&nbsp;DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement across the state continue to find drivers traveling far above the posted speed limit.

On his department's social media page, Decatur County Sheriff David&nbsp;Wachendorfer wrote, " I figured my post a few days ago about the high-speed driver I stopped would be a one-off, because we don't see those high speeds out here that often."

"However, now I'm wondering if there is a "Hold My Beer" button on Facebook, because yesterday, I stopped two more drivers on our local two-lane highways for excessive(!) speed."

"It seems that the speeds on our highways are edging higher and higher on average. So, real talk here for a minute...This Sheriff's Office certainly writes fewer citations than the average <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZUxBwYqpafDwg054yBbBTqa5SzCKsNxA4g0pf-y1geQV1n8vTQRYPx5V8FlmavMvObty_9v7dbdLrXFL3mhbPwZ9D-D_1zRkR8a7lp3GU2ZXt5z6QIqFFtuUm1YzWywvQYfzBo3Qv64199dwRMUQb1Zg2bloFi8sN4Fh8rQYSycEg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a> trooper, and we generally try to use education over enforcement if given a reasonable opportunity. However, sometimes, you just need to write a ticket, or as my good friend over at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wabaunseesheriff?__cft__[0]=AZUxBwYqpafDwg054yBbBTqa5SzCKsNxA4g0pf-y1geQV1n8vTQRYPx5V8FlmavMvObty_9v7dbdLrXFL3mhbPwZ9D-D_1zRkR8a7lp3GU2ZXt5z6QIqFFtuUm1YzWywvQYfzBo3Qv64199dwRMUQb1Zg2bloFi8sN4Fh8rQYSycEg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office</a> says, some people just gotta be law enforced. "

"I don't want to change that policy, but I am certainly willing to reevaluate a lenient policy that is not getting results.There's been a lot of publicity on Facebook about Troopers over in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC?__cft__[0]=AZUxBwYqpafDwg054yBbBTqa5SzCKsNxA4g0pf-y1geQV1n8vTQRYPx5V8FlmavMvObty_9v7dbdLrXFL3mhbPwZ9D-D_1zRkR8a7lp3GU2ZXt5z6QIqFFtuUm1YzWywvQYfzBo3Qv64199dwRMUQb1Zg2bloFi8sN4Fh8rQYSycEg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> and around the state stopping people for speeds in excess of 100 mph."

"That's bad enough but now consider this knowledge:  The majority of those stops are on the interstate, which as anyone who has attended a Kansas Driver's Education class knows is a four (or more)-lane controlled access highway designed for higher speeds.  The people your Sheriff's Office are stopping are doing these same speeds on TWO-LANE country highways, with gentle rolling hills, curves, draws, and cross traffic at least every mile.  Come over a hill or out of a draw at 102 mph to a tractor pulling onto the highway, and there is almost no way that outcome is going to be pretty."

"And to add to my indigestion, one of these citations I ended up handing out was to a local resident who drives these roads all the time.  Not who I expected to have to "law enforce" in this manner. So, one more time, spoken loudly for those in the back:  PLEASE SLOW DOWN!!!  YOU ARE NOT ON THE AUTOBAHN.  Driving 90's and 100's+ on our local highways will get you nothing but a ride in an ambulance or blue lights in your rearview mirror.  Oh, and our local judge won't be very happy to see you either.  He drives on these highways too."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742835276178.png" alt="Photos Decatur Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Decatur Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement across the state continue to find drivers traveling far above the posted speed limit.On his department's social media page, Decatur County Sheriff David&nbsp;Wachendorfer wrote, " I figured my post a few days ago about the high-speed driver I stopped would be a one-off, because we don't see those high speeds out here that often."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742834951882.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"However, now I'm wondering if there is a "Hold My Beer" button on Facebook, because yesterday, I stopped two more drivers on our local two-lane highways for excessive(!) speed."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742834908883.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"It seems that the speeds on our highways are edging higher and higher on average. So, real talk here for a minute...This Sheriff's Office certainly writes fewer citations than the average <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZUxBwYqpafDwg054yBbBTqa5SzCKsNxA4g0pf-y1geQV1n8vTQRYPx5V8FlmavMvObty_9v7dbdLrXFL3mhbPwZ9D-D_1zRkR8a7lp3GU2ZXt5z6QIqFFtuUm1YzWywvQYfzBo3Qv64199dwRMUQb1Zg2bloFi8sN4Fh8rQYSycEg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a> trooper, and we generally try to use education over enforcement if given a reasonable opportunity. However, sometimes, you just need to write a ticket, or as my good friend over at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wabaunseesheriff?__cft__[0]=AZUxBwYqpafDwg054yBbBTqa5SzCKsNxA4g0pf-y1geQV1n8vTQRYPx5V8FlmavMvObty_9v7dbdLrXFL3mhbPwZ9D-D_1zRkR8a7lp3GU2ZXt5z6QIqFFtuUm1YzWywvQYfzBo3Qv64199dwRMUQb1Zg2bloFi8sN4Fh8rQYSycEg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office</a> says, some people just gotta be law enforced. ""I don't want to change that policy, but I am certainly willing to reevaluate a lenient policy that is not getting results.There's been a lot of publicity on Facebook about Troopers over in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC?__cft__[0]=AZUxBwYqpafDwg054yBbBTqa5SzCKsNxA4g0pf-y1geQV1n8vTQRYPx5V8FlmavMvObty_9v7dbdLrXFL3mhbPwZ9D-D_1zRkR8a7lp3GU2ZXt5z6QIqFFtuUm1YzWywvQYfzBo3Qv64199dwRMUQb1Zg2bloFi8sN4Fh8rQYSycEg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C</a> and around the state stopping people for speeds in excess of 100 mph.""That's bad enough but now consider this knowledge: The majority of those stops are on the interstate, which as anyone who has attended a Kansas Driver's Education class knows is a four (or more)-lane controlled access highway designed for higher speeds. The people your Sheriff's Office are stopping are doing these same speeds on TWO-LANE country highways, with gentle rolling hills, curves, draws, and cross traffic at least every mile. Come over a hill or out of a draw at 102 mph to a tractor pulling onto the highway, and there is almost no way that outcome is going to be pretty.""And to add to my indigestion, one of these citations I ended up handing out was to a local resident who drives these roads all the time. Not who I expected to have to "law enforce" in this manner. So, one more time, spoken loudly for those in the back: PLEASE SLOW DOWN!!! YOU ARE NOT ON THE AUTOBAHN. Driving 90's and 100's+ on our local highways will get you nothing but a ride in an ambulance or blue lights in your rearview mirror. Oh, and our local judge won't be very happy to see you either. He drives on these highways too."

NW Kan. sheriff issues more excessive speeding tickets

Ellis County Jail bookings: March 16-22, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: March 16-22, 2025

Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson urged districts to cancel breaks or extend the school year to make up for snow days. He is also proposing half-day summer school for young students who are struggling in reading and math.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/suzanne-perez">Suzanne Perez</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">KMUW&nbsp;</a>

WICHITA, Kansas —&nbsp;Kansas students are spending fewer days in school than they did decades ago, and the state’s top education leader wants that to change.

Education Commissioner Randy Watson is urging districts to cancel breaks or extend the school year to make up for days that were canceled because of inclement weather.

Most districts lost about eight days of school this winter because of snow or bitterly cold conditions.

Watson recently told the Kansas State Board of education that districts should also consider half-day summer school in June and July, at least for kindergarten through third grade students who are below grade level in reading or math.

He said the boost is needed to make up for learning losses that began before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Recovery is incrementally very slow,” Watson said. “While I think we should start thinking about our schedule for next year, I’m thinking, ‘How do we even jumpstart the learning … right now?’”

Kansas law requires public schools to have a minimum of 186 days, or at least 1,116 total hours each academic year. Over the past decade, most districts have opted to have longer but fewer school days — adding minutes to the daily schedule but shortening the school year.

In 2008, the average school year in Kansas was 174 days. This year, it’s 166. Some districts — particularly those with four-day weeks — have school only 141 days a year.

