The bridge carrying 150th&nbsp;Avenue over I-70 in Trego County was struck by an above-height load the evening of Tuesday, July 9.

Crews from the Kansas Department of Transportation were mobilized after the incident to direct traffic and clean up debris that had fallen onto the eastbound lanes of I-70.

The bridge has been hit multiple times and was closed to traffic in March 2024 because of safety concerns about structural deficiencies. For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer at 785-261-6132 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kevin.zimmer@ks.gov">kevin.zimmer@ks.gov</a>.

The bridge carrying 150th&nbsp;Avenue over I-70 in Trego County was struck by an above-height load the evening of Tuesday, July 9.Crews from the Kansas Department of Transportation were mobilized after the incident to direct traffic and clean up debris that had fallen onto the eastbound lanes of I-70.The bridge has been hit multiple times and was closed to traffic in March 2024 because of safety concerns about structural deficiencies. For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer at 785-261-6132 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kevin.zimmer@ks.gov">kevin.zimmer@ks.gov</a>.

Bridge over I-70 hit in Trego County

The abortion law took effect July 1 and has joined other efforts to limit abortion in Kansas in ongoing court battles about how far state lawmakers can regulate the procedure.

What’s the harm in asking? Abortion rights supporters say quite a bit. Republicans in the state Legislature are trying to gather more data about the practice.&nbsp;

Starting July 1, any medical professional performing an abortion is required by Kansas statute to ask patients their reasons for getting it.

<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2749_enrolled.pdf">The law</a>&nbsp;passed the Kansas Legislature this spring, and lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto. It’s already entangled in court fights, and the state agency that regulates medical care doesn’t plan immediate enforcement.

The Republicans who engineered the bill argued that a questionnaire — asking whether the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, if it threatens a patient’s health, if the parents don’t feel supported by family or if the baby would interfere with someone’s life goals — could give a better understanding of what leads to abortions.&nbsp;

Opponents see the questions as intrusive and intimidating to women at particularly vulnerable times.

“There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest,” Kelly said in her veto statement. “There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature why she is seeking an abortion.”&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2024-07-05/kansas-supreme-court-reaffirms-that-abortion-rights-are-protected-by-constitution-striking-down-2-laws">Kansas News Service reported</a>&nbsp;that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment told providers it will not enforce the law. The agency didn’t confirm those statements when asked by reporters.&nbsp;

Here is what else you need to know about the law.&nbsp;

Do patients have to tell doctors why they are seeking an abortion in Kansas?

Women seeking an abortion don’t need to respond to the questions.&nbsp;

Republicans say that should address Democrats’ concerns, but Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, said it’s “outrageous” that patients are asked.&nbsp;

Republicans say more information on abortion is helpful&nbsp;

The law passed through the Statehouse on party lines. Republicans said it would provide valuable information the state Legislature could use.&nbsp;

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, quoted an excerpt from a September 2005 report from the research group the Guttmacher Institute, which backs abortion rights, to support the bill.&nbsp;

“Understanding women’s reasons for having abortions can inform public debate and policy,” Landwher said during an April debate. “This does not restrict women from having their abortion.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto without any votes to spare in the House or Senate. Republicans have a veto-proof majority in the Statehouse.&nbsp;

Democrats say asking patients why they seek abortions is invasive

Democrats blasted the bill as government overreach and an attack on abortion access.&nbsp;

Ruiz said during an April debate that the Legislature wouldn’t use the results of the questionnaires in good faith.&nbsp;

“We are not known to pass legislation that actually really does benefit women,” she said. “We are not known for that.”&nbsp;

The Kansas abortion law can be included in a lawsuit. Will it get struck down?&nbsp;

Doctors are challenging the new law, saying it’s intrusive and unconstitutional.&nbsp;

In August 2022, voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have opened the way for the Legislature to ban abortion. But lawmakers can still regulate it. Attempts by the Legislature to impose strict regulations that threatened the ability to perform abortions in Kansas have been regularly rejected by the courts for going too far.&nbsp;

The new law doesn’t add new health or safety standards during the procedure. Rather, it adds things providers must do. Courts will ultimately decide if lawmakers imposed something that’s overly burdensome.&nbsp;

The Kansas Supreme Court recently struck down two abortion laws that were over a decade old. One ruling threw out a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/documents/summary_sb_95_2015.pdf">law banning a type of abortion procedure</a>. The second ruling said a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/measures/documents/summary_sb_36_2011.pdf">set of requirements for abortion providers</a>&nbsp;was unconstitutional because other providers weren’t subject to those same regulations.&nbsp;

Those decade-old laws were never enforced because courts set them aside while the legal issues played out.

<h2>The abortion law took effect July 1 and has joined other efforts to limit abortion in Kansas in ongoing court battles about how far state lawmakers can regulate the procedure.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720628368995.png" alt="The Legislature passed a law requiring clinics to ask patients why they're seeking abortions. Credit: Niko Schmidt / The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>The Legislature passed a law requiring clinics to ask patients why they're seeking abortions. Credit: Niko Schmidt / The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>TAKEAWAYS<ul>
 <li>Republicans say asking patients why they want an abortion provides useful information that can inform future state laws.</li><li>Democrats say the law is intrusive and unnecessary.&nbsp;</li><li>Medical providers have to ask the question, but patients don’t have to answer it.</li>
 </ul>What’s the harm in asking? Abortion rights supporters say quite a bit. Republicans in the state Legislature are trying to gather more data about the practice.&nbsp;Starting July 1, any medical professional performing an abortion is required by Kansas statute to ask patients their reasons for getting it.<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2749_enrolled.pdf">The law</a>&nbsp;passed the Kansas Legislature this spring, and lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto. It’s already entangled in court fights, and the state agency that regulates medical care doesn’t plan immediate enforcement.The Republicans who engineered the bill argued that a questionnaire — asking whether the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, if it threatens a patient’s health, if the parents don’t feel supported by family or if the baby would interfere with someone’s life goals — could give a better understanding of what leads to abortions.&nbsp;Opponents see the questions as intrusive and intimidating to women at particularly vulnerable times.“There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest,” Kelly said in her veto statement. “There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature why she is seeking an abortion.”&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2024-07-05/kansas-supreme-court-reaffirms-that-abortion-rights-are-protected-by-constitution-striking-down-2-laws">Kansas News Service reported</a>&nbsp;that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment told providers it will not enforce the law. The agency didn’t confirm those statements when asked by reporters.&nbsp;Here is what else you need to know about the law.&nbsp;<h2>Do patients have to tell doctors why they are seeking an abortion in Kansas?</h2>Women seeking an abortion don’t need to respond to the questions.&nbsp;Republicans say that should address Democrats’ concerns, but Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, said it’s “outrageous” that patients are asked.&nbsp;<h2>Republicans say more information on abortion is helpful&nbsp;</h2>The law passed through the Statehouse on party lines. Republicans said it would provide valuable information the state Legislature could use.&nbsp;Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, quoted an excerpt from a September 2005 report from the research group the Guttmacher Institute, which backs abortion rights, to support the bill.&nbsp;“Understanding women’s reasons for having abortions can inform public debate and policy,” Landwher said during an April debate. “This does not restrict women from having their abortion.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto without any votes to spare in the House or Senate. Republicans have a veto-proof majority in the Statehouse.&nbsp;<h2>Democrats say asking patients why they seek abortions is invasive</h2>Democrats blasted the bill as government overreach and an attack on abortion access.&nbsp;Ruiz said during an April debate that the Legislature wouldn’t use the results of the questionnaires in good faith.&nbsp;“We are not known to pass legislation that actually really does benefit women,” she said. “We are not known for that.”&nbsp;<h2>The Kansas abortion law can be included in a lawsuit. Will it get struck down?&nbsp;</h2>Doctors are challenging the new law, saying it’s intrusive and unconstitutional.&nbsp;In August 2022, voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have opened the way for the Legislature to ban abortion. But lawmakers can still regulate it. Attempts by the Legislature to impose strict regulations that threatened the ability to perform abortions in Kansas have been regularly rejected by the courts for going too far.&nbsp;The new law doesn’t add new health or safety standards during the procedure. Rather, it adds things providers must do. Courts will ultimately decide if lawmakers imposed something that’s overly burdensome.&nbsp;The Kansas Supreme Court recently struck down two abortion laws that were over a decade old. One ruling threw out a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/documents/summary_sb_95_2015.pdf">law banning a type of abortion procedure</a>. The second ruling said a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/measures/documents/summary_sb_36_2011.pdf">set of requirements for abortion providers</a>&nbsp;was unconstitutional because other providers weren’t subject to those same regulations.&nbsp;Those decade-old laws were never enforced because courts set them aside while the legal issues played out.

Newest abortion law in Kansas requires putting questions to patients. Here’s what that means

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Operation 'Move and Groove' to repair a VFW auxiliary in western Kansas is underway, thanks to a new veteran-led organization.

