Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the benefits of business incentives on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650389030295.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=m6bva-1a13844-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%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the benefits of business incentives on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

🎙 Post Podcat: Doug Williams discusses benefits of business incentives

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

I thought of this story the other day, and decided it needed telling.

One cold, frosty December morning a couple winters ago, I slowly steered my pickup into the midst of several weathered old hay bales, and stepped out into the crisp, pre-dawn air. 

With the full moon illuminating the landscape like a spotlight and the frost making everything underfoot crunch like cornflakes, slipping in to our deer blind unnoticed this morning would be like trying to slip into the house past Mom when I was a kid and had stayed out past curfew. 

It was the last Saturday of deer rifle season and my heart was not really in it. I gathered my gear and began the short trek that would take me through a stretch of soybean stubble, across a small grassy meadow, down a creek bank and up the other side to the blind. 

To the right of our blind lay a small woodlot that was a popular bedding area for the local deer, so my goal was to slip in quietly and catch early morning browsers as they left the area to feed.

I crossed the stubble field and as I entered the meadow, I began hearing a strange quiet sort of popping sound -&nbsp; kind of like one of those kids' push toys that pops a ping pong ball around inside as its pushed across the floor. 

At first, I thought it was my insulated coveralls rubbing tufts of frosted grass as I walked, but that couldn’t be, because the moonlight was so bright, I could sidestep everything noisy. Or maybe it was just my old arthritic joints cracking and popping like Jiffy Pop popcorn with every step, but I stood still for awhile and the sound still continued. Baffled at what I heard, but figuring I was making who-knows-what kind of noise because of my Bull-in-a-China-Closet syndrome, I strode onward.

I’d taken just a couple more steps when an enormous eruption somewhere in front of me stopped me cold. I instinctively reeled backwards, and starring skyward, found the bright moonlit sky filled with the huge black shapes of wild turkeys, looking for all the world like beach balls with wings as they scattered to the four winds. 

Then it hit me that many times I had heard hen turkeys make that familiar quiet popping sound as they milled around me during turkey hunts. For anyone who has never seen or heard wild turkeys come down from a roost in the morning, it’s about the loudest, most awkward and unscripted event you’ll ever witness, and that’s when they’re not spooked! 

When the dust settled, the moonlight revealed numerous more roosted in the trees all around me. 

I remember starring at all those black shapes in the trees and thinking “This ain't gonna end well,” when, like shots from a Roman candle, every few seconds another group would leave their perches and scatter in a different direction. 

And finally, as if any deer were still left in this part of the township, the last group set sail and glided right through the middle of the very woodlot I’d hoped would produce a deer for me that morning! 

Every fiber of my being told me “Just go back home to bed; you tried but your hunt is surely ruined for the morning,” but I regained my composure, readjusted my now warm wet shorts, and continued on anyway.

Our blind was a trailer with a camper shell on top that had two sliding windows in front. The insides of all the windows were frosted over, which we were used to, but as I tried to slide open the two front windows, I found them frozen shut (well, of course they were.) I found an ice scraper and placing it sideways against one of the windows, I preceded to rap on it with my fist until one-at-a-time both&nbsp;windows broke free and slid open.

&nbsp;As things stood then, any living thing not spooked from the property by the turkey explosion, or rousted from the area by the eerie hulking figure strolling about in the bright moonlight was surely driven from the territory by the sound of a jackhammer being run from inside our hunting blind.

At that point, I might as well have stood on top of the trailer and sung the Star-Spangled Banner at the top of my lungs as the sun came up, or built a roaring fire in the middle of the stubble field and danced around it to the beat of a thousand native drums; it would have made little difference in the outcome of my Saturday morning deer hunt. 

A couple hours later as I walked to the truck, my once-wet shorts now frozen and crunching with every step, I had to take solace that sometimes all the caution in the world just can’t outwit Mother Nature.

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 Outdoors I thought of this story the other day, and decided it needed telling.One cold, frosty December morning a couple winters ago, I slowly steered my pickup into the midst of several weathered old hay bales, and stepped out into the crisp, pre-dawn air. With the full moon illuminating the landscape like a spotlight and the frost making everything underfoot crunch like cornflakes, slipping in to our deer blind unnoticed this morning would be like trying to slip into the house past Mom when I was a kid and had stayed out past curfew. It was the last Saturday of deer rifle season and my heart was not really in it. I gathered my gear and began the short trek that would take me through a stretch of soybean stubble, across a small grassy meadow, down a creek bank and up the other side to the blind. To the right of our blind lay a small woodlot that was a popular bedding area for the local deer, so my goal was to slip in quietly and catch early morning browsers as they left the area to feed.I crossed the stubble field and as I entered the meadow, I began hearing a strange quiet sort of popping sound -&nbsp; kind of like one of those kids' push toys that pops a ping pong ball around inside as its pushed across the floor. At first, I thought it was my insulated coveralls rubbing tufts of frosted grass as I walked, but that couldn’t be, because the moonlight was so bright, I could sidestep everything noisy. Or maybe it was just my old arthritic joints cracking and popping like Jiffy Pop popcorn with every step, but I stood still for awhile and the sound still continued. Baffled at what I heard, but figuring I was making who-knows-what kind of noise because of my Bull-in-a-China-Closet syndrome, I strode onward.I’d taken just a couple more steps when an enormous eruption somewhere in front of me stopped me cold. I instinctively reeled backwards, and starring skyward, found the bright moonlit sky filled with the huge black shapes of wild turkeys, looking for all the world like beach balls with wings as they scattered to the four winds. Then it hit me that many times I had heard hen turkeys make that familiar quiet popping sound as they milled around me during turkey hunts. For anyone who has never seen or heard wild turkeys come down from a roost in the morning, it’s about the loudest, most awkward and unscripted event you’ll ever witness, and that’s when they’re not spooked! When the dust settled, the moonlight revealed numerous more roosted in the trees all around me. I remember starring at all those black shapes in the trees and thinking “This ain't gonna end well,” when, like shots from a Roman candle, every few seconds another group would leave their perches and scatter in a different direction. And finally, as if any deer were still left in this part of the township, the last group set sail and glided right through the middle of the very woodlot I’d hoped would produce a deer for me that morning! Every fiber of my being told me “Just go back home to bed; you tried but your hunt is surely ruined for the morning,” but I regained my composure, readjusted my now warm wet shorts, and continued on anyway.Our blind was a trailer with a camper shell on top that had two sliding windows in front. The insides of all the windows were frosted over, which we were used to, but as I tried to slide open the two front windows, I found them frozen shut (well, of course they were.) I found an ice scraper and placing it sideways against one of the windows, I preceded to rap on it with my fist until one-at-a-time both&nbsp;windows broke free and slid open.&nbsp;As things stood then, any living thing not spooked from the property by the turkey explosion, or rousted from the area by the eerie hulking figure strolling about in the bright moonlight was surely driven from the territory by the sound of a jackhammer being run from inside our hunting blind.At that point, I might as well have stood on top of the trailer and sung the Star-Spangled Banner at the top of my lungs as the sun came up, or built a roaring fire in the middle of the stubble field and danced around it to the beat of a thousand native drums; it would have made little difference in the outcome of my Saturday morning deer hunt. A couple hours later as I walked to the truck, my once-wet shorts now frozen and crunching with every step, I had to take solace that sometimes all the caution in the world just can’t outwit Mother Nature.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Doomed from the start

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo is playing a new card with its relocation to the former Hays Senior Center.

