;Syracuse-Hamilton County Airport, Syracuse&nbsp;• $27,000 for runway 13/31 pavement crack seal.&nbsp;Tri-City Airport, Parsons&nbsp;• $540,000 to replace fuel system.Wellington Municipal Airport, Wellington&nbsp;• $29,925 fuel system improvement.&nbsp;

Area airports part of 47 aviation improvement projects across Kansas

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension

Before a student-athlete is allowed to join a sports team, they have to complete an annual physical to make sure there aren’t any underlying conditions that could keep them from being able to fully participate.

For beef producers who want their herd to be successful during the breeding season, that means an annual breeding soundness exam, which includes a semen check and overall health assessment by a veterinarian.

Kansas State University Beef Cattle&nbsp;Institute experts recommend producers complete this assessment around six weeks ahead of the time bulls will be turned out on pasture with the females. They also recommend producers look at records on the bulls, assess their current body condition, and study the animal’s movement.

“When making a decision about a bull beyond conducting a breeding soundness exam, it is good to look at the bull’s records and look for any changes in the measurement of his scrotal circumference,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said.

He said that a decrease in scrotal circumference in a mature bull could indicate a significant issue that needs further investigation.

“If there is a problem, the testicles can either be a little softer or harder than normal, and there could also be sperm defects that will be noticed under a microscope,” Larson said.

At that six-week evaluation, it is important to assess the bull’s body condition, K-State beef cattle&nbsp;nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said.

“Going into the breeding season, the bulls should be at a body condition score six, which is a little above average,” Lancaster said. “We want them to be a little over-conditioned now because, during the breeding season, they will expel a lot of energy chasing females, causing them to lose weight.

”If bulls are in lighter condition, Lancaster recommends supplementing the bulls half to three-quarters of a percent of their body weight to get them to gain half a pound per day during the next 30 days.

“If the bulls are extra thin coming off grass in the summer, then the producer will need to get them back in condition next fall and winter,” Lancaster said.

Along with scrotal circumference, semen evaluation, and body condition, bulls should be routinely checked for feet and leg movement, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said.

“If you are detecting upper limb lameness six weeks out, that is going to be hard to correct between now and pasture turnout,” Lubbers said. “Injuries can happen anytime, so bulls need to be continually assessed for their movement.”

To do that Lubbers recommends studying how the bulls walk coming to and leaving the chute. “If the bull has a foreign body in the foot like a rock or nail, or a sole abscess, we can correct those now so that he will likely be sound in the next six weeks,” Lubbers said.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor&nbsp;an Agriculture and natural resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor&nbsp;an Agriculture and natural resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood ExtensionBefore a student-athlete is allowed to join a sports team, they have to complete an annual physical to make sure there aren’t any underlying conditions that could keep them from being able to fully participate.For beef producers who want their herd to be successful during the breeding season, that means an annual breeding soundness exam, which includes a semen check and overall health assessment by a veterinarian.Kansas State University Beef Cattle&nbsp;Institute experts recommend producers complete this assessment around six weeks ahead of the time bulls will be turned out on pasture with the females. They also recommend producers look at records on the bulls, assess their current body condition, and study the animal’s movement.“When making a decision about a bull beyond conducting a breeding soundness exam, it is good to look at the bull’s records and look for any changes in the measurement of his scrotal circumference,” K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said.He said that a decrease in scrotal circumference in a mature bull could indicate a significant issue that needs further investigation.“If there is a problem, the testicles can either be a little softer or harder than normal, and there could also be sperm defects that will be noticed under a microscope,” Larson said.At that six-week evaluation, it is important to assess the bull’s body condition, K-State beef cattle&nbsp;nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said.“Going into the breeding season, the bulls should be at a body condition score six, which is a little above average,” Lancaster said. “We want them to be a little over-conditioned now because, during the breeding season, they will expel a lot of energy chasing females, causing them to lose weight.”If bulls are in lighter condition, Lancaster recommends supplementing the bulls half to three-quarters of a percent of their body weight to get them to gain half a pound per day during the next 30 days.“If the bulls are extra thin coming off grass in the summer, then the producer will need to get them back in condition next fall and winter,” Lancaster said.Along with scrotal circumference, semen evaluation, and body condition, bulls should be routinely checked for feet and leg movement, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said.“If you are detecting upper limb lameness six weeks out, that is going to be hard to correct between now and pasture turnout,” Lubbers said. “Injuries can happen anytime, so bulls need to be continually assessed for their movement.”To do that Lubbers recommends studying how the bulls walk coming to and leaving the chute. “If the bull has a foreign body in the foot like a rock or nail, or a sole abscess, we can correct those now so that he will likely be sound in the next six weeks,” Lubbers said.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Bull evaluation