No district meets the minimum daily requirement of 186 days. The longest academic calendar is 183.4 days.

Watson said districts have added about 21 minutes to the school day, which equates to three minutes per class period in most high schools.

“Go ask a music teacher: ‘Would you rather have three minutes, or would you rather go to school eight more days?’” Watson said. “A music teacher’s going to say, ‘I want the eight days.’”

State law allows the Kansas State Board of Education to waive the minimum requirement for districts because of inclement weather or other factors.

But Watson discouraged board members from granting waivers, saying districts could make up the time by canceling scheduled breaks or adding days to the calendar.

“The state board will look at that at the end of the year when we see if you’ve exhausted all your avenues,” Watson said. “And right now, you have a lot of time left that you could … make up that time.”

Watson also urged half-day summer school for some young students. He proposed classes from 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday through June and July, with extended weekends for Memorial Day and July Fourth.

He said that schedule would amount to at least 48 hours of additional learning time.

“If we could get 90% of the kids 48 to 49 hours of instruction, what progress we could make in a short period of time,” Watson said.

He said districts could use special education or state at-risk funds to help pay for summer classes.

The proposal stops short of year-round schooling — an idea some educators and lawmakers have floated in the past that is unpopular with most Kansas districts and families.

Two years ago, Republican Rep. Bill Rhiley&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2024/b2023_24/measures/hb2224/#:~:text=Short%20Title,districts%20for%20each%20school%20year." target="_blank">introduced a bill</a>&nbsp;that would have mandated a minimum of 195 eight-hour school days or 156 10-hour days, but it never made it out of committee.

Advocates of year-round school say frequent, shorter breaks are better for students because they mitigate learning loss that can happen over long summer vacations. Opponents say year-round schedules cost more and leave less time for extracurricular activities like summer-league sports.

Watson said he’s not opposed to year-round school. But a half-day summer school plan for students who need it most would be an incremental improvement that could have huge benefits, he said.

“Engaging parents in that conversation is going to be easier for them to agree to than changing the entire schedule that we’ve run for 100 years,” Watson said.

Several Kansas districts spent a portion of their federal COVID-19 funding to pay for expanded summer school programs. But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-06-21/the-pandemic-left-kids-in-kansas-needing-summer-school-more-than-ever-yet-less-willing-to-enroll" target="_blank">only a small fraction of students attended</a>.

Wichita, the state’s largest school district, sent about 21,500 invitations to its summer programs for students in kindergarten through eighth grade in 2021. Despite incentives such as free breakfast, lunch and transportation, only 4,600 — about one in five — enrolled.

Watson said Kansas needs a social and cultural shift toward academics the way many districts and families emphasize sports and other activities.

“If you have a high school kid who’s involved (in sports or band), it’s hard to take a vacation because they’re required to be there for weight training or for marching,” he said. “We need that intensity around academics.”

<h2>Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson urged districts to cancel breaks or extend the school year to make up for snow days. He is also proposing half-day summer school for young students who are struggling in reading and math.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742570067257.png" alt="Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson has suggested half-day summer school for kindergarten through third grade students who are below grade level in math or reading.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/File Photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson has suggested half-day summer school for kindergarten through third grade students who are below grade level in math or reading.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/people/suzanne-perez">Suzanne Perez</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">KMUW&nbsp;</a> WICHITA, Kansas —&nbsp;Kansas students are spending fewer days in school than they did decades ago, and the state’s top education leader wants that to change.Education Commissioner Randy Watson is urging districts to cancel breaks or extend the school year to make up for days that were canceled because of inclement weather.Most districts lost about eight days of school this winter because of snow or bitterly cold conditions.Watson recently told the Kansas State Board of education that districts should also consider half-day summer school in June and July, at least for kindergarten through third grade students who are below grade level in reading or math.He said the boost is needed to make up for learning losses that began before the COVID-19 pandemic.“Recovery is incrementally very slow,” Watson said. “While I think we should start thinking about our schedule for next year, I’m thinking, ‘How do we even jumpstart the learning … right now?’”Kansas law requires public schools to have a minimum of 186 days, or at least 1,116 total hours each academic year. Over the past decade, most districts have opted to have longer but fewer school days — adding minutes to the daily schedule but shortening the school year.In 2008, the average school year in Kansas was 174 days. This year, it’s 166. Some districts — particularly those with four-day weeks — have school only 141 days a year.No district meets the minimum daily requirement of 186 days. The longest academic calendar is 183.4 days.Watson said districts have added about 21 minutes to the school day, which equates to three minutes per class period in most high schools.“Go ask a music teacher: ‘Would you rather have three minutes, or would you rather go to school eight more days?’” Watson said. “A music teacher’s going to say, ‘I want the eight days.’”State law allows the Kansas State Board of Education to waive the minimum requirement for districts because of inclement weather or other factors.But Watson discouraged board members from granting waivers, saying districts could make up the time by canceling scheduled breaks or adding days to the calendar.“The state board will look at that at the end of the year when we see if you’ve exhausted all your avenues,” Watson said. “And right now, you have a lot of time left that you could … make up that time.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742570973837.png" alt="A kindergarten class at Colvin Elementary School in Wichita listen to their teacher during class in 2021. State Education Commissioner Randy Watson suggests schools should consider half-day summer school for younger students who are below grade level in reading or math." />
 <figcaption>A kindergarten class at Colvin Elementary School in Wichita listen to their teacher during class in 2021. State Education Commissioner Randy Watson suggests schools should consider half-day summer school for younger students who are below grade level in reading or math.</figcaption>
 </figure>Watson also urged half-day summer school for some young students. He proposed classes from 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday through June and July, with extended weekends for Memorial Day and July Fourth.He said that schedule would amount to at least 48 hours of additional learning time.“If we could get 90% of the kids 48 to 49 hours of instruction, what progress we could make in a short period of time,” Watson said.He said districts could use special education or state at-risk funds to help pay for summer classes.The proposal stops short of year-round schooling — an idea some educators and lawmakers have floated in the past that is unpopular with most Kansas districts and families.Two years ago, Republican Rep. Bill Rhiley&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2024/b2023_24/measures/hb2224/#:~:text=Short%20Title,districts%20for%20each%20school%20year." target="_blank">introduced a bill</a>&nbsp;that would have mandated a minimum of 195 eight-hour school days or 156 10-hour days, but it never made it out of committee.Advocates of year-round school say frequent, shorter breaks are better for students because they mitigate learning loss that can happen over long summer vacations. Opponents say year-round schedules cost more and leave less time for extracurricular activities like summer-league sports.Watson said he’s not opposed to year-round school. But a half-day summer school plan for students who need it most would be an incremental improvement that could have huge benefits, he said.“Engaging parents in that conversation is going to be easier for them to agree to than changing the entire schedule that we’ve run for 100 years,” Watson said.Several Kansas districts spent a portion of their federal COVID-19 funding to pay for expanded summer school programs. But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/education/2021-06-21/the-pandemic-left-kids-in-kansas-needing-summer-school-more-than-ever-yet-less-willing-to-enroll" target="_blank">only a small fraction of students attended</a>.Wichita, the state’s largest school district, sent about 21,500 invitations to its summer programs for students in kindergarten through eighth grade in 2021. Despite incentives such as free breakfast, lunch and transportation, only 4,600 — about one in five — enrolled.Watson said Kansas needs a social and cultural shift toward academics the way many districts and families emphasize sports and other activities.“If you have a high school kid who’s involved (in sports or band), it’s hard to take a vacation because they’re required to be there for weight training or for marching,” he said. “We need that intensity around academics.”

Kansas education commissioner: Kids need more time in school

Roxy (Green) Tate, a 1972 Fort Hays State graduate, recently made a significant gift to the university that will keep her family’s name alive. Last year, she sold her family’s 160-acre homestead near Osborne. The property included the original limestone house where she spent her childhood.

As an only child, saying goodbye to the land that had been in her mother’s family since the 1880s was bittersweet for Roxy. By creating a nursing scholarship at FHSU with the sale of the land, she will give back to rural Kansas and honor her family’s legacy.