The Forgotten Stewardship is undertaking its first project at the Ransom VFW Post 7972, 516 Vermont Ave., to support local veterans.

The founder of the nonprofit, Dylan Nuttle, is a United States Marine Corps veteran dedicated to fostering connections and creating spaces for others to thrive.

"We all have to work together," he said. "It's going to be communities that build this back."

The Forgotten Stewardship's mission is to reestablish the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors by empowering local stewards committed to helping their rural communities and country.

The Ransom VFW has been recognized as an all-state post 33 times, serving veterans and military members from active duty, the National Guard and reserve forces.

The auxiliary has hosted numerous community events, such as weddings and dances, but requires repairs. The estimated cost for the 'Move and Groove' operation, including rental equipment and supplies, is $5,502.

"I have fond memories of that place," Nuttle said. "The community is full of elderly that love to dance, so that's where I got the name."

Nuttle intends to update the 5,600-square-foot building's ceiling tiles, replace the carpet, add footers, apply concrete sealer and make other improvements.

The planning and moving phase of the operation began on July 4 with a meeting with <a href="https://rohrscarpetcleaningandsales.com/">Rohrs Carpet Cleaning</a>, preparing to cut the auxiliary floor using a cost-effective plan.

You can donate to The Forgotten Stewardship and its efforts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tfsusa.org/donate">here</a>.

Hoping for increased interest and donations, Nuttle said the Ransom project is feasible thanks to his experience in helping others.

Nuttle joined the Marine Corps after high school in 2007, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ireland and Cuba. After leaving the Marines in 2015, he attended carpentry school at NCK Tech in Hays.

"I wanted to do something that would be able to serve myself and everybody else around me with that skill," he said.

Nuttle was later accepted into the Clay Hunt Fellows Program with <a href="https://teamrubiconusa.org/">Team Rubicon</a>, a veteran-led humanitarian organization dedicated to helping communities affected by disasters.

With connections from the nonprofit, Nuttle said he has the necessary manpower to complete the 'Move and Groove' operation.

"As far as doing work, I've got friends from Team Rubicon that are going to come help," he said.

The estimated volunteer hours donated is 640 hours.

For the remainder of 2024, Nuttle aims to address other challenges faced in Ness County as The Forgotten Stewardship introduces new capabilities.

Assistance efforts being explored include auto mechanics, haircuts, and support for farming and ranching.

"At the end of the day, what I want to do is build communities back stronger than ever so they can continue to serve their people," he said.

For more information on The Forgotten Stewardship and Nuttle's story and efforts, visit the nonprofit's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tfsusa.org/">website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720471459434.jpeg" alt="Dylan Nuttles, along with the Kraft and Mishler families, working together. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Nuttles, along with the Kraft and Mishler families, working together. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostOperation 'Move and Groove' to repair a VFW auxiliary in western Kansas is underway, thanks to a new veteran-led organization.The Forgotten Stewardship is undertaking its first project at the Ransom VFW Post 7972, 516 Vermont Ave., to support local veterans.The founder of the nonprofit, Dylan Nuttle, is a United States Marine Corps veteran dedicated to fostering connections and creating spaces for others to thrive."We all have to work together," he said. "It's going to be communities that build this back."The Forgotten Stewardship's mission is to reestablish the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors by empowering local stewards committed to helping their rural communities and country.The Ransom VFW has been recognized as an all-state post 33 times, serving veterans and military members from active duty, the National Guard and reserve forces.The auxiliary has hosted numerous community events, such as weddings and dances, but requires repairs. The estimated cost for the 'Move and Groove' operation, including rental equipment and supplies, is $5,502."I have fond memories of that place," Nuttle said. "The community is full of elderly that love to dance, so that's where I got the name."Nuttle intends to update the 5,600-square-foot building's ceiling tiles, replace the carpet, add footers, apply concrete sealer and make other improvements.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720198101212.jpeg" alt="Sitting area at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Sitting area at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720198147328.jpeg" alt="A community event room at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>A community event room at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720198068032.jpeg" alt="The bar area at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>The bar area at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The planning and moving phase of the operation began on July 4 with a meeting with <a href="https://rohrscarpetcleaningandsales.com/">Rohrs Carpet Cleaning</a>, preparing to cut the auxiliary floor using a cost-effective plan.You can donate to The Forgotten Stewardship and its efforts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tfsusa.org/donate">here</a>.Hoping for increased interest and donations, Nuttle said the Ransom project is feasible thanks to his experience in helping others.Nuttle joined the Marine Corps after high school in 2007, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ireland and Cuba. After leaving the Marines in 2015, he attended carpentry school at NCK Tech in Hays."I wanted to do something that would be able to serve myself and everybody else around me with that skill," he said.Nuttle was later accepted into the Clay Hunt Fellows Program with <a href="https://teamrubiconusa.org/">Team Rubicon</a>, a veteran-led humanitarian organization dedicated to helping communities affected by disasters.With connections from the nonprofit, Nuttle said he has the necessary manpower to complete the 'Move and Groove' operation."As far as doing work, I've got friends from Team Rubicon that are going to come help," he said.The estimated volunteer hours donated is 640 hours.For the remainder of 2024, Nuttle aims to address other challenges faced in Ness County as The Forgotten Stewardship introduces new capabilities.Assistance efforts being explored include auto mechanics, haircuts, and support for farming and ranching."At the end of the day, what I want to do is build communities back stronger than ever so they can continue to serve their people," he said.For more information on The Forgotten Stewardship and Nuttle's story and efforts, visit the nonprofit's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tfsusa.org/">website</a>.

Repairs for Ransom VFW by The Forgotten Stewardship begin

Sunrise and Sunflowers author event set for Thursday

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Whew! The Barton County Fair concluded on Sunday, June 30 and I have some thank you messages to share.

Let me start with a huge Thank You to the 4-H families who adjusted this year and who pitched in to help with set up, with clean up, and with supporting other 4-H families throughout the week!

My next Thank You is to the Barton County Fair Association. This dedicated group of volunteers works so hard – all year – to plan, organize, and fundraise to present a family-friendly community event with the goal of showcasing 4-H project learning and agriculture in Barton County.

In addition to the Barton County Fair Association, it takes a team and I cannot thank the educators and staff across the Cottonwood Extension District enough for their teamwork and steady support!

An important Thank You also goes to each vendor and sponsor – the fair couldn’t happen without your community involvement! No matter the size of sponsorship, your engagement is much appreciated.

An additional Thank You is due to community members who attend the Business Appreciation Breakfast and take a few minutes to check out exhibits; to the community members who bring Open Class entries; to the community members who walk through the displays and spend money with vendors and commercial exhibitors!

Another Thank You is due to Chambers of Commerce across Barton County, Great Bend Economic Development, and Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau for sharing information and schedules in ways that reach far beyond our county lines.

To round out two big Thank You messages: to everyone who attended the 4-H BBQ as this is the fundraiser for 4-H Council for events and activities as well as everyone who attended and bid on an item during the 4-H Premium Auction. Most 4-H members will reinvest those funds in a market animal project for next year or put the monies away for school in the future. Your support of these two events are invaluable!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictWhew! The Barton County Fair concluded on Sunday, June 30 and I have some thank you messages to share.Let me start with a huge Thank You to the 4-H families who adjusted this year and who pitched in to help with set up, with clean up, and with supporting other 4-H families throughout the week!My next Thank You is to the Barton County Fair Association. This dedicated group of volunteers works so hard – all year – to plan, organize, and fundraise to present a family-friendly community event with the goal of showcasing 4-H project learning and agriculture in Barton County.In addition to the Barton County Fair Association, it takes a team and I cannot thank the educators and staff across the Cottonwood Extension District enough for their teamwork and steady support!An important Thank You also goes to each vendor and sponsor – the fair couldn’t happen without your community involvement! No matter the size of sponsorship, your engagement is much appreciated.An additional Thank You is due to community members who attend the Business Appreciation Breakfast and take a few minutes to check out exhibits; to the community members who bring Open Class entries; to the community members who walk through the displays and spend money with vendors and commercial exhibitors!Another Thank You is due to Chambers of Commerce across Barton County, Great Bend Economic Development, and Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau for sharing information and schedules in ways that reach far beyond our county lines.To round out two big Thank You messages: to everyone who attended the 4-H BBQ as this is the fundraiser for 4-H Council for events and activities as well as everyone who attended and bid on an item during the 4-H Premium Auction. Most 4-H members will reinvest those funds in a market animal project for next year or put the monies away for school in the future. Your support of these two events are invaluable!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: It’s Fair Time!

Hays, Kan.—June 25—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announced the promotion of Len Couture to manager of substation operations.In his new role, Couture will manage the construction, repair, and maintenance of Sunflower’s substation systems while ensuring proper planning and coordination with internal and external entities.

A native of Plainville, Kan., Couture obtained a technical degree in electronics from Wichita Automotive and Electronics Institute in Wichita, Kan. He began his career at Sunflower in 2007 as a senior substation technician and was promoted to substation supervisor in 2013. Couture has been instrumental in working with Sunflower’s member utilities to meet their business needs. 

