TOPEKA — Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson has announced Kansas literacy rates continue to improve with fewer students scoring in Level 1 on the spring 2024 reading state assessments, marking a second straight year that number has decreased. &nbsp;

“This is good news as one of the state board of education’s goals is to move more Kansas students out of the lowest level of reading,” Watson said. “While the decrease in Level 1 reading results is slight, this is the second year in a row that measure has improved, which tells us we’re on the right track. We expect these results will continue to improve as more teachers transition to structured literacy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas State Board of Education invested $15 million in early literacy three years ago and committed an additional $10 million in 2024 to fund structured literacy training for Kansas teachers. Additionally, the board earlier this year approved a new licensure requirement for identified groups of educators requiring training in structured literacy or passing an exam measuring knowledge of structured literacy, beginning in 2028. &nbsp;

Structured literacy uses evidence-based science of reading principles that can be taught to all students, including those with dyslexia.&nbsp;

Watson’s announcement of the spring 2024 reading and math state assessment results coincided with his presentation of the Kansas State Department of Education’s 2023-24 annual report during this week’s Kansas State Board of Education’s monthly meeting.&nbsp; The Kansas assessment student performances are scored using four levels:&nbsp;

Students in the third through eighth grades and 10th&nbsp;grade take the reading and math state assessments annually each spring. &nbsp;

The 2024 ELA assessment results show that 33.6% of all students assessed scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 33.2% in 2023 and 32.1% in 2022.&nbsp;

The 2024 ELA results show a decrease in the number of students scoring at Level 1 to 32.8%. That’s down from 32.9% in 2023 and 33.9% in 2022. &nbsp;

The 2024 math assessment results show 31.6% of all students scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 31.3% in 2023 and 29.4% in 2022. &nbsp;

The 2024 math assessment results also show 33.2% of students scored at Level 1, a slight increase from 33.1% in 2023 but down from 34.2% in 2022.&nbsp;

The State Board’s goal to move more students out of Level 1 in reading, along with the initiative to increase the number of Kansas educators trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS®, is gaining momentum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As of Oct. 2024, an estimated 3,242 educators (including early childhood and administrators) had completed LETRS®&nbsp;training and have post-test scores. Another 12,141 educators (including early childhood and administrators) are in the process of getting trained in LETRS®. The LETRS®&nbsp;training is free for all Kansas educators as a result of federal ESSER funds. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Chronic absenteeism rates saw a three-year decline, going from 24.5% in 2022; 21.8% in 2023; and 19.7% in 2024. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the total number of days enrolled during the school year. It includes both excused, unexcused, out-of-school suspensions and in-school suspensions that last more than one-half of the school day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As a lag indicator, the 2023 graduation rate declined by 1.2 percentage points to 88.1%, including a 1.3 percentage point decrease for students with disabilities. However, the graduation rate for English language learners (ELL) increased by 1 percentage point. (Graduation rates for 2024 won’t be available until later this year.)&nbsp;

While the graduation rate decreased slightly, the number of Kansas high school students participating in postsecondary courses has increased every year since 2021. The number of students concurrently enrolled, dual enrolled and those enrolled in the Excel in CTE courses at the college level in 2024 was 38,002, up from 35,785 in 2023; 33,519 in 2022; and 32,603 in 2021. The number of credit hours these students earned also increased over the same four-year period – 332,615 in 2024; 306,904 in 2023; 289,456 in 2022 and 285,402 in 2021. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709132878234.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson has announced Kansas literacy rates continue to improve with fewer students scoring in Level 1 on the spring 2024 reading state assessments, marking a second straight year that number has decreased. &nbsp;“This is good news as one of the state board of education’s goals is to move more Kansas students out of the lowest level of reading,” Watson said. “While the decrease in Level 1 reading results is slight, this is the second year in a row that measure has improved, which tells us we’re on the right track. We expect these results will continue to improve as more teachers transition to structured literacy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas State Board of Education invested $15 million in early literacy three years ago and committed an additional $10 million in 2024 to fund structured literacy training for Kansas teachers. Additionally, the board earlier this year approved a new licensure requirement for identified groups of educators requiring training in structured literacy or passing an exam measuring knowledge of structured literacy, beginning in 2028. &nbsp;Structured literacy uses evidence-based science of reading principles that can be taught to all students, including those with dyslexia.&nbsp;Watson’s announcement of the spring 2024 reading and math state assessment results coincided with his presentation of the Kansas State Department of Education’s 2023-24 annual report during this week’s Kansas State Board of Education’s monthly meeting.&nbsp; The Kansas assessment student performances are scored using four levels:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>A student at Level 1 shows a limited ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>A student at Level 2 shows a basic ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>A student at Level 3 shows an effective ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>A student at Level 4 shows an excellent ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Students in the third through eighth grades and 10th&nbsp;grade take the reading and math state assessments annually each spring. &nbsp;The 2024 ELA assessment results show that 33.6% of all students assessed scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 33.2% in 2023 and 32.1% in 2022.&nbsp;The 2024 ELA results show a decrease in the number of students scoring at Level 1 to 32.8%. That’s down from 32.9% in 2023 and 33.9% in 2022. &nbsp;The 2024 math assessment results show 31.6% of all students scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 31.3% in 2023 and 29.4% in 2022. &nbsp;The 2024 math assessment results also show 33.2% of students scored at Level 1, a slight increase from 33.1% in 2023 but down from 34.2% in 2022.&nbsp;The State Board’s goal to move more students out of Level 1 in reading, along with the initiative to increase the number of Kansas educators trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS®, is gaining momentum.&nbsp;&nbsp;As of Oct. 2024, an estimated 3,242 educators (including early childhood and administrators) had completed LETRS®&nbsp;training and have post-test scores. Another 12,141 educators (including early childhood and administrators) are in the process of getting trained in LETRS®. The LETRS®&nbsp;training is free for all Kansas educators as a result of federal ESSER funds. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Chronic absenteeism rates saw a three-year decline, going from 24.5% in 2022; 21.8% in 2023; and 19.7% in 2024. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the total number of days enrolled during the school year. It includes both excused, unexcused, out-of-school suspensions and in-school suspensions that last more than one-half of the school day.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a lag indicator, the 2023 graduation rate declined by 1.2 percentage points to 88.1%, including a 1.3 percentage point decrease for students with disabilities. However, the graduation rate for English language learners (ELL) increased by 1 percentage point. (Graduation rates for 2024 won’t be available until later this year.)&nbsp;While the graduation rate decreased slightly, the number of Kansas high school students participating in postsecondary courses has increased every year since 2021. The number of students concurrently enrolled, dual enrolled and those enrolled in the Excel in CTE courses at the college level in 2024 was 38,002, up from 35,785 in 2023; 33,519 in 2022; and 32,603 in 2021. The number of credit hours these students earned also increased over the same four-year period – 332,615 in 2024; 306,904 in 2023; 289,456 in 2022 and 285,402 in 2021. &nbsp;

Kansas schools continue to improve  student literacy

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Offering family fun and pumpkin picking for the season, Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays is open for the rest of October.&nbsp;

Pa's Pumpkin Patch, owned by Jeff Copper, is a seasonal agritourism destination at 978 250th Ave. with family-friendly activities.

Brett and Amy Denham have managed Pa's Pumpkin Patch during the fall season for three years.

"It's a long distance to get to any other pumpkin patches. We want to serve our community and have something affordable where you can go out and have fun as a family," Brett said.

The pumpkin patch is open&nbsp;from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and&nbsp;from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Weekend admission is $7 per person, while family nights, Tuesdays, is $15 per family.

The pumpkin patch operates for five weekends each season, beginning on the last Saturday of September and continuing through Halloween.

Activities at the patch include hayrack rides, a corn maze, train rides, an RC track course, interactions with alpacas and goats, and photo booths.

"We've got several different photo booths set up. We know moms like getting family pictures," Brett said.

The pumpkin patch also features a fire pit for making s'mores and other concessions.

Brett said Copper is the "Pa" behind Pa's Pumpkin Patch, as he and his grandkids take charge of planting and caring for the pumpkins.

Brett said this year's growing season was a great success, with their largest pumpkin weighing 108 pounds.

"This is the best pumpkin season we've ever had with the amount of pumpkins and size. They are big and healthy," he said. "We didn't do anything different. We were blessed this year."

