Hays High DECA is excited to return to a traditional food drive that benefits the Community Assistance Center. This year's food drive, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, with the collections beginning at 6:00 pm and ending by 9:00 pm.

Youth and adult volunteers from Hays give of their time to make this food drive a success. To assure residents that the items collected are for the Community Assistance Center, all volunteers will be wearing an identification badge with their group name clearly printed. Please leave items on the porch if donors will not be home or do not want someone ringing the doorbell.

Possible items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed food items such Hamburger Helper or mac and cheese, jars of baby food, and any non- perishable food items. If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E 12th St. Hays, KS.

The Community Assistance Center is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization that helps Ellis County families &amp; individuals of low or no income, transients, homeless, &amp; disaster victims with food, clothing, and household items. The Community Assistance Center does not receive any federal, state, county or local funds and is funded by donations only.

Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon November 29, 2024.

If civic organizations or groups are interested in helping with food collection, please contact Shaina Prough at Hays High School, 623-2600.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602003875651.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHays High DECA is excited to return to a traditional food drive that benefits the Community Assistance Center. This year's food drive, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, with the collections beginning at 6:00 pm and ending by 9:00 pm.Youth and adult volunteers from Hays give of their time to make this food drive a success. To assure residents that the items collected are for the Community Assistance Center, all volunteers will be wearing an identification badge with their group name clearly printed. Please leave items on the porch if donors will not be home or do not want someone ringing the doorbell.Possible items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed food items such Hamburger Helper or mac and cheese, jars of baby food, and any non- perishable food items. If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E 12th St. Hays, KS.The Community Assistance Center is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization that helps Ellis County families &amp; individuals of low or no income, transients, homeless, &amp; disaster victims with food, clothing, and household items. The Community Assistance Center does not receive any federal, state, county or local funds and is funded by donations only.Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon November 29, 2024.If civic organizations or groups are interested in helping with food collection, please contact Shaina Prough at Hays High School, 623-2600.

Hays Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat food drive planned

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.

Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!

I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!

Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>

I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.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: Family Pizza Day

<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/2024/9/1726420847727.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

Sternberg snapping turtle dies

A public hearing will be held Monday afternoon by the Hays Area Planning Commission for a variance request.

Leslie Smith has asked to reduce the west side yard setback from the required seven feet to four feet for extension of a carport at 407 E. 17th.

Other agenda items include project updates.

The Sept. 16 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162024-1502">here</a>.

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysA public hearing will be held Monday afternoon by the Hays Area Planning Commission for a variance request.Leslie Smith has asked to reduce the west side yard setback from the required seven feet to four feet for extension of a carport at 407 E. 17th.Other agenda items include project updates.The Sept. 16 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162024-1502">here</a>.The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays Area Planning Commission to meeting Monday afternoon

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

To honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, the Tiger Fitness Center at Fort Hays State University organized a memorial stair climb in Hays.

Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston and nearly 200 other participants paid tribute on Saturday to the courageous firefighters and victims of the attack.

"Personally, it's a reminder of that day and what those firefighters did to honor their memory," Preston said.&nbsp;

The memorial event began at 7:46 a.m., one hour before the first plane hit the North Tower in 2001. The opening featured the national anthem, a tribute to current first responders and veterans, and a moment of silence.

Participants could choose to run or walk up the steps of Lewis Field Stadium or do laps around the track.

About 10 to 15 firefighters from Hays, equipped with their gear, participated in the climb, mirroring the efforts of first responders who entered the World Trade Centers.

Gear typically weighs between 45 and 75 pounds.

"I know people are young and were not born at that time, but it's good for them to remember what happened that day and show support for their community," Preston said.

18-year-old Myah Mateheyer took part in the commemorative climb and said it was a challenging task but one done to show appreciation.

"I respect all the hard work they do," she said. "My dad used to be a firefighter, my uncle is a firefighter, and I have a couple of cousins in EMS."

Mateheyer completed 42 laps up and down the bleachers, separated as the first responders had their own designated climbing area.

"Seeing the firefighters in gear really set the tone for the day," Mateheyer said.

Drew Gannon, director of the Tiger Fitness Center, organized the 4th- annual climb to commemorate the heroic actions of the men and women of New York.

"For me, it's about the heroic actions of our first responders, co-workers and innocent bystanders caught in the mix of it all," he said.

Gannon organized the first stair climb on the 20th anniversary of the attack with the help of five students and his wife's encouragement.

"This has turned out to be an event that I never dreamed would be at this size, of this magnitude," he said.

Serving breakfast was a new addition to the memorial stair climb, meant to strengthen the bond between the community and first responders.

Preston said events like the stair climb are important for firefighters to feel that the community backs their efforts, even while away from their families.

"It's a reminder for our firefighters to know that the community supports them," he said. "We make a lot of personal sacrifices... to come out and show their appreciation to us. That's that's the biggest thank you that we can get."

As participants completed their laps, footage and audio from the New York attacks were displayed on the big screen at Lewis Field Stadium.

The Hays Fire Department is seeking young people ages 14 through 18 who are interested in serving their community through its Explorers Program.

You can learn more about the program <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1175394110210648/?ref=newsfeed">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338279456.jpeg" alt="Firefighters and participants walking across the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters and participants walking across the Lewis Field Stadium bleachers. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostTo honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, the Tiger Fitness Center at Fort Hays State University organized a memorial stair climb in Hays.Hays Fire Department Deputy Chief Shane Preston and nearly 200 other participants paid tribute on Saturday to the courageous firefighters and victims of the attack."Personally, it's a reminder of that day and what those firefighters did to honor their memory," Preston said.&nbsp;The memorial event began at 7:46 a.m., one hour before the first plane hit the North Tower in 2001. The opening featured the national anthem, a tribute to current first responders and veterans, and a moment of silence.Participants could choose to run or walk up the steps of Lewis Field Stadium or do laps around the track.About 10 to 15 firefighters from Hays, equipped with their gear, participated in the climb, mirroring the efforts of first responders who entered the World Trade Centers.Gear typically weighs between 45 and 75 pounds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338395536.jpeg" alt="First responders climbing up the stairs at Lewis Field Stadium.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post " />
 <figcaption>First responders climbing up the stairs at Lewis Field Stadium.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726339031482.jpeg" alt="A firefighter with a photo of a deceased first responder on his gas tank sitting next to a boy at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter with a photo of a deceased first responder on his gas tank sitting next to a boy at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338517527.jpeg" alt="Firefighters walking down the steps of&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters walking down the steps of&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338558239.jpeg" alt="A tired firefighter resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A tired firefighter resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"I know people are young and were not born at that time, but it's good for them to remember what happened that day and show support for their community," Preston said.18-year-old Myah Mateheyer took part in the commemorative climb and said it was a challenging task but one done to show appreciation."I respect all the hard work they do," she said. "My dad used to be a firefighter, my uncle is a firefighter, and I have a couple of cousins in EMS."Mateheyer completed 42 laps up and down the bleachers, separated as the first responders had their own designated climbing area."Seeing the firefighters in gear really set the tone for the day," Mateheyer said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338633423.jpeg" alt="Firefighters at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Firefighters at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338879907.jpeg" alt="Students and other attendees running through the&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium bleachers. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Students and other attendees running through the&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium bleachers. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338907665.jpeg" alt="Students and attendees running down the stairs at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Students and attendees running down the stairs at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726339210189.jpeg" alt="Two firefighters resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two firefighters resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Drew Gannon, director of the Tiger Fitness Center, organized the 4th- annual climb to commemorate the heroic actions of the men and women of New York."For me, it's about the heroic actions of our first responders, co-workers and innocent bystanders caught in the mix of it all," he said.Gannon organized the first stair climb on the 20th anniversary of the attack with the help of five students and his wife's encouragement."This has turned out to be an event that I never dreamed would be at this size, of this magnitude," he said.Serving breakfast was a new addition to the memorial stair climb, meant to strengthen the bond between the community and first responders.Preston said events like the stair climb are important for firefighters to feel that the community backs their efforts, even while away from their families."It's a reminder for our firefighters to know that the community supports them," he said. "We make a lot of personal sacrifices... to come out and show their appreciation to us. That's that's the biggest thank you that we can get."As participants completed their laps, footage and audio from the New York attacks were displayed on the big screen at Lewis Field Stadium.The Hays Fire Department is seeking young people ages 14 through 18 who are interested in serving their community through its Explorers Program.You can learn more about the program <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1175394110210648/?ref=newsfeed">here</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338964257.jpeg" alt="A firefighter interacting with a boy at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter interacting with a boy at Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338809429.jpeg" alt="A boy carrying gear alongside other firefighters at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A boy carrying gear alongside other firefighters at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726339315305.jpeg" alt="A firefighter resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A firefighter resting at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726338712599.jpeg" alt="Two firefighters staring at the U.S. flag at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two firefighters staring at the U.S. flag at&nbsp;Lewis Field Stadium. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb pays tribute to victims

