By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Jim VanSteenhouse came face-to-face with a grizzly bear and lived to share his story at the Hays Super Buck Dinner.

His Feb. 1 appearance at the North Oak Community Church also included antler competitions and giveaways to foster connections between faith and outdoor enthusiasm.

Following a dinner, VanSteenhouse took the stage to share his harrowing September 2015 encounter and the lasting scars it left behind.

VanSteenhouse is an adventurer and archery enthusiast from Houston who ventured to Canada’s Mackenzie Mountain Range to pursue a moose hunt.

After being dropped off by helicopter, VanSteenhouse and his Canadian guide, Jordan Wagner, found themselves in a remote area where they spotted a large grizzly bear but initially dismissed it.

On Sept. 5, the fourth day of the trip and miles from base camp, VanSteenhouse’s role shifted from hunting to being hunted when he was suddenly ambushed.

"When Jordan said 'Bear,' he wasn't looking at me. It's like he was looking straight through me," he said.

Wagner fires a shot to scare off the bear, and despite VanSteenhouse's efforts to escape, the bear charges and attacks VanSteenhouse.

The bear lunges at VanSteenhouse, targeting his head and shoulders as he attempts to shield himself. The grizzly bites into both shoulders, his right hip, left thigh, a calf and a hand.

"As my hand got caught up in his mouth, it just started snapping like twigs,"&nbsp;VanSteenhouse said. "I'll never forget the way that he smelled. He smelled like death."

Caught in the grizzly’s powerful jaws, he believed his life was ending and questioned if he was ready for heaven. At that moment, his thoughts turned to his wife and daughter.

"I open my eyes, and out of the left corner of my eye, I see the bear's nostrils right there. His nostrils were close, and I could feel the air just sucking into his nose," he said.

VanSteenhouse was then dragged more than 100 yards down the rain-soaked mountain. When he tried to wipe the water from his face, he realized his fingers were twisted in unnatural directions.

He then attempts to wipe his face with his forearm, only to realize it was blood streaming from his head. Struggling to his feet, VanSteenhouse stumbles up the hill in search of Wagner, leaving a trail of red on the green moss beneath him.

VanSteenhouse reunites with Wagner, and after several failed rescue attempts using a satellite phone, a helicopter finally arrives to evacuate him.

VanSteenhouse credits his survival in the near-fatal attack to the "grace of God" and the courage of Wagner, an experience that forever changed his life.

Not only did he escape death, he found renewed faith, strengthened his marriage, and founded Bear Man Ministries to share his story and inspire others.

You can find more information on his <a href="https://thebearman.com/">website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738511104431.jpeg" alt="Jim Van Steenhouse speaking at the Hays Super Buck Dinner at North Oak Community Church. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jim Van Steenhouse speaking at the Hays Super Buck Dinner at North Oak Community Church. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostJim VanSteenhouse came face-to-face with a grizzly bear and lived to share his story at the Hays Super Buck Dinner.His Feb. 1 appearance at the North Oak Community Church also included antler competitions and giveaways to foster connections between faith and outdoor enthusiasm.Following a dinner, VanSteenhouse took the stage to share his harrowing September 2015 encounter and the lasting scars it left behind.VanSteenhouse is an adventurer and archery enthusiast from Houston who ventured to Canada’s Mackenzie Mountain Range to pursue a moose hunt.After being dropped off by helicopter, VanSteenhouse and his Canadian guide, Jordan Wagner, found themselves in a remote area where they spotted a large grizzly bear but initially dismissed it.On Sept. 5, the fourth day of the trip and miles from base camp, VanSteenhouse’s role shifted from hunting to being hunted when he was suddenly ambushed."When Jordan said 'Bear,' he wasn't looking at me. It's like he was looking straight through me," he said.Wagner fires a shot to scare off the bear, and despite VanSteenhouse's efforts to escape, the bear charges and attacks VanSteenhouse.The bear lunges at VanSteenhouse, targeting his head and shoulders as he attempts to shield himself. The grizzly bites into both shoulders, his right hip, left thigh, a calf and a hand."As my hand got caught up in his mouth, it just started snapping like twigs,"&nbsp;VanSteenhouse said. "I'll never forget the way that he smelled. He smelled like death."Caught in the grizzly’s powerful jaws, he believed his life was ending and questioned if he was ready for heaven. At that moment, his thoughts turned to his wife and daughter."I open my eyes, and out of the left corner of my eye, I see the bear's nostrils right there. His nostrils were close, and I could feel the air just sucking into his nose," he said.VanSteenhouse was then dragged more than 100 yards down the rain-soaked mountain. When he tried to wipe the water from his face, he realized his fingers were twisted in unnatural directions.He then attempts to wipe his face with his forearm, only to realize it was blood streaming from his head. Struggling to his feet, VanSteenhouse stumbles up the hill in search of Wagner, leaving a trail of red on the green moss beneath him.VanSteenhouse reunites with Wagner, and after several failed rescue attempts using a satellite phone, a helicopter finally arrives to evacuate him.VanSteenhouse credits his survival in the near-fatal attack to the "grace of God" and the courage of Wagner, an experience that forever changed his life.Not only did he escape death, he found renewed faith, strengthened his marriage, and founded Bear Man Ministries to share his story and inspire others.You can find more information on his <a href="https://thebearman.com/">website</a>.