Large pumpkins are 50 cents per pound, and smaller pumpkins and gourds are also available.

Pa's Pumpkin Patch hosts field trips throughout the fall for schools, including special needs students. These trips allow students to explore and learn about agriculture.

Brett said Pa's Pumpkin Patch supports agritourism by offering local, affordable pumpkins paired with outdoor fun.

"We want to bring joy to families through our agriculture by spending time outside, growing pumpkins and learning about pumpkins," Brett said.

You can follow Pa's Pumpkin Patch on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067533002537">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728498211510.jpeg" alt="Group of kids in Pa's Pumpkin Patch's wagon in Hays. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Group of kids in Pa's Pumpkin Patch's wagon in Hays. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostOffering family fun and pumpkin picking for the season, Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays is open for the rest of October.&nbsp;Pa's Pumpkin Patch, owned by Jeff Copper, is a seasonal agritourism destination at 978 250th Ave. with family-friendly activities.Brett and Amy Denham have managed Pa's Pumpkin Patch during the fall season for three years."It's a long distance to get to any other pumpkin patches. We want to serve our community and have something affordable where you can go out and have fun as a family," Brett said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728498248231.jpeg" alt="Three kids riding Pa's Pumpkin Patch wagon in Hays. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Three kids riding Pa's Pumpkin Patch wagon in Hays. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The pumpkin patch is open&nbsp;from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and&nbsp;from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays.Weekend admission is $7 per person, while family nights, Tuesdays, is $15 per family.The pumpkin patch operates for five weekends each season, beginning on the last Saturday of September and continuing through Halloween.Activities at the patch include hayrack rides, a corn maze, train rides, an RC track course, interactions with alpacas and goats, and photo booths.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728498582750.jpeg" alt="The entrance to Pa's Pumpkin Patch's corn maze in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The entrance to Pa's Pumpkin Patch's corn maze in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728498289632.jpeg" alt="A child interacting with an alpaca at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A child interacting with an alpaca at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728498410138.jpeg" alt="A train with kids inside at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>A train with kids inside at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728498450030.jpeg" alt="Two kids in a scarecrow photo booth at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Two kids in a scarecrow photo booth at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"We've got several different photo booths set up. We know moms like getting family pictures," Brett said.The pumpkin patch also features a fire pit for making s'mores and other concessions.Brett said Copper is the "Pa" behind Pa's Pumpkin Patch, as he and his grandkids take charge of planting and caring for the pumpkins.Brett said this year's growing season was a great success, with their largest pumpkin weighing 108 pounds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728498479655.jpeg" alt="Rows of pumpkins at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays.&nbsp;at Pa's Pumpkin Patch. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rows of pumpkins at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Hays.&nbsp;at Pa's Pumpkin Patch. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"This is the best pumpkin season we've ever had with the amount of pumpkins and size. They are big and healthy," he said. "We didn't do anything different. We were blessed this year."Large pumpkins are 50 cents per pound, and smaller pumpkins and gourds are also available.Pa's Pumpkin Patch hosts field trips throughout the fall for schools, including special needs students. These trips allow students to explore and learn about agriculture.Brett said Pa's Pumpkin Patch supports agritourism by offering local, affordable pumpkins paired with outdoor fun."We want to bring joy to families through our agriculture by spending time outside, growing pumpkins and learning about pumpkins," Brett said.You can follow Pa's Pumpkin Patch on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067533002537">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728498622360.jpeg" alt="Pa's Pumpkin Patch's tractor and wagon in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Pa's Pumpkin Patch's tractor and wagon in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Pa's Pumpkin Patch open through Halloween for family nights

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, in partnership with the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs and the Department of Communication Studies, Law, &amp; Political Science, invites the public to attend the Fall Election Forum on Monday, Oct. 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main St.

This event offers voters in Ellis County the opportunity to hear from Incumbent County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling and her challenger, Laura Allen.

Both candidates will respond to a variety of questions, with the discussion moderated by Sarah Wasinger, President and CEO of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas.

The forum aims to provide local residents with the information they need to make informed decisions for the upcoming election.

“The Chamber is dedicated to ensuring that our members and the community are well-informed on important local issues. This forum provides a valuable platform for voters to hear directly from the candidates,” Wasinger said. “We encourage everyone to participate by attending and submitting questions for the candidates.”

The event is free to the public, and light refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs and The Chamber in Hays.

The Chamber also extends a special thanks to event sponsors Midwest Energy, Inc., and The Hays Daily News for their support.

Voters are encouraged to submit their questions for the candidates by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>.

For more information, please contact The Chamber in Hays at (785) 628-8201.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722997903334.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Chamber in Hays, Kansas, in partnership with the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs and the Department of Communication Studies, Law, &amp; Political Science, invites the public to attend the Fall Election Forum on Monday, Oct. 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main St.This event offers voters in Ellis County the opportunity to hear from Incumbent County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling and her challenger, Laura Allen.Both candidates will respond to a variety of questions, with the discussion moderated by Sarah Wasinger, President and CEO of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas.The forum aims to provide local residents with the information they need to make informed decisions for the upcoming election.“The Chamber is dedicated to ensuring that our members and the community are well-informed on important local issues. This forum provides a valuable platform for voters to hear directly from the candidates,” Wasinger said. “We encourage everyone to participate by attending and submitting questions for the candidates.”The event is free to the public, and light refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Fort Hays State University Docking Institute of Public Affairs and The Chamber in Hays.The Chamber also extends a special thanks to event sponsors Midwest Energy, Inc., and The Hays Daily News for their support.Voters are encouraged to submit their questions for the candidates by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sarah@hayschamber.com">sarah@hayschamber.com</a>.For more information, please contact The Chamber in Hays at (785) 628-8201.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Fall Election Forum set for Oct. 14

Kansas Health
Care Association and Kansas Center for Assisted Living are pleased to announce
that Representative Troy Waymaster has been awarded the prestigious Legislative
Champion Award for his outstanding commitment to advancing senior causes in
Kansas. The award was presented during the 74th KHCA/KCAL Annual Convention
and Trade Show September 27, &nbsp;2024 in Mulvane KS. 

The Legislative
Champion Award is given annually to legislators who demonstrate exceptional
leadership and dedication to the value and mission of the Kansas Health Care Association
and Kansas Center for Assisted Living particularly, in advocating for fair and
equitable funding for long term care as well as home and community-based
services. He is a strong advocate for residents living in senior care across Kansas.

“We are
honored to recognize Representative Waymaster for his relentless effort in
championing the causes of KHCA/KCAL members,” said Linda MowBray KHCA/KCAL President
and CEO. “His leadership has been instrumental in helping to provide stable,
secure funding for our long-term care residents and providers. The outcome has
been impactful and stabilizing for the nearly 300 nursing homes and over 450
Assisted Living Communities across the state.

Representative
Waymaster has been a strong advocate for long-term care and works closely with
key stakeholders to ensure that fair and equitable funding is secured for senior
care providers. He makes sure that the issues of the nursing homes and assisted
livings rise to the top and are not forgotten despite the enormous number of
issues presented to him.

&nbsp;His efforts have led to stabilization across
the long-term care continuum and are benefiting all Kansans. In accepting this
award Representative Waymaster expressed gratitude for the care provided to
seniors. He spoke of his own personal experiences and reaffirmed his commitment
to continuing the work on senior care issues. “It’s an honor to receive this
award from KHCA/KCAL,” said Waymaster. “I remain committed to ensure that all
Kansans have access to quality, affordable care.”