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Whether you’ve had a bad day and need some quiet time, or whether your faith has taken a hit lately and you need some assurance that there is still good in this world, take a drive along any back road going anywhere in Kansas right now and let God treat you to a spectacle only He can provide in the form of acre-after-acre of brightly shimmering wild sunflowers in the ditches and fencerows. As you drive along, thousands of luminescent yellow heads appear to guide your way and offer a boost to your spirits.

Did you know that the sunflower is the only crop grown for seed that was domesticated right here in the USA? Sunflowers were a common crop among Native American tribes throughout North America, and Spanish explorers took the exotic plants back to Europe in the 1500’s. Sunflowers were first grown for food in Russia. By the early 19th century, Russian farmers were growing over 2 million acres, and by the late 19th century, Russian sunflower seed had found it’s way back to North America again. Though different from domestic sunflowers in many ways, wild sunflowers are the genetic basis of today’s commercially grown crop. Domestic sunflower blooms appear to follow the sun across the horizon each day, but once the radiant flowers open, they actually face east for the rest of their lives. This is possibly a defense mechanism, as facing any other direction could scald the seeds before they ripen. Wild sunflowers don’t seem to care which direction they face.

In 2023, US farmers grew just over 1.3 million acres of domestic sunflowers, 36,000 of those acres were grown here in KS, putting us in 6th place behind North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Texas and Nebraska. Total 2023 domestic sunflower production in the US totaled 2.3 billion pounds. Russia, Ukraine, the European Union, Argentina and Turkey make up the top 5 world producers of domestic sunflower seed. The sunflower, by the way is the national flower of Russia.

Now, here’s a little “sunflower trivia,” compliments of the Guinness Book of World Records. A sunflower grown in Germany holds the record for the tallest ever grown, at 30 feet, 1 inch, a sunflower grown in British Columbia boasts the widest head ever recorded at over 32 inches across, a sunflower head weighing over 14 pounds grown in Wales is the heaviest sunflower head on record, and a sunflower grown in Michigan claims the most heads with 837 sunflower heads on one plant.

In 1903, the sunflower became the state flower of Kansas. As history has it, in 1901, George Morehouse, a state senator from Council Grove, attended a rodeo in Colorado Springs where all the Kansas folk in attendance wore sunflowers identifying them as Kansans. So moved and inspired by the Kansas spirit was he, that upon returning home, he drafted the bill naming the sunflower as our state flower. In this original bill, Morehouse stated “This flower has to all Kansans an historical symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairie and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present and richly emblematic of the majesty of the golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name “The Sunflower State.”

The last couple years we’ve had typical Kansas summer weather, dried and roasted, but like the mailman, those Kansas wild sunflowers don’t seem to care. They fill the ditches

and pastures of our state with a gazillion gleaming jewels fit for any king’s crown. So take a lesson from the wild sunflower and when life deals you adverse conditions. turn them into sunflower seeds! (I know that doesn’t make sense but it sounds cool) Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsWhether you’ve had a bad day and need some quiet time, or whether your faith has taken a hit lately and you need some assurance that there is still good in this world, take a drive along any back road going anywhere in Kansas right now and let God treat you to a spectacle only He can provide in the form of acre-after-acre of brightly shimmering wild sunflowers in the ditches and fencerows. As you drive along, thousands of luminescent yellow heads appear to guide your way and offer a boost to your spirits.Did you know that the sunflower is the only crop grown for seed that was domesticated right here in the USA? Sunflowers were a common crop among Native American tribes throughout North America, and Spanish explorers took the exotic plants back to Europe in the 1500’s. Sunflowers were first grown for food in Russia. By the early 19th century, Russian farmers were growing over 2 million acres, and by the late 19th century, Russian sunflower seed had found it’s way back to North America again. Though different from domestic sunflowers in many ways, wild sunflowers are the genetic basis of today’s commercially grown crop. Domestic sunflower blooms appear to follow the sun across the horizon each day, but once the radiant flowers open, they actually face east for the rest of their lives. This is possibly a defense mechanism, as facing any other direction could scald the seeds before they ripen. Wild sunflowers don’t seem to care which direction they face.In 2023, US farmers grew just over 1.3 million acres of domestic sunflowers, 36,000 of those acres were grown here in KS, putting us in 6th place behind North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Texas and Nebraska. Total 2023 domestic sunflower production in the US totaled 2.3 billion pounds. Russia, Ukraine, the European Union, Argentina and Turkey make up the top 5 world producers of domestic sunflower seed. The sunflower, by the way is the national flower of Russia.Now, here’s a little “sunflower trivia,” compliments of the Guinness Book of World Records. A sunflower grown in Germany holds the record for the tallest ever grown, at 30 feet, 1 inch, a sunflower grown in British Columbia boasts the widest head ever recorded at over 32 inches across, a sunflower head weighing over 14 pounds grown in Wales is the heaviest sunflower head on record, and a sunflower grown in Michigan claims the most heads with 837 sunflower heads on one plant.In 1903, the sunflower became the state flower of Kansas. As history has it, in 1901, George Morehouse, a state senator from Council Grove, attended a rodeo in Colorado Springs where all the Kansas folk in attendance wore sunflowers identifying them as Kansans. So moved and inspired by the Kansas spirit was he, that upon returning home, he drafted the bill naming the sunflower as our state flower. In this original bill, Morehouse stated “This flower has to all Kansans an historical symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairie and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present and richly emblematic of the majesty of the golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name “The Sunflower State.”The last couple years we’ve had typical Kansas summer weather, dried and roasted, but like the mailman, those Kansas wild sunflowers don’t seem to care. They fill the ditchesand pastures of our state with a gazillion gleaming jewels fit for any king’s crown. So take a lesson from the wild sunflower and when life deals you adverse conditions. turn them into sunflower seeds! (I know that doesn’t make sense but it sounds cool) Continue to Explore Kansas OutdoorsSteve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Sunflower state of mind

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Phone and internet services are vital to accessing healthcare and community services, finding employment, and calling for help in an emergency. However, the cost to stay connected is out of reach for many Kansans.