Roxy says the scholarship encompasses her family of homesteaders and their heritage. Her grandfather, Nicholas Bergsma, came to the United States from Holland in the 1870s, landing in New York and eventually making his way to Kansas.

By 1886, he and his brother, Jacob, had each “proved up” their own 160-acre homestead. Jacob never married, but Nicholas and his wife, Emma, had 12 children; Roxy’s mother, Minnie, was the youngest.

Emma was widowed in 1914 at the age of 44 but managed to keep the homestead through World Wars I and II, as well as the Great Depression. Emma retained ownership until she died in 1956. After World War II, Roxy’s parents, Bill and Minnie Green, took over the daily farming tasks. Minnie passed away in 1979, and Bill continued farming into his late 70s with the help of his stepson.

Roxy came to Fort Hays State University to study sociology and journalism. As part of her journalism coursework, she worked two years on the annually published Reveille yearbook, serving one of those as editor, and two years on the weekly campus newspaper.

Roxy wanted to leave something lasting behind to honor her parents. With some of the sales proceeds, Roxy established the William and Minnie (Bergsma) Green Nursing Scholarship at FHSU to ensure her family’s legacy will live on in perpetuity through the work of future Kansas nurses.

Many nursing students remain in western Kansas after graduating from Fort Hays State, and Roxy is very pleased that the family scholarship will focus on nursing and strengthening the healthcare resources in rural Kansas.

“Kansas is a homestead state, and this is largely forgotten,” Roxy said, “It was important for me to ensure that the Bergsma name is remembered as a part of that history and that my father is also honored. Dad was so proud to be a farmer and stockman.”

Join Roxy in making a difference at Fort Hays State University. Give back in honor of friends, family, loved ones, or a business, and support the area of campus that means the most to you. Among other options available, you can give the gift of land, stock, property, or grain. 

To learn more about how you can start a scholarship or make a gift to FHSU, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0b8qTGUC-2BWTp-2FgE8trnmiRCmIgKN0RnozggvdgnZC6uLHC56_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOIbxmc0R00sUhyVoVRP6TN8xqPVKNVVq6Qdc0Sw0icLTcJdNXbPHx89pf7wyYxX-2FznXhZxiI2oScD44BXCWdZRiMRyj2JLpg6jAtrLGhxZhPgJhNxkVCHXHfoXPNkqRb-2FLkxJx3Tl2Ahp1uyw9JcL4gDNEh7Us3kufV7W-2FElR2t9s3AJRhU2bYvBKXTiuz-2FIX9nB-2FgVj9p2wF5cZ7jHCRqN2z-2FHBKRa9LeW1H2ICjKNKKFoLAtQpOOYu5TQRQJjok">foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or call 785-628-5620.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742402174107.jpeg" alt="Minnie and Bill Green circa 1946. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Minnie and Bill Green circa 1946. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;FHSU Foundation Roxy (Green) Tate, a 1972 Fort Hays State graduate, recently made a significant gift to the university that will keep her family’s name alive. Last year, she sold her family’s 160-acre homestead near Osborne. The property included the original limestone house where she spent her childhood.As an only child, saying goodbye to the land that had been in her mother’s family since the 1880s was bittersweet for Roxy. By creating a nursing scholarship at FHSU with the sale of the land, she will give back to rural Kansas and honor her family’s legacy.Roxy says the scholarship encompasses her family of homesteaders and their heritage. Her grandfather, Nicholas Bergsma, came to the United States from Holland in the 1870s, landing in New York and eventually making his way to Kansas.By 1886, he and his brother, Jacob, had each “proved up” their own 160-acre homestead. Jacob never married, but Nicholas and his wife, Emma, had 12 children; Roxy’s mother, Minnie, was the youngest.Emma was widowed in 1914 at the age of 44 but managed to keep the homestead through World Wars I and II, as well as the Great Depression. Emma retained ownership until she died in 1956. After World War II, Roxy’s parents, Bill and Minnie Green, took over the daily farming tasks. Minnie passed away in 1979, and Bill continued farming into his late 70s with the help of his stepson.Roxy came to Fort Hays State University to study sociology and journalism. As part of her journalism coursework, she worked two years on the annually published Reveille yearbook, serving one of those as editor, and two years on the weekly campus newspaper.Roxy wanted to leave something lasting behind to honor her parents. With some of the sales proceeds, Roxy established the William and Minnie (Bergsma) Green Nursing Scholarship at FHSU to ensure her family’s legacy will live on in perpetuity through the work of future Kansas nurses.Many nursing students remain in western Kansas after graduating from Fort Hays State, and Roxy is very pleased that the family scholarship will focus on nursing and strengthening the healthcare resources in rural Kansas.“Kansas is a homestead state, and this is largely forgotten,” Roxy said, “It was important for me to ensure that the Bergsma name is remembered as a part of that history and that my father is also honored. Dad was so proud to be a farmer and stockman.”Join Roxy in making a difference at Fort Hays State University. Give back in honor of friends, family, loved ones, or a business, and support the area of campus that means the most to you. Among other options available, you can give the gift of land, stock, property, or grain. To learn more about how you can start a scholarship or make a gift to FHSU, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0b8qTGUC-2BWTp-2FgE8trnmiRCmIgKN0RnozggvdgnZC6uLHC56_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOIbxmc0R00sUhyVoVRP6TN8xqPVKNVVq6Qdc0Sw0icLTcJdNXbPHx89pf7wyYxX-2FznXhZxiI2oScD44BXCWdZRiMRyj2JLpg6jAtrLGhxZhPgJhNxkVCHXHfoXPNkqRb-2FLkxJx3Tl2Ahp1uyw9JcL4gDNEh7Us3kufV7W-2FElR2t9s3AJRhU2bYvBKXTiuz-2FIX9nB-2FgVj9p2wF5cZ7jHCRqN2z-2FHBKRa9LeW1H2ICjKNKKFoLAtQpOOYu5TQRQJjok">foundation.fhsu.edu</a>, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or call 785-628-5620.

FHSU alumna leaving a legacy with gift of land

NORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a resurfacing project on a portion of Highway U.S. 83 in Logan and Thomas counties on March 31.

Project work will involve a mill and overlay on 11 miles of the roadway beginning at the west Highway U.S. 40 junction in Oakley and ending approximately eight miles south of the Highway U.S. 24 junction in Thomas County.

Traffic through the areas where crews are actively working will be directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should anticipate possible delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours.

KDOT expects the project to be completed by the end of May, conditions permitting.

Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., of Topeka, is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $3 million. For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694096612198.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTNORTON — The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a resurfacing project on a portion of Highway U.S. 83 in Logan and Thomas counties on March 31.Project work will involve a mill and overlay on 11 miles of the roadway beginning at the west Highway U.S. 40 junction in Oakley and ending approximately eight miles south of the Highway U.S. 24 junction in Thomas County.Traffic through the areas where crews are actively working will be directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should anticipate possible delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours.KDOT expects the project to be completed by the end of May, conditions permitting.Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., of Topeka, is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $3 million. For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.

Construction planned on U.S. 83 in Logan, Thomas counties

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of death for infants over 28 days and claim 3,500 lives each year in the United States. According to the most recent data provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas 2021 infant mortality rate was 5.3 per 1,000 live births. This means nearly 200 babies did not survive to celebrate their first birthday.

The good news is that overall, the infant rate has declined significantly from 2002 to 2021. Furthermore, the 2022 Kansas State Child Death Review Board reported that 58% of all Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths were found sleeping in an adult bed and 98% of the SIDS deaths had one or more factors contributing to an unsafe sleep environment.

“Too many babies are dying, which means too many families are grieving” says Christy Schunn,&nbsp;executive director of Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network.

&nbsp;"While we have made progress over the last ten years, the KIDS Network remains committed to working with partners across Kansas to continue intervention efforts to decrease infant mortality and protect the lives of our state’s youngest and most vulnerable population."

Together with Cottonwood District and Infant Toddler Services- Kid Link, the KIDS Network will host a Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower, Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Nicholas Church, 2901 E. 13th St., Hays.