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Kaley Klaus of Fort Hays State University's Professional and Continuing Education team. They're launching a new business retention and expansion pilot program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: FHSU's business retention and expansion pilot program" 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=yng7n-189827b-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>On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Kaley Klaus of Fort Hays State University's Professional and Continuing Education team. They're launching a new business retention and expansion pilot program.

🎙POST PODCAST: FHSU's business retention and expansion pilot program

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-04-28/backyard-chicken-rental-eggs">Harvest Public Media</a>

People are flocking to backyard chickens this year, in part due to the sky-high cost of eggs at the grocery store. Some first-timers have turned to chicken rentals to try out ownership for a few months.

Four chickens snack on a treat of dried mealworms, which Katie Hitt shakes into the run of their coop from a red plastic cup.

These chickens have lived in Hitt’s backyard in St. Louis since early April. She and her family have enjoyed the pale blue eggs the hens lay. And her three young kids are having fun with the birds.

“I mean, that's the first thing they're thinking of when they wake up in the morning, is like, how are the chickens and what are they doing?” Hitt said.

This is Hitt’s first time having chickens. She said she’s wanted them for a while, but she was nervous about doing something wrong. She doesn’t know anyone with a backyard flock, and there’s an overwhelming amount of advice online.

But then Hitt heard about chicken rentals.

Four Feathered Hens, a chicken rental business in St. Louis, would deliver hens and a coop right to her home. Its owners Emilie and Tom Schnitzer would provide expert advice. And, she would only need to commit to the chickens for a year.

“It was just like, boom, there we go,” Hitt said. “We didn't have chickens one day, and then we had a whole set up the next.”

Demand for backyard chickens is high this year. That’s in part because of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-21/eggs-expensive-bird-flu" target="_blank">expensive egg prices</a>&nbsp;and shortages at the grocery store brought on by bird flu, which led to fewer laying hens across the country. The price for a dozen large eggs&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">climbed to a record $6.23</a>&nbsp;in March.

Buying or renting chickens is hardly a cost-saving measure, but those in the business say people are interested in a close-to-home egg supply.

“Our renters … they don't have to worry if the store is restricting how many eggs you can buy,” said Jenn Tompkins, the co-founder of national chicken rental business Rent The Chicken. “They don't have to worry even if the store has any eggs or not, because they just walk right outside and collect their fresh eggs.”

Rent The Chicken, which opened over a decade ago and is based in Pennsylvania, partners with farmers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rentthechicken.com/p/buy.html" target="_blank">in cities across the country</a>&nbsp;to rent backyard chickens. More people are interested in renting this year, Tompkins said.

“We've been so busy, we haven't even been able to compare numbers now versus last year,” Tompkins said. “When we looked in February, we were already about 20% ahead on this year versus last year this time.”

Hatcheries across the Midwest that supply backyard chickens also say they’re flooded with orders.

Murray McMurray Hatchery in Webster City, Iowa, sells about 3 million chicks a year to people across the U.S. Typically, the hatchery sells out about two or three weeks in advance, said President Tom Watkins. But this year, it’s sold out through October.

“That's 40 weeks of chickens that are pre-sold,” Watkins said. “We have literally sold them, you know, counted them before they hatched.”

It’s the same deal for Heartland Hatchery, which sells chicks at feed stores in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The hatchery had to buy a landline phone for the first time ever to keep up with the orders.

“Demand this year has been the highest I've ever seen since I've been in business for 29 years,” co-owner Alan Nieder said.

U.S. Postal Service shipping delays that have caused&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-09-03/usps-postal-service-slowdowns-baby-birds-dying-transit" target="_blank">chicks to die in transit</a>&nbsp;are also contributing to the high demand, Nieder said.

But even with the record-high prices for eggs, people should still expect to shell out more to keep chickens.