Grizzly attack survivor, shares inspiring story in Hays

United Way is partnering with <a href="https://myfreetaxes.com/">MyFreeTaxes.com</a>, a trusted online platform offering free tax preparation services to individuals and families with incomes below $84,000.

This collaboration aims to provide accessible, user-friendly support to help community members file their taxes and receive valuable refunds while ensuring they avoid costly fees often associated with traditional tax filing services. 

MyFreeTaxes.com is a proven, secure, and easy-to-use tool that guides users through the tax filing process. It provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even those with limited tax experience can successfully complete their returns. 

The platform also includes customer support from IRS-certified tax specialists to assist with any questions or concerns. 

“United Way of Ellis County is dedicated to strengthening the financial stability of our community, and this partnership with MyFreeTaxes.com offers an excellent resource for our residents,” said Erica Berges, executive director. 

“Tax time can be stressful, especially for individuals and families struggling financially. MyFreeTaxes.com makes the filing process simple and free of charge, giving people the chance to keep more of their hard-earned money and avoid expensive fees from other tax services.” 

Through this collaboration, United Way encourages all eligible individuals to take advantage of this no cost, high-quality option for tax filing. 

The platform is available to file federal and state taxes, ensuring that individuals can receive any refunds they are due, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit. 

For more information, visit <a href="https://myfreetaxes.com/">www.myfreetaxes.com</a>.

About the United Way of Ellis County

&nbsp;United Way is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. We focus on Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency, working with local partners to create lasting, positive change for individuals and families in need.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738252462795.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;United Way of Ellis CountyUnited Way is partnering with <a href="https://myfreetaxes.com/">MyFreeTaxes.com</a>, a trusted online platform offering free tax preparation services to individuals and families with incomes below $84,000. This collaboration aims to provide accessible, user-friendly support to help community members file their taxes and receive valuable refunds while ensuring they avoid costly fees often associated with traditional tax filing services. MyFreeTaxes.com is a proven, secure, and easy-to-use tool that guides users through the tax filing process. It provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even those with limited tax experience can successfully complete their returns. The platform also includes customer support from IRS-certified tax specialists to assist with any questions or concerns. “United Way of Ellis County is dedicated to strengthening the financial stability of our community, and this partnership with MyFreeTaxes.com offers an excellent resource for our residents,” said Erica Berges, executive director. “Tax time can be stressful, especially for individuals and families struggling financially. MyFreeTaxes.com makes the filing process simple and free of charge, giving people the chance to keep more of their hard-earned money and avoid expensive fees from other tax services.” Through this collaboration, United Way encourages all eligible individuals to take advantage of this no cost, high-quality option for tax filing. The platform is available to file federal and state taxes, ensuring that individuals can receive any refunds they are due, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit. For more information, visit <a href="https://myfreetaxes.com/">www.myfreetaxes.com</a>. About the United Way of Ellis County &nbsp;United Way is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. We focus on Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency, working with local partners to create lasting, positive change for individuals and families in need.&nbsp;