Community Baby Showers are an interactive and educational event for expectant parents or new parents (under six months) and their support people to learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep—all babies should sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in Clutter-free Crib. 

The pregnant women who attend the shower and receive the safe sleep training will receive a free portable crib and a wearable blanket, based on availability. Breastfeeding, tobacco awareness, and mental health resources will be available in addition to many other vendors who will have giveaways and door prizes. Refreshments will be served. 

Do you know someone who could benefit? Encourage them to attend the Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower in either Barton or Ellis County. Educational sessions begin every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Pre- and post-surveys will be required to receive crib and wearable blanket.

To sign up for the Ellis County Community Baby Shower visit:<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUqqdieTFCaHqrY"> bit.ly/ellisco-communitybabyshower</a>

Barton County Health Department and Kansas Children’s Services League Healthy Families will be co-hosting the Barton County Community Baby Shower on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. This event is at an indoor location this year at the Great Bend Events Center, Great Bend.&nbsp;

Over 20 different organizations will be providing information for attendees. Door prize drawings will be held during the event. Safe sleep demonstrations will be presented throughout the event. Pregnant women or those with infants 6 months of age and under who complete the safe sleep pre- and post-test as well as the safe sleep demonstration will receive a portable crib and sleep sack until supplies run out. 

We will also be providing a car seat check lane in the parking lot. Certified Car Seat Technicians are available to teach attendees to properly install car seats. Technicians can also check already installed car seats to make sure they are installed properly. 

Tdap vaccine will be available to pregnant women or caregivers to protect newborns from pertussis. Nurses will be available to check immunization records for attendees and make recommendations if vaccines are due.

Come check out the local resources for new families at the Great Bend Events Center on Thursday, April 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

The KIDS Network is a nonprofit agency serving individuals who have been touched by the tragedy of infant death or SIDS in Kansas and those individuals or organizations who strive to reduce the risk of infant deaths by providing supportive services, community education, professional training and supporting associated research.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictSleep-related deaths are the leading cause of death for infants over 28 days and claim 3,500 lives each year in the United States. According to the most recent data provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas 2021 infant mortality rate was 5.3 per 1,000 live births. This means nearly 200 babies did not survive to celebrate their first birthday.The good news is that overall, the infant rate has declined significantly from 2002 to 2021. Furthermore, the 2022 Kansas State Child Death Review Board reported that 58% of all Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths were found sleeping in an adult bed and 98% of the SIDS deaths had one or more factors contributing to an unsafe sleep environment.“Too many babies are dying, which means too many families are grieving” says Christy Schunn,&nbsp;executive director of Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network.&nbsp;"While we have made progress over the last ten years, the KIDS Network remains committed to working with partners across Kansas to continue intervention efforts to decrease infant mortality and protect the lives of our state’s youngest and most vulnerable population."Together with Cottonwood District and Infant Toddler Services- Kid Link, the KIDS Network will host a Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower, Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Nicholas Church, 2901 E. 13th St., Hays.Community Baby Showers are an interactive and educational event for expectant parents or new parents (under six months) and their support people to learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep—all babies should sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in Clutter-free Crib. The pregnant women who attend the shower and receive the safe sleep training will receive a free portable crib and a wearable blanket, based on availability. Breastfeeding, tobacco awareness, and mental health resources will be available in addition to many other vendors who will have giveaways and door prizes. Refreshments will be served. Do you know someone who could benefit? Encourage them to attend the Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower in either Barton or Ellis County. Educational sessions begin every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Pre- and post-surveys will be required to receive crib and wearable blanket. To sign up for the Ellis County Community Baby Shower visit:<a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUqqdieTFCaHqrY"> bit.ly/ellisco-communitybabyshower</a>Barton County Health Department and Kansas Children’s Services League Healthy Families will be co-hosting the Barton County Community Baby Shower on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. This event is at an indoor location this year at the Great Bend Events Center, Great Bend.&nbsp;Over 20 different organizations will be providing information for attendees. Door prize drawings will be held during the event. Safe sleep demonstrations will be presented throughout the event. Pregnant women or those with infants 6 months of age and under who complete the safe sleep pre- and post-test as well as the safe sleep demonstration will receive a portable crib and sleep sack until supplies run out. We will also be providing a car seat check lane in the parking lot. Certified Car Seat Technicians are available to teach attendees to properly install car seats. Technicians can also check already installed car seats to make sure they are installed properly. Tdap vaccine will be available to pregnant women or caregivers to protect newborns from pertussis. Nurses will be available to check immunization records for attendees and make recommendations if vaccines are due.Come check out the local resources for new families at the Great Bend Events Center on Thursday, April 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.The KIDS Network is a nonprofit agency serving individuals who have been touched by the tragedy of infant death or SIDS in Kansas and those individuals or organizations who strive to reduce the risk of infant deaths by providing supportive services, community education, professional training and supporting associated research.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or MONIQUEK@KSU.EDU.

KOERNER: Safe Sleep community baby showers

<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/2025/3/1742564576699.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

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about population growth and the local economy.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays - Population Growth and Local Economy" 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=a8ucq-1858a27-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about population growth and the local economy.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams on Hays' population growth, local economy

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

Have you ever stepped into the water on the first fishing trip of the spring only to find your waders leaked? Or lost a nice fish because the line on your reel was old and snapped? Or even found while trying to make the first cast of the year that your reel wouldn’t work at all? All of the above are scenarios that can easily be avoided with a little prior planning. So here are a few tips to help make you ready for action when your buddy calls and screams into the phone “The fish are bitin’!”

Check your gear early. We all lose tackle each year to rocks and “stick fish,” so go through your tackle box, make a list and stock up. 

Check your waders for leaks. If they didn’t leak the last time you took them off, they probably won’t leak now, but be sure; it’s better than an unexpected boot full of cold water. 

Line on fishing reels should be changed every few years; the more often you use it the more often it should be changed. You can buy spools of line and DIY, or most sporting goods stores have a machine to do it for a small fee. 

If you fish from a boat, hopefully you’ve gone over it by now to make sure the batteries are good, the motor starts and runs well and the trailer tires aren’t flat. Also be certain to have life preservers on board for every passenger, because if stopped by wildlife and parks on the water or at the dock, they will check that. If you hate wearing life jackets while fishing like most of us do, look into some of the new technology that now allows life jackets to be much smaller, thinner and less obstructing.

We were just leaving town the other day when my wife snapped her fingers in the air and stated “Darn, I forgot to get my new fishing license.” That excuse won’t fly with a game warden if you get checked only to discover your fishing (or hunting) license has expired, so be sure yours is up-to-date.

 If you are 65, you can purchase a lifetime combination hunting / fishing license for only $42.50. That’s good until you turn 74 and no longer need a license; it’s the deal of the century! 

Have you ever bought your hunting license late in the season, and grumbled about it only being good for a short time until New Year’s Eve? Well, grumble no more as that now has changed. Now all annual licenses (NOT special permits like deer and turkey tags and fur harvester’s permits) are valid for 365 days from the time you purchase them. So, for example, if you buy a hunting license just in time for the November pheasant opener, that license will be good until that date the following year. And to take convenience one step further, if you purchase licenses online, you can now sign up for a feature called “auto renew” that will send you a notice a few weeks before your new license is due each year, then automatically renew it and charge it to a credit or debit card.

Along with possessing the proper licenses and permits, comes knowledge of all Kansas fishing rules and regulations. 

Some regulations are statewide and apply to every cubic inch of Kansas water, whether lake, river, stream or reservoir. 

Some lakes and reservoirs, however, have length limits, etc. that are unique to that water. That’s why every Kansas fisherman’s tackle box should contain a copy of the 2025 Kansas Fishing regulations Summary, a booklet that lists all that information for all Kansas lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes, so you should never get “caught” with your hook bare, so to speak. These should be available everywhere tackle and licenses are sold.

If you’re like me, and not a died-in-the-wool fisherman, it’s handy to know what lakes and reservoirs are best for what fish species. Another handy booklet no Kansas fisherman should be without is the 2025 Fishing Forecast. 