Kansas Health Care Association and
Kansas Center for Assisted Living represent for-profit and not-for-profit
nursing homes, assisted living, residential health care, home plus, and nursing
facilities for mental health communities across the state. KHCA/KCAL is the
oldest nursing home trade association in Kansas and have over 265 member
communities. KHCA/KCAL members care for nearly 20,000 elders across the state
24 hours a day with an employee team of over 20,000 workers. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas Health
Care Association and Kansas Center for Assisted Living are pleased to announce
that Representative Troy Waymaster has been awarded the prestigious Legislative
Champion Award for his outstanding commitment to advancing senior causes in
Kansas. The award was presented during the 74th KHCA/KCAL Annual Convention
and Trade Show September 27, &nbsp;2024 in Mulvane KS. The Legislative
Champion Award is given annually to legislators who demonstrate exceptional
leadership and dedication to the value and mission of the Kansas Health Care Association
and Kansas Center for Assisted Living particularly, in advocating for fair and
equitable funding for long term care as well as home and community-based
services. He is a strong advocate for residents living in senior care across Kansas.“We are
honored to recognize Representative Waymaster for his relentless effort in
championing the causes of KHCA/KCAL members,” said Linda MowBray KHCA/KCAL President
and CEO. “His leadership has been instrumental in helping to provide stable,
secure funding for our long-term care residents and providers. The outcome has
been impactful and stabilizing for the nearly 300 nursing homes and over 450
Assisted Living Communities across the state.Representative
Waymaster has been a strong advocate for long-term care and works closely with
key stakeholders to ensure that fair and equitable funding is secured for senior
care providers. He makes sure that the issues of the nursing homes and assisted
livings rise to the top and are not forgotten despite the enormous number of
issues presented to him.&nbsp;His efforts have led to stabilization across
the long-term care continuum and are benefiting all Kansans. In accepting this
award Representative Waymaster expressed gratitude for the care provided to
seniors. He spoke of his own personal experiences and reaffirmed his commitment
to continuing the work on senior care issues. “It’s an honor to receive this
award from KHCA/KCAL,” said Waymaster. “I remain committed to ensure that all
Kansans have access to quality, affordable care.”Kansas Health Care Association and
Kansas Center for Assisted Living represent for-profit and not-for-profit
nursing homes, assisted living, residential health care, home plus, and nursing
facilities for mental health communities across the state. KHCA/KCAL is the
oldest nursing home trade association in Kansas and have over 265 member
communities. KHCA/KCAL members care for nearly 20,000 elders across the state
24 hours a day with an employee team of over 20,000 workers.

Rep. Waymaster honored with Legislative Champion Award

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

Jorja Burch grew up in Pratt, Kansas, where the warmth of the community and the steadfast support of her parents, Verlan and Starla Elliott, created a nurturing environment for her to flourish.

From an early age, Jorja displayed a natural curiosity that propelled her into the world of science. A middle school science fair project that compared household bleach brands' effectiveness against stubborn Kool-Aid stains piqued her interest in understanding the “why” behind everyday things.

“I always had to understand why something worked the way it did. And my desire to dig deeper grew with every question,” Jorja reflected. Driven by this insatiable thirst for knowledge, she learned about the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) and knew this unique program was where she belonged. “I wanted a learning experience tailored to me: small class sizes where I could communicate with peers and professors and hands-on research experience.”

KAMS was no ordinary educational experience. Designed for gifted and talented students, it offered early college immersion, college-level courses, and, notably, hands-on research experience. The residential community welcomed her with open arms—a blend of intellectual rigor and camaraderie that spoke to her nature.

“From day one, I felt inspired and enthusiastic about learning,” she said, recalling her impressions of Fort Hays State University’s (FHSU) vibrant campus. “Small class sizes allowed me to engage meaningfully with my peers and professors.”

Jorja describes KAMS as “an incredible experience that taught me how to ask critical questions and design experiments, and it made me a stronger scientist overall. KAMS built the foundation, and FHSU expanded on it, which ultimately prepared me to be successful in graduate school and beyond.”

Jorja dove into plant biology research. She polished her technical skills in molecular and cellular biology labs, uncovering a passion cultivated with each experiment. She thrived in a culture emphasizing collaboration, assisting her peers first as a student and later as a tutor. “It was rewarding to give back, supporting other students in subjects I had grown to love,” she noted.

Jorja completed her bachelor's degree at FHSU in 2021. She served as a VIP Ambassador for the Office of the President and as the Chemistry/Pre-Professional Club president. Under her leadership, the club organized several volunteer and outreach initiatives, instilling in her the importance of community engagement. The Honors College experience further enriched her education, focusing on personal growth and mentorship.

Throughout her undergraduate years, Jorja showcased her determination and capability. She presented her research findings at various conferences, connecting with fellow scientists and

mentors, one of whom was Dr. Amidon, whose advice she still cherishes. “He shaped my entry into the workforce and provided invaluable insights into navigating my academic journey,” Jorja reminisced.

In 2021, Jorja embarked on her Ph.D. journey at Texas A&amp;M University, a decision driven by her commitment to research and her desire to expand her understanding of evolutionary biology. “I was accepted straight out of my bachelor’s program,” she said. “That was such an honor; it meant I could jump into intensive research without taking a couple of extra years to pursue a master’s degree.”

The path to her Ph.D. has been built not only on her academic achievements but has also laid a strong groundwork for future success. Recently recognized with the Lawrence S. Dillon Distinguished Graduate Student Award at Texas A&amp;M, she looks forward to defending her doctoral dissertation in November 2024.

Yet Jorja’s path hasn’t been devoid of challenges. “I have always struggled with setting boundaries between my research and my personal life.”

“I remember being completely overwhelmed with coursework and career planning in my second year of the KAMS program. I sat in Will Burns’ office, planning my next two years of classes, when he suggested that I wait to take organic chemistry and instead take a yoga class to try to relax. Completely appalled by this suggestion, I left to consider my options, and the next week, I enrolled in organic chemistry for the following semester. I passed the class, vowed never to take another chemistry course, and switched my study from pre-medicine to biology. Had I never made this switch, I might've never found the research I am passionate about.”

Despite not following Will’s advice, Jorja recognizes his wisdom and shares that finding ways to destress is a skill she is still cultivating. While continuing to hone this skill, she encourages future generations to embrace moments of clarity and rest amidst the whirlwind of academia. “Taking time to destress is so important. I wish I had prioritized that sooner,” she adds thoughtfully, with the wisdom of her experiences resonating through her words.

“I think about the moments of joy and struggle, the teachers who believed in me, the peers who supported me,” she said, reflecting on her journey. “Every step, every question asked has brought me to this point. I am so grateful to KAMS for providing the foundation upon which I built my career and to FHSU for expanding my horizons. It’s a network of support that I carry with me everywhere.”

As her dissertation defense approaches in November 2024, Jorja embodies all the promises of a scientist on the precipice of a bright future. She is not just a researcher but an educator, an advocate for young students striving for their dreams in STEM, and a mentor in the making.

Jorja’s unwavering dedication to research and education ensures she will leave her mark in evolutionary biology and inspire countless others to follow their dreams and explore the infinite possibilities that await them.