United Way partners with MyFreeTaxes.com for free tax filing services

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Christopher D. Wente&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hays has been elected to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, a wholesale bank that serves as a source of credit for member financial institutions in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.&nbsp;

Wente&nbsp;will&nbsp;serve on the Operations and Mission &amp; Governance committees.

Wente has served as president and CEO of Golden Belt Bank since 2017. 

He earned a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from Kansas State University and is a 2014 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. 

Wente has served as a director for Banker’s Bank of Kansas since 2022, on the Hays Medical Center board of directors since 2024, as a member of the KBA Bank Management committee, and as a board member of the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development.

FHLBank’s 17-member board of directors oversees policy decisions and ensures FHLBank’s senior managers prudently operate the organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738248221214.jpeg" alt="Chris Wente. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Chris Wente. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHLBank TopekaTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Christopher D. Wente&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hays has been elected to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, a wholesale bank that serves as a source of credit for member financial institutions in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.&nbsp;Wente&nbsp;will&nbsp;serve on the Operations and Mission &amp; Governance committees.Wente has served as president and CEO of Golden Belt Bank since 2017. He earned a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from Kansas State University and is a 2014 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. Wente has served as a director for Banker’s Bank of Kansas since 2022, on the Hays Medical Center board of directors since 2024, as a member of the KBA Bank Management committee, and as a board member of the Ellis County Coalition for Economic Development.FHLBank’s 17-member board of directors oversees policy decisions and ensures FHLBank’s senior managers prudently operate the organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays man elected to FHLBank Topeka board of directors 

Join the Hays Symphony for a special night to celebrate the talented music students of FHSU. 

The symphony will be presenting its annual Arias and Concertos Concert on Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.

The annual February concert honors the winners of the Department of Music’s Concerto/Aria Competition, an auditioned event held last December. Since the start of the Fall 2024 semester, these students have poured hours of practice into preparing their pieces. Now, the winners’ efforts will be shared for all the Hays community to listen to.

The three soloists performing this year are Ashley Vilaysing (clarinet), Shan Wang (soprano), and Adam Ward (euphonium). FHSU students are permitted to audition for the competition every other year. 

Notably, this is Vilaysing’s second year as a winner of the competition, the first being in 2023 where she performed Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet with the Hays Symphony.

Ashley Vilaysing is a senior pursuing a major in music education with a minor in psychology. She is involved in many ensembles, with clarinet being her primary instrument. Passionate about creating a love for music, Vilaysing plans to teach in western Kansas after graduation, where she can inspire future students within the music classroom. Vilaysing will perform Gioachino Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra.

Shan Wang graduated from Zhengzhou Sias University in China with a bachelor's degree in music performance. Currently, Wang is pursuing a postgraduate degree in vocal music at Fort Hays State University while studying under Professor Elisa Ramon. After graduating with the postgraduate degree, Wang will return to Sias University to work and contribute to the educational development of the school and her hometown area. At the concert, Wang will perform “Si. Mi chiamano Mimi” from Giacomo Puccini’s opera La bohème.

Adam Ward is pursuing a degree in music education. Ward’s area of specialty is low brass, with his primary instrument being the euphonium. Once Ward graduates, he plans to pursue a master’s in music performance with intentions to teach at the collegiate level. February’s concert will close with Ward performing Barbara York’s Concerto for Euphonium and Orchestra, “Creative States.”

Each of the musicians express their honor and excitement to participate in this concert with fellow musicians from the department.