This forecast is assembled by Kansas fisheries biologists using data gathered when they sample lakes in each of their jurisdictions. For each fish species, it rates lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes for largest fish and largest fish populations. 

These forecasts are available at all Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices and to download online from the website at <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>.

So instead of helping put the “pro” in procrastinate, take care of business by getting your fishing stuff in order, making certain your license is up-to-date, arm yourselves with all the available information readily available about Kansas fishing regulations and opportunities, and take someone along who’s new to fishing as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsHave you ever stepped into the water on the first fishing trip of the spring only to find your waders leaked? Or lost a nice fish because the line on your reel was old and snapped? Or even found while trying to make the first cast of the year that your reel wouldn’t work at all? All of the above are scenarios that can easily be avoided with a little prior planning. So here are a few tips to help make you ready for action when your buddy calls and screams into the phone “The fish are bitin’!”Check your gear early. We all lose tackle each year to rocks and “stick fish,” so go through your tackle box, make a list and stock up. Check your waders for leaks. If they didn’t leak the last time you took them off, they probably won’t leak now, but be sure; it’s better than an unexpected boot full of cold water. Line on fishing reels should be changed every few years; the more often you use it the more often it should be changed. You can buy spools of line and DIY, or most sporting goods stores have a machine to do it for a small fee. If you fish from a boat, hopefully you’ve gone over it by now to make sure the batteries are good, the motor starts and runs well and the trailer tires aren’t flat. Also be certain to have life preservers on board for every passenger, because if stopped by wildlife and parks on the water or at the dock, they will check that. If you hate wearing life jackets while fishing like most of us do, look into some of the new technology that now allows life jackets to be much smaller, thinner and less obstructing.We were just leaving town the other day when my wife snapped her fingers in the air and stated “Darn, I forgot to get my new fishing license.” That excuse won’t fly with a game warden if you get checked only to discover your fishing (or hunting) license has expired, so be sure yours is up-to-date. If you are 65, you can purchase a lifetime combination hunting / fishing license for only $42.50. That’s good until you turn 74 and no longer need a license; it’s the deal of the century! Have you ever bought your hunting license late in the season, and grumbled about it only being good for a short time until New Year’s Eve? Well, grumble no more as that now has changed. Now all annual licenses (NOT special permits like deer and turkey tags and fur harvester’s permits) are valid for 365 days from the time you purchase them. So, for example, if you buy a hunting license just in time for the November pheasant opener, that license will be good until that date the following year. And to take convenience one step further, if you purchase licenses online, you can now sign up for a feature called “auto renew” that will send you a notice a few weeks before your new license is due each year, then automatically renew it and charge it to a credit or debit card.Along with possessing the proper licenses and permits, comes knowledge of all Kansas fishing rules and regulations. Some regulations are statewide and apply to every cubic inch of Kansas water, whether lake, river, stream or reservoir. Some lakes and reservoirs, however, have length limits, etc. that are unique to that water. That’s why every Kansas fisherman’s tackle box should contain a copy of the 2025 Kansas Fishing regulations Summary, a booklet that lists all that information for all Kansas lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes, so you should never get “caught” with your hook bare, so to speak. These should be available everywhere tackle and licenses are sold.If you’re like me, and not a died-in-the-wool fisherman, it’s handy to know what lakes and reservoirs are best for what fish species. Another handy booklet no Kansas fisherman should be without is the 2025 Fishing Forecast. This forecast is assembled by Kansas fisheries biologists using data gathered when they sample lakes in each of their jurisdictions. For each fish species, it rates lakes, reservoirs, state fishing lakes and community fishing lakes for largest fish and largest fish populations. These forecasts are available at all Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offices and to download online from the website at <a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">www.ksoutdoors.com</a>. So instead of helping put the “pro” in procrastinate, take care of business by getting your fishing stuff in order, making certain your license is up-to-date, arm yourselves with all the available information readily available about Kansas fishing regulations and opportunities, and take someone along who’s new to fishing as you continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Be prepared when the fish are biting

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Take a stroll at the inaugural Jana Jordan Memorial run and walk, a fundraiser honoring a longtime supporter of the Fort Hays State University tourism program.

Hosted by FHSU’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, the event honors Jana Jordan and funds the tourism scholarship established in her name.

Stacy Smith, director of the Tourism and Hospitality Management Program at FHSU, was mentored by Jana Jordan before Jordan’s passing in 2019.

"It's our way to give back, honor and support Jana, and then turn around and support Fort Hays students that are going to school to become tourism professionals," Smith said.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. April 12 at Lewis Field Stadium and feature a 5K run and a one-mile walk. Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt and entry into prize drawings.

Registration ends April 9. You can sign up <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Hays/TourismTrot?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1x9TL37qYWzBfvJ4tFsEpfrdCTPCh5Ala3T5mqfgfaNkOke5cowZk2I4A_aem_NPTp1NmXRBDLVsTjftKSMQ">here</a>.

Prize drawings will include Fly Hays tickets, concert passes, restaurant gift cards and gym memberships. Awards will also be given to winners in each age category.

Tourism-related facts will be displayed along the race route, showcasing the economic impact of tourism in Hays and across Kansas.

"Jordan worked really hard to support students and the program. She went across the state talking about our program," Smith said. "She was a huge support, and she's been around the industry a long time."

Born in 1955 in Dodge City, Jordan graduated from Hanston High School in 1973. She then attended Colby Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from FHSU in 1977.

She started her tourism career as an international group tour guide for Hays Travel and later served 26 years as director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau before retiring in 2014.

Smith said Jordan was a longtime advocate of tourism in Hays and throughout the state, playing a key role in boosting tourism and economic development during her time at the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"You never forget those people that have given to you and mentored you. This is our way to give back to her," Smith said.

Since the FHSU Tourism and Hospitality program began in 2008, Jordan was a strong supporter who helped establish scholarships and actively promoted the program, encouraging students to explore careers in the industry.

Cally Anderson, president of FHSU’s Eta Sigma Delta, said her honor society is gaining valuable hands-on experience while organizing the event in tribute to Jordan.

"By hosting&nbsp;this 5k in her honor, we can bring more awareness to her legacy and raise funds for the FHSU scholarship that is established in her name," she said.

If you cannot attend the race but would still like to contribute to the Jana Jordan Scholarship Fund, you can make a donation <a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate/?fund=4914&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1n_Ma5nRP6NltcH8n2qWSHFplEobLg5A_BGvnUMyYshHmTrkmjUuvV1Ok_aem_pXdnah6dhjLKaaYOqrHGsA">here</a>.

You can email Anderson at cmanderson9@mail.fhsu.edu if you have questions.

"We have been working hard over the past couple of months to create this event, and I am excited to see it all come together. I hope lots of the community can join us," Anderson said.

Following Jordan’s passing, her son helped create the Jana Jordan Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship to carry on her legacy.