Janelle Molkeker, owner of the bingo parlor, said the business relocated to 2450 E. Eighth St. on New Year's Eve after its building on 12th Street was listed for sale.

"I do like the new location. I think it's just a little bit bigger," she said.

The parlor celebrates six years in business this month in its new home, which offers better parking and easier accessibility, especially for older patrons. The building is next to the Rose Garden Banquet Hall.

Bingo is played every Wednesday and Friday, with doors opening at 5 p.m., mini games starting at 6:30 p.m. and the main bingo session beginning at 7 p.m. Cash prizes are determined by attendance and vary by game type, such as blackout bingo.

Molkeker said the parlor offers a family-oriented environment that supports local nonprofits and continues to welcome both longtime regulars and new players.

"I've noticed a lot of young people are starting to come," she said.

Concessions range from burgers and hot dogs to nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy and occasional Friday night specials like tacos.

A nonprofit organization sponsors each bingo night and serves as a fundraiser rather than solely as a recreational event. Groups interested in participating can call 785-635-3434 for more information.

You can follow The Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063482861428">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768090483556.jpeg" alt="Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo during one of its sessions at its new location. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo during one of its sessions at its new location. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHeritage Eatery &amp; Bingo is playing a new card with its relocation to the former Hays Senior Center.Janelle Molkeker, owner of the bingo parlor, said the business relocated to 2450 E. Eighth St. on New Year's Eve after its building on 12th Street was listed for sale."I do like the new location. I think it's just a little bit bigger," she said.The parlor celebrates six years in business this month in its new home, which offers better parking and easier accessibility, especially for older patrons. The building is next to the Rose Garden Banquet Hall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768090528965.jpeg" alt="The stage of Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo’s new location. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The stage of Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo’s new location. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768090712000.jpeg" alt="A player at Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A player at Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768090584423.jpeg" alt="Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo during one of its sessions at its new location. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo during one of its sessions at its new location. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Bingo is played every Wednesday and Friday, with doors opening at 5 p.m., mini games starting at 6:30 p.m. and the main bingo session beginning at 7 p.m. Cash prizes are determined by attendance and vary by game type, such as blackout bingo.Molkeker said the parlor offers a family-oriented environment that supports local nonprofits and continues to welcome both longtime regulars and new players."I've noticed a lot of young people are starting to come," she said.Concessions range from burgers and hot dogs to nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy and occasional Friday night specials like tacos.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768090624262.jpeg" alt="Snacks and concessions at Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Snacks and concessions at Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768090647696.jpeg" alt="Pretzels from Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Pretzels from Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>A nonprofit organization sponsors each bingo night and serves as a fundraiser rather than solely as a recreational event. Groups interested in participating can call 785-635-3434 for more information.You can follow The Heritage Eatery &amp; Bingo on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063482861428">Facebook</a>.

Heritage Eatery & Bingo scores big with new location in Hays

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this year’s first Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22.

“The new year is all about new doors opening and new opportunities on the horizon,” Toland said. “And what better way to kickstart your new year than exploring the wide array of fulfilling career opportunities available in Kansas.”

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at 877-509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2F4fa13887-56f5-4f70-8a8e-15ad40a883d7%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-january-22,-2026/1/0101019b9e565055-72d4cf41-20e4-4c41-9820-f0a8bc7fed66-000000/v50bB3OSjtVIxQCAmWqClvLzUIj5ESUlPUK-Dr4ubFE=439">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757431689120.png" alt="Image by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of CommerceTOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this year’s first Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22.“The new year is all about new doors opening and new opportunities on the horizon,” Toland said. “And what better way to kickstart your new year than exploring the wide array of fulfilling career opportunities available in Kansas.”The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at 877-509-6757 prior to the event.Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2F4fa13887-56f5-4f70-8a8e-15ad40a883d7%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-january-22,-2026/1/0101019b9e565055-72d4cf41-20e4-4c41-9820-f0a8bc7fed66-000000/v50bB3OSjtVIxQCAmWqClvLzUIj5ESUlPUK-Dr4ubFE=439">here</a>.

Commerce hosts first Virtual Job Fair of new year with new opportunities

Join us as we kick off the Hays Concert Series with a special Lovegrass Music Festival fundraiser on March 14 at the Hays Community Theatre!

Tickets are on sale now at <a target="_blank" href="https://lovegrassmusicfestival.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=05689fbd61bb2baeb0642f1e0&amp;id=66906f2319&amp;e=ad2f5727f7">https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/benefit</a>.

This special night will feature two incredible bands who are not only entertaining but also special to Lovegrass —&nbsp;80 Proof Alice&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rudy and the Lost Boys&nbsp;— plus a silent auction, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres, all in support of Lovegrass Music Festival.

Your attendance helps us raise funds for our upcoming summer concert series, continue our mission of bringing bluegrass arts to Rural Kansas, and support our capstone Lovegrass Music Festival this August.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Doors at 6:00 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. at the Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th.&nbsp;

Come enjoy great music, support the arts, and help keep bluegrass thriving in Kansas. We can’t wait to see you there!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767887311732.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Lovegrass Music FestivalJoin us as we kick off the Hays Concert Series with a special Lovegrass Music Festival fundraiser on March 14 at the Hays Community Theatre!Tickets are on sale now at <a target="_blank" href="https://lovegrassmusicfestival.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=05689fbd61bb2baeb0642f1e0&amp;id=66906f2319&amp;e=ad2f5727f7">https://www.lovegrassmusicfestival.com/benefit</a>.This special night will feature two incredible bands who are not only entertaining but also special to Lovegrass —&nbsp;80 Proof Alice&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rudy and the Lost Boys&nbsp;— plus a silent auction, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres, all in support of Lovegrass Music Festival.Your attendance helps us raise funds for our upcoming summer concert series, continue our mission of bringing bluegrass arts to Rural Kansas, and support our capstone Lovegrass Music Festival this August.&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors at 6:00 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. at the Hays Community Theatre, 121 E. 8th.&nbsp;Suggested donation is $25.Come enjoy great music, support the arts, and help keep bluegrass thriving in Kansas. We can’t wait to see you there!

Lovegrass Concert Series kicks off in Hays with fundraiser on March 14

By MARK JOSLYN Insight Kansas Political polarization grabs headlines. But it’s not the whole story.&nbsp;

Majorities in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/hiddencommonground/2019/12/05/hidden-common-ground-americans-divided-politics-seek-civility/4282301002/">both</a>&nbsp;parties believe there is more common ground than the news media and political leaders suggest. They report&nbsp;having constructive conversations with those holding opposing political views, and despite differences, say they’ve often worked together to address community challenges. Majorities in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/696494/americans-show-consensus-democracy-related-matters.aspx">both</a>&nbsp;parties also agree on fundamental democratic principles and overwhelmingly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.electionsafety.org/snapshot-three">oppose</a>&nbsp;election violence. They believe their parties should never tolerate officials who back groups promoting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/10/30/what-americans-want-and-expect-from-party-leaders/">violence</a>&nbsp;against the other party.