Couture and his wife, Maryanne, live in Great Bend, Kan. They have two adult daughters, Jessica and Kelsey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720283601718.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHays, Kan.—June 25—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announced the promotion of Len Couture to manager of substation operations.In his new role, Couture will manage the construction, repair, and maintenance of Sunflower’s substation systems while ensuring proper planning and coordination with internal and external entities.A native of Plainville, Kan., Couture obtained a technical degree in electronics from Wichita Automotive and Electronics Institute in Wichita, Kan. He began his career at Sunflower in 2007 as a senior substation technician and was promoted to substation supervisor in 2013. Couture has been instrumental in working with Sunflower’s member utilities to meet their business needs. Couture and his wife, Maryanne, live in Great Bend, Kan. They have two adult daughters, Jessica and Kelsey.

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation promotes Len Couture

<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/2024/7/1720560274538.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

BATON ROUGE, LA — The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

William Brown of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University.

Lisa Karlin of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University.

They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization's notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards $1.3 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/u001.vR1Vq6W0XRZshLIchZFedQ8t4W5W-zT32bYPT3eBJOI/47l/VbUHMwKrRlKTWcEU_jEmUg/h0/h001.B_O79YwtwWeajQaq8iU2hiri2ELBlGgNimbYwE2Olec">www.phikappaphi.org</a>.

SubmittedBATON ROUGE, LA — The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.William Brown of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University.Lisa Karlin of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University.They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."More About Phi Kappa PhiSince its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization's notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards $1.3 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/u001.vR1Vq6W0XRZshLIchZFedQ8t4W5W-zT32bYPT3eBJOI/47l/VbUHMwKrRlKTWcEU_jEmUg/h0/h001.B_O79YwtwWeajQaq8iU2hiri2ELBlGgNimbYwE2Olec">www.phikappaphi.org</a>.

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi inducts new members from FHSU

Ellis County Fair Rodeo will be delayed tonight by 1 hour

Kansas advocacy organization endorses higher standards, better staffing levels

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — A national coalition’s report says one-fourth of Kansas’ 300 nursing homes were categorized as problem facilities due to substandard care and persistent compliance issues.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://nursinghome411.org/data/ratings-info/" target="_blank">Long-Term Care Community Coalition’s latest summary</a>, based on the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services’ five-star quality rating system, showed 24.6% of nursing facilities in the United States were designated “problem facilities” after receiving a one-star rating. In Kansas, 25.2% of nursing homes had that lowly score based on inspection reports, staffing levels and other quality measures.

In Kansas, six of 10 nursing homes were owned by for-profit companies. Three-fourths of the state’s troubled nursing homes were of the for-profit variety, the coalition said.

“If we’re outperforming the nation, that’s a really bleak picture,” said Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care. “Particularly we’re concerned with the lack of staffing of these facilities. Kansas currently ranks 46th in the nation as far as staffing long-term care facilities compared to other states. The amount of staffing in those facilities directly impacts the overall care that residents receive.”

Goodman said on the Kansas Reflector podcast there was an unsettling correlation between low staffing levels and the frequency in use of medications to control nursing home residents. Those drugs could be detrimental to the health and quality of life for elderly people, he said.

He said staffing shortages in long-term care facilities also contributed to failure to deliver routine care, including basics of brushing teeth or using the restroom, and could extend to frequency of dangerous falls as well as premature death.

In April, the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services, also known as CMS, published a rule that would reform long-term nursing care facilities serving 1.2 million residents across the country. The agency order would increase the required staff-to-resident ratio, mandate a registered nurse be onsite 24 hours per day and expand regulations related to assessments of the facilities.

The requirements, to be implemented over a three-year period, prioritized safety and health care quality, while taking into consideration workforce challenges some facilities may experience, especially those in rural areas. The rules on overall staffing would take effect in 2026 for urban facilities and in 2027 for rural facilities.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, has sought to reverse the new long-term care regulations embraced by the administration of President Joe Biden. Marshall, who is a physician, said the regulations were “unnecessary” and would lead to closure of nursing homes in Kansas.

“These overly burdensome rules will be devastating to nursing homes in Kansas, especially those in rural areas,” Marshall said. “The unfunded mandates will further increase operating costs and exacerbate the existing nursing shortage. There is no evidence that these regulations will improve the quality of patient care. It just doesn’t make sense.”

Marshall and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, endorsed a congressional resolution that would, if passed, nullify the nursing home rules adopted by CMS.

Marshall co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from implementing the minimum staffing rule in instances where imposition of the order diminished access to care. The bill was endorsed by LeadingAge Kansas, the Kansas Hospital Association and the Kansas Health Care Association/Kansas Center for Assisted Living.

“Our nursing homes are committed to providing the highest quality care in Kansas and stand ready to work on real solutions for the continuing workforce crisis in long term care,” said Rachel Monger, president and CEO of LeadingAge Kansas. “The federal government cannot mandate staff where none exist.”

Goodman, of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said the federal rating system indicated 77 of the 306 nursing homes in Kansas were “problem” facilities. The analysis indicated one-third of for-profit nursing facilities in Kansas had low scores. In other words, he said, 58 of 183 for-profit nursing homes were rated as problematic.

Goodman said investment companies, including real estate firms, were buying into the nursing home industry. Operators of those companies didn’t have a background in health care delivery and wouldn’t necessarily have a grasp of what it meant to provide compassionate assistance to residents, he said.

“Individuals are suffering, and probably dying sooner than they should be,” Goodman said.

A federal government report in November concluded for-profit nursing facilities tended to have lower quality ratings, fewer registered nurses and more safety violations. In 2021, the National Bureau of Economic Research said residents of nursing facilities owned by a private equity firm had a 10% greater chance of dying compared with residents living in another type of long-term care facility.

Libby Hastings, communications coordinator at Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said updated federal guidelines for long-term care facilities — opposed by Marshall and Moran — shouldn’t be viewed as burdensome if the objective was to provide quality care to these Kansans.

Hastings said the workforce situation in nursing homes would be improved if direct-care workers were viewed as skilled labor, and provided paid health insurance and opportunities to advance in the business organization.

She said families should consult the federal rating system for nursing homes before making personal decisions, but also consider who owned and operated the nursing homes.

“I think for consumers it’s important not to go just solely based off the five-star metric system,” Hastings said. “I think it’s important to look at your inspections. You should go visit the facilities unannounced.”

<h2>Kansas advocacy organization endorses higher standards, better staffing levels</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720550364676.png" alt="Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said state and federal lawmakers should intervene to address the 25% of Kansas nursing homes providing substandard care. He also expressed concern about the high number of for-profit long-term care facilities with low scores on federal ratings. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said state and federal lawmakers should intervene to address the 25% of Kansas nursing homes providing substandard care. He also expressed concern about the high number of for-profit long-term care facilities with low scores on federal ratings. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — A national coalition’s report says one-fourth of Kansas’ 300 nursing homes were categorized as problem facilities due to substandard care and persistent compliance issues.The&nbsp;<a href="https://nursinghome411.org/data/ratings-info/" target="_blank">Long-Term Care Community Coalition’s latest summary</a>, based on the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services’ five-star quality rating system, showed 24.6% of nursing facilities in the United States were designated “problem facilities” after receiving a one-star rating. In Kansas, 25.2% of nursing homes had that lowly score based on inspection reports, staffing levels and other quality measures.In Kansas, six of 10 nursing homes were owned by for-profit companies. Three-fourths of the state’s troubled nursing homes were of the for-profit variety, the coalition said.“If we’re outperforming the nation, that’s a really bleak picture,” said Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care. “Particularly we’re concerned with the lack of staffing of these facilities. Kansas currently ranks 46th in the nation as far as staffing long-term care facilities compared to other states. The amount of staffing in those facilities directly impacts the overall care that residents receive.”Goodman said on the Kansas Reflector podcast there was an unsettling correlation between low staffing levels and the frequency in use of medications to control nursing home residents. Those drugs could be detrimental to the health and quality of life for elderly people, he said.He said staffing shortages in long-term care facilities also contributed to failure to deliver routine care, including basics of brushing teeth or using the restroom, and could extend to frequency of dangerous falls as well as premature death.<h2>Federal staffing mandate</h2>In April, the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services, also known as CMS, published a rule that would reform long-term nursing care facilities serving 1.2 million residents across the country. The agency order would increase the required staff-to-resident ratio, mandate a registered nurse be onsite 24 hours per day and expand regulations related to assessments of the facilities.The requirements, to be implemented over a three-year period, prioritized safety and health care quality, while taking into consideration workforce challenges some facilities may experience, especially those in rural areas. The rules on overall staffing would take effect in 2026 for urban facilities and in 2027 for rural facilities.U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, has sought to reverse the new long-term care regulations embraced by the administration of President Joe Biden. Marshall, who is a physician, said the regulations were “unnecessary” and would lead to closure of nursing homes in Kansas.“These overly burdensome rules will be devastating to nursing homes in Kansas, especially those in rural areas,” Marshall said. “The unfunded mandates will further increase operating costs and exacerbate the existing nursing shortage. There is no evidence that these regulations will improve the quality of patient care. It just doesn’t make sense.”Marshall and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, endorsed a congressional resolution that would, if passed, nullify the nursing home rules adopted by CMS.Marshall co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from implementing the minimum staffing rule in instances where imposition of the order diminished access to care. The bill was endorsed by LeadingAge Kansas, the Kansas Hospital Association and the Kansas Health Care Association/Kansas Center for Assisted Living.“Our nursing homes are committed to providing the highest quality care in Kansas and stand ready to work on real solutions for the continuing workforce crisis in long term care,” said Rachel Monger, president and CEO of LeadingAge Kansas. “The federal government cannot mandate staff where none exist.”<h2>Inside the numbers</h2>Goodman, of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said the federal rating system indicated 77 of the 306 nursing homes in Kansas were “problem” facilities. The analysis indicated one-third of for-profit nursing facilities in Kansas had low scores. In other words, he said, 58 of 183 for-profit nursing homes were rated as problematic.Goodman said investment companies, including real estate firms, were buying into the nursing home industry. Operators of those companies didn’t have a background in health care delivery and wouldn’t necessarily have a grasp of what it meant to provide compassionate assistance to residents, he said.“Individuals are suffering, and probably dying sooner than they should be,” Goodman said.A federal government report in November concluded for-profit nursing facilities tended to have lower quality ratings, fewer registered nurses and more safety violations. In 2021, the National Bureau of Economic Research said residents of nursing facilities owned by a private equity firm had a 10% greater chance of dying compared with residents living in another type of long-term care facility.Libby Hastings, communications coordinator at Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said updated federal guidelines for long-term care facilities — opposed by Marshall and Moran — shouldn’t be viewed as burdensome if the objective was to provide quality care to these Kansans.Hastings said the workforce situation in nursing homes would be improved if direct-care workers were viewed as skilled labor, and provided paid health insurance and opportunities to advance in the business organization.She said families should consult the federal rating system for nursing homes before making personal decisions, but also consider who owned and operated the nursing homes.“I think for consumers it’s important not to go just solely based off the five-star metric system,” Hastings said. “I think it’s important to look at your inspections. You should go visit the facilities unannounced.”