You can follow FHSU Tourism and Hospitality Management on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsuthm">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742565670160.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostTake a stroll at the inaugural Jana Jordan Memorial run and walk, a fundraiser honoring a longtime supporter of the Fort Hays State University tourism program.Hosted by FHSU’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program and the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, the event honors Jana Jordan and funds the tourism scholarship established in her name.Stacy Smith, director of the Tourism and Hospitality Management Program at FHSU, was mentored by Jana Jordan before Jordan’s passing in 2019."It's our way to give back, honor and support Jana, and then turn around and support Fort Hays students that are going to school to become tourism professionals," Smith said.The event will begin at 8 a.m. April 12 at Lewis Field Stadium and feature a 5K run and a one-mile walk. Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt and entry into prize drawings.Registration ends April 9. You can sign up <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Hays/TourismTrot?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1x9TL37qYWzBfvJ4tFsEpfrdCTPCh5Ala3T5mqfgfaNkOke5cowZk2I4A_aem_NPTp1NmXRBDLVsTjftKSMQ">here</a>.Prize drawings will include Fly Hays tickets, concert passes, restaurant gift cards and gym memberships. Awards will also be given to winners in each age category.Tourism-related facts will be displayed along the race route, showcasing the economic impact of tourism in Hays and across Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742565123614.jpeg" alt="Jana Lyn (Salmans) Jordan" />
 <figcaption>Jana Lyn (Salmans) Jordan</figcaption>
 </figure>"Jordan worked really hard to support students and the program. She went across the state talking about our program," Smith said. "She was a huge support, and she's been around the industry a long time."Born in 1955 in Dodge City, Jordan graduated from Hanston High School in 1973. She then attended Colby Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from FHSU in 1977.She started her tourism career as an international group tour guide for Hays Travel and later served 26 years as director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau before retiring in 2014.Smith said Jordan was a longtime advocate of tourism in Hays and throughout the state, playing a key role in boosting tourism and economic development during her time at the Convention and Visitors Bureau."You never forget those people that have given to you and mentored you. This is our way to give back to her," Smith said.Since the FHSU Tourism and Hospitality program began in 2008, Jordan was a strong supporter who helped establish scholarships and actively promoted the program, encouraging students to explore careers in the industry.Cally Anderson, president of FHSU’s Eta Sigma Delta, said her honor society is gaining valuable hands-on experience while organizing the event in tribute to Jordan."By hosting&nbsp;this 5k in her honor, we can bring more awareness to her legacy and raise funds for the FHSU scholarship that is established in her name," she said.If you cannot attend the race but would still like to contribute to the Jana Jordan Scholarship Fund, you can make a donation <a href="https://foundation.fhsu.edu/donate/?fund=4914&amp;fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1n_Ma5nRP6NltcH8n2qWSHFplEobLg5A_BGvnUMyYshHmTrkmjUuvV1Ok_aem_pXdnah6dhjLKaaYOqrHGsA">here</a>.You can email Anderson at cmanderson9@mail.fhsu.edu if you have questions."We have been working hard over the past couple of months to create this event, and I am excited to see it all come together. I hope lots of the community can join us," Anderson said.Following Jordan’s passing, her son helped create the Jana Jordan Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship to carry on her legacy.You can follow FHSU Tourism and Hospitality Management on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsuthm">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742565734663.jpeg" alt="Jana Jordan Memorial 5k/1-mile Tourism Trot 2025" />
 <figcaption>Jana Jordan Memorial 5k/1-mile Tourism Trot 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>

Memorial run to honor former Hays tourism director

The Hays Lions Club recently awarded grants to the following entities who do great work in our community:

The Arc of Central Plains The Audio-Reader Network Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County Boy Scout Troop 101 Cancer Council of Ellis County Community Assistance Center Developmental Services of Northwest KS Ellis County 4-H Council Ellis County Historical Society First Call For Help of Ellis County Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Inc. KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. Teaming Up For Tots USD 489 Hays Middle School Robotics Disabled American Veterans local chapter

These grants are made possible by community support of Hays Lions Club fundraisers including the recently held Sausage &amp; Pancake Feed, the upcoming Hays Lions Club golf tournament on May 4,&nbsp;and the Hays Lions Club food booth at Octoberfest. Thanks for your support!&nbsp;

Members of the Hays Lions Club&nbsp;have been serving our community for over 100 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742399812092.png" alt="Hays Lions Club annual pancake fundraiser on March 11, 2025. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hays Lions Club annual pancake fundraiser on March 11, 2025. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted The Hays Lions Club recently awarded grants to the following entities who do great work in our community:The Arc of Central Plains The Audio-Reader Network Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County Boy Scout Troop 101 Cancer Council of Ellis County Community Assistance Center Developmental Services of Northwest KS Ellis County 4-H Council Ellis County Historical Society First Call For Help of Ellis County Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Inc. KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. Teaming Up For Tots USD 489 Hays Middle School Robotics Disabled American Veterans local chapterThese grants are made possible by community support of Hays Lions Club fundraisers including the recently held Sausage &amp; Pancake Feed, the upcoming Hays Lions Club golf tournament on May 4,&nbsp;and the Hays Lions Club food booth at Octoberfest. Thanks for your support!&nbsp;Members of the Hays Lions Club&nbsp;have been serving our community for over 100 years.

Hays Lions Club awards grants to area nonprofit service groups

FHSU University Communications

The Robbins Banking Institute at Fort Hays State University hosted its second annual lecture series event on Feb. 27, with Michelle Bowman, Federal Reserve governor, serving as keynote speaker. Kansas Bankers Association members and the FHSU community were on hand to make connections and learn more about banking opportunities.

Other speakers during the morning’s lineup included Dr. Jill Arensdorf, FHSU provost/vice president for Academic Affairs; W.R. Robbins, namesake of the Robbins Banking Institute at FHSU and CEO of Farmers Bank and Trust; Dale Winklepleck, Robbins Banking Institute Advisory Council chairman, and Doug Wareham, KBA president and CEO.

Bowman, who took office as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in 2018, brought her extensive history as a banking professional to bear as she discussed challenges to the banking industry. Among her many governmental and financial positions, Bowman served as state bank commissioner of Kansas, vice president of Farmers and Drovers Bank, and worked in Washington, D.C., for the late Sen. Bob Dole.

The critical role of community banks was one theme of Bowman’s lecture. Community banks, she said, are essential not only in the U.S. banking system “but also as drivers of local and regional economic growth, and as anchors of their local communities.”

“Bankers are members of their communities,” she said. “They’re neighbors, they’re friends. Their kids attend local schools and play sports in the local recreational league. The term relationship banking has true meaning in this context.”

One of the most significant barriers to the community bank model, she said, is the competition for qualified bank management and staff. Attracting, developing, and retaining future and current bank leadership is a significant challenge. One of the most critical tasks for bank management is to develop the next generation of leadership.

“Educational programs like the Robbins Banking Institute, bank and regulator internships, and regional graduate schools of banking can help develop a pipeline of talent to support the industry and supervisory responsibilities,” Bowman said.

The Robbins Banking Institute, the first banking institute in Kansas, launched in 2017. With close ties to the Kansas Bankers Association and the Kansas banking community, the institute, founded by W.R. Robbins and his late wife Yvonne, offers a quality education that culminates in completing a real-world banking simulation as part of its banking capstone course.

In opening remarks, Robbins related his academic and career history, his endowment of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, and his role in creating the Robbins Banking Institute.

“We are showing young people what the finance world is all about,” he said of the banking institute’s mission. “How they should look at it when making their career decisions.”

Not long after the institute was created, Robbins knew it needed an industry partner. An agreement was formed with the Kansas Bankers Association. An advisory council comprising KBA members, FHSU faculty, and bankers provides direction to the banking institute.

A unique aspect of the Robbins Banking Institute is its availability not only as an on-campus program but also entirely online for place-bound students, including banking professionals who seek additional education to compete for job promotions.

The Robbins Banking Institute is part of FHSU’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting. The department is one of four in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Offering BBA degrees and minors in accounting, finance, and international business and economics, the department also provides certificate programs.