Jorja Burch embodies the heart of an FHSU tiger through her resilience, passion, and pursuit of knowledge. From her roots in Pratt, Kansas, to the expansive research landscapes of Texas A&amp;M University and beyond, she continues to push boundaries, redefine what’s possible, and inspire others with her journey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentJorja Burch grew up in Pratt, Kansas, where the warmth of the community and the steadfast support of her parents, Verlan and Starla Elliott, created a nurturing environment for her to flourish.From an early age, Jorja displayed a natural curiosity that propelled her into the world of science. A middle school science fair project that compared household bleach brands' effectiveness against stubborn Kool-Aid stains piqued her interest in understanding the “why” behind everyday things.“I always had to understand why something worked the way it did. And my desire to dig deeper grew with every question,” Jorja reflected. Driven by this insatiable thirst for knowledge, she learned about the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) and knew this unique program was where she belonged. “I wanted a learning experience tailored to me: small class sizes where I could communicate with peers and professors and hands-on research experience.”KAMS was no ordinary educational experience. Designed for gifted and talented students, it offered early college immersion, college-level courses, and, notably, hands-on research experience. The residential community welcomed her with open arms—a blend of intellectual rigor and camaraderie that spoke to her nature.“From day one, I felt inspired and enthusiastic about learning,” she said, recalling her impressions of Fort Hays State University’s (FHSU) vibrant campus. “Small class sizes allowed me to engage meaningfully with my peers and professors.”Jorja describes KAMS as “an incredible experience that taught me how to ask critical questions and design experiments, and it made me a stronger scientist overall. KAMS built the foundation, and FHSU expanded on it, which ultimately prepared me to be successful in graduate school and beyond.”Jorja dove into plant biology research. She polished her technical skills in molecular and cellular biology labs, uncovering a passion cultivated with each experiment. She thrived in a culture emphasizing collaboration, assisting her peers first as a student and later as a tutor. “It was rewarding to give back, supporting other students in subjects I had grown to love,” she noted.Jorja completed her bachelor's degree at FHSU in 2021. She served as a VIP Ambassador for the Office of the President and as the Chemistry/Pre-Professional Club president. Under her leadership, the club organized several volunteer and outreach initiatives, instilling in her the importance of community engagement. The Honors College experience further enriched her education, focusing on personal growth and mentorship.Throughout her undergraduate years, Jorja showcased her determination and capability. She presented her research findings at various conferences, connecting with fellow scientists andmentors, one of whom was Dr. Amidon, whose advice she still cherishes. “He shaped my entry into the workforce and provided invaluable insights into navigating my academic journey,” Jorja reminisced.In 2021, Jorja embarked on her Ph.D. journey at Texas A&amp;M University, a decision driven by her commitment to research and her desire to expand her understanding of evolutionary biology. “I was accepted straight out of my bachelor’s program,” she said. “That was such an honor; it meant I could jump into intensive research without taking a couple of extra years to pursue a master’s degree.”The path to her Ph.D. has been built not only on her academic achievements but has also laid a strong groundwork for future success. Recently recognized with the Lawrence S. Dillon Distinguished Graduate Student Award at Texas A&amp;M, she looks forward to defending her doctoral dissertation in November 2024.Yet Jorja’s path hasn’t been devoid of challenges. “I have always struggled with setting boundaries between my research and my personal life.”“I remember being completely overwhelmed with coursework and career planning in my second year of the KAMS program. I sat in Will Burns’ office, planning my next two years of classes, when he suggested that I wait to take organic chemistry and instead take a yoga class to try to relax. Completely appalled by this suggestion, I left to consider my options, and the next week, I enrolled in organic chemistry for the following semester. I passed the class, vowed never to take another chemistry course, and switched my study from pre-medicine to biology. Had I never made this switch, I might've never found the research I am passionate about.”Despite not following Will’s advice, Jorja recognizes his wisdom and shares that finding ways to destress is a skill she is still cultivating. While continuing to hone this skill, she encourages future generations to embrace moments of clarity and rest amidst the whirlwind of academia. “Taking time to destress is so important. I wish I had prioritized that sooner,” she adds thoughtfully, with the wisdom of her experiences resonating through her words.“I think about the moments of joy and struggle, the teachers who believed in me, the peers who supported me,” she said, reflecting on her journey. “Every step, every question asked has brought me to this point. I am so grateful to KAMS for providing the foundation upon which I built my career and to FHSU for expanding my horizons. It’s a network of support that I carry with me everywhere.”As her dissertation defense approaches in November 2024, Jorja embodies all the promises of a scientist on the precipice of a bright future. She is not just a researcher but an educator, an advocate for young students striving for their dreams in STEM, and a mentor in the making.Jorja’s unwavering dedication to research and education ensures she will leave her mark in evolutionary biology and inspire countless others to follow their dreams and explore the infinite possibilities that await them.Jorja Burch embodies the heart of an FHSU tiger through her resilience, passion, and pursuit of knowledge. From her roots in Pratt, Kansas, to the expansive research landscapes of Texas A&amp;M University and beyond, she continues to push boundaries, redefine what’s possible, and inspire others with her journey.

Heart of a Tiger: Kansas Academy of Math and Science alum ready to make her mark on the world

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728584055838.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

For
the last nearly 15 years, I have had the honor of serving your community.&nbsp; I’ve represented you, your family members,
and your neighbors on all sorts of legal matters ranging from speeding tickets
and traffic matters, to minors in possession of alcohol, to drug possession and
distribution cases, to Children in Need of Care hearings, to juvenile offender
matters, to some of the most heartbreaking criminal cases that plague every
community.&nbsp; I’ve been a lifelong Western
Kansas kid, and have enjoyed helping the residents of Trego County with all of
their legal matters.

Without
a doubt, one of the people that keeps Trego County on the right path is Judge
Richard Flax.&nbsp; He’s been your judge since
he was elected in 1996, and has done an admirable job in that position.

If
you would ask any attorney that appears regularly in front of Judge Flax, I
have no doubt any of them will tell you the same thing: Judge Flax is fair.
Judge Flax is honest. Judge Flax is well prepared for every hearing. Every
plaintiff and every defendant will be given their chance to be heard in Judge
Flax’s courtroom.

In
many ways, Judge Flax embodies the spirit of the community.&nbsp; He’s not a politician, not someone to ever
talk about himself, so you’ll never hear him brag about his accomplishments,
accolades, or awards. Few in Trego County know Judge Flax was awarded the Lee
Nusser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge last year, because he would never
bring it up.

I
will tell you, that combination of professionalism, with that level of humility
is exactly why his colleagues gave him that award.&nbsp; 

A
vote for Richard Flax is a vote for integrity, honesty, and fairness. Having
someone you know will provide all of that to your community is not something
that can be found around any corner.&nbsp; On
November 5, 2024, I would encourage you to vote for Richard Flax for Trego
County Magistrate Judge. 

J.
Alex Herman Herman
&amp; McCoy, P.A.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Voters
of Trego County:For
the last nearly 15 years, I have had the honor of serving your community.&nbsp; I’ve represented you, your family members,
and your neighbors on all sorts of legal matters ranging from speeding tickets
and traffic matters, to minors in possession of alcohol, to drug possession and
distribution cases, to Children in Need of Care hearings, to juvenile offender
matters, to some of the most heartbreaking criminal cases that plague every
community.&nbsp; I’ve been a lifelong Western
Kansas kid, and have enjoyed helping the residents of Trego County with all of
their legal matters.Without
a doubt, one of the people that keeps Trego County on the right path is Judge
Richard Flax.&nbsp; He’s been your judge since
he was elected in 1996, and has done an admirable job in that position.If
you would ask any attorney that appears regularly in front of Judge Flax, I
have no doubt any of them will tell you the same thing: Judge Flax is fair.
Judge Flax is honest. Judge Flax is well prepared for every hearing. Every
plaintiff and every defendant will be given their chance to be heard in Judge
Flax’s courtroom.In
many ways, Judge Flax embodies the spirit of the community.&nbsp; He’s not a politician, not someone to ever
talk about himself, so you’ll never hear him brag about his accomplishments,
accolades, or awards. Few in Trego County know Judge Flax was awarded the Lee
Nusser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge last year, because he would never
bring it up.I
will tell you, that combination of professionalism, with that level of humility
is exactly why his colleagues gave him that award.&nbsp; A
vote for Richard Flax is a vote for integrity, honesty, and fairness. Having
someone you know will provide all of that to your community is not something
that can be found around any corner.&nbsp; On
November 5, 2024, I would encourage you to vote for Richard Flax for Trego
County Magistrate Judge. J.
Alex Herman Herman
&amp; McCoy, P.A.

LETTER: Re-elect Richard Flax, Magistrate Judge

FHSU crime log Oct. 4-10, 2024

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">By GRACE HILLS</a> Kansas Reflector

With the general election less than a month away, and the deadline to register to vote less than a week away, here are some steps to develop a plan to vote.&nbsp;

Kansans have until Tuesday, Oct. 15, to register to vote. Voter registration closes 21 days before Election Day.&nbsp;

Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/" target="_blank">register online</a>&nbsp;with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf" target="_blank">mail in their registration</a>&nbsp;in English or Spanish to their local county election office — as long as it’s postmarked by Oct. 15 — or register in person at their local county election office.&nbsp;

If already signed up, Kansas can check on their voter registration status at the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;

If a voter is currently 17 but will be 18 before the day of the general election, Nov. 5, they are able to register.&nbsp;

Anyone living in Kansas can register to vote in Kansas elections – regardless of how long they’ve lived in the state. Kansans with federal or state felony convictions are not allowed to vote and should not register.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/av1.pdf" target="_blank">Mail-in ballots applications</a>&nbsp;should be postmarked and sent to county election officials by Nov. 5, Election Day. Voters must sign the outside of the envelope, so that voting officials can verify their signature. The deadline to submit an advance voting by mail application is Oct. 29. Mail-in ballots can be tracked on the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;

Any Kansas voters living out of state should request a mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to voters on Oct. 16. They should mail the filled out ballot back to their county election officials.&nbsp;

Check with your County Clerk to see when early voting begins. Saline County early voting begins Oct. 21.