Majorities in both parties think workers should&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2024/4/26/voters-think-its-time-to-raise-the-minimum-wage">earn</a>&nbsp;at least the federal minimum wage, that government should&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://navigatorresearch.org/creating-a-nationwide-paid-leave-program-and-bolstering-medicares-negotiating-power-are-overwhelmingly-popular/">establish</a>&nbsp;a national paid family and medical leave program, that companies should&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rff.org/publications/reports/climate-insights-2024-american-climate-policy-opinions/">limit</a>&nbsp;greenhouse gas emissions, that immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americasvoice.org/press_releases/new-gallup-immigration-polling-americans-remain-strongly-supportive-of-immigration-and-citizenship-want-reform-over-broken-status-quo/">children</a>&nbsp;should have a pathway to citizenship, and that campaign spending should have limits.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/09/19/how-americans-view-proposals-to-change-the-political-system/">Supermajorities</a>&nbsp;endorse term and age limits across all three branches of government. They&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/652523/americans-endorse-early-voting-voter-verification.aspx">support</a>&nbsp;photo ID and citizenship verification to vote, alongside measures to make voting more convenient.

Even on issues presented as hopelessly divided, common ground exists. Both&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnorc.org/projects/support-for-legal-abortion-remains-strong/">parties</a>&nbsp;support abortion access when a mother’s health is at risk, when there are lethal fetal abnormalities, or in cases of rape or incest. At the same time, 80 percent of Americans agree that abortion should be illegal in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/321143/americans-stand-abortion.aspx">final</a>&nbsp;trimester.&nbsp;Nine in ten say&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/507230/fewer-say-sex-relations-morally-acceptable.aspx">birth control</a>&nbsp;is morally acceptable and want government to safeguard access to contraception.&nbsp; More than two-thirds say having access to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/05/13/americans-overwhelmingly-say-access-to-ivf-is-a-good-thing/#:~:text=An%20April%20Pew%20Research%20Center,%2C%20while%2022%25%20are%20unsure.">in vitro</a>&nbsp;fertilization is a good thing, while majorities of each party favor government&nbsp; protecting access and requiring insurance to cover costs.&nbsp;

Guns produce agreement as well. About 90 percent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/04/Fox_April-21-24-2023_Cross-Tabs_April-27-Release.pdf">favor</a>&nbsp;requiring criminal background checks on all gun buyers. Both parties favor background checks at private gun shows,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/220637/americans-widely-support-tighter-regulations-gun-sales.aspx">support</a>&nbsp;a 30-day waiting period after purchase, raising the legal buying age, and confiscating guns from people deemed a danger to themselves and others. And when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/1645/guns.aspx#:~:text=This%20is%20consistent%20with%20the,kept%20as%20they%20are%20now.">asked</a>&nbsp;whether handgun possession should be banned by law, 80 percent said no.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2025-kansas-speaks-report_final-10-27-20251.pdf">Polls</a>&nbsp;show similar cross-party agreement in Kansas. Majorities in both parties back Medicaid expansion, legal marijuana, and higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. They agree that women, not politicians, should make their own choices about abortion, and that legal migrants fuel economic growth.

Kansans agree on affordable childcare, saying it strengthens the economy, removes a major barrier to women’s progress, and deserves federal action to expand access.&nbsp;Both sides favor increasing the state's minimum wage and consider postsecondary education a wise investment for students and the state.&nbsp; 

These examples reveal a very different story than the headlines.&nbsp;The story is about connection and collaboration, not conflict and cancellation.&nbsp;This new year offers a chance to embrace that story and rediscover the common ground in our politics.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dr. Mark Joslynis a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761067718839.png" alt="Mark Joslyn. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mark Joslyn. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK JOSLYN Insight Kansas Political polarization grabs headlines. But it’s not the whole story.&nbsp;Majorities in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/hiddencommonground/2019/12/05/hidden-common-ground-americans-divided-politics-seek-civility/4282301002/">both</a>&nbsp;parties believe there is more common ground than the news media and political leaders suggest. They report&nbsp;having constructive conversations with those holding opposing political views, and despite differences, say they’ve often worked together to address community challenges. Majorities in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/696494/americans-show-consensus-democracy-related-matters.aspx">both</a>&nbsp;parties also agree on fundamental democratic principles and overwhelmingly&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.electionsafety.org/snapshot-three">oppose</a>&nbsp;election violence. They believe their parties should never tolerate officials who back groups promoting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/10/30/what-americans-want-and-expect-from-party-leaders/">violence</a>&nbsp;against the other party. Majorities in both parties think workers should&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2024/4/26/voters-think-its-time-to-raise-the-minimum-wage">earn</a>&nbsp;at least the federal minimum wage, that government should&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://navigatorresearch.org/creating-a-nationwide-paid-leave-program-and-bolstering-medicares-negotiating-power-are-overwhelmingly-popular/">establish</a>&nbsp;a national paid family and medical leave program, that companies should&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rff.org/publications/reports/climate-insights-2024-american-climate-policy-opinions/">limit</a>&nbsp;greenhouse gas emissions, that immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americasvoice.org/press_releases/new-gallup-immigration-polling-americans-remain-strongly-supportive-of-immigration-and-citizenship-want-reform-over-broken-status-quo/">children</a>&nbsp;should have a pathway to citizenship, and that campaign spending should have limits.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/09/19/how-americans-view-proposals-to-change-the-political-system/">Supermajorities</a>&nbsp;endorse term and age limits across all three branches of government. They&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/652523/americans-endorse-early-voting-voter-verification.aspx">support</a>&nbsp;photo ID and citizenship verification to vote, alongside measures to make voting more convenient.Even on issues presented as hopelessly divided, common ground exists. Both&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnorc.org/projects/support-for-legal-abortion-remains-strong/">parties</a>&nbsp;support abortion access when a mother’s health is at risk, when there are lethal fetal abnormalities, or in cases of rape or incest. At the same time, 80 percent of Americans agree that abortion should be illegal in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/321143/americans-stand-abortion.aspx">final</a>&nbsp;trimester.&nbsp;Nine in ten say&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/507230/fewer-say-sex-relations-morally-acceptable.aspx">birth control</a>&nbsp;is morally acceptable and want government to safeguard access to contraception.&nbsp; More than two-thirds say having access to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/05/13/americans-overwhelmingly-say-access-to-ivf-is-a-good-thing/#:~:text=An%20April%20Pew%20Research%20Center,%2C%20while%2022%25%20are%20unsure.">in vitro</a>&nbsp;fertilization is a good thing, while majorities of each party favor government&nbsp; protecting access and requiring insurance to cover costs.&nbsp;Guns produce agreement as well. About 90 percent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/04/Fox_April-21-24-2023_Cross-Tabs_April-27-Release.pdf">favor</a>&nbsp;requiring criminal background checks on all gun buyers. Both parties favor background checks at private gun shows,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/220637/americans-widely-support-tighter-regulations-gun-sales.aspx">support</a>&nbsp;a 30-day waiting period after purchase, raising the legal buying age, and confiscating guns from people deemed a danger to themselves and others. And when&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/1645/guns.aspx#:~:text=This%20is%20consistent%20with%20the,kept%20as%20they%20are%20now.">asked</a>&nbsp;whether handgun possession should be banned by law, 80 percent said no.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2025-kansas-speaks-report_final-10-27-20251.pdf">Polls</a>&nbsp;show similar cross-party agreement in Kansas. Majorities in both parties back Medicaid expansion, legal marijuana, and higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. They agree that women, not politicians, should make their own choices about abortion, and that legal migrants fuel economic growth.Kansans agree on affordable childcare, saying it strengthens the economy, removes a major barrier to women’s progress, and deserves federal action to expand access.&nbsp;Both sides favor increasing the state's minimum wage and consider postsecondary education a wise investment for students and the state.&nbsp; These examples reveal a very different story than the headlines.&nbsp;The story is about connection and collaboration, not conflict and cancellation.&nbsp;This new year offers a chance to embrace that story and rediscover the common ground in our politics.&nbsp; &nbsp;Dr. Mark Joslynis a professor of political science at the University of Kansas.&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: Rediscovering common ground