Learn more about the Robbins Banking Institute, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0fzfRaCuvQ9smKX8YS8by0xOdZtpVK4dLJmiv2Ei5lCB139jvD-2FLaQ-2B7OZ845Jij0Q-3D-3D-u9S_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO19mIYwegOez2hw4-2FhYapVMtbM98E5eWPyYYHrzqGPx32Ma5zD-2Br2E4nA1tVwMZQ5n0V-2Fyq7KDnHUIucPp99IjceX76Cl7-2FylOXSpJU6wNxf2ve4kWWMFiqoIe-2FAr-2FRWE3aJcf-2Fjs9Nnwmg8yGHpgQj0cjdsv37YGia1-2BVVBeYFYusgw-2Ffr4zB18-2FARnaTIzqBYP-2FvAjuk-2B6u2tSSQZPlWUlOkgg7J1itTIzEJHZyiYH-2BVN1SOR6HIriLFkeClCph">https://www.fhsu.edu/efa/Robbins-Banking-Institute/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742398689506.jpeg" alt="Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman. Photo by Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman. Photo by Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University Communications The Robbins Banking Institute at Fort Hays State University hosted its second annual lecture series event on Feb. 27, with Michelle Bowman, Federal Reserve governor, serving as keynote speaker. Kansas Bankers Association members and the FHSU community were on hand to make connections and learn more about banking opportunities.Other speakers during the morning’s lineup included Dr. Jill Arensdorf, FHSU provost/vice president for Academic Affairs; W.R. Robbins, namesake of the Robbins Banking Institute at FHSU and CEO of Farmers Bank and Trust; Dale Winklepleck, Robbins Banking Institute Advisory Council chairman, and Doug Wareham, KBA president and CEO.Bowman, who took office as a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in 2018, brought her extensive history as a banking professional to bear as she discussed challenges to the banking industry. Among her many governmental and financial positions, Bowman served as state bank commissioner of Kansas, vice president of Farmers and Drovers Bank, and worked in Washington, D.C., for the late Sen. Bob Dole.The critical role of community banks was one theme of Bowman’s lecture. Community banks, she said, are essential not only in the U.S. banking system “but also as drivers of local and regional economic growth, and as anchors of their local communities.”“Bankers are members of their communities,” she said. “They’re neighbors, they’re friends. Their kids attend local schools and play sports in the local recreational league. The term relationship banking has true meaning in this context.”One of the most significant barriers to the community bank model, she said, is the competition for qualified bank management and staff. Attracting, developing, and retaining future and current bank leadership is a significant challenge. One of the most critical tasks for bank management is to develop the next generation of leadership.“Educational programs like the Robbins Banking Institute, bank and regulator internships, and regional graduate schools of banking can help develop a pipeline of talent to support the industry and supervisory responsibilities,” Bowman said.The Robbins Banking Institute, the first banking institute in Kansas, launched in 2017. With close ties to the Kansas Bankers Association and the Kansas banking community, the institute, founded by W.R. Robbins and his late wife Yvonne, offers a quality education that culminates in completing a real-world banking simulation as part of its banking capstone course.In opening remarks, Robbins related his academic and career history, his endowment of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, and his role in creating the Robbins Banking Institute.“We are showing young people what the finance world is all about,” he said of the banking institute’s mission. “How they should look at it when making their career decisions.”Not long after the institute was created, Robbins knew it needed an industry partner. An agreement was formed with the Kansas Bankers Association. An advisory council comprising KBA members, FHSU faculty, and bankers provides direction to the banking institute.A unique aspect of the Robbins Banking Institute is its availability not only as an on-campus program but also entirely online for place-bound students, including banking professionals who seek additional education to compete for job promotions.The Robbins Banking Institute is part of FHSU’s Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting. The department is one of four in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Offering BBA degrees and minors in accounting, finance, and international business and economics, the department also provides certificate programs.Learn more about the Robbins Banking Institute, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0fzfRaCuvQ9smKX8YS8by0xOdZtpVK4dLJmiv2Ei5lCB139jvD-2FLaQ-2B7OZ845Jij0Q-3D-3D-u9S_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfO19mIYwegOez2hw4-2FhYapVMtbM98E5eWPyYYHrzqGPx32Ma5zD-2Br2E4nA1tVwMZQ5n0V-2Fyq7KDnHUIucPp99IjceX76Cl7-2FylOXSpJU6wNxf2ve4kWWMFiqoIe-2FAr-2FRWE3aJcf-2Fjs9Nnwmg8yGHpgQj0cjdsv37YGia1-2BVVBeYFYusgw-2Ffr4zB18-2FARnaTIzqBYP-2FvAjuk-2B6u2tSSQZPlWUlOkgg7J1itTIzEJHZyiYH-2BVN1SOR6HIriLFkeClCph">https://www.fhsu.edu/efa/Robbins-Banking-Institute/</a>

FHSU’s Robbins Banking Institute hosts Federal Reserve Governor Bowman 

By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas

This is not a Republican illusion. The political leanings of academia are very real.

Most professors identify as liberal and Democrat. University administrators skew left as well. It’s striking how few professors are conservative or Republican. The imbalance began during the Reagan era and has accelerated since that time. It’s most severe in the social sciences and humanities, though the number of liberal professors has increased across all disciplines.

The education establishment in general stands out as a major supporter of Democrats, ranked 13th on Open Secrets’ list of top industry contributors in 2024. Several prominent universities were listed in the top 100 companies whose workforce donated the most to Joe Biden in 2020. College towns are also hotbeds of progressive culture that can deliver decisive margins for Democrats in competitive statewide races.

It’s not surprising that universities are now in the crosshairs of the Trump administration.

This isn’t the old GOP that complained about radical campus liberals while attracting sizeable shares of the college educated vote. Political tensions are much higher today, and party coalitions are divided by educational attainment. In 2024, for example, a majority of voters without a college degree supported Trump while a majority with a college degree supported Harris. As the diploma divide expands, universities are increasingly ensnared in political disputes, pressured by one side to stand up and by the other to stand aside.

This is troubling. Public confidence in higher education has reached an all-time low. The primary factor cited is political agendas.

Approximately seventy percent say higher education is headed in the wrong direction.

Understandably there is a strong desire within universities to push back against Trump.

But that would only exacerbate the situation. Consider the Marches for Science that took place following Trump’s victory in 2016.

Democrat lawmakers congratulated researchers for organizing and fighting back. Republicans charged left-wing bias.

What compels universities to enter the labyrinth of political and social issues that divide the nation? Aligning too closely with one side introduces unnecessary risks and, as we’ve seen, defeat results in serious political fallout. Instead, adopt a policy of institutional neutrality and relentlessly spotlight the value of universities to the states and communities they serve. A university’s value reaches well beyond a degree, positively impacting a region’s economic, social, and health outcomes.

Universities may also consider directing additional resources toward lobbying.

While state appropriations have dipped, they still represent a sizeable share of university revenue. Building close connections with legislators pays off in countless ways. It’s crucial to recruit and retain people that connect with legislators and appreciate their experiences regardless of party.

This isn’t about forsaking principles. It’s about necessary adjustments, a thoughtful reset to effectively respond to the new political environment. Finally, federal cutbacks impact Republicans too. This will test GOP lawmakers support for Trump. Legal battles are likely to impede Trump’s momentum as well.

And there’s the midterms. Democrats have a strong chance of reclaiming the House in 2026.

Until then, don’t make higher education an even bigger target. Recommit to core purposes of research and teaching and draw a hard line against politicization.

Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Mark Joslyn. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mark Joslyn. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK R. JOSLYN Insight Kansas This is not a Republican illusion. The political leanings of academia are very real.Most professors identify as liberal and Democrat. University administrators skew left as well. It’s striking how few professors are conservative or Republican. The imbalance began during the Reagan era and has accelerated since that time. It’s most severe in the social sciences and humanities, though the number of liberal professors has increased across all disciplines.The education establishment in general stands out as a major supporter of Democrats, ranked 13th on Open Secrets’ list of top industry contributors in 2024. Several prominent universities were listed in the top 100 companies whose workforce donated the most to Joe Biden in 2020. College towns are also hotbeds of progressive culture that can deliver decisive margins for Democrats in competitive statewide races.It’s not surprising that universities are now in the crosshairs of the Trump administration.This isn’t the old GOP that complained about radical campus liberals while attracting sizeable shares of the college educated vote. Political tensions are much higher today, and party coalitions are divided by educational attainment. In 2024, for example, a majority of voters without a college degree supported Trump while a majority with a college degree supported Harris. As the diploma divide expands, universities are increasingly ensnared in political disputes, pressured by one side to stand up and by the other to stand aside.This is troubling. Public confidence in higher education has reached an all-time low. The primary factor cited is political agendas.Approximately seventy percent say higher education is headed in the wrong direction.Understandably there is a strong desire within universities to push back against Trump.But that would only exacerbate the situation. Consider the Marches for Science that took place following Trump’s victory in 2016.Democrat lawmakers congratulated researchers for organizing and fighting back. Republicans charged left-wing bias.Politicization increased.What compels universities to enter the labyrinth of political and social issues that divide the nation? Aligning too closely with one side introduces unnecessary risks and, as we’ve seen, defeat results in serious political fallout. Instead, adopt a policy of institutional neutrality and relentlessly spotlight the value of universities to the states and communities they serve. A university’s value reaches well beyond a degree, positively impacting a region’s economic, social, and health outcomes.Universities may also consider directing additional resources toward lobbying.While state appropriations have dipped, they still represent a sizeable share of university revenue. Building close connections with legislators pays off in countless ways. It’s crucial to recruit and retain people that connect with legislators and appreciate their experiences regardless of party.This isn’t about forsaking principles. It’s about necessary adjustments, a thoughtful reset to effectively respond to the new political environment. Finally, federal cutbacks impact Republicans too. This will test GOP lawmakers support for Trump. Legal battles are likely to impede Trump’s momentum as well.And there’s the midterms. Democrats have a strong chance of reclaiming the House in 2026.The pendulum then swings back.Until then, don’t make higher education an even bigger target. Recommit to core purposes of research and teaching and draw a hard line against politicization.Mark R. Joslyn is a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Reject politicization, emphasize the value of universities