One-fourth of Kansas nursing homes labeled ‘problem’ facilities because of persistently poor care

Fort Hays State University announces spring 2024 Deans' Honor Roll

Russell County Fire responded Monday afternoon to a fire near the wastewater treatment area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720535865812.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Russell County Fire responded Monday afternoon to a fire near the wastewater treatment area.

Russell County responds to grass fire Monday

Summer may be only half over, but the folks at First Call for Help of Ellis County are busily collecting supplies for Backpacks for Kids.

The annual event provides a free backpack loaded with school supplies and personal hygiene items for any child who needs one. There are no income guidelines, but children must live in Ellis County and must attend school in Ellis County in order to qualify.

Laura Shoaff, Client Service Specialist who supervises the program for First Call, said students may attend either public or private schools. They will still qualify as long as the school is in Ellis County. The program “is geared more toward low-income, but we don’t turn anybody away,” Shoaff said.

Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless will sponsor a School Supply Drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, at Walmart in Hays. Customers will be given a list of needed supplies when they walk into the store and may donate items as they leave.

Macey Pfeifer, First Call’s Executive Director, said, “Many families struggle to afford these basic necessities, and every year, we receive requests from school counselors to provide backpacks for students carrying their supplies in grocery sacks.”

Families have until Tuesday, July 23, to register their children to receive a free backpack. Families may register in one of three ways, Shoaff said: They may fill out the paper form and mail or bring it to the First Call Office at 607 E. 13th&nbsp;St.; they may call the office at (785) 623-2800; or they may register online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/backpacks">https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/backpacks</a>.

Shoaff said if families register their children in advance, “they are guaranteed a backpack with school supplies for their grade level.”

The backpacks for registered children will be distributed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Room, 2900 Hall St.

Any remaining backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis the following day, Friday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the same location.

Last year, First Call distributed 592 backpacks. She said this year the nonprofit agency is preparing 650.

In addition to school supplies, backpacks also will contain a hygiene bag containing a full-size bottle of shampoo and a bar of soap. Backpacks for third graders on up also will contain deodorant. Kindergartners through fifth graders will receive facial tissue. Older students may receive that item for the asking, Shoaff said.

Also each year Delta Dental provides “Smile Kits,” which contain toothpaste, a toothbrush, and dental floss. All student participants receive that kit.

In addition to the personal hygiene items mentioned above, First Call is seeking the following items: 3x3-inch Post-It Sticky Notes (any color), new backpacks in medium and large sizes, highlighters and dry erase markers, plastic school boxes or pencil bags, notebook paper (both wide-ruled and college-ruled), 4-oz. Elmer’s School Glue, large pink erasers, 10-pack Crayola Washable Markers (classic colors), pointed scissors, 12-pack colored pencils, 24-pack Crayola Crayons, 2 pocket folders, pencils (#2 yellow), pens (blue, black, and red), earbuds and small headphones, boxes of facial tissue, graph paper, 1-subject spiral notebooks (wide and college ruled), 1-inch three-ring binders, glue sticks (no gel), tab index divider pages, composition notebooks, combination locks.

All donated items must be new, Shoaff emphasized.

“Each year we ask the schools to give us their supply list. I so appreciate the schools who send me a copy, so I don’t have to go track them down,” she said.

Shoaff said the main items needed at press time are the 1-subject spiral notebooks, 1-inch three-ring binders, looseleaf notebook paper, and hand sanitizer.

Monetary donations are also appreciated, mailed to the address above, with Backpacks for Kids in the memo line.

Shoaff said major contributors at press time include VFW Post #9076, the Hays Lions Club, and St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, which all donated between $500 and $1,000. Also, Midwest Energy, Walmart, and Midwestern Pipeworks, which all donated $1,000 or more.

“If we have extras, we will still be handing out backpacks until school starts—for new kids,” Shoaff said. “If a kid needs a backpack, we will get them one.”

Pfeifer added,&nbsp;“Your contributions can make a significant impact on the lives of students in our community. Whether it's a financial donation or purchasing backpacks, school supplies, or hygiene items, every contribution counts.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720129894927.jpeg" alt="Dana Loewen, a staff member at First Call for Help of Ellis County, stuffs school supplies into backpacks in anticipation of the distribution day. Distribution for pre-registered children will be Thursday, Aug. 1. Distribution of any remaining backpacks will be Friday, Aug. 2. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Dana Loewen, a staff member at First Call for Help of Ellis County, stuffs school supplies into backpacks in anticipation of the distribution day. Distribution for pre-registered children will be Thursday, Aug. 1. Distribution of any remaining backpacks will be Friday, Aug. 2. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSummer may be only half over, but the folks at First Call for Help of Ellis County are busily collecting supplies for Backpacks for Kids.The annual event provides a free backpack loaded with school supplies and personal hygiene items for any child who needs one. There are no income guidelines, but children must live in Ellis County and must attend school in Ellis County in order to qualify.Laura Shoaff, Client Service Specialist who supervises the program for First Call, said students may attend either public or private schools. They will still qualify as long as the school is in Ellis County. The program “is geared more toward low-income, but we don’t turn anybody away,” Shoaff said.Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless will sponsor a School Supply Drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, at Walmart in Hays. Customers will be given a list of needed supplies when they walk into the store and may donate items as they leave.Macey Pfeifer, First Call’s Executive Director, said, “Many families struggle to afford these basic necessities, and every year, we receive requests from school counselors to provide backpacks for students carrying their supplies in grocery sacks.”Families have until Tuesday, July 23, to register their children to receive a free backpack. Families may register in one of three ways, Shoaff said: They may fill out the paper form and mail or bring it to the First Call Office at 607 E. 13th&nbsp;St.; they may call the office at (785) 623-2800; or they may register online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/backpacks">https://www.firstcallelliscounty.com/backpacks</a>.Shoaff said if families register their children in advance, “they are guaranteed a backpack with school supplies for their grade level.”The backpacks for registered children will be distributed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Room, 2900 Hall St.Any remaining backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis the following day, Friday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the same location.Last year, First Call distributed 592 backpacks. She said this year the nonprofit agency is preparing 650.In addition to school supplies, backpacks also will contain a hygiene bag containing a full-size bottle of shampoo and a bar of soap. Backpacks for third graders on up also will contain deodorant. Kindergartners through fifth graders will receive facial tissue. Older students may receive that item for the asking, Shoaff said.Also each year Delta Dental provides “Smile Kits,” which contain toothpaste, a toothbrush, and dental floss. All student participants receive that kit.In addition to the personal hygiene items mentioned above, First Call is seeking the following items: 3x3-inch Post-It Sticky Notes (any color), new backpacks in medium and large sizes, highlighters and dry erase markers, plastic school boxes or pencil bags, notebook paper (both wide-ruled and college-ruled), 4-oz. Elmer’s School Glue, large pink erasers, 10-pack Crayola Washable Markers (classic colors), pointed scissors, 12-pack colored pencils, 24-pack Crayola Crayons, 2 pocket folders, pencils (#2 yellow), pens (blue, black, and red), earbuds and small headphones, boxes of facial tissue, graph paper, 1-subject spiral notebooks (wide and college ruled), 1-inch three-ring binders, glue sticks (no gel), tab index divider pages, composition notebooks, combination locks.All donated items must be new, Shoaff emphasized.“Each year we ask the schools to give us their supply list. I so appreciate the schools who send me a copy, so I don’t have to go track them down,” she said.Shoaff said the main items needed at press time are the 1-subject spiral notebooks, 1-inch three-ring binders, looseleaf notebook paper, and hand sanitizer.Monetary donations are also appreciated, mailed to the address above, with Backpacks for Kids in the memo line.Shoaff said major contributors at press time include VFW Post #9076, the Hays Lions Club, and St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, which all donated between $500 and $1,000. Also, Midwest Energy, Walmart, and Midwestern Pipeworks, which all donated $1,000 or more.“If we have extras, we will still be handing out backpacks until school starts—for new kids,” Shoaff said. “If a kid needs a backpack, we will get them one.”Pfeifer added,&nbsp;“Your contributions can make a significant impact on the lives of students in our community. Whether it's a financial donation or purchasing backpacks, school supplies, or hygiene items, every contribution counts.”