Like with all Hays Symphony concerts, attendance is free and open to the public. Following the concert, attendees are invited to the hall’s lobby to meet the musicians at the post-concert reception sponsored by Downtown Hays Development Corporation.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">https://www.hayssymphony.org</a> where they can also make donations to sustain free classical music in the Hays community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738087984079.jpeg" alt="Hays Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Hays Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays SymphonyJoin the Hays Symphony for a special night to celebrate the talented music students of FHSU. The symphony will be presenting its annual Arias and Concertos Concert on Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Brian Buckstead, assistant professor of violin and viola at FHSU.The annual February concert honors the winners of the Department of Music’s Concerto/Aria Competition, an auditioned event held last December. Since the start of the Fall 2024 semester, these students have poured hours of practice into preparing their pieces. Now, the winners’ efforts will be shared for all the Hays community to listen to.The three soloists performing this year are Ashley Vilaysing (clarinet), Shan Wang (soprano), and Adam Ward (euphonium). FHSU students are permitted to audition for the competition every other year. Notably, this is Vilaysing’s second year as a winner of the competition, the first being in 2023 where she performed Weber’s Concertino for Clarinet with the Hays Symphony.Ashley Vilaysing is a senior pursuing a major in music education with a minor in psychology. She is involved in many ensembles, with clarinet being her primary instrument. Passionate about creating a love for music, Vilaysing plans to teach in western Kansas after graduation, where she can inspire future students within the music classroom. Vilaysing will perform Gioachino Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra.Shan Wang graduated from Zhengzhou Sias University in China with a bachelor's degree in music performance. Currently, Wang is pursuing a postgraduate degree in vocal music at Fort Hays State University while studying under Professor Elisa Ramon. After graduating with the postgraduate degree, Wang will return to Sias University to work and contribute to the educational development of the school and her hometown area. At the concert, Wang will perform “Si. Mi chiamano Mimi” from Giacomo Puccini’s opera La bohème.Adam Ward is pursuing a degree in music education. Ward’s area of specialty is low brass, with his primary instrument being the euphonium. Once Ward graduates, he plans to pursue a master’s in music performance with intentions to teach at the collegiate level. February’s concert will close with Ward performing Barbara York’s Concerto for Euphonium and Orchestra, “Creative States.”Each of the musicians express their honor and excitement to participate in this concert with fellow musicians from the department.Like with all Hays Symphony concerts, attendance is free and open to the public. Following the concert, attendees are invited to the hall’s lobby to meet the musicians at the post-concert reception sponsored by Downtown Hays Development Corporation.Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org/">https://www.hayssymphony.org</a> where they can also make donations to sustain free classical music in the Hays community.

FHSU student soloists at Hays Symphony’s February Concert

ECC For families who are prenatal or have young children, USD 489 Early Childhood Connections based in Hays is accepting applications for their Prenatal to Age 3 and Ages 3 to 5 programs.

Early Childhood Connections supports families in Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Rush counties from pregnancy to age 5 children.

Enrollments are beginning for Head Start Pre-School for the 2025-26 school year. Head Start has year-round options.

Go to <a href="https://www.usd489connections.com/">USD489connections.com</a> and click on enrollment inquiries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738083988806.jpeg" alt="Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Early Childhood Connections&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>ECC For families who are prenatal or have young children, USD 489 Early Childhood Connections based in Hays is accepting applications for their Prenatal to Age 3 and Ages 3 to 5 programs.Early Childhood Connections supports families in Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Rush counties from pregnancy to age 5 children.There is no cost for eligible families.Enrollments are beginning for Head Start Pre-School for the 2025-26 school year. Head Start has year-round options.Go to <a href="https://www.usd489connections.com/">USD489connections.com</a> and click on enrollment inquiries.

Applications open for Early Childhood Connections free classes

By Monique Koerner Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Research and Extension is pleased to announce they will begin offering a series of free prenatal education sessions in the Ellis County area beginning in February 2025. 

These sessions, available free-of-charge to all area families regardless of income or other social determinants, are being provided thanks to a partnership between the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Family Health, March of Dimes, HaysMed, First Care Clinic, High Plains Mental Health, Early Childhood Connections, Hays Public Library, Feeding Hays, and Ellis County Emergency Medical Services. 