In-person advance voting begins on Oct. 16 in select counties. All counties must offer advance in-person voting no later than Oct. 29, one week before Election Day.

Voters should contact their county election officials for details on where and when their county offers advance in person voting, and the Secretary of State’s office will release a list of all counties offering advance in person voting closer to Oct. 16.

Photo identification is required for all in-person voting. Advance voting will close at noon on Nov. 4.

Voters must vote at the polling location associated with their address on their registration. Voters can check their polling locations through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.

Upon arrival, voters are expected to show photo identification. They can bring a driver’s license – which can be issued by another state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — a U.S. passport, military ID, Native American tribal ID card, a government employee badge, a student identification card from a postsecondary institution in Kansas, a concealed carry license – again, issued by any state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — or a public assistance identification card.

Voters can check what their ballot will look like through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.&nbsp;

Many candidates and their policies have been covered by the Kansas Reflector, and can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/category/elections/election-2024/">election 2024 tab.</a>&nbsp;An updated candidate list, including their contact information, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections_upcoming_candidate.aspx" target="_blank">Secretary of State website</a>.

Voting locations are to be open as early as 6 a.m., and they may close as late as 8 p.m. All polling locations must be open for at least 12 consecutive hours. If a voter is in line before the polling location closes and there is a line, all voters in line when a polling location closes are entitled to vote.&nbsp;

Each polling place must be accessible for all voters with disabilities. Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell and Seward Counties must all provide alternative language assistance.&nbsp;

The ACLU of Kansas will provide a statewide, nonpartisan election protection hotline. If a voter believes their voting rights have been violated, they can call the ACLU’s hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712114185032.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">By GRACE HILLS</a> Kansas ReflectorWith the general election less than a month away, and the deadline to register to vote less than a week away, here are some steps to develop a plan to vote.&nbsp;<h2>Registering to vote</h2>Kansans have until Tuesday, Oct. 15, to register to vote. Voter registration closes 21 days before Election Day.&nbsp;Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/" target="_blank">register online</a>&nbsp;with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf" target="_blank">mail in their registration</a>&nbsp;in English or Spanish to their local county election office — as long as it’s postmarked by Oct. 15 — or register in person at their local county election office.&nbsp;If already signed up, Kansas can check on their voter registration status at the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;If a voter is currently 17 but will be 18 before the day of the general election, Nov. 5, they are able to register.&nbsp;Anyone living in Kansas can register to vote in Kansas elections – regardless of how long they’ve lived in the state. Kansans with federal or state felony convictions are not allowed to vote and should not register.&nbsp;<h2>Mail-in, absentee and advance voting</h2><a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/av1.pdf" target="_blank">Mail-in ballots applications</a>&nbsp;should be postmarked and sent to county election officials by Nov. 5, Election Day. Voters must sign the outside of the envelope, so that voting officials can verify their signature. The deadline to submit an advance voting by mail application is Oct. 29. Mail-in ballots can be tracked on the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;Any Kansas voters living out of state should request a mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to voters on Oct. 16. They should mail the filled out ballot back to their county election officials.&nbsp;Check with your County Clerk to see when early voting begins. Saline County early voting begins Oct. 21.In-person advance voting begins on Oct. 16 in select counties. All counties must offer advance in-person voting no later than Oct. 29, one week before Election Day.Voters should contact their county election officials for details on where and when their county offers advance in person voting, and the Secretary of State’s office will release a list of all counties offering advance in person voting closer to Oct. 16.Photo identification is required for all in-person voting. Advance voting will close at noon on Nov. 4.<h2>Election Day voting</h2>Voters must vote at the polling location associated with their address on their registration. Voters can check their polling locations through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.Upon arrival, voters are expected to show photo identification. They can bring a driver’s license – which can be issued by another state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — a U.S. passport, military ID, Native American tribal ID card, a government employee badge, a student identification card from a postsecondary institution in Kansas, a concealed carry license – again, issued by any state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — or a public assistance identification card.<h2>Who’s on your ballot</h2>Voters can check what their ballot will look like through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.&nbsp;Many candidates and their policies have been covered by the Kansas Reflector, and can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/category/elections/election-2024/">election 2024 tab.</a>&nbsp;An updated candidate list, including their contact information, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections_upcoming_candidate.aspx" target="_blank">Secretary of State website</a>.<h2>Voters’ rights</h2>Voting locations are to be open as early as 6 a.m., and they may close as late as 8 p.m. All polling locations must be open for at least 12 consecutive hours. If a voter is in line before the polling location closes and there is a line, all voters in line when a polling location closes are entitled to vote.&nbsp;Each polling place must be accessible for all voters with disabilities. Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell and Seward Counties must all provide alternative language assistance.&nbsp;The ACLU of Kansas will provide a statewide, nonpartisan election protection hotline. If a voter believes their voting rights have been violated, they can call the ACLU’s hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Know these steps if you plan to vote in Kansas this election season

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">Women Who Lead</a> nonprofit has assembled a group of women attacking hunger in Ellis County on multiple fronts.

They call their committee the Women Who Feed.

The effort resulted from a meeting of community resource leaders led by the Heartland Community Foundation about food insecurity in Ellis County.

Women Who Feed cochairwoman Mary Ann Shorman said the group learned from that meeting Early Childhood Connections was no longer receiving food backpacks for its children.

When Early Childhood Connections was part of a K-12 school, their students qualified for a food program through the Kansas Food Bank. However, that ended when it moved to the program's new location on 13th Street.

Shorman said Early Childhood Connections initially identified 15 children who would benefit from having backpacks filled with simple meals and snacks to take home over the weekend.

This included mac and cheese, applesauce, Vienna sausages or granola bars.

Women Who Lead funded the food program for the spring 2024 semester and all of the 2024-25 school year.

"We are just thrilled to have it back," said Donna Hudson-Hamilton, Early Childhood Connections director. "It's operating so smoothly with the help of the Westside students, and we're just glad we can provide that for those children who are food insecure over the weekend."

Shorman said she thought about her grandchildren when she learned about the food needs in Hays.

"When I think about a kid being hungry, it really kind of breaks my heart," she said. "I think about my grandkids and they can go to my snack drawer anytime and eat something.

"I think about kids from families who don't have that luxury. It makes me feel good to be able to know that we're helping. We're not solving it. It's not going to go away. We're helping alleviate some of that stress."

The Women Who Lead has also partnered with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047485065448690">Feeding Hays</a> through St. <a href="https://www.stmichaelshays.org">Michael's Episcopal Church</a>, 2900 Canal Blvd.

The program offers free dinners from 6:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through a drive-through service based at the church. There are no income requirements for the meals. You can pre-order meals at&nbsp;785-259-1964, but pre-orders aren't necessary.

Volunteers prepare and serve the meals, and much of the food is donated. Those who wish can donate cash to the project when they pick up meals. Those funds go toward paying off student lunch debt at Hays USD 489.

Most of the meals are spaghetti dinners with a vegetable and cookies. However, it varies on occasion.

Women Who Lead has already provided one meal in cooperation with Feeding Hays. The charity paid for all the ingredients for a loaded baked potato meal, and volunteers prepared, served and worked cleanup that Thursday night.

The group served 200 meals that night. They cooked 57 pounds of hamburger the night they sponsored the meal.

The Options domestic violence shelter, residents from the Schwaller Center and firefighters picks up meals on Thursday nights from Feeding Hays.

Any leftover meals go to First Call for Help, another Hays nonprofit, to be picked up on a first-come-first-serve basis.

"I'm just amazed. It's for everybody. I really feel that way," Joslyn Brungardt, Women Who Feed cochairperson, said. "We feed all kinds. We feed the elderly. We feed families that are in need. We feed mothers that are behind and are trying to get to ball games and get their kids. We feed dads that had the kids that week."

She said she was handing out meals one night, and an older gentleman just wanted someone to talk to. He said he hadn't seen anyone in three months.

"I grabbed his hand and said, 'Would you like a couple of extra meals to put in your fridge so you have something to warm up?' He said, "I haven't heard from my kids or anything in three months, and I was just kind of lonely.' He grabbed my hand and just wanted to know that someone saw him and cared about him."