In observance of Lifeline Awareness Week, September 8-14, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in creating awareness of the Lifeline program and encourages those in need of assistance to apply.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts of up to $17.02 per month to help pay for residential or wireless phone service, internet, or a bundled phone and internet plan. Subscribers living on tribal lands qualify for additional discounts. Currently, nearly 8 million Americans, including 23,000 in Kansas, are enrolled in the program.

Eligibility&nbsp;is based on income&nbsp;(at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) or participation in certain assistance programs such as:

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Ftelecommunications%2Flifeline%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010191d788668b-1719c874-232e-4ef6-8c3c-8860e93752c6-000000/bRpVzzS2ntyXPmmq1Lf0gJCBpOTIJKRUhPF_T1HNnmU=369">KCC’s website</a>&nbsp;or by calling 800-662-0027.

SubmittedTOPEKA&nbsp;– Phone and internet services are vital to accessing healthcare and community services, finding employment, and calling for help in an emergency. However, the cost to stay connected is out of reach for many Kansans.In observance of Lifeline Awareness Week, September 8-14, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in creating awareness of the Lifeline program and encourages those in need of assistance to apply.Lifeline provides federal and state discounts of up to $17.02 per month to help pay for residential or wireless phone service, internet, or a bundled phone and internet plan. Subscribers living on tribal lands qualify for additional discounts. Currently, nearly 8 million Americans, including 23,000 in Kansas, are enrolled in the program.Eligibility&nbsp;is based on income&nbsp;(at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) or participation in certain assistance programs such as:<ul>
 <li>Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)</li><li>Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)</li><li>Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)</li><li>Veterans Pension &amp; Survivors Pension Benefit</li><li>Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance</li><li>Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families</li><li>Head Start Tribal Programs (income based)</li><li>The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands</li>
 </ul>More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Ftelecommunications%2Flifeline%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010191d788668b-1719c874-232e-4ef6-8c3c-8860e93752c6-000000/bRpVzzS2ntyXPmmq1Lf0gJCBpOTIJKRUhPF_T1HNnmU=369">KCC’s website</a>&nbsp;or by calling 800-662-0027.

Lifeline helps low-income Kansans stay connected

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

While the 2024 presidential election may be more than a month and half away, it is time for Kansans to make a voting plan and check their voter registration status. This is because Kansas has chosen not to implement same-day voter registration.

For the most part, election law is state law. States decide the process and requirements for voter registration. In Kansas, voters hoping to participate in this year’s presidential election must register by October 15, which is 21 days prior to Election Day. Comparatively, nearly half of U.S. states allow citizens to register and vote on the same day.

Same-day voter registration is a policy that allows eligible citizens to both register and vote on the same day, typically during early voting periods or on Election Day itself.

Advocates for same-day voter registration argue that it has several benefits. First, it can lead to higher voter turnout. Same-day registration is convenient. It streamlines the process and removes bureaucratic barriers that dissuade some from participating.

Same-day registration also allows people to register and vote at a time when their interest in the election is most immediate. Not all potential voters are thinking about the actual process and requirements of voting weeks prior to the election. By allowing them to legally register and cast a ballot on Election Day, you encourage more people to engage in the democratic process.

Same-day registration also addresses the issue of voter disenfranchisement due to outdated or inaccurate voter rolls. Voters that discover that they have been purged from voter lists or that their registration information is incorrect on Election Day can correct their registration status and still participate if the state allows same-day registration. This flexibility is particularly important for younger voters, minorities, and people who move frequently, as they are more likely to encounter registration issues.

Finally, same-day registration strengthens democracy by making it more inclusive. Voter registration barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities and removing them ensures that a broader cross-section of the population can have their votes heard. This leads to a more representative government.

Arguments against same-day registration typically rely on fears over voter fraud. However, research suggests that voter fraud is extremely rare across the United States, including in states that allow same-day registration.

Some opponents also argue that same-day registration puts additional burdens and pressure on election officials and poll workers. However, with adequate preparation and staffing, these concerns can be addressed prior to Election Day.

In conclusion, same-day voter registration is a powerful tool for increasing voter turnout, reducing disenfranchisement, and promoting a healthy, inclusive democracy. Currently, Kansas does not appear ready to move in this direction. Therefore, I encourage all Kansans to check their registration status now to make sure they are ready to cast their ballots in November.

You can check your registration status at&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview</a>. You can find information about registering to vote at&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html">https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678373196929.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasWhile the 2024 presidential election may be more than a month and half away, it is time for Kansans to make a voting plan and check their voter registration status. This is because Kansas has chosen not to implement same-day voter registration.For the most part, election law is state law. States decide the process and requirements for voter registration. In Kansas, voters hoping to participate in this year’s presidential election must register by October 15, which is 21 days prior to Election Day. Comparatively, nearly half of U.S. states allow citizens to register and vote on the same day.Same-day voter registration is a policy that allows eligible citizens to both register and vote on the same day, typically during early voting periods or on Election Day itself.Advocates for same-day voter registration argue that it has several benefits. First, it can lead to higher voter turnout. Same-day registration is convenient. It streamlines the process and removes bureaucratic barriers that dissuade some from participating.Same-day registration also allows people to register and vote at a time when their interest in the election is most immediate. Not all potential voters are thinking about the actual process and requirements of voting weeks prior to the election. By allowing them to legally register and cast a ballot on Election Day, you encourage more people to engage in the democratic process.Same-day registration also addresses the issue of voter disenfranchisement due to outdated or inaccurate voter rolls. Voters that discover that they have been purged from voter lists or that their registration information is incorrect on Election Day can correct their registration status and still participate if the state allows same-day registration. This flexibility is particularly important for younger voters, minorities, and people who move frequently, as they are more likely to encounter registration issues.Finally, same-day registration strengthens democracy by making it more inclusive. Voter registration barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities and removing them ensures that a broader cross-section of the population can have their votes heard. This leads to a more representative government.Arguments against same-day registration typically rely on fears over voter fraud. However, research suggests that voter fraud is extremely rare across the United States, including in states that allow same-day registration.Some opponents also argue that same-day registration puts additional burdens and pressure on election officials and poll workers. However, with adequate preparation and staffing, these concerns can be addressed prior to Election Day.In conclusion, same-day voter registration is a powerful tool for increasing voter turnout, reducing disenfranchisement, and promoting a healthy, inclusive democracy. Currently, Kansas does not appear ready to move in this direction. Therefore, I encourage all Kansans to check their registration status now to make sure they are ready to cast their ballots in November.You can check your registration status at&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview</a>. You can find information about registering to vote at&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html">https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html</a>.Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: The case for same-day voter registration

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726350866851.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