School supply drive to benefit Backpacks for Kids

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Police scanners across Ellis County went quiet on Monday.&nbsp;

As a part of an Ellis County public safety radio infrastructure upgrade, radio traffic will be encrypted for&nbsp;all the public safety radio channels in Ellis County, including the following agencies: Victoria Police, Victoria Fire, Fort Hays State University Police, Ellis Police, Ellis Fire, Ellis County EMS, Ellis County Fire, Ellis County Sheriff, Hays Police and the Hays Fire Department.

This means that home police scanners and scanner apps will no longer be able to pick up radio traffic from these law enforcement agencies and emergency departments.

The added layer of encryption is part of a statewide effort to protect information broadcast over public safety radios. This will make the radio traffic compliant with the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System and the Federal Bureau of Investigation requirements, according to a press release from Darin Myer, Ellis County manager.

Although the Kansas Highway Patrol is not using encryption, the agency plans to make that move in the future.

"In addition to Kansas Criminal Justice Information System, encryption also increases safety for our emergency responders, as well as it will help protect the information shared over the radio regarding members of the community," Myers said.

Myers said certain law enforcement radio traffic to this point has been limited because of the requirements on non-encrypted channels. 

 There are also Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy concerns about releasing certain medical information over the radio during medical emergencies, he said.

"During an emergency response, it is our primary focus to ensure the safety of the incident scene and our personnel," Myers said.

Being able to communicate over the radio exactly what and how to operate at an incident allows better communication to all staff, he said.

Myers said encrypted traffic means criminals can't listen in to law enforcement and emergency personal activity, and those criminals can't use that information to&nbsp;create a counter plan for the emergency response.

"We also know that we need to have public information releases to inform everyone what is going on," Myers said. "It is hard to juggle these two because the faster and safer our personnel resolve an incident, the quicker the public is free of harm."

Max Kautsch, legal hotline attorney for the Kansas Press Association and Kansas Association of Broadcasters, questioned the need to encrypt all traffic.

A 2016 report in partnership with the Federal Partnership of Interoperable Communications discussed how some law enforcement agencies encrypted SWAT traffic but did not encrypt day-to-day patrol traffic. 

In many cases, emergency medical traffic is encrypted to protect patient privacy, but the report noted the importance of emergency response vehicles' ability to communicate with medical facilities.

"The press release fails to account for the negative impact encryption has on the public's right to know," Kautsch said. "Reasonable alternatives, such as delaying the scanner broadcast, could accomplish the goals stated in the press release without cutting off entirely the public's access to a traditional means of gathering information that is squarely in the public interest."

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said he thought the HPD was transparent and would continue to be even though the police radio traffic would be encrypted.

"I think we are very transparent about what we do," Scheibler said. "We have regular meetings with [the Hays Post.] We release information on the Hays Post. We record every conversation we have with the public. ...

"I suspect the overwhelming majority of people don't listen to the scanner."

In addition, the HPD anticipates it will be rolling out body cameras next week. The agency has had cameras in their vehicles for some time. The Ellis Sheriff's Department and Corrections also have used body cameras for years.

Victoria Police Chief Cole Dinkel said that in large-scale emergencies, the department will inform the public through social media or a media release.

Dinkel said his department is willing to start releasing police activity reports to the Hays Post. Readers can already view Hays Police Department activity and arrests, Ellis County Sheriff activity, Ellis County Jail bookings, a monthly Ellis Police summary and FHSU police reports on the Hays Post under the Arrests tab.

FHSU Police Chief Terry Pierce said he did not think encryption of police radio traffic would affect police transparency or the ability to inform the public in cases of emergency.

The university also uses an alert system called Rave to alert students and staff members of campus-related emergencies.

The city of Ellis also has an alert system, which residents can sign up for by contacting the city clerk's office.

Ellis Police Chief Avery Smith said he thought his department was transparent and would continue to be so under the new radio system.

He said he thought encryption will help keep law enforcement, victims and those who report crimes safer.

"Several times in the last several years, we have had active scenes and we are still information gathering to determine where the threats are and whether they are armed," Smith said. "People have driven by an active scene. I think this will help us do our jobs more effectively."

"Moreover, in a couple of instances, we responded to scenes. The suspects who committed crimes are there, and we can hear scanner traffic coming from their pockets. They know who is coming and how many of us are coming, who the reporting person is and the reporting person's name. I think this will make reporting parties safer."

He said he thought the privacy that encryption offers would also protect sex offense victims and make them more comfortable in reporting those crimes.

Smith said the only alternative to radio encryption would be using cell phones to transmit private information, which, as a technology, is much less reliable than radios.

A radio channel will be open to the public to help with public communications during severe weather events. This channel will be used while trained storm spotters are reporting weather as it passes through Ellis County.

This weather channel is currently used as a tactical channel, called "TAC 5." It will just be changed to be called "Weather."  It will not be encrypted so that the public can listen to the weather spotting activities and reports during severe weather, Myers said in an email to the Hays Post.

Although the directives for criminal justice information have been in place for years, Sheriff Scott Braun said the money only became available recently to upgrade the radio system.