<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/2026/1/1767972454174.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

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays USD 489 Virtual School

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-house-committee-gets-jumpstart-on-evaluation-of-state-universities-budget-requests/?emci=e773f9e3-2fec-f011-8195-000d3a1d58aa&amp;emdi=9687a3d0-78ec-f011-8195-000d3a1d58aa&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House higher education budget committee didn’t wait for start of the 2026 legislative session to take a dive into millions of dollars in pending budget requests for public universities.

Rep. Adam Turk, a Shawnee Republican who chairs the committee, convened Republicans and Democrats during what he referred to as “zero week” rather than await start of the session Monday. The objective was to get a jumpstart on presentations and discussions about budget earmarks for Wichita State University, Kansas State University, University of Kansas, Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University.

The Legislature’s interim budget committee previously rejected in late 2024 a series of proposals for university budget enhancements and hiring new campus personnel. In addition, that joint House and Senate budget committee said unused funding in current budgets could be seized and reappropriated in the new budget.

At this stage, administrators at the six state universities in Kansas began making sales pitches to the Republican-led House higher education budget committee for possible restoration of their requests.

“It is my intent to bring a quality product to the next level,” Turk said. “We can’t afford it to be unclear or indecisive or arbitrary in any way.&nbsp;I graduated from none of these institutions. I’ve got no dog in this hunt. You won’t see me playing favorites. Nothing is personal in here. It is math.”

Lawrence Rep. Mike Amyx, the ranking Democrat on the higher education committee, said he would focus on developing a budget plan that invested in delivery of a high-quality college education.

“Do everything we can to come out with the best budget,” Amyx said.

During the day’s committee meeting, PSU President Thomas Newsom, FHSU President Tisa Mason and interim ESU President Taylor Kriley shared budget and enrollment information with legislators. They outlined arguments for legislative support of individual budget requests.

Comments from several lawmakers indicated the focus of the House committee would be on decreasing state government spending on higher education.

“I see a lot of expansion, new stuff,” said Turk, the chairman. “It’s real easy to build something new. Really hard … to find the things that are not working anymore, cut them off.”

Newsom, who started in September at PSU after leading Southeastern Oklahoma State University for five years, said higher education needed to do a better job of deleting weak programs as it went about directing resources into promising programs. He said regional public universities such as PSU had to concentrate on making efficient use of public and private funding as well as being responsive to student and industry demands.

“We tend to add new toys to the toy box a lot without getting rid of old toys,” Newsom said.

He said PSU’s goal was to attract 700 new students over the next five years, which could infuse $6 million in tuition revenue into the university.

Mason, who has served as president of FHSU since 2018, said the university had the lowest tuition and fee rate among public universities in Kansas. FHSU successfully launched affiliation agreements with North Central Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College to create better academic pathways for students, find operational efficiencies and better serve the region’s economy.

“We view ourselves as an engine for social mobility,” she said. “Proving that a premium education doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.”

Mason was asked for enrollment and financial information about FHSU’s online degree programs with two universities in China. FHSU last fall enrolled 3,000 students from China in English, business, leadership and health studies programs. The international students generated about $9 million in annual revenue, she said, but net revenue runs about $5 million per year. The funds were plowed into the FHSU campus in Hays, she said.

Rep. Bill Rhiley, a Republican from Wellington, said influx of tuition dollars from international programs had successfully subsidized tuition rates for Kansans attending FHSU. Mason concurred with Rhiley, and called that revenue a “game changer” in terms of tuition affordability.

Mason said FHSU students in China were linked to an IT system based in Singapore. A cybersecurity firm was hired FHSU to improve online computer systems, she said. Participants in the China program didn’t engage in academic research that could be the subject of espionage, she said.

“They’re highly vetted and they’re very established partnerships,” Mason said. “The geopolitical environment has changed in 30 years. I appreciate the question.”

Turk said nobody on the House committee was questioning the commitment at FHSU to guarantee security of the program with China. He told Mason it was impossible to predict how international relationships could unfold years from now.

“I don’t mean to beat you up about this China thing,” he said. “The nature of my question is simply how to plan for the worst. We wouldn’t be doing our job if we weren’t projecting, as budget members, into the future.”