By YAJIE MU Consumer Education Specialist

Missing jury duty can come with real consequences. You could face a fine, go to court, or even get arrested. Scammers take advantage of that to get your money or sensitive information. But their story is a lie.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This scam usually starts with a phone call or an email from someone claiming to be from the police department or a court official. (They’re not.) They say you missed jury duty, even though you never got a jury duty notice. They’ll tell you there’s a warrant out for your arrest, and the only way to cancel it is to pay a fine. (It’s a lie.) If you refuse, they may threaten you with jail. Or they might ask for personal information like your Social Security number or date of birth to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft" target="_blank">steal your identity</a>. To make the scam seem real, scammers also might give you a fake sheriff’s badge number and case number.&nbsp;

If you get a call or email like this, hang up or don’t respond. Don’t pay or give them any personal information. If you think a call or email could be real, call the court directly at a number you know is correct. Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-government-impersonation-scam" target="_blank">other ways scammers pretend to be the government</a>. If you spot it, tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726350505460.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By YAJIE MU Consumer Education SpecialistMissing jury duty can come with real consequences. You could face a fine, go to court, or even get arrested. Scammers take advantage of that to get your money or sensitive information. But their story is a lie.&nbsp;&nbsp;This scam usually starts with a phone call or an email from someone claiming to be from the police department or a court official. (They’re not.) They say you missed jury duty, even though you never got a jury duty notice. They’ll tell you there’s a warrant out for your arrest, and the only way to cancel it is to pay a fine. (It’s a lie.) If you refuse, they may threaten you with jail. Or they might ask for personal information like your Social Security number or date of birth to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft" target="_blank">steal your identity</a>. To make the scam seem real, scammers also might give you a fake sheriff’s badge number and case number.&nbsp;Here’s how you can tell it’s a scam.<ul>
 <li>Courts never ask for immediate payment over the phone. In fact, no government agency will do that.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Only scammers insist that you can only pay with&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams" target="_blank">gift cards</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/mobile-payment-apps-how-avoid-scam-when-you-use-one" target="_blank">payment app</a>,<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-cryptocurrency-and-scams" target="_blank">&nbsp;cryptocurrency</a>, or a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/you-wire-money" target="_blank">wire transfer service</a>&nbsp;like Western Union or MoneyGram because it’s very hard to get your money back if you pay in these ways.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Courts never ask for sensitive personal information over the phone, like your Social Security number or date of birth. Only scammers do.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>If you get a call or email like this, hang up or don’t respond. Don’t pay or give them any personal information. If you think a call or email could be real, call the court directly at a number you know is correct. Learn more about&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-government-impersonation-scam" target="_blank">other ways scammers pretend to be the government</a>. If you spot it, tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Did you get a call or email saying you missed jury duty and need to pay? It’s a scam

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses multi-year guaranteed annuities with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Multi-year guaranteed annuities explained with IPI Financial Services" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9bqpt-16ce232-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses multi-year guaranteed annuities with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Multi-year guaranteed annuities explained with IPI Financial Services

Legislation would prevent federal government from seizing land for proposed transmission corridor

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;-&nbsp;U.S. Senators Jerry Moran, R-KS, and Roger Marshall, R-KS and First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-KS, introduced legislation to prevent the federal government from using taxpayer dollars to seize private property to be used for a proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC).

The&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a NIETC proposal to consider transmission line across&nbsp;major segments of&nbsp;Kansas, including <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/099d982a-98ff-4352-8a78-a592e5b71d28">Pawnee, Barton, and Russell counties</a>.

SEE RELATED STORY: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d80465bc-cabd-4a80-9d54-6a70690a6c68">'Clear violation of states' rights': Rep. Waymaster fights transmission line</a>

Through the implementation of the Biden-Harris Administration’s&nbsp;Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,&nbsp;the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would have&nbsp;increased&nbsp;authority to site electric transmission lines&nbsp;on lands designated a NIETC – even when state regulators have denied an application.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I am vehemently opposed to any effort by the federal government to seize private land,”&nbsp;said Mann.&nbsp;“The Department of Energy’s phase 2 announcement of the NIETC proposal was grossly under publicized, overly vague, and left landowners with no clarity regarding whether their lands would be impacted. 

"We have heard Kansans loud and clear—they are not interested in the federal government grabbing their land. We introduced this legislation to protect the rights of Kansas landowners and prevent the federal government from treading on their liberties. Any land given to the federal government for this project should be voluntary, not mandated, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;will never stop fighting to defend that right.”

“Kansans have made it clear to the federal government that their land is not for sale,”&nbsp;said Moran.&nbsp;

“The NIETC proposal has been problematic from the start&nbsp;since&nbsp;the DOE permitted&nbsp;only&nbsp;45 days for folks to submit their comments regarding the proposed transmission line," Moran said. "Sen. Marshall, Congressman Mann and I introduced legislation, the passage of which would prohibit the Department of Energy from trampling on the rights of Kansas landowners or usurping the authority of state regulators in order to build a transmission line across Kansas. These decisions should be left up to Kansans,&nbsp;not Washington.”

“Bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. should not have the unchecked authority to approve projects that could strip Kansans of their property rights,”&nbsp;said Marshall.&nbsp;“It’s as simple as this: decisions affecting local lands should always rest with the states.”

“Kansas Farm Bureau appreciates the leadership of Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracey Mann in introducing legislation to level the playing field and encourage good faith negotiations for the siting and building of electric transmission lines,”&nbsp;said Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau.

&nbsp;“Additionally, this bill recognizes the important voice state regulators have in the process. While our policy supports reliable, low-cost electricity, and increasing transmission capacity to keep pace with growing demand, without vital protections included in this legislation, landowners will continue to face unilateral ultimatums from transmission developers who are using taxpayer dollars to build infrastructure," Newland said.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ban federal funds from being used to condemn private property to be used in a NIETC designation, and

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prohibit FERC from using its authority to overrule a state regulator’s rejection of an electric transmission project.

Rep. Mann, Senator Moran, and Senator Marshall&nbsp;secured an agreement from DOE to continue accepting comments regarding the NIETC proposal in Kansas. 