All the needed supplies — such as the coop, the feed and the fencing to protect the birds from predators — cost at least a few hundred dollars, said Katie Bell, an agriculture educator with the University of Illinois Extension.

“You could easily spend $500 before you even get the birds,” Bell said.

Packages from Rent The Chicken vary by location. But in several of its Midwestern cities, including Omaha, Detroit and Milwaukee, a six-month rental of two hens starts at about $500.

Four Feathered Hens in St. Louis, which opened at the beginning of this year, offers six or 12-month rentals. Its packages start at $95 per month for a yearlong commitment.

The most expensive package, at $190 a month, includes full care of the birds, co-founder Emilie Schnitzer said.

“We'll come out, we'll feed the chickens, we'll change out the bedding in the coop, make sure everything is going smoothly, just so it's pretty much the family only has to collect the eggs,” she said.

Hitt and her family are caring for the chickens themselves. She says her kids are picky eaters, but they get excited about the eggs from their chickens.

“They're already deciding whose chicken is whose,” Hitt said. “‘My chicken laid this one, I'm going to eat that one.’ It's really cute.”

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020162379.png" alt="Katie Hitt and her family are renting these chickens for the next year from Four Feathered Hens in St. Louis. Her three young kids have named the birds Hei Hei, Feathers, Sweethearts and Lego Man. "Sometimes they change the names, but those are the names this week," Hitt said. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Katie Hitt and her family are renting these chickens for the next year from Four Feathered Hens in St. Louis. Her three young kids have named the birds Hei Hei, Feathers, Sweethearts and Lego Man. "Sometimes they change the names, but those are the names this week," Hitt said. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-04-28/backyard-chicken-rental-eggs">Harvest Public Media</a><h2>People are flocking to backyard chickens this year, in part due to the sky-high cost of eggs at the grocery store. Some first-timers have turned to chicken rentals to try out ownership for a few months.</h2>Four chickens snack on a treat of dried mealworms, which Katie Hitt shakes into the run of their coop from a red plastic cup.These chickens have lived in Hitt’s backyard in St. Louis since early April. She and her family have enjoyed the pale blue eggs the hens lay. And her three young kids are having fun with the birds.“I mean, that's the first thing they're thinking of when they wake up in the morning, is like, how are the chickens and what are they doing?” Hitt said.This is Hitt’s first time having chickens. She said she’s wanted them for a while, but she was nervous about doing something wrong. She doesn’t know anyone with a backyard flock, and there’s an overwhelming amount of advice online.But then Hitt heard about chicken rentals.Four Feathered Hens, a chicken rental business in St. Louis, would deliver hens and a coop right to her home. Its owners Emilie and Tom Schnitzer would provide expert advice. And, she would only need to commit to the chickens for a year.So, the chickens moved in.“It was just like, boom, there we go,” Hitt said. “We didn't have chickens one day, and then we had a whole set up the next.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020327256.png" alt="Katie Hitt enjoys the eggs her rental chickens lay, but she and her family also like the experience of having the birds. "It's just relaxing to come out and just watch these little guys just peck around," she said. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Katie Hitt enjoys the eggs her rental chickens lay, but she and her family also like the experience of having the birds. "It's just relaxing to come out and just watch these little guys just peck around," she said. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>Demand for backyard chickens is high this year. That’s in part because of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-21/eggs-expensive-bird-flu" target="_blank">expensive egg prices</a>&nbsp;and shortages at the grocery store brought on by bird flu, which led to fewer laying hens across the country. The price for a dozen large eggs&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">climbed to a record $6.23</a>&nbsp;in March.Buying or renting chickens is hardly a cost-saving measure, but those in the business say people are interested in a close-to-home egg supply.“Our renters … they don't have to worry if the store is restricting how many eggs you can buy,” said Jenn Tompkins, the co-founder of national chicken rental business Rent The Chicken. “They don't have to worry even if the store has any eggs or not, because they just walk right outside and collect their fresh eggs.”Rent The Chicken, which opened over a decade ago and is based in Pennsylvania, partners with farmers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rentthechicken.com/p/buy.html" target="_blank">in cities across the country</a>&nbsp;to rent backyard chickens. More people are interested in renting this year, Tompkins said.“We've been so busy, we haven't even been able to compare numbers now versus last year,” Tompkins said. “When we looked in February, we were already about 20% ahead on this year versus last year this time.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020423728.png" alt="Katie Hitt collected these pale blue eggs from her chickens. She said they've laid more than a dozen in the first week she's had them. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Katie Hitt collected these pale blue eggs from her chickens. She said they've laid more than a dozen in the first week she's had them. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>Hatcheries across the Midwest that supply backyard chickens also say they’re flooded with orders.Murray McMurray Hatchery in Webster City, Iowa, sells about 3 million chicks a year to people across the U.S. Typically, the hatchery sells out about two or three weeks in advance, said President Tom Watkins. But this year, it’s sold out through October.“That's 40 weeks of chickens that are pre-sold,” Watkins said. “We have literally sold them, you know, counted them before they hatched.”It’s the same deal for Heartland Hatchery, which sells chicks at feed stores in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The hatchery had to buy a landline phone for the first time ever to keep up with the orders.“Demand this year has been the highest I've ever seen since I've been in business for 29 years,” co-owner Alan Nieder said.U.S. Postal Service shipping delays that have caused&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-09-03/usps-postal-service-slowdowns-baby-birds-dying-transit" target="_blank">chicks to die in transit</a>&nbsp;are also contributing to the high demand, Nieder said.<h2>Chickens aren’t cheap</h2>But even with the record-high prices for eggs, people should still expect to shell out more to keep chickens.All the needed supplies — such as the coop, the feed and the fencing to protect the birds from predators — cost at least a few hundred dollars, said Katie Bell, an agriculture educator with the University of Illinois Extension.“You could easily spend $500 before you even get the birds,” Bell said.And that goes for renting chickens, too.Packages from Rent The Chicken vary by location. But in several of its Midwestern cities, including Omaha, Detroit and Milwaukee, a six-month rental of two hens starts at about $500.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020537310.png" alt="Emilie Schnitzer feeds dried mealworms to the chickens Katie Hitt is renting from her. She wants to help people get started with backyard hens through her chicken rental business. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Emilie Schnitzer feeds dried mealworms to the chickens Katie Hitt is renting from her. She wants to help people get started with backyard hens through her chicken rental business. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>Four Feathered Hens in St. Louis, which opened at the beginning of this year, offers six or 12-month rentals. Its packages start at $95 per month for a yearlong commitment.The most expensive package, at $190 a month, includes full care of the birds, co-founder Emilie Schnitzer said.“We'll come out, we'll feed the chickens, we'll change out the bedding in the coop, make sure everything is going smoothly, just so it's pretty much the family only has to collect the eggs,” she said.Hitt and her family are caring for the chickens themselves. She says her kids are picky eaters, but they get excited about the eggs from their chickens.“They're already deciding whose chicken is whose,” Hitt said. “‘My chicken laid this one, I'm going to eat that one.’ It's really cute.”This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