This project was submitted as a grant request as part of the Kansas Local Safety and Security Equipment Grant Program. In late 2023, Ellis County was awarded $100,000 in assistance to help pay for the project from federal COVID relief funds.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostPolice scanners across Ellis County went quiet on Monday.&nbsp;As a part of an Ellis County public safety radio infrastructure upgrade, radio traffic will be encrypted for&nbsp;all the public safety radio channels in Ellis County, including the following agencies: Victoria Police, Victoria Fire, Fort Hays State University Police, Ellis Police, Ellis Fire, Ellis County EMS, Ellis County Fire, Ellis County Sheriff, Hays Police and the Hays Fire Department.This means that home police scanners and scanner apps will no longer be able to pick up radio traffic from these law enforcement agencies and emergency departments.The added layer of encryption is part of a statewide effort to protect information broadcast over public safety radios. This will make the radio traffic compliant with the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System and the Federal Bureau of Investigation requirements, according to a press release from Darin Myer, Ellis County manager.Although the Kansas Highway Patrol is not using encryption, the agency plans to make that move in the future."In addition to Kansas Criminal Justice Information System, encryption also increases safety for our emergency responders, as well as it will help protect the information shared over the radio regarding members of the community," Myers said.Myers said certain law enforcement radio traffic to this point has been limited because of the requirements on non-encrypted channels. There are also Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy concerns about releasing certain medical information over the radio during medical emergencies, he said."During an emergency response, it is our primary focus to ensure the safety of the incident scene and our personnel," Myers said.Being able to communicate over the radio exactly what and how to operate at an incident allows better communication to all staff, he said.Myers said encrypted traffic means criminals can't listen in to law enforcement and emergency personal activity, and those criminals can't use that information to&nbsp;create a counter plan for the emergency response."We also know that we need to have public information releases to inform everyone what is going on," Myers said. "It is hard to juggle these two because the faster and safer our personnel resolve an incident, the quicker the public is free of harm."Max Kautsch, legal hotline attorney for the Kansas Press Association and Kansas Association of Broadcasters, questioned the need to encrypt all traffic.A 2016 report in partnership with the Federal Partnership of Interoperable Communications discussed how some law enforcement agencies encrypted SWAT traffic but did not encrypt day-to-day patrol traffic. In many cases, emergency medical traffic is encrypted to protect patient privacy, but the report noted the importance of emergency response vehicles' ability to communicate with medical facilities."The press release fails to account for the negative impact encryption has on the public's right to know," Kautsch said. "Reasonable alternatives, such as delaying the scanner broadcast, could accomplish the goals stated in the press release without cutting off entirely the public's access to a traditional means of gathering information that is squarely in the public interest."Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said he thought the HPD was transparent and would continue to be even though the police radio traffic would be encrypted."I think we are very transparent about what we do," Scheibler said. "We have regular meetings with [the Hays Post.] We release information on the Hays Post. We record every conversation we have with the public. ..."I suspect the overwhelming majority of people don't listen to the scanner."In addition, the HPD anticipates it will be rolling out body cameras next week. The agency has had cameras in their vehicles for some time. The Ellis Sheriff's Department and Corrections also have used body cameras for years.Victoria Police Chief Cole Dinkel said that in large-scale emergencies, the department will inform the public through social media or a media release.Dinkel said his department is willing to start releasing police activity reports to the Hays Post. Readers can already view Hays Police Department activity and arrests, Ellis County Sheriff activity, Ellis County Jail bookings, a monthly Ellis Police summary and FHSU police reports on the Hays Post under the Arrests tab.FHSU Police Chief Terry Pierce said he did not think encryption of police radio traffic would affect police transparency or the ability to inform the public in cases of emergency.The university also uses an alert system called Rave to alert students and staff members of campus-related emergencies.The city of Ellis also has an alert system, which residents can sign up for by contacting the city clerk's office.Ellis Police Chief Avery Smith said he thought his department was transparent and would continue to be so under the new radio system.He said he thought encryption will help keep law enforcement, victims and those who report crimes safer."Several times in the last several years, we have had active scenes and we are still information gathering to determine where the threats are and whether they are armed," Smith said. "People have driven by an active scene. I think this will help us do our jobs more effectively.""Moreover, in a couple of instances, we responded to scenes. The suspects who committed crimes are there, and we can hear scanner traffic coming from their pockets. They know who is coming and how many of us are coming, who the reporting person is and the reporting person's name. I think this will make reporting parties safer."He said he thought the privacy that encryption offers would also protect sex offense victims and make them more comfortable in reporting those crimes.Smith said the only alternative to radio encryption would be using cell phones to transmit private information, which, as a technology, is much less reliable than radios.A radio channel will be open to the public to help with public communications during severe weather events. This channel will be used while trained storm spotters are reporting weather as it passes through Ellis County.This weather channel is currently used as a tactical channel, called "TAC 5." It will just be changed to be called "Weather." It will not be encrypted so that the public can listen to the weather spotting activities and reports during severe weather, Myers said in an email to the Hays Post.Although the directives for criminal justice information have been in place for years, Sheriff Scott Braun said the money only became available recently to upgrade the radio system.This project was submitted as a grant request as part of the Kansas Local Safety and Security Equipment Grant Program. In late 2023, Ellis County was awarded $100,000 in assistance to help pay for the project from federal COVID relief funds.

Ellis County police scanners go mute; agencies argue they will continue to be transparent

COLBY -- The Colby Community College registrar's office released the names of students who earned a place on the President's and Vice President's honor rolls for the spring 2024 semester. The individuals completed at least 12 credit hours with no failing grades.

The President's Honor Roll includes 106 students with a 4.0 grade point average. Fifty-eight students on the Vice President's Honor Roll had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99.

Names are listed by hometown or country, as indicated by the student.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alexander:&nbsp;Allie Seltman.&nbsp;Allen:&nbsp;Nellie Kaner.&nbsp;Aurora, Colo.:&nbsp;Hailey Buttshaw.&nbsp;Australia:&nbsp;Sophie Bennett, Jacob Van Leeuwen.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;McKenzie Tremblay.&nbsp;Burdett:&nbsp;Alec Carlson.&nbsp;Burlington, Colo.:&nbsp;Alma Cordova.&nbsp;Canada:&nbsp;Anthony Chatwood, Joseph Gagnon, Raphael Ranger, Olivier Vallee, Lucas Vincent, Brooke Zinken.&nbsp;Cheyenne Wells, Colo.:&nbsp;Brock Ziegler.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Baylee Alexander, Kaylyn Atkinson, Lauden Barrett, Tyler Berkgren, Sarah Berst, Hali Booi, Anna Brown, Alexa Carmichael, Kathie Chavez, Kyndel Dixon, Taden Fikan, Tabbitha Hastings, Hannah Hernandez, Kayla Jaeger, Julia Jesus, Maissane Jouen, Rilan Mackley, Oliwia Malinowska, Kaeden McCarty, Noah Rodgers, Fatoumata Singhateh, Anna Starbuck, Anna Stramel, Alexis Stupka, Talyn Sullivan, Kaitlyn Williams, Emma Wright.&nbsp;Commerce City, Colo.:&nbsp;Kaylee Higgins.&nbsp;Culbertson, Neb.:&nbsp;Lindsey Rippen.&nbsp;Deshler, Neb.:&nbsp;Lacey Schmidt.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Mackayla Miller.&nbsp;Eaton, Colo.:&nbsp;Emily Davis.&nbsp;Eudora:&nbsp;Jenna Milford.&nbsp;Firestone, Colo.:&nbsp;Emily Sauvageau.&nbsp;Ford:&nbsp;Erika Fry.&nbsp;Gardner:&nbsp;Nalleli Rollf.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Rocio Flores-Pierce, Jason Malone.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Kamely Brito Brenes, Emmi Ensign.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Jordyn Beckman.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Jaylei Sloan.&nbsp;Hungary:&nbsp;Vivien Fehervari, Boglarka Kiss.&nbsp;Italy:&nbsp;Ilaria Micol Chiericati, Viola Giangreco.&nbsp;Jennings:&nbsp;McHaley Carter.&nbsp;Kensington:&nbsp;Alexis Holling.&nbsp;Lakewood, Colo.:&nbsp;Mia Rauzi.&nbsp;Lenora:&nbsp;Nathaniel Hamel, Arthur Turley.&nbsp;Littleton, Colo.:&nbsp;Avery Newmiller.&nbsp;Lone Tree, Colo.:&nbsp;Zach Gregory.&nbsp;Longmont, Colo.:&nbsp;Tiffani Mein.&nbsp;Madrid, Neb.:&nbsp;Kayla Shada Wid.&nbsp;Marienthal:&nbsp;Susan Koehn.&nbsp;Morgan, Utah:&nbsp;Tess Polad.&nbsp;Murphy, N.C.:&nbsp;Zane Lucksavage.&nbsp;Nashville, Tenn:&nbsp;Tara Bert.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Gwenyth Quintana, Fayth Smith, Katana Walker.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Morgan Berkgren, Corbin Bockwinkel, Karli Krier.&nbsp;Olathe:&nbsp;Jax Marn.&nbsp;Park:&nbsp;Becki Sporing.&nbsp;Parker, Colo.:&nbsp;Andrew Major, Tyler Smith.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Alivia Solida.&nbsp;Plainville:&nbsp;Morgan Stahl.&nbsp;Price, Utah:&nbsp;Reese Ardohain.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Dominga Perez-Perez.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Kendra Moon.&nbsp;Russell:&nbsp;Kelly Lopez.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;CarolEve Harris, Lyden Lampe.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Brookley Dinkel.&nbsp;South Hutchinson:&nbsp;Karcin Regier.&nbsp;Spain:&nbsp;Lucia Orcajo, Belen Puche Laguna.&nbsp;Spanish Fork, Utah:&nbsp;Paige Pierce.&nbsp;Sweden:&nbsp;Stella McIntyre.&nbsp;Syracuse, Utah:&nbsp;Madison Jorgensen.&nbsp;Topeka:&nbsp;Amia Alexander-Sims.&nbsp;Turkey:&nbsp;Asli Cam, Civan Catak.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;MaKenna Flax, Annabelle Malsam, Avery Ziegler.&nbsp;Weskan:&nbsp;Trinity Aldridge.&nbsp;Williamsburg, Pa:&nbsp;Keller Metzker.