If a Kansan would like to offer comments on the proposed transmission line to the Department of Energy, they can email their comments to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:NIETC@hq.doe.gov">NIETC@hq.doe.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726262832335.png" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Sen. Moran<h2>Legislation would prevent federal government from seizing land for proposed transmission corridor</h2>WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;-&nbsp;U.S. Senators Jerry Moran, R-KS, and Roger Marshall, R-KS and First District Congressman Tracey Mann, R-KS, introduced legislation to prevent the federal government from using taxpayer dollars to seize private property to be used for a proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC).The&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a NIETC proposal to consider transmission line across&nbsp;major segments of&nbsp;Kansas, including <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/099d982a-98ff-4352-8a78-a592e5b71d28">Pawnee, Barton, and Russell counties</a>.SEE RELATED STORY: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d80465bc-cabd-4a80-9d54-6a70690a6c68">'Clear violation of states' rights': Rep. Waymaster fights transmission line</a>Through the implementation of the Biden-Harris Administration’s&nbsp;Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,&nbsp;the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would have&nbsp;increased&nbsp;authority to site electric transmission lines&nbsp;on lands designated a NIETC – even when state regulators have denied an application.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I am vehemently opposed to any effort by the federal government to seize private land,”&nbsp;said Mann.&nbsp;“The Department of Energy’s phase 2 announcement of the NIETC proposal was grossly under publicized, overly vague, and left landowners with no clarity regarding whether their lands would be impacted. "We have heard Kansans loud and clear—they are not interested in the federal government grabbing their land. We introduced this legislation to protect the rights of Kansas landowners and prevent the federal government from treading on their liberties. Any land given to the federal government for this project should be voluntary, not mandated, and&nbsp;I&nbsp;will never stop fighting to defend that right.”“Kansans have made it clear to the federal government that their land is not for sale,”&nbsp;said Moran.&nbsp;“The NIETC proposal has been problematic from the start&nbsp;since&nbsp;the DOE permitted&nbsp;only&nbsp;45 days for folks to submit their comments regarding the proposed transmission line," Moran said. "Sen. Marshall, Congressman Mann and I introduced legislation, the passage of which would prohibit the Department of Energy from trampling on the rights of Kansas landowners or usurping the authority of state regulators in order to build a transmission line across Kansas. These decisions should be left up to Kansans,&nbsp;not Washington.”“Bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. should not have the unchecked authority to approve projects that could strip Kansans of their property rights,”&nbsp;said Marshall.&nbsp;“It’s as simple as this: decisions affecting local lands should always rest with the states.”“Kansas Farm Bureau appreciates the leadership of Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracey Mann in introducing legislation to level the playing field and encourage good faith negotiations for the siting and building of electric transmission lines,”&nbsp;said Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau.&nbsp;“Additionally, this bill recognizes the important voice state regulators have in the process. While our policy supports reliable, low-cost electricity, and increasing transmission capacity to keep pace with growing demand, without vital protections included in this legislation, landowners will continue to face unilateral ultimatums from transmission developers who are using taxpayer dollars to build infrastructure," Newland said.This legislation would:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ban federal funds from being used to condemn private property to be used in a NIETC designation, and·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prohibit FERC from using its authority to overrule a state regulator’s rejection of an electric transmission project.Rep. Mann, Senator Moran, and Senator Marshall&nbsp;secured an agreement from DOE to continue accepting comments regarding the NIETC proposal in Kansas. If a Kansan would like to offer comments on the proposed transmission line to the Department of Energy, they can email their comments to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:NIETC@hq.doe.gov">NIETC@hq.doe.gov</a>

Legislation to protect property rights against proposed transmission line introduced by Rep. Mann, Sens. Moran, Marshall

Robert Benecke captured 19th-century western Kansas landscapes before massive European migrations to the area transformed them. In the intervening years, the dust bowl, mass extinction of bison, and expansion of mechanized agriculture have all led to a profusion of trees, ponds and lakes across the Sunflower State.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f506a711-a676-4ec1-82e5-497f2f20116c">SEE RELATED STORY: Historic Hays home included in ecology study</a>

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/julie-denesha">Julie Denesha</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">KCUR</a>

When railroad companies hired Robert Benecke to help advertise Kansas land for sale in the 1870s, the German-born photographer captured a unique window into life on the Great Plains at a very early time in the state’s history.

A century and a half later, University of Kansas professor of ecology and evolutionary biology Town Peterson sees Benecke’s images as a chance to investigate the impact of human settlement.

Peterson first became aware of a trove of Benecke’s images preserved in&nbsp;<a href="https://digitalcollections.smu.edu/digital/search/searchterm/%22Robert%20Benecke%22" target="_blank">the digital collections</a>&nbsp;of Southern Methodist University during the pandemic, and he set out to re-photograph the scenes and see what changed over the course of time.

It’s all part of the curiosity process in science, Peterson says.

“You go out there with a tingle in your right ear and you play around for a bit,” he explains. “You learn some lessons and that leads you to the next curiosity.”

Peterson’s years-long effort has led to his new book, “One Hundred and Fifty Years of Change on the Great Plains,”&nbsp;available&nbsp;<a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1808/34963" target="_blank">for free as a PDF</a>&nbsp;or in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lulu.com/shop/a-townsend-peterson/one-hundred-and-fifty-years-of-change-on-the-great-plains/hardcover/product-gjg74wm.html?page=1&amp;pageSize=4" target="_blank">hard-copy format on demand</a>. It pairs Benecke's historic landscapes with Peterson’s new photographs of the same views.

The juxtaposition, Peterson says, can show how the region has changed.

“I use these photo comparisons as a way of exploring and thinking about things,” the Ohio native says. “This particular set of photographs was really neat because it goes back to 1873, which is pretty much at the beginning of what I would call mobile photography.”

The 1873 Kansas Pacific Railway assignment took the St. Louis-based Benecke between Kansas City and Denver, taking photographs along the tracks all the way. Benecke would eventually travel all 600 miles of Kansas Pacific’s tracks, taking photographs at nearly every major stop and using a railcar darkroom to process his glass plate negatives.

Benecke captured a moment before the massive migrations into Western Kansas, when cities like Lawrence and Manhattan were just small European settlements. His images help chronicle the disappearance of the bison, the dust bowl, and the expansion of mechanized agriculture, ranching, irrigation, fire suppression and more.

Peterson’s modern images display what’s changed in the intervening years. They show a contemporary Kansas in color, sometimes from the ground and other times from a drone.

The project, which scientists call “<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/centers/norock/science/repeat-photography-project" target="_blank">repeat photography</a>,” took Peterson across the state to find and photograph 50 different Benecke vantage points.

Each photograph presented its own challenges. While Benecke offered some detail about where each photo was taken, exact locations were often difficult to find.

“Locating the sites was months of work,” Peterson says, noting the hunt often left him spinning his wheels.

“Then it was two summers of driving back and forth between Denver and Kansas City getting into the fine details of where these sites were,” he says.

One of Peterson’s first observations was that many of the sites from 1873 are now covered by trees that have taken over the landscape. They often made the rephotographing process difficult and, when trees obscured the view, Peterson had to make compromises.

“If I can't see anything because I'm in trees, then what do I do about this site?” Peterson says. “How do I take a photograph that's meaningful in showing how this site is similar or different?”

Finding so many trees wasn’t exactly a surprise for the ecologist.

“I certainly have been aware of the afforestation process.” Peterson says. “If you look out my office window, it's a forested landscape, and if you look at the depictions of Lawrence in the 1800s, it wasn't, so I had some expectations.”

But he wasn’t entirely prepared for what he found either.

“West of Manhattan in the 1873 photos, you see essentially no trees,” Peterson says. “To me, the contrast is just astounding.”

Photography commissioned in the age of steam

Benecke’s 19th-century photographs were originally commissioned by railroad companies to lure white European settlers out west.

“The U.S. government incentivized building railroads that would connect, essentially, the east to the west of the country,” Peterson says.

Between 1850 and 1872 the federal government&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loc.gov/collections/railroad-maps-1828-to-1900/articles-and-essays/history-of-railroads-and-maps/land-grants/" target="_blank">granted millions of acres of public lands to railroad companies</a>&nbsp;in order to promote railroad construction, disregarding indigenous populations already living on the land in the process. Railroad companies commonly received 20 miles on either side of track that was built.

“It was very much in the Kansas Pacific railroad's interest to get people to move out there,” Peterson says. “If they could depict the Great Plains as this wonderland where you can have land very cheap and prosper with your family, they could make tons of money.”