Utilizing the March of Dimes’ Becoming a Mom®/Comenzando bien® curriculum, expectant participants and their support person(s) will learn about topics related to physical and emotional health during pregnancy, as well as receive in-depth education surrounding labor and delivery, infant feeding, infant care, safe sleep, and other hot button parenting issues. 

Information about area resources and additional parenting support systems in the community will also be provided.

I have been wanting to bring the program to Ellis County for quite some time and everything has finally come together to begin. I have worked with the Barton County Health Department for over a year helping teach their infant feeding class for Becoming a Mom and have seen first-hand the value in the program. 

I’m extremely excited about the amazing instructors and community partners that have come together to make Becoming a Mom a reality here in Ellis County. 

For a long time, I have wanted families to have a chance to come together to get to know other parents and offer support to one another. We had talked about some type of mentorship program for parents at our local Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition meeting and felt like Becoming a Mom classes were an opportunity for parents to do this. 

My other goal for the program is to bring resources to parents and have community partners that work with expectant parents or young families at each meeting. I’m hoping by providing the opportunity for parents to get to know the people that deliver these services in our community, that it is easier for them to reach out when they need those services.

Becoming a Mom will hopefully lead to improved pregnancy and birth outcomes for moms and babies in the Ellis county area, just as they have across many locations in Kansas. 

Since 2010, evaluation efforts for the Becoming a Mom® program, according to the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative model, have been overwhelmingly positive. Outcomes have shown significant improvement in rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, breastfeeding initiation, and lower cesarean rates.

All area pregnant women are encouraged to attend, regardless of past experience with pregnancy or parenting. Incentives for participation will be provided thanks to grants made available through Midwest&nbsp;Energy and Heartland Community Foundation. 

Mothers, fathers, and support people are invited to attend each class. You can choose which classes you want to attend but you earn bigger incentives (portable crib or infant playmat) for attending 4 out of the 6 classes. If you are from outside of Ellis County and are interested in attending, please contact Monique for availability. 

Limited childcare will be available, and we will also have a free meal provided by Feeding Hays. 

To obtain a schedule of class dates or to register for sessions, please contact Monique at Cottonwood Extension District by emailing/calling at moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430. You can also find Ellis County Becoming a Mom program on the Web at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/becoming-a-mom/">https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/becoming-a-mom/</a> and Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood">https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood</a>.