Rent a chicken? More people take a crack at creating their own egg supply

HODGEMAN COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday in Hodgeman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda Odyssey driven by&nbsp; Marlis E.&nbsp; Quixan-Guiterrez, 25, Dodge City, was&nbsp;northbound on SE 219 Road three miles south of Jetmore. The van traveled off the roadway, entered the ditch and rolled onto its top.

EMS transporte Quixan-Guiterrez and passengers Pablo J.&nbsp;Leon-Ramos, 33, Dodge City to the&nbsp;Hodgeman County Health Center.&nbsp; The KHP reported no information on a second passenger in the van identified as Felipe&nbsp;Guiterrez-Ramos.&nbsp; The passengers in the van were not wearing seat belts.

HODGEMAN COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Friday in Hodgeman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda Odyssey driven by&nbsp; Marlis E.&nbsp; Quixan-Guiterrez, 25, Dodge City, was&nbsp;northbound on SE 219 Road three miles south of Jetmore. The van traveled off the roadway, entered the ditch and rolled onto its top.EMS transporte Quixan-Guiterrez and passengers Pablo J.&nbsp;Leon-Ramos, 33, Dodge City to the&nbsp;Hodgeman County Health Center.&nbsp; The KHP reported no information on a second passenger in the van identified as Felipe&nbsp;Guiterrez-Ramos.&nbsp; The passengers in the van were not wearing seat belts.