The House committee also heard budget presentations from representatives of the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, Kansas State Historical Society and Kansas State Library.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761318630494.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/07/kansas-house-committee-gets-jumpstart-on-evaluation-of-state-universities-budget-requests/?emci=e773f9e3-2fec-f011-8195-000d3a1d58aa&amp;emdi=9687a3d0-78ec-f011-8195-000d3a1d58aa&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House higher education budget committee didn’t wait for start of the 2026 legislative session to take a dive into millions of dollars in pending budget requests for public universities.Rep. Adam Turk, a Shawnee Republican who chairs the committee, convened Republicans and Democrats during what he referred to as “zero week” rather than await start of the session Monday. The objective was to get a jumpstart on presentations and discussions about budget earmarks for Wichita State University, Kansas State University, University of Kansas, Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and Emporia State University.The Legislature’s interim budget committee previously rejected in late 2024 a series of proposals for university budget enhancements and hiring new campus personnel. In addition, that joint House and Senate budget committee said unused funding in current budgets could be seized and reappropriated in the new budget.At this stage, administrators at the six state universities in Kansas began making sales pitches to the Republican-led House higher education budget committee for possible restoration of their requests.“It is my intent to bring a quality product to the next level,” Turk said. “We can’t afford it to be unclear or indecisive or arbitrary in any way.&nbsp;I graduated from none of these institutions. I’ve got no dog in this hunt. You won’t see me playing favorites. Nothing is personal in here. It is math.”Lawrence Rep. Mike Amyx, the ranking Democrat on the higher education committee, said he would focus on developing a budget plan that invested in delivery of a high-quality college education.“Do everything we can to come out with the best budget,” Amyx said.During the day’s committee meeting, PSU President Thomas Newsom, FHSU President Tisa Mason and interim ESU President Taylor Kriley shared budget and enrollment information with legislators. They outlined arguments for legislative support of individual budget requests.Comments from several lawmakers indicated the focus of the House committee would be on decreasing state government spending on higher education.“I see a lot of expansion, new stuff,” said Turk, the chairman. “It’s real easy to build something new. Really hard … to find the things that are not working anymore, cut them off.”Newsom, who started in September at PSU after leading Southeastern Oklahoma State University for five years, said higher education needed to do a better job of deleting weak programs as it went about directing resources into promising programs. He said regional public universities such as PSU had to concentrate on making efficient use of public and private funding as well as being responsive to student and industry demands.“We tend to add new toys to the toy box a lot without getting rid of old toys,” Newsom said.He said PSU’s goal was to attract 700 new students over the next five years, which could infuse $6 million in tuition revenue into the university.Mason, who has served as president of FHSU since 2018, said the university had the lowest tuition and fee rate among public universities in Kansas. FHSU successfully launched affiliation agreements with North Central Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College to create better academic pathways for students, find operational efficiencies and better serve the region’s economy.“We view ourselves as an engine for social mobility,” she said. “Proving that a premium education doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.”Mason was asked for enrollment and financial information about FHSU’s online degree programs with two universities in China. FHSU last fall enrolled 3,000 students from China in English, business, leadership and health studies programs. The international students generated about $9 million in annual revenue, she said, but net revenue runs about $5 million per year. The funds were plowed into the FHSU campus in Hays, she said.Rep. Bill Rhiley, a Republican from Wellington, said influx of tuition dollars from international programs had successfully subsidized tuition rates for Kansans attending FHSU. Mason concurred with Rhiley, and called that revenue a “game changer” in terms of tuition affordability.Mason said FHSU students in China were linked to an IT system based in Singapore. A cybersecurity firm was hired FHSU to improve online computer systems, she said. Participants in the China program didn’t engage in academic research that could be the subject of espionage, she said.“They’re highly vetted and they’re very established partnerships,” Mason said. “The geopolitical environment has changed in 30 years. I appreciate the question.”Turk said nobody on the House committee was questioning the commitment at FHSU to guarantee security of the program with China. He told Mason it was impossible to predict how international relationships could unfold years from now.“I don’t mean to beat you up about this China thing,” he said. “The nature of my question is simply how to plan for the worst. We wouldn’t be doing our job if we weren’t projecting, as budget members, into the future.”The House committee also heard budget presentations from representatives of the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, Kansas State Historical Society and Kansas State Library.

FHSU president talks budget numbers with Kansas House higher education committee 

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

In a short meeting on Thursday, the newly elected Hays city commissioners were sworn into office and the governing body reorganized.

Jamie Breit, city clerk, issued the oath of office to incumbents Shaun Musil and Sandy Jacobs, and newcomer David Vilaysing. The entire commission then voted to elect Mason Ruder to a second term as mayor and Alaina Cunningham as vice-mayor.

Jacobs, the previous mayor, was thanked for her service after she highlighted some of the major accomplishments of her mayoral term.

"As a body, this commission has made huge strides with our R9 project, housing, economic growth, commitment to our police with a new facility, parks, and our airport," Jacobs said.&nbsp;

"Leadership, to me, has never been about position or title but about listening, bringing people together and keeping our community at the center of every decision."

Vilaysing, the new commissioner who will serve a two-year term, said he has been meeting with department heads the past couple of months and touring the city's facilities.

"During those tours," he said. "I saw countless examples of department leaders finding ways to be resourceful, to preserve our resources and embracing innovation.&nbsp;

"Along with the educators, health care professionals, civic groups, the chamber of commerce, they're all out there being the backbone of the city," Vilaysing said.&nbsp;

Ruder, a sixth-generation Ellis County resident, said 2026 will also be filled with celebration for the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Volga-German settlers in Ellis County, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767973689566.jpeg" alt="Andrea Winholz, executive assistant, rearranges name plates after the Hays City Commission governing body was reorganized on Jan. 8. Pictured are Mason Ruder, mayor, Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor, Shaun Musil, Sandy Jacobs and David Vilaysing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Andrea Winholz, executive assistant, rearranges name plates after the Hays City Commission governing body was reorganized on Jan. 8. Pictured are Mason Ruder, mayor, Alaina Cunningham, vice-mayor, Shaun Musil, Sandy Jacobs and David Vilaysing. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: New year, new governing body for city of Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=quykn-1a1381c-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%22 loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIn a short meeting on Thursday, the newly elected Hays city commissioners were sworn into office and the governing body reorganized.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767972818998.jpeg" alt="Jami Breit, city clerk, administers the oath of office Jan. 8 to Hays city commissioners David Vilaysing, Sandy Jacobs and Shaun Musil, who were elected last fall. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jami Breit, city clerk, administers the oath of office Jan. 8 to Hays city commissioners David Vilaysing, Sandy Jacobs and Shaun Musil, who were elected last fall. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Jamie Breit, city clerk, issued the oath of office to incumbents Shaun Musil and Sandy Jacobs, and newcomer David Vilaysing. The entire commission then voted to elect Mason Ruder to a second term as mayor and Alaina Cunningham as vice-mayor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767974118756.jpeg" alt="Mason Ruder, Hays mayor, thanks outgoing mayor Sandy Jacobs for her service. Jacobs was re-elected in November for a four-year term. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mason Ruder, Hays mayor, thanks outgoing mayor Sandy Jacobs for her service. Jacobs was re-elected in November for a four-year term. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Jacobs, the previous mayor, was thanked for her service after she highlighted some of the major accomplishments of her mayoral term."As a body, this commission has made huge strides with our R9 project, housing, economic growth, commitment to our police with a new facility, parks, and our airport," Jacobs said.&nbsp;"Leadership, to me, has never been about position or title but about listening, bringing people together and keeping our community at the center of every decision."Vilaysing, the new commissioner who will serve a two-year term, said he has been meeting with department heads the past couple of months and touring the city's facilities."During those tours," he said. "I saw countless examples of department leaders finding ways to be resourceful, to preserve our resources and embracing innovation.&nbsp;"Along with the educators, health care professionals, civic groups, the chamber of commerce, they're all out there being the backbone of the city," Vilaysing said.&nbsp;Ruder, a sixth-generation Ellis County resident, said 2026 will also be filled with celebration for the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Volga-German settlers in Ellis County, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.&nbsp;

🎙 New year, new governing body for city of Hays

HaysMed is proud to announce the relocation of its specialty clinic in Great Bend to a new, convenient location. The clinic, now known as the HaysMed Multispecialty Clinic in Great Bend, continues its mission of providing advanced specialty care close to home for Great Bend, Barton County, and surrounding communities.

Effective January 8, 2026, the clinic will operate under its new name and at its new address: 3800 10th Street, Great Bend, KS 67530, located directly across the street from its previous building. Patients can continue to reach the clinic at the same phone number, 620-796-2135, and enjoy the same exceptional care they have come to trust.

The HaysMed Multispecialty Clinic offers comprehensive services in Urology, Cardiology, and Pulmonology, delivered by a team of highly skilled specialists. Cardiology care is provided by Travis Haneke, MD, Mohammed Janif, MD and Megan Homolka, APRN. Pulmonology services are led by Lesa Klozenbucher, APRN, and Urology care is offered by Srinivas Samavedi, MD and Ed Habash, PA.