Partipicants in Barton County can call the Barton County Health Department at 620-793-1902 to inquire about classes. A new series of classes will begin in April 2025. If you are interested in classes that began in January, reach out to see which classes are still available.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By Monique Koerner Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension is pleased to announce they will begin offering a series of free prenatal education sessions in the Ellis County area beginning in February 2025. These sessions, available free-of-charge to all area families regardless of income or other social determinants, are being provided thanks to a partnership between the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Family Health, March of Dimes, HaysMed, First Care Clinic, High Plains Mental Health, Early Childhood Connections, Hays Public Library, Feeding Hays, and Ellis County Emergency Medical Services. Utilizing the March of Dimes’ Becoming a Mom®/Comenzando bien® curriculum, expectant participants and their support person(s) will learn about topics related to physical and emotional health during pregnancy, as well as receive in-depth education surrounding labor and delivery, infant feeding, infant care, safe sleep, and other hot button parenting issues. Information about area resources and additional parenting support systems in the community will also be provided.I have been wanting to bring the program to Ellis County for quite some time and everything has finally come together to begin. I have worked with the Barton County Health Department for over a year helping teach their infant feeding class for Becoming a Mom and have seen first-hand the value in the program. I’m extremely excited about the amazing instructors and community partners that have come together to make Becoming a Mom a reality here in Ellis County. For a long time, I have wanted families to have a chance to come together to get to know other parents and offer support to one another. We had talked about some type of mentorship program for parents at our local Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition meeting and felt like Becoming a Mom classes were an opportunity for parents to do this. My other goal for the program is to bring resources to parents and have community partners that work with expectant parents or young families at each meeting. I’m hoping by providing the opportunity for parents to get to know the people that deliver these services in our community, that it is easier for them to reach out when they need those services.Becoming a Mom will hopefully lead to improved pregnancy and birth outcomes for moms and babies in the Ellis county area, just as they have across many locations in Kansas. Since 2010, evaluation efforts for the Becoming a Mom® program, according to the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative model, have been overwhelmingly positive. Outcomes have shown significant improvement in rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, breastfeeding initiation, and lower cesarean rates.All area pregnant women are encouraged to attend, regardless of past experience with pregnancy or parenting. Incentives for participation will be provided thanks to grants made available through Midwest&nbsp;Energy and Heartland Community Foundation. Mothers, fathers, and support people are invited to attend each class. You can choose which classes you want to attend but you earn bigger incentives (portable crib or infant playmat) for attending 4 out of the 6 classes. If you are from outside of Ellis County and are interested in attending, please contact Monique for availability. Limited childcare will be available, and we will also have a free meal provided by Feeding Hays. To obtain a schedule of class dates or to register for sessions, please contact Monique at Cottonwood Extension District by emailing/calling at moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430. You can also find Ellis County Becoming a Mom program on the Web at <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/becoming-a-mom/">https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/becoming-a-mom/</a> and Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood">https://www.facebook.com/ksrecottonwood</a>.Partipicants in Barton County can call the Barton County Health Department at 620-793-1902 to inquire about classes. A new series of classes will begin in April 2025. If you are interested in classes that began in January, reach out to see which classes are still available.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738090057797.png" alt="Kansas State Research and Extension Cottonwood District" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Research and Extension Cottonwood District</figcaption>
 </figure>

KOERNER: 'Becoming a Mom' prenatal education classes upcoming

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

The New Year inspires new goals including financial resolutions.

The holidays can be a challenging time to save money, and now you may be motivated to regain control of your spending habits. However, saving, reallocating funds, and budgeting can be overwhelming tasks requiring attention to detail and time. The good news is that there are methods to simplify the process.

Budgets don’t have to be restrictive. In fact, a budget is simply an organizational tool that can help you keep track of income and expenses. With increased awareness, a budget can help you determine the best way to allocate your money. Overall, a budget can help you get “financially fit.” This means effectively managing your money to meet short-term and long-term goals.

So, instead of letting money management overwhelm you, here are a few ways to rethink the budgeting process.

First, pay yourself! A rewarding budgeting method is to “pay yourself first.” 

This means putting a set amount of money from each paycheck into savings or investment portfolios before spending anything. Organizing the remainder of your income is simplified and reduces the temptation to overspend on things you may regret. Paying yourself first streamlines goals, and for some, this can be done automatically through an electronic bank withdrawal system to make saving mindless.

Another key step to building a budget is to get organized. Keep track of bills to quantify expenses and get a realistic picture of how you spend money. 

To do this, carry a notebook to record all transactions for at least a week. This will increase awareness of your spending habits and help you understand where you currently allocate your money.

Once you have a better grasp of your financial habits, you can build a realistic budget. A realistic budget is a plan that accurately reflects your income, needs, and wants for your current&nbsp;life circumstances. Following this type of plan will help you to find balance, and empower you to improve your financial situation.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel, Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe New Year inspires new goals including financial resolutions.The holidays can be a challenging time to save money, and now you may be motivated to regain control of your spending habits. However, saving, reallocating funds, and budgeting can be overwhelming tasks requiring attention to detail and time. The good news is that there are methods to simplify the process.Budgets don’t have to be restrictive. In fact, a budget is simply an organizational tool that can help you keep track of income and expenses. With increased awareness, a budget can help you determine the best way to allocate your money. Overall, a budget can help you get “financially fit.” This means effectively managing your money to meet short-term and long-term goals.So, instead of letting money management overwhelm you, here are a few ways to rethink the budgeting process.First, pay yourself! A rewarding budgeting method is to “pay yourself first.” This means putting a set amount of money from each paycheck into savings or investment portfolios before spending anything. Organizing the remainder of your income is simplified and reduces the temptation to overspend on things you may regret. Paying yourself first streamlines goals, and for some, this can be done automatically through an electronic bank withdrawal system to make saving mindless.Another key step to building a budget is to get organized. Keep track of bills to quantify expenses and get a realistic picture of how you spend money. To do this, carry a notebook to record all transactions for at least a week. This will increase awareness of your spending habits and help you understand where you currently allocate your money.Once you have a better grasp of your financial habits, you can build a realistic budget. A realistic budget is a plan that accurately reflects your income, needs, and wants for your current&nbsp;life circumstances. Following this type of plan will help you to find balance, and empower you to improve your financial situation.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