Arlington, Wash.:&nbsp;Asim Khalil.&nbsp;Arvada, Colo.:&nbsp;Sofia Valenti.&nbsp;Augusta:&nbsp;Kinleigh Haskell.&nbsp;Benkelman, Neb.:&nbsp;Mica Donohue.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;Kenzie Wells.&nbsp;Breckenridge, Colo.:&nbsp;Dana Bradford.&nbsp;Canada:&nbsp;Owen Harriott, Kohle Huber, Matthew Mackenzie, Alana Proskow.&nbsp;Chapman:&nbsp;Hannah Fitzgerald.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Elias Cardenas Garcia, McKenzie Carmichael, Zsofia Hardik, Zoe Krohn, Samir Palomera-Barraza, Brinley Sims, Liv Tubbs, Zebulun Wallsmith. Culbertson, Neb.: Bryan Smotherman.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Emily Wilms.&nbsp;Ford:&nbsp;Rileigh Holcomb.&nbsp;France:&nbsp;Matheo Guimene, Leandre Lahalle, Maxence Massadila.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Carli Nieman.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Madison Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Abbigayle Rickard.&nbsp;Gove:&nbsp;Madison Zerr.&nbsp;Gypsum:&nbsp;Dylan Marks.&nbsp;Hill City:&nbsp;Shelby Wilson.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Reagan Koster.&nbsp;Italy:&nbsp;Anna Gazzerro.&nbsp;Laramie, Wyo.:&nbsp;Kymber Stinson.&nbsp;Lenora:&nbsp;Denise Haynes.&nbsp;Lincoln, Neb.:&nbsp;Faith Mulholland.&nbsp;Lyndon:&nbsp;Mariah Smitha.&nbsp;Madrid, Neb.:&nbsp;Jace Wid.&nbsp;Mexico:&nbsp;Elizabeth Hernandez.&nbsp;Morrowville:&nbsp;Elizabeth Wright.&nbsp;North Platte, Neb.:&nbsp;Tayton Lucas.&nbsp;Northglenn, Colo.:&nbsp;Aryanna Perez.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Hunter Craft, Nathaniel Craft, Lillian Hoft, Hailey Izzarelli.&nbsp;Paola:&nbsp;Joleigh Osborn.&nbsp;Plainville:&nbsp;Dayton Wallace.&nbsp;Prairie View:&nbsp;Ty Kats.&nbsp;Salina:&nbsp;Courtney McCullough.&nbsp;South Coffeyville, Okla.:&nbsp;Abigail Filson.&nbsp;Spearville:&nbsp;Mistilyn Blackburn.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Cutter Neitzel.&nbsp;Tribune:&nbsp;Myla Chin, Tiffany Kleymann, Payton Walk.&nbsp;Virginia Beach, Va:&nbsp;Ashley Nord.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Catherine Hodges.

SubmittedCOLBY -- The Colby Community College registrar's office released the names of students who earned a place on the President's and Vice President's honor rolls for the spring 2024 semester. The individuals completed at least 12 credit hours with no failing grades.The President's Honor Roll includes 106 students with a 4.0 grade point average. Fifty-eight students on the Vice President's Honor Roll had GPAs between 3.75 and 3.99.Names are listed by hometown or country, as indicated by the student.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;President's Honor RollAlexander:&nbsp;Allie Seltman.&nbsp;Allen:&nbsp;Nellie Kaner.&nbsp;Aurora, Colo.:&nbsp;Hailey Buttshaw.&nbsp;Australia:&nbsp;Sophie Bennett, Jacob Van Leeuwen.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;McKenzie Tremblay.&nbsp;Burdett:&nbsp;Alec Carlson.&nbsp;Burlington, Colo.:&nbsp;Alma Cordova.&nbsp;Canada:&nbsp;Anthony Chatwood, Joseph Gagnon, Raphael Ranger, Olivier Vallee, Lucas Vincent, Brooke Zinken.&nbsp;Cheyenne Wells, Colo.:&nbsp;Brock Ziegler.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Baylee Alexander, Kaylyn Atkinson, Lauden Barrett, Tyler Berkgren, Sarah Berst, Hali Booi, Anna Brown, Alexa Carmichael, Kathie Chavez, Kyndel Dixon, Taden Fikan, Tabbitha Hastings, Hannah Hernandez, Kayla Jaeger, Julia Jesus, Maissane Jouen, Rilan Mackley, Oliwia Malinowska, Kaeden McCarty, Noah Rodgers, Fatoumata Singhateh, Anna Starbuck, Anna Stramel, Alexis Stupka, Talyn Sullivan, Kaitlyn Williams, Emma Wright.&nbsp;Commerce City, Colo.:&nbsp;Kaylee Higgins.&nbsp;Culbertson, Neb.:&nbsp;Lindsey Rippen.&nbsp;Deshler, Neb.:&nbsp;Lacey Schmidt.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Mackayla Miller.&nbsp;Eaton, Colo.:&nbsp;Emily Davis.&nbsp;Eudora:&nbsp;Jenna Milford.&nbsp;Firestone, Colo.:&nbsp;Emily Sauvageau.&nbsp;Ford:&nbsp;Erika Fry.&nbsp;Gardner:&nbsp;Nalleli Rollf.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Rocio Flores-Pierce, Jason Malone.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Kamely Brito Brenes, Emmi Ensign.&nbsp;Grinnell:&nbsp;Jordyn Beckman.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Jaylei Sloan.&nbsp;Hungary:&nbsp;Vivien Fehervari, Boglarka Kiss.&nbsp;Italy:&nbsp;Ilaria Micol Chiericati, Viola Giangreco.&nbsp;Jennings:&nbsp;McHaley Carter.&nbsp;Kensington:&nbsp;Alexis Holling.&nbsp;Lakewood, Colo.:&nbsp;Mia Rauzi.&nbsp;Lenora:&nbsp;Nathaniel Hamel, Arthur Turley.&nbsp;Littleton, Colo.:&nbsp;Avery Newmiller.&nbsp;Lone Tree, Colo.:&nbsp;Zach Gregory.&nbsp;Longmont, Colo.:&nbsp;Tiffani Mein.&nbsp;Madrid, Neb.:&nbsp;Kayla Shada Wid.&nbsp;Marienthal:&nbsp;Susan Koehn.&nbsp;Morgan, Utah:&nbsp;Tess Polad.&nbsp;Murphy, N.C.:&nbsp;Zane Lucksavage.&nbsp;Nashville, Tenn:&nbsp;Tara Bert.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Gwenyth Quintana, Fayth Smith, Katana Walker.&nbsp;Oakley:&nbsp;Morgan Berkgren, Corbin Bockwinkel, Karli Krier.&nbsp;Olathe:&nbsp;Jax Marn.&nbsp;Park:&nbsp;Becki Sporing.&nbsp;Parker, Colo.:&nbsp;Andrew Major, Tyler Smith.&nbsp;Phillipsburg:&nbsp;Alivia Solida.&nbsp;Plainville:&nbsp;Morgan Stahl.&nbsp;Price, Utah:&nbsp;Reese Ardohain.&nbsp;Quinter:&nbsp;Dominga Perez-Perez.&nbsp;Rexford:&nbsp;Kendra Moon.&nbsp;Russell:&nbsp;Kelly Lopez.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;CarolEve Harris, Lyden Lampe.&nbsp;Sharon Springs:&nbsp;Brookley Dinkel.&nbsp;South Hutchinson:&nbsp;Karcin Regier.&nbsp;Spain:&nbsp;Lucia Orcajo, Belen Puche Laguna.&nbsp;Spanish Fork, Utah:&nbsp;Paige Pierce.&nbsp;Sweden:&nbsp;Stella McIntyre.&nbsp;Syracuse, Utah:&nbsp;Madison Jorgensen.&nbsp;Topeka:&nbsp;Amia Alexander-Sims.&nbsp;Turkey:&nbsp;Asli Cam, Civan Catak.&nbsp;WaKeeney:&nbsp;MaKenna Flax, Annabelle Malsam, Avery Ziegler.&nbsp;Weskan:&nbsp;Trinity Aldridge.&nbsp;Williamsburg, Pa:&nbsp;Keller Metzker.Vice President's Honor RollArlington, Wash.:&nbsp;Asim Khalil.&nbsp;Arvada, Colo.:&nbsp;Sofia Valenti.&nbsp;Augusta:&nbsp;Kinleigh Haskell.&nbsp;Benkelman, Neb.:&nbsp;Mica Donohue.&nbsp;Bogue:&nbsp;Kenzie Wells.&nbsp;Breckenridge, Colo.:&nbsp;Dana Bradford.&nbsp;Canada:&nbsp;Owen Harriott, Kohle Huber, Matthew Mackenzie, Alana Proskow.&nbsp;Chapman:&nbsp;Hannah Fitzgerald.&nbsp;Colby:&nbsp;Elias Cardenas Garcia, McKenzie Carmichael, Zsofia Hardik, Zoe Krohn, Samir Palomera-Barraza, Brinley Sims, Liv Tubbs, Zebulun Wallsmith. Culbertson, Neb.: Bryan Smotherman.&nbsp;Dighton:&nbsp;Emily Wilms.&nbsp;Ford:&nbsp;Rileigh Holcomb.&nbsp;France:&nbsp;Matheo Guimene, Leandre Lahalle, Maxence Massadila.&nbsp;Gem:&nbsp;Carli Nieman.&nbsp;Glade:&nbsp;Madison Solida.&nbsp;Goodland:&nbsp;Abbigayle Rickard.&nbsp;Gove:&nbsp;Madison Zerr.&nbsp;Gypsum:&nbsp;Dylan Marks.&nbsp;Hill City:&nbsp;Shelby Wilson.&nbsp;Hoxie:&nbsp;Reagan Koster.&nbsp;Italy:&nbsp;Anna Gazzerro.&nbsp;Laramie, Wyo.:&nbsp;Kymber Stinson.&nbsp;Lenora:&nbsp;Denise Haynes.&nbsp;Lincoln, Neb.:&nbsp;Faith Mulholland.&nbsp;Lyndon:&nbsp;Mariah Smitha.&nbsp;Madrid, Neb.:&nbsp;Jace Wid.&nbsp;Mexico:&nbsp;Elizabeth Hernandez.&nbsp;Morrowville:&nbsp;Elizabeth Wright.&nbsp;North Platte, Neb.:&nbsp;Tayton Lucas.&nbsp;Northglenn, Colo.:&nbsp;Aryanna Perez.&nbsp;Norton:&nbsp;Hunter Craft, Nathaniel Craft, Lillian Hoft, Hailey Izzarelli.&nbsp;Paola:&nbsp;Joleigh Osborn.&nbsp;Plainville:&nbsp;Dayton Wallace.&nbsp;Prairie View:&nbsp;Ty Kats.&nbsp;Salina:&nbsp;Courtney McCullough.&nbsp;South Coffeyville, Okla.:&nbsp;Abigail Filson.&nbsp;Spearville:&nbsp;Mistilyn Blackburn.&nbsp;Saint Francis:&nbsp;Cutter Neitzel.&nbsp;Tribune:&nbsp;Myla Chin, Tiffany Kleymann, Payton Walk.&nbsp;Virginia Beach, Va:&nbsp;Ashley Nord.&nbsp;Winona:&nbsp;Catherine Hodges.