“Our goal is to make specialty care accessible and comfortable for our patients,” said Shae Veach, HaysMed Vice President Regional Operations. “This move allows us to continue providing exceptional care while improving convenience for the community.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 620-796-2135 or visit haysmed.com/services/multispecialty-clinic-great-bend/.

HaysMed Multispecialty Clinic in Great Bend, your health, our specialty.

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2024, HaysMed was named as one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association and earned the prestigious five-star designation in the 2024 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Learn more at <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/">haysmed.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767976190722.jpeg" alt="HaysMed Hospital. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>HaysMed Hospital. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed is proud to announce the relocation of its specialty clinic in Great Bend to a new, convenient location. The clinic, now known as the HaysMed Multispecialty Clinic in Great Bend, continues its mission of providing advanced specialty care close to home for Great Bend, Barton County, and surrounding communities.Effective January 8, 2026, the clinic will operate under its new name and at its new address: 3800 10th Street, Great Bend, KS 67530, located directly across the street from its previous building. Patients can continue to reach the clinic at the same phone number, 620-796-2135, and enjoy the same exceptional care they have come to trust.The HaysMed Multispecialty Clinic offers comprehensive services in Urology, Cardiology, and Pulmonology, delivered by a team of highly skilled specialists. Cardiology care is provided by Travis Haneke, MD, Mohammed Janif, MD and Megan Homolka, APRN. Pulmonology services are led by Lesa Klozenbucher, APRN, and Urology care is offered by Srinivas Samavedi, MD and Ed Habash, PA.“Our goal is to make specialty care accessible and comfortable for our patients,” said Shae Veach, HaysMed Vice President Regional Operations. “This move allows us to continue providing exceptional care while improving convenience for the community.”For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 620-796-2135 or visit haysmed.com/services/multispecialty-clinic-great-bend/.HaysMed Multispecialty Clinic in Great Bend, your health, our specialty.About HaysMedHays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center.Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2024, HaysMed was named as one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association and earned the prestigious five-star designation in the 2024 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Learn more at <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/">haysmed.com</a>.

HaysMed multispecialty clinic in Great Bend moves to new location

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Agronomic and economic issues to be addressed at 23rd annual conference

Producers, consultants, and experts will gather for the 23rd annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference on January 20-21, at the Gateway Civic Center in Oberlin, Kansas. The conference is a joint venture between K-State Research and Extension and conference sponsors.

“Weed management, soil fertility -- and economics, of course -- are always on farmers minds,” said Stacy Campbell, K-State Extension and Cottonwood District, Crop Production Agent. “So, we have (K-State weed management specialist) Sarah Lancaster and (KSU NW Agronomist) Jeanne Falk Jones tackling weed management with a focus on cropping rotations and research on using targeted herbicide applications in Kansas.

Campbell also pointed to sessions on meeting Crop Nutrient needs in lean Economic Times and a discussion on How the Crop Markets have affected Producers, featuring K-State Research and Extension specialists, Dorivar Ruiz-Diaz and Dan O’Brien.

Roger McEowen, nationally-renown Ag Law and Taxation specialist, Washburn University and KS Farm Bureau, will share the Top five Legal Issues Farmers don’t think about, BUT should! Jennifer Ifft, K-State specialist, Ag Policy, addresses Navigating the 2026 Crop Insurance Decisions with SCO and ECO.

Utilizing crop rotations will be the focus of Lucas Haag, K-State Agronomist-In-Charge at Tribune along with Augustine Obour, K-State Soil Scientist at Hays discussing Considerations for Intensifying Crop Rotations and Incorporating Forages into Dryland Rotations.

The same programs will be offered both days of the conference. Wick said participants attending both days will find it easier to catch most or all of the programs. The program offers continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisors and CEU’s for Commercial Applicators.

Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. with educational sessions ending at 5 p.m.

Early registration is due by Wednesday, Jan. 14. The fee is $60 for Tuesday, $55 for Wednesday, or $80 for both days. After Jan. 14, the cost is $80 for each day. The&nbsp;conference fee includes lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments, and educational materials.

The full conference schedule and online registration are available at <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/cover_your_acres/">https://www.wkrec.org/events/cover_your_acres/.</a> Or just google Cover Your Acres Winter Conference. For questions, call 785-443-3403.

Major sponsors of the conference include AKRS Equipment, Hoxie Implement Co., SurePoint Ag Systems, Lang Diesel, and 4G Farm and Sales.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension District agriculture agent Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictAgronomic and economic issues to be addressed at 23rd annual conferenceProducers, consultants, and experts will gather for the 23rd annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference on January 20-21, at the Gateway Civic Center in Oberlin, Kansas. The conference is a joint venture between K-State Research and Extension and conference sponsors.“Weed management, soil fertility -- and economics, of course -- are always on farmers minds,” said Stacy Campbell, K-State Extension and Cottonwood District, Crop Production Agent. “So, we have (K-State weed management specialist) Sarah Lancaster and (KSU NW Agronomist) Jeanne Falk Jones tackling weed management with a focus on cropping rotations and research on using targeted herbicide applications in Kansas.Campbell also pointed to sessions on meeting Crop Nutrient needs in lean Economic Times and a discussion on How the Crop Markets have affected Producers, featuring K-State Research and Extension specialists, Dorivar Ruiz-Diaz and Dan O’Brien.Roger McEowen, nationally-renown Ag Law and Taxation specialist, Washburn University and KS Farm Bureau, will share the Top five Legal Issues Farmers don’t think about, BUT should! Jennifer Ifft, K-State specialist, Ag Policy, addresses Navigating the 2026 Crop Insurance Decisions with SCO and ECO.Utilizing crop rotations will be the focus of Lucas Haag, K-State Agronomist-In-Charge at Tribune along with Augustine Obour, K-State Soil Scientist at Hays discussing Considerations for Intensifying Crop Rotations and Incorporating Forages into Dryland Rotations.The same programs will be offered both days of the conference. Wick said participants attending both days will find it easier to catch most or all of the programs. The program offers continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisors and CEU’s for Commercial Applicators.Registration begins at 7:45 a.m. with educational sessions ending at 5 p.m.Early registration is due by Wednesday, Jan. 14. The fee is $60 for Tuesday, $55 for Wednesday, or $80 for both days. After Jan. 14, the cost is $80 for each day. The&nbsp;conference fee includes lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments, and educational materials.The full conference schedule and online registration are available at <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/cover_your_acres/">https://www.wkrec.org/events/cover_your_acres/.</a> Or just google Cover Your Acres Winter Conference. For questions, call 785-443-3403.Major sponsors of the conference include AKRS Equipment, Hoxie Implement Co., SurePoint Ag Systems, Lang Diesel, and 4G Farm and Sales.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Cover your acres conference set for Jan. 20-21 in Oberlin

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767972252976.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>

Hays High vs Emporia Friday, Jan. 9 - 6:00 Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3314642">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;

Hays High plays consecutive Centennial League opponents as they host Emporia Friday evening.