And they did. According to the Library of Congress, most western railroads had established as early as 1868 profitable land departments and European bureaus of immigration to sell land and promote foreign settlement in states like Kansas.

Early steam locomotives ran on wood and water so there had to be a settlement every few miles, and refueling stations were built every 15 or 20 miles. On the often arid plains, a permanent source of water was also necessary, so the railroads built ponds and lakes along the lines to keep the engines running.

The new infrastructure encouraged development across the state but also affected the land, creating new wetlands.

"Kansas didn't have much in the way of wetlands in the 1800s," Peterson says.

Environmental transformations like that substantiate the scientific merit in returning to these sites to track the changing land, he says, and ecological studies are often revisited at five, 10 and 20-year intervals.

“This is all an effort to get a longer-term view of a landscape,” Peterson says. “And sure, some of it is just fun, and some of it is that kind of pre-science curiosity that turns into neat questions down the line.”

Peterson has included in his book the precise geographical coordinates of each image to help facilitate the next curious photographer.

“So much is going to change in the next 30 or 40 years,” Peterson says. “The idea is this is kind of our long-term anchor point for being able to understand how the landscape changes here.”

Peterson also has some advice for that future photographer who may someday retrace his and Benecke’s journey.

“Get everything possible done between March and early June, and then October and November,” Peterson says. “Because, as much as I love Kansas landscapes, the ticks, the chiggers, the poison ivy, the mosquitoes, stinging nettles — you have to use early spring and late fall.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726090514329.png" alt="German-born photographer Robert Benecke, shown here in an undated self-portrait, traveled across Kansas taking scenic photographs at nearly every major stop in 1873 for the Kansas Pacific Railway. KU ecology and biology professor Town Peterson followed Benecke’s footsteps 150 years later to reveal startling changes to the prairie landscape.&nbsp;Robert Benecke/DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University" />
 <figcaption>German-born photographer Robert Benecke, shown here in an undated self-portrait, traveled across Kansas taking scenic photographs at nearly every major stop in 1873 for the Kansas Pacific Railway. KU ecology and biology professor Town Peterson followed Benecke’s footsteps 150 years later to reveal startling changes to the prairie landscape.&nbsp;Robert Benecke/DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Robert Benecke captured 19th-century western Kansas landscapes before massive European migrations to the area transformed them. In the intervening years, the dust bowl, mass extinction of bison, and expansion of mechanized agriculture have all led to a profusion of trees, ponds and lakes across the Sunflower State.</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f506a711-a676-4ec1-82e5-497f2f20116c">SEE RELATED STORY: Historic Hays home included in ecology study</a>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/julie-denesha">Julie Denesha</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">KCUR</a>When railroad companies hired Robert Benecke to help advertise Kansas land for sale in the 1870s, the German-born photographer captured a unique window into life on the Great Plains at a very early time in the state’s history.A century and a half later, University of Kansas professor of ecology and evolutionary biology Town Peterson sees Benecke’s images as a chance to investigate the impact of human settlement.Peterson first became aware of a trove of Benecke’s images preserved in&nbsp;<a href="https://digitalcollections.smu.edu/digital/search/searchterm/%22Robert%20Benecke%22" target="_blank">the digital collections</a>&nbsp;of Southern Methodist University during the pandemic, and he set out to re-photograph the scenes and see what changed over the course of time.It’s all part of the curiosity process in science, Peterson says.“You go out there with a tingle in your right ear and you play around for a bit,” he explains. “You learn some lessons and that leads you to the next curiosity.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726090628012.png" alt="Photo Credits: Before Robert Benecke After Town Peterson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Credits: Before Robert Benecke After Town Peterson</figcaption>
 </figure>Peterson’s years-long effort has led to his new book, “One Hundred and Fifty Years of Change on the Great Plains,”&nbsp;available&nbsp;<a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1808/34963" target="_blank">for free as a PDF</a>&nbsp;or in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lulu.com/shop/a-townsend-peterson/one-hundred-and-fifty-years-of-change-on-the-great-plains/hardcover/product-gjg74wm.html?page=1&amp;pageSize=4" target="_blank">hard-copy format on demand</a>. It pairs Benecke's historic landscapes with Peterson’s new photographs of the same views.The juxtaposition, Peterson says, can show how the region has changed.“I use these photo comparisons as a way of exploring and thinking about things,” the Ohio native says. “This particular set of photographs was really neat because it goes back to 1873, which is pretty much at the beginning of what I would call mobile photography.”The 1873 Kansas Pacific Railway assignment took the St. Louis-based Benecke between Kansas City and Denver, taking photographs along the tracks all the way. Benecke would eventually travel all 600 miles of Kansas Pacific’s tracks, taking photographs at nearly every major stop and using a railcar darkroom to process his glass plate negatives.Benecke captured a moment before the massive migrations into Western Kansas, when cities like Lawrence and Manhattan were just small European settlements. His images help chronicle the disappearance of the bison, the dust bowl, and the expansion of mechanized agriculture, ranching, irrigation, fire suppression and more.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726090692594.png" alt="The Kansas Pacific main line, shown on an 1869 map. The thick, red and green area adjacent to the rail line indicates the extent of land grants available to settlers. The green sections in western Kansas were available for purchase at the time, while the red extension in Colorado Territory was completed the following year.&nbsp;Henry Seibert &amp; Bros./Wichita State University Libraries" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Pacific main line, shown on an 1869 map. The thick, red and green area adjacent to the rail line indicates the extent of land grants available to settlers. The green sections in western Kansas were available for purchase at the time, while the red extension in Colorado Territory was completed the following year.&nbsp;Henry Seibert &amp; Bros./Wichita State University Libraries</figcaption>
 </figure>Peterson’s modern images display what’s changed in the intervening years. They show a contemporary Kansas in color, sometimes from the ground and other times from a drone.The project, which scientists call “<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/centers/norock/science/repeat-photography-project" target="_blank">repeat photography</a>,” took Peterson across the state to find and photograph 50 different Benecke vantage points.Each photograph presented its own challenges. While Benecke offered some detail about where each photo was taken, exact locations were often difficult to find.“Locating the sites was months of work,” Peterson says, noting the hunt often left him spinning his wheels.“Then it was two summers of driving back and forth between Denver and Kansas City getting into the fine details of where these sites were,” he says.One of Peterson’s first observations was that many of the sites from 1873 are now covered by trees that have taken over the landscape. They often made the rephotographing process difficult and, when trees obscured the view, Peterson had to make compromises.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726090819810.png" alt="Photo Credits: Before Robert Benecke After Town Peterson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Credits: Before Robert Benecke After Town Peterson</figcaption>
 </figure>“If I can't see anything because I'm in trees, then what do I do about this site?” Peterson says. “How do I take a photograph that's meaningful in showing how this site is similar or different?”Finding so many trees wasn’t exactly a surprise for the ecologist.“I certainly have been aware of the afforestation process.” Peterson says. “If you look out my office window, it's a forested landscape, and if you look at the depictions of Lawrence in the 1800s, it wasn't, so I had some expectations.”But he wasn’t entirely prepared for what he found either.“West of Manhattan in the 1873 photos, you see essentially no trees,” Peterson says. “To me, the contrast is just astounding.”<h2>Photography commissioned in the age of steam</h2>Benecke’s 19th-century photographs were originally commissioned by railroad companies to lure white European settlers out west.“The U.S. government incentivized building railroads that would connect, essentially, the east to the west of the country,” Peterson says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726090901463.png" alt="The railcar where Robert Benecke developed many of his landscape images, photographed by Benecke during a stop in Ellis, Kansas, in 1873.&nbsp;Robert Benecke/DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University" />
 <figcaption>The railcar where Robert Benecke developed many of his landscape images, photographed by Benecke during a stop in Ellis, Kansas, in 1873.&nbsp;Robert Benecke/DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University</figcaption>
 </figure>Between 1850 and 1872 the federal government&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loc.gov/collections/railroad-maps-1828-to-1900/articles-and-essays/history-of-railroads-and-maps/land-grants/" target="_blank">granted millions of acres of public lands to railroad companies</a>&nbsp;in order to promote railroad construction, disregarding indigenous populations already living on the land in the process. Railroad companies commonly received 20 miles on either side of track that was built.“It was very much in the Kansas Pacific railroad's interest to get people to move out there,” Peterson says. “If they could depict the Great Plains as this wonderland where you can have land very cheap and prosper with your family, they could make tons of money.”And they did. According to the Library of Congress, most western railroads had established as early as 1868 profitable land departments and European bureaus of immigration to sell land and promote foreign settlement in states like Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726090966978.png" alt="The No. 2. Taxidermist's Department of the Kansas Pacific Railway, photographed by Benecke in 1873 to help advertise bison heads during the so-called "Great Slaughter,” from 1820 to 1880. The loss of the massive herds of grazing bison was one reason for the expansion of trees on the Great Plains.&nbsp;Robert Benecke/DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University" />
 <figcaption>The No. 2. Taxidermist's Department of the Kansas Pacific Railway, photographed by Benecke in 1873 to help advertise bison heads during the so-called "Great Slaughter,” from 1820 to 1880. The loss of the massive herds of grazing bison was one reason for the expansion of trees on the Great Plains.&nbsp;Robert Benecke/DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University</figcaption>
 </figure>Early steam locomotives ran on wood and water so there had to be a settlement every few miles, and refueling stations were built every 15 or 20 miles. On the often arid plains, a permanent source of water was also necessary, so the railroads built ponds and lakes along the lines to keep the engines running.The new infrastructure encouraged development across the state but also affected the land, creating new wetlands."Kansas didn't have much in the way of wetlands in the 1800s," Peterson says.Environmental transformations like that substantiate the scientific merit in returning to these sites to track the changing land, he says, and ecological studies are often revisited at five, 10 and 20-year intervals.“This is all an effort to get a longer-term view of a landscape,” Peterson says. “And sure, some of it is just fun, and some of it is that kind of pre-science curiosity that turns into neat questions down the line.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726090767879.png" alt="Photo Credits: Before Robert Benecke After Town Peterson" />
 <figcaption>Photo Credits: Before Robert Benecke After Town Peterson</figcaption>
 </figure>Peterson has included in his book the precise geographical coordinates of each image to help facilitate the next curious photographer.“So much is going to change in the next 30 or 40 years,” Peterson says. “The idea is this is kind of our long-term anchor point for being able to understand how the landscape changes here.”Peterson also has some advice for that future photographer who may someday retrace his and Benecke’s journey.“Get everything possible done between March and early June, and then October and November,” Peterson says. “Because, as much as I love Kansas landscapes, the ticks, the chiggers, the poison ivy, the mosquitoes, stinging nettles — you have to use early spring and late fall.”