CCC recognizes 164 on honor rolls

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Eating healthy isn’t always easy. Expert-recommended diets often emphasize fresh, whole foods and home-cooked meals. But that can be expensive and time-consuming. Highly processed foods are often cheap and convenient. But they also tend to be high in calories, added sugar, saturated fat, and salt, and low in fiber.

Scientists are starting to learn that highly processed foods can have certain effects on your body that may make sticking to your healthy eating goals even harder. Eating too much of them may lead to weight gain and increase your risk for certain diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

Most foods that we eat are processed to some extent—they’re modified from how they exist in nature. Chopping, grinding, drying, cooking, and freezing are all forms of food processing. Some forms of processing are good for your health. For example, cooking meat and pasteurizing milk can help prevent foodborne diseases. But if your food is processed too much, it may be harmful to your health.

Ultra-processed foods are those that have undergone the greatest level of processing. As a general rule, ultra-processed foods are those that have been made using additives, ingredients that you wouldn’t likely have in your home kitchen. These include things like hydrogenated oils, isolated proteins, and high-fructose corn syrup. Ultra-processed foods are often made using industrial processes that you can’t easily do at home.

Ultra-processed foods are designed to be low cost and have long shelf lives. They’re tasty, convenient, and ready to eat. Examples include carbonated soft drinks, chips, chicken nuggets, and sausages. Having too much of these in your diet may result in overeating and can be harmful to your health.

It’s difficult for scientists to study exactly how ultra-processed foods affect overeating. That requires carefully controlling people’s diets for weeks at a time.

But NIH metabolism researcher Dr. Kevin Hall has done just that. In a recent study, he compared calorie intake and weight gain in participants who ate a highly processed diet with those who ate a minimally

processed diet. Study participants stayed at NIH’s Metabolic Clinical Research Unit for four weeks, spending two weeks on each diet. Both diets offered the same amount of calories, sugar, fiber, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates on a daily basis. Participants could eat as much or as little as they wanted.

When people were on the diet with ultra-processed foods, they ate about 500 more calories each day. They also gained about 2 pounds on average. In contrast, when they were on the less-processed diet, they lost about 2 pounds.

The differences weren’t due to different nutrients in the overall diet. And, the participants rated the meals on both diets as equally pleasant. So why did people eat more of the diet filled with ultra-processed foods? The researchers aren’t sure.

Hall’s team is now looking at what else might be in ultra-processed foods that leads people to overeat. The brain may react differently to those foods, he says, or the gut may send out different signals after they’re digested.

The tendency for ultra-processed foods to lead to overeating may partly explain the recent rise in obesity. “But we rely on ultra-processed foods too much to get rid of them,” Hall says. “They’re tasty, they’re convenient, and it doesn’t take much time or effort or skill to prepare them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictEating healthy isn’t always easy. Expert-recommended diets often emphasize fresh, whole foods and home-cooked meals. But that can be expensive and time-consuming. Highly processed foods are often cheap and convenient. But they also tend to be high in calories, added sugar, saturated fat, and salt, and low in fiber.Scientists are starting to learn that highly processed foods can have certain effects on your body that may make sticking to your healthy eating goals even harder. Eating too much of them may lead to weight gain and increase your risk for certain diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and obesity.What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?Most foods that we eat are processed to some extent—they’re modified from how they exist in nature. Chopping, grinding, drying, cooking, and freezing are all forms of food processing. Some forms of processing are good for your health. For example, cooking meat and pasteurizing milk can help prevent foodborne diseases. But if your food is processed too much, it may be harmful to your health.Ultra-processed foods are those that have undergone the greatest level of processing. As a general rule, ultra-processed foods are those that have been made using additives, ingredients that you wouldn’t likely have in your home kitchen. These include things like hydrogenated oils, isolated proteins, and high-fructose corn syrup. Ultra-processed foods are often made using industrial processes that you can’t easily do at home.Ultra-processed foods are designed to be low cost and have long shelf lives. They’re tasty, convenient, and ready to eat. Examples include carbonated soft drinks, chips, chicken nuggets, and sausages. Having too much of these in your diet may result in overeating and can be harmful to your health.Understanding OvereatingIt’s difficult for scientists to study exactly how ultra-processed foods affect overeating. That requires carefully controlling people’s diets for weeks at a time.But NIH metabolism researcher Dr. Kevin Hall has done just that. In a recent study, he compared calorie intake and weight gain in participants who ate a highly processed diet with those who ate a minimallyprocessed diet. Study participants stayed at NIH’s Metabolic Clinical Research Unit for four weeks, spending two weeks on each diet. Both diets offered the same amount of calories, sugar, fiber, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates on a daily basis. Participants could eat as much or as little as they wanted.When people were on the diet with ultra-processed foods, they ate about 500 more calories each day. They also gained about 2 pounds on average. In contrast, when they were on the less-processed diet, they lost about 2 pounds.The differences weren’t due to different nutrients in the overall diet. And, the participants rated the meals on both diets as equally pleasant. So why did people eat more of the diet filled with ultra-processed foods? The researchers aren’t sure.Hall’s team is now looking at what else might be in ultra-processed foods that leads people to overeat. The brain may react differently to those foods, he says, or the gut may send out different signals after they’re digested.The tendency for ultra-processed foods to lead to overeating may partly explain the recent rise in obesity. “But we rely on ultra-processed foods too much to get rid of them,” Hall says. “They’re tasty, they’re convenient, and it doesn’t take much time or effort or skill to prepare them.”Hall hopes that a better understanding of what’s causing increased calorie consumption can help guide how such foods are made, or which ones people choose to eat.“If we had ways to target problematic foods by understanding how they cause overeating, that might help manufacturers reformulate those foods so that they no longer cause problems,” says Hall. “Or it might help policymakers come up with ways to regulate potentially problematic foods.”Changing the BrainOne way that ultra-processed foods might lead to overeating is by altering the brain. MRI scans are being used to see how ultra-processed foods affect the brain’s reward system. These are the parts of the brain that are activated by pleasure and drive us to seek it out. Studies are being done on whether a diet high in ultra-processed foods affect this system, and if the changes lead to people eating more when they’re not hungry.If consuming ultra-processed foods and drinks might make you want more, does that mean you can get addicted to them? Right now, it’s not clear whether ultra-processed foods are addictive. But some studies suggest they might be.“These ultra-processed, highly rewarding foods have way more in common with a cigarette than they do with an apple or an orange or black beans,” says Dr. Ashley Gearhardt, a clinical psychologist who studies overeating behaviors at the University of Michigan. “Some of the same brain circuitry turns on when we’re craving drugs as when we’re craving these ultra-processed foods.”Gearhardt says that eating ultra-processed foods may lead to a compulsive habit. This means you have difficulty cutting back even when you want to. This is similar to what happens with addictive substances.Addictive substances can also cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. Symptoms can include irritability, agitation, depression, and strong cravings for the substance. Gearhardt and others arestudying whether cutting back on ultra-processed foods can cause similar withdrawal symptoms. This research may help explain why eating healthier can be harder for some people.“Right now, we tell people they should feel better if they’re eating healthier,” Gearhardt says. “But we hear a lot of people say: ‘When I start to eat healthier, I feel so irritable and agitated. My cravings are so strong that I don’t feel better. I feel worse.’”If we recognize that these symptoms can occur, we could give people strategies to manage them, says Gearhardt. That might make it easier for people to change their eating habits. If you’re looking for ways to start eating healthier, stay tuned for next week’s article!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.