WINKEL: New year, new financial resolutions

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738592940354.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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738355061094.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>

Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the effects of the availability of water in Hays on the future of economic growth.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Grow Hays, Water Use in Business" 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=ssbhi-17dd90c-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about the effects of the availability of water in Hays on the future of economic growth.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays discusses water, community growth

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

Our main deer hunting is done northwest of Inman, and several hunters in that area this year experienced the same thing as us&nbsp; —&nbsp; that during regular firearms season, deer were much scarcer than on normal years. The thing that seemed to belie that fact was the numerous deer tracks all around the area.

A few years ago, when I began trapping beavers, one particular bend in a stream taught me a valuable lesson about wildlife sign. 

It was along a rutted dirt road somewhere between the middle of nowhere and the end of the line where an old bridge spanned the stream as it meandered through a sand hill pasture thick with cedars. 

Cottonwoods of various sizes grew near the stream, and from the truck I could see that several of the bigger ones had been severely gnawed by beavers. The owner had told me of fresh beaver chewings along this creek, but I hadn’t expected the amount I was seeing. I donned chest waders and shoulder length gloves, and with traps and stakes in hand headed for the stream. 

In a sharp bend ahead of me, a scraggly brushy tree had toppled from the high bank above and lay intact in a deep pool in the creek below. I was pretty sure its thick mass of roots sheltered a beaver den dug deeply into the mud beneath, because cleanly stripped sticks floated around the edges of the pool, and pine boughs lay on the banks nearby. 

The water around the uprooted tree was too deep to wade into, so I went a ways in both directions from the den, set four traps and headed home with visions of four beavers the next day. After all, given the amount of fresh sign, beavers had to be thick in this creek…or were they? 

Four days later, I had only one large beaver to show for my enthusiasm. 

That year, I learned a valuable lesson about beaver trapping that I had long ago learned about hunting and trapping other species. The amount of sign left by our four- legged quarry is seldom a true picture of the number of critters.

Some weeks after that, following a good tracking snow, I headed for the woods to see what the fresh snow could show me. 

My first stop was a 30-acre soybean stubble field nestled along the river and surrounded by hedge trees on all sides. There were quite literally thousands of deer tracks crisscrossing that field! It looked like an elementary school playground after recess. 

Now, I know there are lots of deer there, but are there thousands? Look under any bridge that crosses a stream and you’ll find literally hundreds of raccoon tracks in the mud. There are lots of raccoons in this part of Kansas, but again, do hundreds visit that bridge?

 I’m learning that the same is true of signs left by beavers along any waterway. Severed branches floating everywhere and chewed and toppled trees by the dozens do not mean dozens of beavers.

For starters, we need to consider that all mammals we hunt and trap have four legs, and four feet can leave a multitude of tracks in one night’s time. 

Secondly, animal’s lives revolve around survival, and a major part of that survival is foraging for food. Lots of steps are taken each night in pursuit of that, two-legged birds included. 

All of you who have watched deer browse or raccoons waddle along a stream know that they don’t stand in one place very long. Multiply their movements by eight hours or more and that’s a lot of tracks! 

If we were to freshly paint the floors and aisles of our workplaces, then observe the number of shoe prints there at the end of an eight-hour shift, we’d be amazed how many tracks just a few of us would make. Or if we could somehow count the number of human footprints in just one aisle at the grocery store in one day as shoppers wandered the&nbsp;store, it would be astounding, but would not be a true estimation of the number of shoppers.