What did Kansas look like 150 years ago? A KU professor’s photo book shows parts of Ellis Co.

Fort Hays State University celebrated its affiliation with Fort Hays North Central Technical College in Hays and Beloit and Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday in Hays.

The ceremony included speeches from North Central Tech President&nbsp;Eric Burks, Northwest Tech President Ben Schears and FHSU President Tisa Mason.

Burks said the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Hays Downtown Pavilion was appropriate given that the pavilion had been developed through a partnership.

"This pavilion was a collaboration between Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays Tech North Central," he said. "It shows what we can create and build together when we work together."

The affiliation aims to tackle workforce challenges in the area while providing opportunities for students entering the job market.

Burks said the collaboration stems from a position of strength, not weakness. Discussions about the collaboration have been ongoing for more than three years.

Schears said it has been thrilling to meet and connect with members from the other colleges dedicated to helping the next generation.

"All three institutions are healthy, successful, and we're darn good at graduating students and getting them into the Kansas workforce," Schears said.

All three entities offer construction and healthcare programs and have long partnered to serve students, businesses, and communities throughout rural Kansas.

With $15 million in funding from the Kansas Legislature, FHSU is expanding its nursing program and making additions to Stroup Hall, the nursing building.

The college hopes to open the doors to the addition in 2027.

Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Chamber in Hays, said the three institutes are beacons of opportunity and drivers of economic prosperity in western Kansas.

Wasinger said the coalition of businesses, industries and communities will concentrate on creating opportunities for students, fostering entrepreneurship and addressing challenges.

Wasinger said the affiliation will focus on creating opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship and solving workforce challenges.

"The spirit of collaboration is alive and well in the heart of Kansas. We celebrate that and give our deep appreciation to the leadership, faculty, staff and students who made this possible," she said.

To celebrate the partnership, Mason read a limerick aloud about the unity of the university and technical colleges for the betterment of Hays.

"With our communities, we gather and cheer; three colleges join, our mission is clear. Fort Hays' brand we embrace, we're enhancing our space, helping students and towns persevere... together we'll grow, knowledge will flow, building futures with passion and grace," she said.

Gerard Wellbrock, the eighth voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers, emceed the affiliation event, which began with performances by the FHSU Tiger pep band and Tiger cheerleaders.

Following the ribbon-cutting, live music by Wade Richard entertained attendees as they enjoyed the evening festivities and snow cones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726252739509.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason, joined by the presidents of Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central, celebrate a ribbon cutting of the schools' affiliation on Thursday in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason, joined by the presidents of Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central, celebrate a ribbon cutting of the schools' affiliation on Thursday in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFort Hays State University celebrated its affiliation with Fort Hays North Central Technical College in Hays and Beloit and Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday in Hays.The ceremony included speeches from North Central Tech President&nbsp;Eric Burks, Northwest Tech President Ben Schears and FHSU President Tisa Mason.Burks said the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Hays Downtown Pavilion was appropriate given that the pavilion had been developed through a partnership."This pavilion was a collaboration between Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays Tech North Central," he said. "It shows what we can create and build together when we work together."The affiliation aims to tackle workforce challenges in the area while providing opportunities for students entering the job market.Burks said the collaboration stems from a position of strength, not weakness. Discussions about the collaboration have been ongoing for more than three years.Schears said it has been thrilling to meet and connect with members from the other colleges dedicated to helping the next generation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726255923153.jpeg" alt="Three Tiger Mascots unveil new logos on shirts for&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Three Tiger Mascots unveil new logos on shirts for&nbsp;Fort Hays Tech Northwest and Fort Hays Tech North Central. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"All three institutions are healthy, successful, and we're darn good at graduating students and getting them into the Kansas workforce," Schears said.All three entities offer construction and healthcare programs and have long partnered to serve students, businesses, and communities throughout rural Kansas.With $15 million in funding from the Kansas Legislature, FHSU is expanding its nursing program and making additions to Stroup Hall, the nursing building.The college hopes to open the doors to the addition in 2027.Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of the Chamber in Hays, said the three institutes are beacons of opportunity and drivers of economic prosperity in western Kansas.Wasinger said the coalition of businesses, industries and communities will concentrate on creating opportunities for students, fostering entrepreneurship and addressing challenges.Wasinger said the affiliation will focus on creating opportunities for students, expanding entrepreneurship and solving workforce challenges."The spirit of collaboration is alive and well in the heart of Kansas. We celebrate that and give our deep appreciation to the leadership, faculty, staff and students who made this possible," she said.To celebrate the partnership, Mason read a limerick aloud about the unity of the university and technical colleges for the betterment of Hays."With our communities, we gather and cheer; three colleges join, our mission is clear. Fort Hays' brand we embrace, we're enhancing our space, helping students and towns persevere... together we'll grow, knowledge will flow, building futures with passion and grace," she said.Gerard Wellbrock, the eighth voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers, emceed the affiliation event, which began with performances by the FHSU Tiger pep band and Tiger cheerleaders.Following the ribbon-cutting, live music by Wade Richard entertained attendees as they enjoyed the evening festivities and snow cones.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726255978926.jpeg" alt="Tiger Cheerleaders performing 'The Tiger Rag' for the opening ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tiger Cheerleaders performing 'The Tiger Rag' for the opening ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726256003633.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University Tiger pep band performing "The Tiger Rag" for the opening ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University Tiger pep band performing "The Tiger Rag" for the opening ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