Three of the four teams are ranked in 5A. The Hays girls (8-1) are ranked 5th and face an improved Emporia (4-5) squad that has already matched their win total of last season.

The Hays boys (6-3) are ranked 8th. They take on an Emporia (9-0) team that was unranked prior to the Christmas break and then debuted in the first rankings of 2026 in the 3rd spot.

Hertz pregame will begin at 5:40 on 96.9 KFIX.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Emporia Friday, Jan. 9 - 6:00 Hays, Kan.Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network &nbsp; WATCH HERE - <a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3314642">CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE</a> &nbsp;Hays High plays consecutive Centennial League opponents as they host Emporia Friday evening.Three of the four teams are ranked in 5A. The Hays girls (8-1) are ranked 5th and face an improved Emporia (4-5) squad that has already matched their win total of last season.The Hays boys (6-3) are ranked 8th. They take on an Emporia (9-0) team that was unranked prior to the Christmas break and then debuted in the first rankings of 2026 in the 3rd spot.Hertz pregame will begin at 5:40 on 96.9 KFIX.Video is available at the above link.

🏀📺 Hays High hosts Emporia

TMP-Marian v Sacred Heart Friday, Jan. 9th, 5 p.m Hays, Kan.

Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3315080">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to the court Friday night for a non-league matchup against the Sacred Heart Knights in a rivarly contest.

Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 5:00 p.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 5:40 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian v Sacred Heart Friday, Jan. 9th, 5 p.m Hays, Kan.Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://mix103fm.com/"></a>Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3315080">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs return to the court Friday night for a non-league matchup against the Sacred Heart Knights in a rivarly contest.Tip-off for the girls' game is set for 5:00 p.m. The Hertz Rent-a-Car Pregame Show begins at 5:40 p.m. on 99.5 KZ Country.

🏀🎥 TMP host rival Sacred Heart

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to&nbsp;Allen P Roth about the 80th anniversary of the local conservation district.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2EcW6f8x-WM?si=1xbsQOzNObC05kdY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to&nbsp;Allen P Roth about the 80th anniversary of the local conservation district.

Forward Ever: Allen P Roth on 80th anniversary of local conservation district 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays received an additional .47 inches of rain on Thursday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Hays had received .38 inches of rain as of 8 a.m. Thursday for a total of .85 inches.

Hays averages .5 inches of precipitation in January.

The center reported no snowfall as of 8 a.m., although snow is in the forecast for today.

The high for Hays today is forecast for 37 degrees with a 50% chance of snow today, a 20% chance of snow before midnight, and an overnight low of 22 degrees.

Southwest Kansas is forecast to receive the most snowfall, with accumulations of up to 6 inches.

The forecast for Hays calls for sunny skies with highs in the upper 40s on Saturday and Sunday, and in the upper 50s on Monday and Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767974904353.png" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays received an additional .47 inches of rain on Thursday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.Hays had received .38 inches of rain as of 8 a.m. Thursday for a total of .85 inches.Hays averages .5 inches of precipitation in January.The center reported no snowfall as of 8 a.m., although snow is in the forecast for today.The high for Hays today is forecast for 37 degrees with a 50% chance of snow today, a 20% chance of snow before midnight, and an overnight low of 22 degrees.Southwest Kansas is forecast to receive the most snowfall, with accumulations of up to 6 inches.The forecast for Hays calls for sunny skies with highs in the upper 40s on Saturday and Sunday, and in the upper 50s on Monday and Tuesday.

Hays receives more needed rainfall Thursday; snow still in forecast for today

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Local Republican legislators said property tax relief will be a focus as the Kansas Legislature begins its session on Monday.

Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th district, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, and Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, spoke with Hays Post to give a sneak peek at key issues slated for the Kansas legislative session.

Wasinger said her top priorities include controlling spending, balancing the state budget and addressing taxes. She spoke with the Ellis County Commission and the Hays City Commission in December about potential property tax solutions.

"What we have to do is figure out a more equitable way to impose property taxes that aren't so high," she said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0dc3bf76-bd9f-4190-a0c7-231ca8172d18">SEE RELATED STORY: Rep. Wasinger seeks Ellis County commissioners' input on property tax relief</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31a9d9f8-0883-480f-aada-22ac084f09b9">SEE RELATED FOR CITY: Hays City Commission talks housing, business developments, marijuana sales</a>

"Valuations and property taxes are so high," Billinger said. "Our seniors especially, spent their whole life paying mortgages off, and now they're paying more on property tax than they did for a mortgage. ... It's made it very tough on our seniors."

Wasinger said all state agencies are on the table for budget cuts, with no exceptions. She noted excess staffing and unused office space in Topeka.

"We have to learn to live within our budget, and we have to learn how to cut back in a very judicious way," she said. "I think the government itself is very bloated. ... I think we have a lot of excess space, and we're not filling it, so we shouldn't be paying for it."

Rahjes said property tax relief remains the top issue, pointing to constituent frustration and ongoing disagreements between the House and Senate on how to address it.

"We need to have a conversation with the counties, the Legislature and all parties concerned, rather than just yelling at each other," Rahjes said.

Minnix said he wants to explore new revenue sources to reduce the state’s reliance on property taxes.

"I'm working on something to tax some of the additional energy here in Kansas that seems to be a very fast-growing industry to bring a little tax revenue into the state and distribute that back to the local government, cities and counties," he said.

Billinger said Kansas spent more than it collected last year, prompting the state to tap into its reserves.

"Last year, we cut about a little over $200 million, but we still spent more than we brought in. The revenues were less than what we spent," Billinger said. "We spent from our reserves, and we'll have to find ways to reduce the budget some more again this year."

Waymaster said the state has limited flexibility on property taxes but pointed to education as a possible area for adjustments.

"We did reduce the 20 mills that go to education. We could possibly look at that," he said. "There are various other proposals that some are coming up with regarding addressing property taxes for taxpayers."

Billinger said all agencies will be considered for budget cuts, while acknowledging the importance of supporting social services and education.

On education funding, Wasinger said she questions whether increased spending is effective, citing low reading and math proficiency rates despite higher funding levels.

"We have given the Department of Education millions and millions of dollars, and they said, 'You haven't paid us enough. That's why there's no student success.' But if you look at the test results of children right now, over 40% do not read or do math at grade level, and that's with a few billion more dollars," she said.

Wasinger said the department also oversees the distribution of special education funding and that a broader review is needed before any potential court involvement.

Billinger said there is little room to cut funding for K-12 education and social services. He said special education remains underfunded, and lawmakers plan to continue increasing its share of the budget.

Waymaster said education is a recurring focus each year, with K-12 funding making up about 52% of the state budget.

"It's not like we don't fund special education, we do," he said. "A lot of school districts are saying that the state is coming up short because we should be financing it at a certain level. But the federal government is also supposed to be doing that, too, which it's not."

Waymaster said higher education institutions, such as universities, are expected to submit sizable funding requests and will be part of budget discussions.

As chairman of the House Water Committee, Minnix said he plans to work on several bills, such as proposals for long-term water funding.

"There are a lot of things that we need to improve. We need to encourage conservation and better utilization of our water resources out there," he said.

Rahjes said the session will include discussions on the agricultural economy, disease prevention and right-to-farm protections.