Some busy moms are trying to pick up kids from sports and activities and they just need help with dinner one night a week, she said.

"You know what is amazing. Those people who probably have nothing, give Ben (Houchen) a $5 bill or a $2 bill," Brungardt said.

"There are people who take advantage of the system, but there are a lot of people who don't, and they just need a little bit of help," she said.

The Women Who Feed committee plans to support a Feeding Hays meal once a quarter. This fall they are planning sloppy joes. Chicken and noodles is planned for this winter, Brungardt said.

Brungardt said being involved in Women Who Feed and Feeding Hays was a way to become more involved in the community.&nbsp;

"Food insecurity is a problem," she said. "But it's just being kind to someone who needs a helping hand."

The committee has also created meal kits that are being distributed through <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a>.

"The cost of groceries has gone up so much," Macey Pfeifer, First Call for Help executive director, said. "That's hitting everyone, not just low-income families."

Pfeifer, a Women Who Lead member, said First Call for Help is looking for ways to keep its pantries stocked.

The kit includes everything needed to cook a hot meal, including a disposable baking pan and the recipe.&nbsp;

Some meals include spaghetti, pizza, chicken enchiladas, tuna and noodles, taco soup, chicken alfredo, and ham and beans.

The committee plans to donate 20 meal kits per month.

"The meal kits will be really nice because with the food boxes, we give out food, but there are not a lot of nice meals you can make out of that. Here's a box of macaroni. If you want, you can mix some tuna in that. It's random and sporadic. We don't always have everything."

In addition, the committee has donated birthday boxes for both boys and girls.

These kits include everything needed to bake a birthday cake, a happy birthday banner, candles, balloons, a birthday card and a small toy.

These kits were inspired by a mother who had forgotten her child's birthday and didn't have the resources to buy or make a cake.

First Call for Help maintains a year-round food pantry at 607 E. 13th Street and sponsors an annual Battle of the Businesses community food drive.

First Call for Help does not require food recipients to provide proof of income for food. However, they do need to show a valid government-issued ID or driver's license.

The amount of food in a food box is based on the number of people in a household.

People can come in for food, hygiene items and diapers once a month.

This summer, Women Who Lead members surpassed the number of food items that were collectively donated through all of the businesses last year with&nbsp;2,481 items.

"We were getting by, but I think with their contributions to us have really helped out. It'll really make a difference in people's lives that need it," Pfeifer said.

Since the inception of the Women Who Lead, formerly the Wonder Women League, the group has donated numerous times to the school food pantries.

The group also participated in the Delta Zeta food drive for the Fort Hays State University food pantry in August. It is collecting food items for the Ellis food pantry in October.

Women Who Lead also paid for an additional warming bag for the First Call for Help Meals on Wheels program.&nbsp;

This allowed the program to add a route to serve 16 more people.

Women Who Lead has also provided volunteers every quarter to deliver food for a week.

Pfeifer said First Call for Help is always looking for volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels. You can call 785-623-2800&nbsp;for more information. Individuals or groups can sign up. Hours of delivery are 10:30 a.m. to noon. Pfeifer said she likes people to sign up for a week at a time or for a group to share a week of shifts.

"We don't see this as just one big project," Shorman said. "Food insecurity is not just going to go away. Honestly, there is more food insecurity than I was ever aware of."

Brungradt wanted to ensure she acknowledged all the Women Who Lead members who make the projects the committee sponsors successful.&nbsp;

Today, there are more than 160 women in Women Who Lead. You can learn more about the nonprofit on its <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">website</a> or follow the group on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenwholead.org">Facebook.</a>

Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of Women Who Lead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819199598.jpeg" alt="Members of Women Who Lead volunteer for Feeding Hays program at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. The program is providing about 200 free meals every Thursday night in Hays.&nbsp;Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Members of Women Who Lead volunteer for Feeding Hays program at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. The program is providing about 200 free meals every Thursday night in Hays.&nbsp;Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">Women Who Lead</a> nonprofit has assembled a group of women attacking hunger in Ellis County on multiple fronts.They call their committee the Women Who Feed.The effort resulted from a meeting of community resource leaders led by the Heartland Community Foundation about food insecurity in Ellis County.Women Who Feed cochairwoman Mary Ann Shorman said the group learned from that meeting Early Childhood Connections was no longer receiving food backpacks for its children.When Early Childhood Connections was part of a K-12 school, their students qualified for a food program through the Kansas Food Bank. However, that ended when it moved to the program's new location on 13th Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819417529.jpeg" alt="Members of Women Who Lead Cathy Van Doren and Mary Shorman present a check for $5,000 to the Hays USD 489 school district to provide weekend backpacks full of food for the children served by the Early Childhood Connections program. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Members of Women Who Lead Cathy Van Doren and Mary Shorman present a check for $5,000 to the Hays USD 489 school district to provide weekend backpacks full of food for the children served by the Early Childhood Connections program. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Shorman said Early Childhood Connections initially identified 15 children who would benefit from having backpacks filled with simple meals and snacks to take home over the weekend.This included mac and cheese, applesauce, Vienna sausages or granola bars.Women Who Lead funded the food program for the spring 2024 semester and all of the 2024-25 school year.Westside students pack all the meals."We are just thrilled to have it back," said Donna Hudson-Hamilton, Early Childhood Connections director. "It's operating so smoothly with the help of the Westside students, and we're just glad we can provide that for those children who are food insecure over the weekend."Shorman said she thought about her grandchildren when she learned about the food needs in Hays."When I think about a kid being hungry, it really kind of breaks my heart," she said. "I think about my grandkids and they can go to my snack drawer anytime and eat something."I think about kids from families who don't have that luxury. It makes me feel good to be able to know that we're helping. We're not solving it. It's not going to go away. We're helping alleviate some of that stress."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819494244.jpeg" alt="Members of Women Who Lead prepare cookies for the Feeding Hays program at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. The program is providing about 200 free meals every Thursday night in Hays. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Members of Women Who Lead prepare cookies for the Feeding Hays program at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. The program is providing about 200 free meals every Thursday night in Hays. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Feeding Hays</h2>The Women Who Lead has also partnered with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047485065448690">Feeding Hays</a> through St. <a href="https://www.stmichaelshays.org">Michael's Episcopal Church</a>, 2900 Canal Blvd.The program offers free dinners from 6:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through a drive-through service based at the church. There are no income requirements for the meals. You can pre-order meals at&nbsp;785-259-1964, but pre-orders aren't necessary.Volunteers prepare and serve the meals, and much of the food is donated. Those who wish can donate cash to the project when they pick up meals. Those funds go toward paying off student lunch debt at Hays USD 489.Most of the meals are spaghetti dinners with a vegetable and cookies. However, it varies on occasion.Women Who Lead has already provided one meal in cooperation with Feeding Hays. The charity paid for all the ingredients for a loaded baked potato meal, and volunteers prepared, served and worked cleanup that Thursday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819553599.jpeg" alt="The Women Who Lead Women Who Feed Committee prepared free taco potato dinners for the Feeding Hays program earlier this year. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>The Women Who Lead Women Who Feed Committee prepared free taco potato dinners for the Feeding Hays program earlier this year. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819841954.jpeg" alt="Members of Women Who Lead volunteer for the Feeding Hays program at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. The meals are free, and guests do not need to meet income requirements to pick them up on Thursday nights. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Members of Women Who Lead volunteer for the Feeding Hays program at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. The meals are free, and guests do not need to meet income requirements to pick them up on Thursday nights. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The group served 200 meals that night. They cooked 57 pounds of hamburger the night they sponsored the meal.The Options domestic violence shelter, residents from the Schwaller Center and firefighters picks up meals on Thursday nights from Feeding Hays.Any leftover meals go to First Call for Help, another Hays nonprofit, to be picked up on a first-come-first-serve basis."I'm just amazed. It's for everybody. I really feel that way," Joslyn Brungardt, Women Who Feed cochairperson, said. "We feed all kinds. We feed the elderly. We feed families that are in need. We feed mothers that are behind and are trying to get to ball games and get their kids. We feed dads that had the kids that week."She said she was handing out meals one night, and an older gentleman just wanted someone to talk to. He said he hadn't seen anyone in three months."I grabbed his hand and said, 'Would you like a couple of extra meals to put in your fridge so you have something to warm up?' He said, "I haven't heard from my kids or anything in three months, and I was just kind of lonely.' He grabbed my hand and just wanted to know that someone saw him and cared about him."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819889151.jpeg" alt="Women Who Lead members volunteer to collect food for Feeding Hays and the First Call for Help food pantry this summer. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Women Who Lead members volunteer to collect food for Feeding Hays and the First Call for Help food pantry this summer. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Some busy moms are trying to pick up kids from sports and activities and they just need help with dinner one night a week, she said."You know what is amazing. Those people who probably have nothing, give Ben (Houchen) a $5 bill or a $2 bill," Brungardt said."There are people who take advantage of the system, but there are a lot of people who don't, and they just need a little bit of help," she said.The Women Who Feed committee plans to support a Feeding Hays meal once a quarter. This fall they are planning sloppy joes. Chicken and noodles is planned for this winter, Brungardt said.Brungardt said being involved in Women Who Feed and Feeding Hays was a way to become more involved in the community.&nbsp;"Food insecurity is a problem," she said. "But it's just being kind to someone who needs a helping hand."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819589510.jpeg" alt="Meal kits that the Women Who Feed Committee of Women Who Lead has provided to the First Call for Help food pantry." />
 <figcaption>Meal kits that the Women Who Feed Committee of Women Who Lead has provided to the First Call for Help food pantry.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Meal kits</h2>The committee has also created meal kits that are being distributed through <a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/">First Call for Help</a>."The cost of groceries has gone up so much," Macey Pfeifer, First Call for Help executive director, said. "That's hitting everyone, not just low-income families."Pfeifer, a Women Who Lead member, said First Call for Help is looking for ways to keep its pantries stocked.The kit includes everything needed to cook a hot meal, including a disposable baking pan and the recipe.&nbsp;Some meals include spaghetti, pizza, chicken enchiladas, tuna and noodles, taco soup, chicken alfredo, and ham and beans.The committee plans to donate 20 meal kits per month."The meal kits will be really nice because with the food boxes, we give out food, but there are not a lot of nice meals you can make out of that. Here's a box of macaroni. If you want, you can mix some tuna in that. It's random and sporadic. We don't always have everything."In addition, the committee has donated birthday boxes for both boys and girls.These kits include everything needed to bake a birthday cake, a happy birthday banner, candles, balloons, a birthday card and a small toy.These kits were inspired by a mother who had forgotten her child's birthday and didn't have the resources to buy or make a cake.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819644597.jpeg" alt="Members of Women Who Lead accept the First Call for Help Battle of Businesses trophy for donating the most food to the community food drive. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Members of Women Who Lead accept the First Call for Help Battle of Businesses trophy for donating the most food to the community food drive. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819757570.jpeg" alt="The First Call for Help food pantry after the Battle of the Businesses food drive. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The First Call for Help food pantry after the Battle of the Businesses food drive. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Battle of the Businesses</h2>First Call for Help maintains a year-round food pantry at 607 E. 13th Street and sponsors an annual Battle of the Businesses community food drive.First Call for Help does not require food recipients to provide proof of income for food. However, they do need to show a valid government-issued ID or driver's license.The amount of food in a food box is based on the number of people in a household.People can come in for food, hygiene items and diapers once a month.This summer, Women Who Lead members surpassed the number of food items that were collectively donated through all of the businesses last year with&nbsp;2,481 items.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819673811.jpeg" alt="Members of Women Who Lead after with food collected for the First Call for Help food pantry. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Members of Women Who Lead after with food collected for the First Call for Help food pantry. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"We were getting by, but I think with their contributions to us have really helped out. It'll really make a difference in people's lives that need it," Pfeifer said.Since the inception of the Women Who Lead, formerly the Wonder Women League, the group has donated numerous times to the school food pantries.The group also participated in the Delta Zeta food drive for the Fort Hays State University food pantry in August. It is collecting food items for the Ellis food pantry in October.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727819707731.jpeg" alt="The meal warming bag that Women Who Lead purchased to add a route to the First Call for Help Meals on Wheels program. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>The meal warming bag that Women Who Lead purchased to add a route to the First Call for Help Meals on Wheels program. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Expanding Meals on Wheels</h2>Women Who Lead also paid for an additional warming bag for the First Call for Help Meals on Wheels program.&nbsp;This allowed the program to add a route to serve 16 more people.Women Who Lead has also provided volunteers every quarter to deliver food for a week.Pfeifer said First Call for Help is always looking for volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels. You can call 785-623-2800&nbsp;for more information. Individuals or groups can sign up. Hours of delivery are 10:30 a.m. to noon. Pfeifer said she likes people to sign up for a week at a time or for a group to share a week of shifts."We don't see this as just one big project," Shorman said. "Food insecurity is not just going to go away. Honestly, there is more food insecurity than I was ever aware of."Brungradt wanted to ensure she acknowledged all the Women Who Lead members who make the projects the committee sponsors successful.&nbsp;Today, there are more than 160 women in Women Who Lead. You can learn more about the nonprofit on its <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">website</a> or follow the group on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenwholead.org">Facebook.</a>Editor's note: Cristina Janney is a member of Women Who Lead.

Women Who Feed battle hunger in Ellis County

Conservationists and cattle ranchers are working together to restore grassland for the lesser prairie chicken. The bird used to roam Kansas, but has lost most of its habitat to crop production

By CALEN MOORE <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/kansasnewsservice">Kansas News Service</a>

ASHLAND, Kansas —&nbsp;In the remaining grasslands in Kansas lives the lesser prairie chicken, a stocky, quail-like bird that used to roam the Great Plains. They once fed, nested, danced and mated in the vast grasslands that covered the middle of the country.

There used to be many birds making their unique cackling boom noises. That was before people transformed the prairie to produce food and make energy. Now the remaining prairie chickens are dispersed and disconnected.

The prairie chicken doesn’t have the historical prominence connecting it to the Plains that buffalo and pronghorn enjoy. It’s a less-visible animal that relies on the dwindling grasslands.

A conservation bank company and ranchers in southern Kansas are working to reverse that. They are combining business and conservation to create prairie chicken conservation credits that pay for restoring habitat and benefit the cattle ranchers that own the land.

Conservation group Common Ground Capital has made deals with ranchers across several southern Plains states, including Kansas. As part of one of those deals, Gardiner Ranch near Ashland has started the process of clearing out invasive salt cedars to restore the natural prairie.

The program is using something similar to the system of buying and selling carbon credits, but they’re chicken habitat credits. Companies pay for the lesser prairie chicken credits so they continue developing in other prairie chicken habitats. Common Ground Capital makes a profit selling these credits, and uses that money to pay ranchers to restore and maintain the habitat the prairie chickens need.

Afterward, Common Ground Capital is responsible for the long-term management plan to fund the conservation of the prairie chickens. The conservation plan is approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

These long-term agreements with cattle ranchers are a way to not only conserve the prairie chicken, but also the grassland the ranchers need for cattle.

Wayne Walker, founder of Common Ground Capital, looks out on hundreds of acres of restored prairie.

“That’s what it all used to look like,” he said looking at acres of repaired grasslands where invasive trees had been removed. “These are some of the last remaining native grasslands in Kansas.”

The lesser prairie chicken used to populate the Plains in the hundreds of thousands. But due to habitat loss, invasive species like the salt cedars in western Kansas and grassland converted to cropland, their&nbsp;<a href="https://wafwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LPC_RangeWidePopSize2012-2022.pdf" target="_blank">population has dwindled</a>&nbsp;to about 26,000. That’s about the same as the number of people in Dodge City but scattered across the entire southern Plains.

A critical piece of this program is trying to reconnect the scattered bird populations.

“We’ve got to reconnect habitat to bring back prairies in strategic ways, so that prairie chickens can have more habitat to populate on,” Walker said.

The strategy of Walker’s company is to pay ranchers to restore grassland, then sell conservation credits to companies who are causing damage to lesser prairie chicken habitat elsewhere.

It’s a way for companies to offset their impact on a threatened species or ecosystem, while continuing development in parts of the bird’s range.

Prairie birds like the lesser prairie chicken have an aversion to anything vertical. It’s their natural instinct to avoid predators like hawks that hide in trees.