Kansas man, woman hospitalized after van rolls onto its top

Fort Hays State University’s Department of Art and Design hosted the 50th&nbsp;High School Art Day across campus on Wednesday, April 16.

 The event attracted students from Kansas High Schools to a day of engagement with FHSU faculty and staff, and art in the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design Building. The students also participated in a sidewalk art competition, met with professors to learn about Fort Hays Art Department program offerings, and displayed their works for an exhibition inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The day began with a chalk art event on the sidewalk next to the Art and Design Building. Visiting students presented their interpretations of numerous concepts, including renderings of their school mascots, Fort Hays State’s Victor E. Tiger mascot, and other themes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745948217234.jpeg" alt="High School Art Day at Fort Hays State University. Photo by Rory Moore." />
 <figcaption>High School Art Day at Fort Hays State University. Photo by Rory Moore.</figcaption>
 </figure>By RORY MOORE FHSU NewsFort Hays State University’s Department of Art and Design hosted the 50th&nbsp;High School Art Day across campus on Wednesday, April 16. The event attracted students from Kansas High Schools to a day of engagement with FHSU faculty and staff, and art in the Schmidt Foundation Center for Art and Design Building. The students also participated in a sidewalk art competition, met with professors to learn about Fort Hays Art Department program offerings, and displayed their works for an exhibition inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.The day began with a chalk art event on the sidewalk next to the Art and Design Building. Visiting students presented their interpretations of numerous concepts, including renderings of their school mascots, Fort Hays State’s Victor E. Tiger mascot, and other themes.Melissa Granberry, Norton Community High School teacher, noted that her students look forward to Art Day every year. Granberry said she thinks Art Day will have long-term benefits for her students after their exposure to the art programs and techniques at Fort Hays, along with the works of the other High Schools.“It helps them not necessarily compare themselves to other students but bring back ideas and either see that they need to work harder if they want to win awards or get confidence to see their stuff is pretty good,” Granberry said. “It’s also nice for the freshman because they don’t always get to work with the seniors. They encourage the first- and second-year students to work harder or dig deeper with their ideas.”After the sidewalk art competition finished, the students toured campus to explore majors and programs for an art career and learn how FHSU can help them develop their skills.The day concluded with students viewing the exhibition in Gross Memorial Coliseum and receiving prizes for their pieces. Cesar Morales, Garden City High School, won Best of Show and the $1,000 Earl O. and Winona M. Field Scholarship for his charcoal piece ‘No Time to Die.”Lauren Sargent, FHSU senior administrative assistant of art and design, was a principal organizer of the 50th&nbsp;High School Art Day and was instrumental in adding new elements to the tradition.“It feels good to offer more opportunities to prospective students,” she said. “We’ve added first, second, and third place awards to every school and a ‘Best of Show’ award. So many different people have come together to pull this off and help me, but it feels good to keep doing more and better every year.”Sargent said she wanted Art Day to encourage creativity in students by expanding their artistic capabilities.“We’re creative chaos here,” she said. "We encourage that communication and willingness to try anything and have fun with it. We hope it shows that our area at Fort Hays is the place to be, especially for young artists.”For additional information about High School Art Day, contact Lauren Sargent at 785-628-4247 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Itsargent@fhsu.edu">Itsargent@fhsu.edu</a>. More information can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0c9ggbtylcyjSPZlsvl2ucdCZlWrgm8XcPpgaVN8QQoh3QdcsUQNtlvZrQEPC4xhSg-3D-3D8PEP_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOz-2FRvktrox-2B-2BRNfZ88t-2FTds8rUXrjmD665eVeqfQ8GADkWkpzwVDPMs-2BiM4F2bD2-2BL6siz3uxxf0NO-2BT57OFuGFuKKSfcP9mLYO38xvP4wQ5bXxPHM5jXnFwTkQ31WcswyrZZP0TJKuBrKE5l9jEDJDcZM4bt7sqFdZCLeAzaiHkHO2HWEE0J5SbJeXsFqCEhMKA3vODid218T78W7WcsKRPv9s6BNChi1jhvmSROPb4FW4g8Cg7VPpy82arP1VO42Rl7P86i-2Fs0PqG9QHOLBxg-3D-3D">https://www.fhsu.edu/art-and-design/news-and-events/</a>.

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