"We want to make sure the tools that farmers have when it comes to using some chemicals are correct. In fact, we're learning about some of those right now and working on some language that allows farmers to use some of those tools that work," Rahjes said.

Minnix said agriculture is experiencing mixed conditions between cattle and crop production, and property tax relief would also benefit both.

Health care staff, rural attorney shortage

Rahjes said rural health care will be discussed. He acknowledged critical access hospitals in southwest Kansas continue to face challenges, including staffing shortages.

"The other thing we hope to complete this year is to start the process of working with our law schools to get more rural attorneys. We are desperately short," he said.

Billinger said mental health is a growing concern and expects the new 104-bed South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital in Wichita to help reduce the state’s reliance on temporary health care staff.

"At Larned and Osawatomie, we're using a lot of traveling staff, nurses and doctors. We spent over $60 million on traveling personnel," he said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2c666ccf-6356-4a39-8f41-6d19c237f901">SEE RELATED STORY: Two Kansas hospitals spent $61.4 million on temporary staff. It was just $6 million in 2019</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767376436372.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostLocal Republican legislators said property tax relief will be a focus as the Kansas Legislature begins its session on Monday.Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th district, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, and Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, spoke with Hays Post to give a sneak peek at key issues slated for the Kansas legislative session.Wasinger said her top priorities include controlling spending, balancing the state budget and addressing taxes. She spoke with the Ellis County Commission and the Hays City Commission in December about potential property tax solutions."What we have to do is figure out a more equitable way to impose property taxes that aren't so high," she said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0dc3bf76-bd9f-4190-a0c7-231ca8172d18">SEE RELATED STORY: Rep. Wasinger seeks Ellis County commissioners' input on property tax relief</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/31a9d9f8-0883-480f-aada-22ac084f09b9">SEE RELATED FOR CITY: Hays City Commission talks housing, business developments, marijuana sales</a>"Valuations and property taxes are so high," Billinger said. "Our seniors especially, spent their whole life paying mortgages off, and now they're paying more on property tax than they did for a mortgage. ... It's made it very tough on our seniors."Wasinger said all state agencies are on the table for budget cuts, with no exceptions. She noted excess staffing and unused office space in Topeka."We have to learn to live within our budget, and we have to learn how to cut back in a very judicious way," she said. "I think the government itself is very bloated. ... I think we have a lot of excess space, and we're not filling it, so we shouldn't be paying for it."Rahjes said property tax relief remains the top issue, pointing to constituent frustration and ongoing disagreements between the House and Senate on how to address it."We need to have a conversation with the counties, the Legislature and all parties concerned, rather than just yelling at each other," Rahjes said.Minnix said he wants to explore new revenue sources to reduce the state’s reliance on property taxes."I'm working on something to tax some of the additional energy here in Kansas that seems to be a very fast-growing industry to bring a little tax revenue into the state and distribute that back to the local government, cities and counties," he said.Billinger said Kansas spent more than it collected last year, prompting the state to tap into its reserves."Last year, we cut about a little over $200 million, but we still spent more than we brought in. The revenues were less than what we spent," Billinger said. "We spent from our reserves, and we'll have to find ways to reduce the budget some more again this year."Waymaster said the state has limited flexibility on property taxes but pointed to education as a possible area for adjustments."We did reduce the 20 mills that go to education. We could possibly look at that," he said. "There are various other proposals that some are coming up with regarding addressing property taxes for taxpayers."Billinger said all agencies will be considered for budget cuts, while acknowledging the importance of supporting social services and education.Education fundingOn education funding, Wasinger said she questions whether increased spending is effective, citing low reading and math proficiency rates despite higher funding levels."We have given the Department of Education millions and millions of dollars, and they said, 'You haven't paid us enough. That's why there's no student success.' But if you look at the test results of children right now, over 40% do not read or do math at grade level, and that's with a few billion more dollars," she said.Wasinger said the department also oversees the distribution of special education funding and that a broader review is needed before any potential court involvement.Billinger said there is little room to cut funding for K-12 education and social services. He said special education remains underfunded, and lawmakers plan to continue increasing its share of the budget.Waymaster said education is a recurring focus each year, with K-12 funding making up about 52% of the state budget."It's not like we don't fund special education, we do," he said. "A lot of school districts are saying that the state is coming up short because we should be financing it at a certain level. But the federal government is also supposed to be doing that, too, which it's not."Waymaster said higher education institutions, such as universities, are expected to submit sizable funding requests and will be part of budget discussions.Water, agAs chairman of the House Water Committee, Minnix said he plans to work on several bills, such as proposals for long-term water funding."There are a lot of things that we need to improve. We need to encourage conservation and better utilization of our water resources out there," he said.Rahjes said the session will include discussions on the agricultural economy, disease prevention and right-to-farm protections."We want to make sure the tools that farmers have when it comes to using some chemicals are correct. In fact, we're learning about some of those right now and working on some language that allows farmers to use some of those tools that work," Rahjes said.Minnix said agriculture is experiencing mixed conditions between cattle and crop production, and property tax relief would also benefit both.Health care staff, rural attorney shortageRahjes said rural health care will be discussed. He acknowledged critical access hospitals in southwest Kansas continue to face challenges, including staffing shortages."The other thing we hope to complete this year is to start the process of working with our law schools to get more rural attorneys. We are desperately short," he said.Billinger said mental health is a growing concern and expects the new 104-bed South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital in Wichita to help reduce the state’s reliance on temporary health care staff."At Larned and Osawatomie, we're using a lot of traveling staff, nurses and doctors. We spent over $60 million on traveling personnel," he said.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2c666ccf-6356-4a39-8f41-6d19c237f901">SEE RELATED STORY: Two Kansas hospitals spent $61.4 million on temporary staff. It was just $6 million in 2019</a>Waymaster said recent federal health care changes are expected to affect the state’s budget, but added that Kansas received funding in December to support rural health care."Kansas is going to be receiving about $221 million to address rural health care across the state. That's kind of in its infancy," Waymaster said. "The timeline, according to the Department of Health and Environment, is we have to spend or allocate it by Oct. 31, 2026."Direct election of Kansas Supreme Court justicesVoters will decide in August whether to rewrite the state Constitution to make Kansas Supreme Court justices elected and end the current merit-based selection system for filling vacancies.Wasinger and Rahjes said they support the amendment."We need to have the Supreme Court justices be elected," Wasinger said. "The Supreme Court is chosen by a panel that is not in touch with Kansans or what's going on. They are making the decisions for us, and we need to be accountable for our decisions."A nine-member nominating commission reviews applications to fill a vacancy and selects three finalists for the governor to choose from.&nbsp;"The Supreme Court should be representative of the people," Rahjes said. "Over the last few years, if you go back and look at who has appointed these Supreme Court Justices, it's primarily been one party. There's this game being played that if you're in the right position, you hold out until you absolutely have to retire, and maybe somebody that's&nbsp;from my party is the governor."Waymaster said he likes the idea of elections but prefers to have a federal model."We'll see what the Kansas voters say in the primary ballot," he said.Minnix said he is still undecided, while Billinger said he has not yet thoroughly reviewed the issue.