That means the birds don’t really like wind turbines, and the conservation credits are appealing to companies building wind turbines in other parts of the prairie chicken's habitat.

Walker said this process may not be the most popular with environmentalists because there is compromise, but it’s a way to jumpstart conservation by combining industry and business with conservation efforts.

<a href="https://commongroundcapital.com/process/" target="_blank">Common Ground Capital sells conservation credits</a>&nbsp;to mostly renewable energy companies in Kansas and Colorado, for $2,500 per acre. That is how they are able to pay ranchers for conservation efforts like removing invasive trees to make habitat better for the birds.

On the Gardiner Ranch, Dillon Hilton stood on a bridge, one side covered with salt cedars, the other expansive grassland. This land was burned by&nbsp;<a href="https://media.kansas.com/static/interactive/wildfire/index.html" target="_blank">the Starbuck wildfire in 2017</a>, which cleared out a lot of invasive species and stopped at the bridge.

Hilton, who also works as a volunteer firefighter, said he remembers driving down the bridge on the ranch going 60 miles per hour, and the fire keeping up with him.

“It was devastating,” Hilton said. “We lost cattle, fences, structures.”

But if there was a bright side, he said it would be how much prairie the fire restored. The invasive trees were wiped out by the fire, but the grassland easily recovered.

Grasslands are disappearing fast,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.nwf.org/2024/08/grasslands-a-disappearing-ecosystem/" target="_blank">over half have already been lost</a>&nbsp;to crop production according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675290627669.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Conservationists and cattle ranchers are working together to restore grassland for the lesser prairie chicken. The bird used to roam Kansas, but has lost most of its habitat to crop production</h2>By CALEN MOORE <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/kansasnewsservice">Kansas News Service</a>ASHLAND, Kansas —&nbsp;In the remaining grasslands in Kansas lives the lesser prairie chicken, a stocky, quail-like bird that used to roam the Great Plains. They once fed, nested, danced and mated in the vast grasslands that covered the middle of the country.There used to be many birds making their unique cackling boom noises. That was before people transformed the prairie to produce food and make energy. Now the remaining prairie chickens are dispersed and disconnected.The prairie chicken doesn’t have the historical prominence connecting it to the Plains that buffalo and pronghorn enjoy. It’s a less-visible animal that relies on the dwindling grasslands.A conservation bank company and ranchers in southern Kansas are working to reverse that. They are combining business and conservation to create prairie chicken conservation credits that pay for restoring habitat and benefit the cattle ranchers that own the land.Conservation group Common Ground Capital has made deals with ranchers across several southern Plains states, including Kansas. As part of one of those deals, Gardiner Ranch near Ashland has started the process of clearing out invasive salt cedars to restore the natural prairie.The program is using something similar to the system of buying and selling carbon credits, but they’re chicken habitat credits. Companies pay for the lesser prairie chicken credits so they continue developing in other prairie chicken habitats. Common Ground Capital makes a profit selling these credits, and uses that money to pay ranchers to restore and maintain the habitat the prairie chickens need.Afterward, Common Ground Capital is responsible for the long-term management plan to fund the conservation of the prairie chickens. The conservation plan is approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.These long-term agreements with cattle ranchers are a way to not only conserve the prairie chicken, but also the grassland the ranchers need for cattle.Wayne Walker, founder of Common Ground Capital, looks out on hundreds of acres of restored prairie.“That’s what it all used to look like,” he said looking at acres of repaired grasslands where invasive trees had been removed. “These are some of the last remaining native grasslands in Kansas.”The lesser prairie chicken used to populate the Plains in the hundreds of thousands. But due to habitat loss, invasive species like the salt cedars in western Kansas and grassland converted to cropland, their&nbsp;<a href="https://wafwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LPC_RangeWidePopSize2012-2022.pdf" target="_blank">population has dwindled</a>&nbsp;to about 26,000. That’s about the same as the number of people in Dodge City but scattered across the entire southern Plains.A critical piece of this program is trying to reconnect the scattered bird populations.“We’ve got to reconnect habitat to bring back prairies in strategic ways, so that prairie chickens can have more habitat to populate on,” Walker said.The strategy of Walker’s company is to pay ranchers to restore grassland, then sell conservation credits to companies who are causing damage to lesser prairie chicken habitat elsewhere.It’s a way for companies to offset their impact on a threatened species or ecosystem, while continuing development in parts of the bird’s range.Prairie birds like the lesser prairie chicken have an aversion to anything vertical. It’s their natural instinct to avoid predators like hawks that hide in trees.That means the birds don’t really like wind turbines, and the conservation credits are appealing to companies building wind turbines in other parts of the prairie chicken's habitat.Walker said this process may not be the most popular with environmentalists because there is compromise, but it’s a way to jumpstart conservation by combining industry and business with conservation efforts.<a href="https://commongroundcapital.com/process/" target="_blank">Common Ground Capital sells conservation credits</a>&nbsp;to mostly renewable energy companies in Kansas and Colorado, for $2,500 per acre. That is how they are able to pay ranchers for conservation efforts like removing invasive trees to make habitat better for the birds.On the Gardiner Ranch, Dillon Hilton stood on a bridge, one side covered with salt cedars, the other expansive grassland. This land was burned by&nbsp;<a href="https://media.kansas.com/static/interactive/wildfire/index.html" target="_blank">the Starbuck wildfire in 2017</a>, which cleared out a lot of invasive species and stopped at the bridge.Hilton, who also works as a volunteer firefighter, said he remembers driving down the bridge on the ranch going 60 miles per hour, and the fire keeping up with him.“It was devastating,” Hilton said. “We lost cattle, fences, structures.”But if there was a bright side, he said it would be how much prairie the fire restored. The invasive trees were wiped out by the fire, but the grassland easily recovered.Grasslands disappearingGrasslands are disappearing fast,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.nwf.org/2024/08/grasslands-a-disappearing-ecosystem/" target="_blank">over half have already been lost</a>&nbsp;to crop production according to the U.S. Geological Survey.And the grassland ecosystem is shriveling up with it. Grasslands also benefit the climate by sucking up the carbon in the air and storing it underground.But the grasslands that remain are owned by ranchers like Mark Gardiner, owner of the Gardiner Ranch, which supplies cattle to National beef in Dodge City and Liberal.“When I was first approached by Wayne, I told him, ‘you do know (the prairie chickens) are because of us not in spite of us,’” Gardiner said.His 46,000 acres not only support the conservation of the lesser prairie chicken, but also his cattle, which supports his ranching lifestyle.“If we don’t feed the world the ecosystem won’t make it, and any ecosystem you lose you don’t get it back,” Gardiner said.Biologist and grassland conservationist Stephanie Manes said that to keep both humans and the birds thriving together, the prairies need to be maintained.Invasive species like salt cedars have overtaken the grassland and have pushed out the prairie chicken, along with native grasses. It’s not good for the ecosystem or the soil. She said they came from Europe, most likely brought by white settlers to use as windbreaks and landscape decoration.It’s a tough plant that is perennial and can come back from a lot of damage“That is why the roller chopping and herbicide treatment to actually kill the plant is so essential,” Manes said. “But that's very expensive.”That’s where a program like this one is helpful. It provides financial power to ranchers to get rid of trees they already wanted out of their ranchland.The roller chopper with Hilton and his team mows down the salt cedars. They then spray with herbicide and routinely use prescribed burns.So far, the program has been able to conserve 75,000 acres of grassland for the lesser prairie chicken. The goal is to continue the program and in ten years conserve 1 million acres, and hopefully see the lesser prairie chicken population bounce back from 26,000 to 67,000.Last year, something that would help the conservation group was the federal relisting of the lesser prairie chicken as endangered. This gave the bird extra protection,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-ranchers-county-commissioners-take-federal-action-against-lesser-prairie-chicken-protections/" target="_blank">but was met with a lot of pushback</a>.The oil and gas industry, cattle industry and state attorneys general from Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas filed lawsuits against the listing.Common Ground Capital’s lawyers predict the court case should wrap up early in 2025.Holding his horse, Mark Gardiner said that he’s grown up with the lesser prairie chickens all his life. They represent a healthy prairie that he has made a life and career out of.“We are thankful to keep this ecosystem, because humans are part of that system too,” Gardiner said.Calen Moore covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can email him at&nbsp;cmoore@hppr.org.The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.

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