FHSU celebrates affiliation with area technical colleges

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners approved the city's 2025 budget Thursday. For the 16th consecutive year, the mill levy remains at 25 mills.

Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, reviewed the highlights prior to public hearings to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and for the budget.&nbsp;

Total assessed valuation of the city is up 4.2%.&nbsp;

The budget includes 2% step and 3% cost of living increases for all city employees.

Spending in the general fund, which is financed primarily through the local sales tax, is expected to be about $177,500 below 2024 levels.&nbsp;

This year's sales tax revenues have underperformed, Bielser said, and are projected to end 1.4% below budget. However, a modest 2% increase over 2024 projections is estimated.

Two audience members, both Hays retirees, asked that the revenue- neutral rate not be exceeded.

City Manager Toby Dougherty said that's impractical.

"We have cost increases we have to deal with. ... The revenue-neutral rate is a fallacy. It may sound good year-to-year, but it's not sustainable long term," Dougherty said.

"In 1956, we funded a police department for $65,000. If you were to take the revenue-neutral philosophy, we would still be spending $65,000 to fund the Hays Police Department. We can't do that. ... It doesn't make sense unless you're in an environment where costs do not increase."

The Ellis County valuation went up about 5% this year.

A third public hearing was conducted to establish a&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for The Grove development north of HaysMed.&nbsp;

The developer, Grow Hays, has asked the city to finance and construct infrastructure related to the project.

The city would use incentive district revenues to offset its estimated $8.2 million costs.&nbsp;The incentive district would generate about $8.452 million during its maximum 25-year term.

The city of Hays has been awarded a technical assistance grant from the Federal Emergency Management Association, increasing its likelihood of receiving federal financial assistance for the R9 long-term water project for Hays and Russell.

Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with FEMA.

John Braun, R9 project manager, said the technical assistance grant will help the city prepare its Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities grant application.

Hays was the only city in Kansas to receive the FEMA technical grant.

The commission accepted three changes to the 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities presented by Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.

Changes in state statute prompted all three changes.

Changes to the Uniform Public Offense Code:

Disorderly Conduct&nbsp;—&nbsp;The portion that made engaging in noisy conduct tending reasonably to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others a violation of the law has been removed. The Kansas Supreme Court recently ruled this portion of the section was unconstitutional.&nbsp;

Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Controlled Substances —&nbsp;Amended to give people immunity from prosecution for simple possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia when rendering aid to an overdose victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726240819051.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners discuss the 2025 budget during Thursday's public hearing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners discuss the 2025 budget during Thursday's public hearing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners approved the city's 2025 budget Thursday. For the 16th consecutive year, the mill levy remains at 25 mills.Collin Bielser, deputy city manager, reviewed the highlights prior to public hearings to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and for the budget.&nbsp;Total assessed valuation of the city is up 4.2%.&nbsp;The budget includes 2% step and 3% cost of living increases for all city employees.Spending in the general fund, which is financed primarily through the local sales tax, is expected to be about $177,500 below 2024 levels.&nbsp;This year's sales tax revenues have underperformed, Bielser said, and are projected to end 1.4% below budget. However, a modest 2% increase over 2024 projections is estimated.Two audience members, both Hays retirees, asked that the revenue- neutral rate not be exceeded.City Manager Toby Dougherty said that's impractical.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lru0g6Xr3ok" title="Toby Dougherty on revenue neutral rate" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"We have cost increases we have to deal with. ... The revenue-neutral rate is a fallacy. It may sound good year-to-year, but it's not sustainable long term," Dougherty said."In 1956, we funded a police department for $65,000. If you were to take the revenue-neutral philosophy, we would still be spending $65,000 to fund the Hays Police Department. We can't do that. ... It doesn't make sense unless you're in an environment where costs do not increase."The Ellis County valuation went up about 5% this year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725635074107.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>A third public hearing was conducted to establish a&nbsp;Reinvestment Housing Incentive District for The Grove development north of HaysMed.&nbsp;The developer, Grow Hays, has asked the city to finance and construct infrastructure related to the project.The city would use incentive district revenues to offset its estimated $8.2 million costs.&nbsp;The incentive district would generate about $8.452 million during its maximum 25-year term.The city of Hays has been awarded a technical assistance grant from the Federal Emergency Management Association, increasing its likelihood of receiving federal financial assistance for the R9 long-term water project for Hays and Russell.Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with FEMA.John Braun, R9 project manager, said the technical assistance grant will help the city prepare its Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities grant application.Hays was the only city in Kansas to receive the FEMA technical grant.The commission accepted three changes to the 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code and Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas cities presented by Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler.Changes in state statute prompted all three changes.Changes to the Uniform Public Offense Code:Disorderly Conduct&nbsp;—&nbsp;The portion that made engaging in noisy conduct tending reasonably to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others a violation of the law has been removed. The Kansas Supreme Court recently ruled this portion of the section was unconstitutional.&nbsp;Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Controlled Substances —&nbsp;Amended to give people immunity from prosecution for simple possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia when rendering aid to an overdose victim.Changes to the Standard Traffic Ordinance:&nbsp;Failure to Comply with Traffic Citation&nbsp;—&nbsp;Changes are designed to reduce suspensions of driving privileges and allow people to have a restricted license. The new law also limits license reinstatement surcharge to a single fee of $100 and increases the number of non-driving violations for which a license may be suspended or restricted.&nbsp;The governing body was reorganized at the beginning of the meeting, and Shaun Musil stepped down as mayor.Jacobs was elected mayor and Mason Ruder will serve as vice-mayor.A donation check to the city for $13,000 from Golden Plains Credit Union was presented by Ruth Ruder.Jacobs said the donation would likely be used to install a pedestrian crosswalk on 33rd Street at the ARC Park.

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