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742564308962.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>

Local students selected by Western Cooperative Electric for youth leadership trips

Editor's note: Story updated at 4 p.m. March 28, 2025, with corrected numbers from the Hays city manager of available acreage feet of water for the city of Hays and the current reservoir capacity level.

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The cities of Hays and Russell plan to ask the Kansas Water Office for two separate releases of water from Cedar Bluff Reservoir in Trego County to recharge their Smoky Hill River wellfields in Ellis County.&nbsp;

The last time such requests were made was in 2013. Hays' request dropped the lake level about 4.7 inches.&nbsp;

Hays asked for 1,200 acre feet which took five days to reach the Hays wellfield and saturate the aquifer. The Russell release followed and was also effective.&nbsp;

"The wellfield is now depleted and we're looking at going into a dry spring and summer. And we know this alluvial aquifer depletes very quickly," Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty said at Thursday's city commission work session.&nbsp;

Russell city council members discussed a similar water release request at their meeting Tuesday.

Russell owns water rights in Cedar Bluff. Hays does not, but has the ability to ask for a water release through an operations agreement with the state of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The state owns the Cedar Bluff artificial recharge pool with up to 1,499 acre feet currently available for recharge of the Smoky Hill River aquifer, including the Hays wellfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cedar Bluff is filled to about 38% of its capacity, according to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

All of Ellis County has been in moderate drought for awhile, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor for Kansas. Drought conditions for the western two-thirds of the state will persist or develop through June 30, 2025, in the most recent U.S. seasonal outlook from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center.

"Not good news for the future," Dougherty said. "Things are getting worse."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742573851238.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners talk about an upcoming request for a water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir as drought conditions persist and the R9 Ranch long-term water supply project is slowed by Edwards County and WaterPACK interventions. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners talk about an upcoming request for a water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir as drought conditions persist and the R9 Ranch long-term water supply project is slowed by Edwards County and WaterPACK interventions. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: Story updated at 4 p.m. March 28, 2025, with corrected numbers from the Hays city manager of available acreage feet of water for the city of Hays and the current reservoir capacity level.By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe cities of Hays and Russell plan to ask the Kansas Water Office for two separate releases of water from Cedar Bluff Reservoir in Trego County to recharge their Smoky Hill River wellfields in Ellis County.&nbsp;The last time such requests were made was in 2013. Hays' request dropped the lake level about 4.7 inches.&nbsp;Hays asked for 1,200 acre feet which took five days to reach the Hays wellfield and saturate the aquifer. The Russell release followed and was also effective.&nbsp;"The wellfield is now depleted and we're looking at going into a dry spring and summer. And we know this alluvial aquifer depletes very quickly," Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty said at Thursday's city commission work session.&nbsp;Russell city council members discussed a similar water release request at their meeting Tuesday.Russell owns water rights in Cedar Bluff. Hays does not, but has the ability to ask for a water release through an operations agreement with the state of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state owns the Cedar Bluff artificial recharge pool with up to 1,499 acre feet currently available for recharge of the Smoky Hill River aquifer, including the Hays wellfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cedar Bluff is filled to about 38% of its capacity, according to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742485969610.png" alt="U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742564772854.png" alt="NOAA" />
 <figcaption>NOAA</figcaption>
 </figure>All of Ellis County has been in moderate drought for awhile, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor for Kansas. Drought conditions for the western two-thirds of the state will persist or develop through June 30, 2025, in the most recent U.S. seasonal outlook from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center."Not good news for the future," Dougherty said. "Things are getting worse."Since 2022, water levels in the Smoky Hill River wellfield south of Hays near Schoenchen have been declining.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742565930672.png" alt="Smoky Hill River monitoring well Schoenchen T-23 (east of Highway 183). City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill River monitoring well Schoenchen T-23 (east of Highway 183). City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742566119360.png" alt="Smoky Hill River monitoring well Schoenchen T-19 (west of Schoenchen). City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Smoky Hill River monitoring well Schoenchen T-19 (west of Schoenchen). City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>"There's a little bit of a current bump but that will go down and hit rock bottom as the trees start coming out of dormancy," Dougherty said."The moisture we got Wednesday (0.40 inch) is going to help but it's not going to solve anything."&nbsp;Reese Barrick, commissioner, said Hays' conservation programs have helped delay the water release request.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742566824426.png" alt="Current representation of Smoky Hill Aquifer downstream from Cedar Bluff Reservoir in Trego County. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Current representation of Smoky Hill Aquifer downstream from Cedar Bluff Reservoir in Trego County. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The pockets of winter moisture from Cedar Bluff Reservoir in the Smoky Hill Aquifer drop as they reach Hays' Schoenchen Wellfield (at the U.S. Highway 183 bridge) and decline even further on the way to Russell's Pfeifer Wellfield (at the Pfeifer bridge.)&nbsp;The Russell wellfield is significantly more depleted than the Hays wellfield.&nbsp;Russell has been in water restrictions eight of the past 12 years.Dougherty called the water release process "extremely inefficient." It has to saturate 30 miles of streambed before it actually reaches the Hays aquifer."Not letting the streambed dry out is a way to be strategic about it, to be the most efficient with the water that comes out of Cedar Bluff to top off those wellfields and hopefully keep them topped off as we go into what could be a significant drought."Mayor Sandy Jacobs said Hays and Russell wouldn't have to be dealing with Cedar Bluff if the cities' R9 Ranch long-term water supply project was completed.&nbsp;"Maybe doing this will wake somebody up. ... We know it's not our legislators;&nbsp; it's the legal process," she said."I'm sorry we have to ask for this, but we're going to take care of our community and our citizens. This is the way to do it when we don't have the R9," she said.Dougherty agreed, "The R9 is our drought backup when it's online.&nbsp;"Knowing that depleting conditions exist and knowing how quickly they can deplete, if it turns 100 degrees and it's dry and there's nothing coming down, knowing we have the ability to top off those wellfields would be a kind of derelict of duty on our part if we didn't. ... "We don't take this lightly," Dougherty said.He told commissioners that if Hays would have to implement heightened water conservation stages, rates will go up for customers.&nbsp;Mason Ruder, vice-mayor, said, "It's very frustrating that we have to resort to these kind of measures just to make sure we have the water that we need to survive, when we have and own the R9 water."Ruder suggested concerned citizens contact the Edwards County Commission and WaterPACK (Water Protection Association of Central Kansas) members if they have questions about the R9 delays.&nbsp;"We've done everything correctly, and beyond what is required of us by law," Ruder said. "They're the ones holding the process up."Barrick said, "We'll be happy to give you their phone numbers."&nbsp;Commissioner&nbsp;Shaun Musil said, "It will be sustainable when we get the ranch. We can prove it with the models, and we're not raping Edwards County of water. There's enough water to survive and prosper." "This to me is not sustainable. ... It's the most asinine thing we can do to have water," Musil said.The governing bodies of Hays and Russell will schedule a joint meeting about the R9 Ranch project in late April in Russell.