As a side note, I was recently asked how to tell the difference between a large dog track and the track of a big cat. Canine tracks, which include dogs, coyotes and foxes, are slightly long and narrow, and will show claw marks in the mud or snow, while any cat track will be rounder (look at the paw of a house or barn cat) and will show NO claw marks as all cats have retractable claws, and walk with them retracted.

In the end, this all amounts to a few animals leaving a multitude of life signs of various kinds. 

When scouting there is no better find than tracks and other signs left by our four- legged quarry. And, while it is true that the more tracks and other signs you see, the more animals there are using that particular area, we just need to consider all the above when estimating wildlife numbers. 

So, to be on the conservative side, count the number of wildlife tracks and divide by four! 

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, Explore Kansas Outdoors. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland, Explore Kansas Outdoors. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsOur main deer hunting is done northwest of Inman, and several hunters in that area this year experienced the same thing as us&nbsp; —&nbsp; that during regular firearms season, deer were much scarcer than on normal years. The thing that seemed to belie that fact was the numerous deer tracks all around the area.A few years ago, when I began trapping beavers, one particular bend in a stream taught me a valuable lesson about wildlife sign. It was along a rutted dirt road somewhere between the middle of nowhere and the end of the line where an old bridge spanned the stream as it meandered through a sand hill pasture thick with cedars. Cottonwoods of various sizes grew near the stream, and from the truck I could see that several of the bigger ones had been severely gnawed by beavers. The owner had told me of fresh beaver chewings along this creek, but I hadn’t expected the amount I was seeing. I donned chest waders and shoulder length gloves, and with traps and stakes in hand headed for the stream. In a sharp bend ahead of me, a scraggly brushy tree had toppled from the high bank above and lay intact in a deep pool in the creek below. I was pretty sure its thick mass of roots sheltered a beaver den dug deeply into the mud beneath, because cleanly stripped sticks floated around the edges of the pool, and pine boughs lay on the banks nearby. The water around the uprooted tree was too deep to wade into, so I went a ways in both directions from the den, set four traps and headed home with visions of four beavers the next day. After all, given the amount of fresh sign, beavers had to be thick in this creek…or were they? Four days later, I had only one large beaver to show for my enthusiasm. That year, I learned a valuable lesson about beaver trapping that I had long ago learned about hunting and trapping other species. The amount of sign left by our four- legged quarry is seldom a true picture of the number of critters.Some weeks after that, following a good tracking snow, I headed for the woods to see what the fresh snow could show me. My first stop was a 30-acre soybean stubble field nestled along the river and surrounded by hedge trees on all sides. There were quite literally thousands of deer tracks crisscrossing that field! It looked like an elementary school playground after recess. Now, I know there are lots of deer there, but are there thousands? Look under any bridge that crosses a stream and you’ll find literally hundreds of raccoon tracks in the mud. There are lots of raccoons in this part of Kansas, but again, do hundreds visit that bridge? I’m learning that the same is true of signs left by beavers along any waterway. Severed branches floating everywhere and chewed and toppled trees by the dozens do not mean dozens of beavers.For starters, we need to consider that all mammals we hunt and trap have four legs, and four feet can leave a multitude of tracks in one night’s time. Secondly, animal’s lives revolve around survival, and a major part of that survival is foraging for food. Lots of steps are taken each night in pursuit of that, two-legged birds included. All of you who have watched deer browse or raccoons waddle along a stream know that they don’t stand in one place very long. Multiply their movements by eight hours or more and that’s a lot of tracks! If we were to freshly paint the floors and aisles of our workplaces, then observe the number of shoe prints there at the end of an eight-hour shift, we’d be amazed how many tracks just a few of us would make. Or if we could somehow count the number of human footprints in just one aisle at the grocery store in one day as shoppers wandered the&nbsp;store, it would be astounding, but would not be a true estimation of the number of shoppers.As a side note, I was recently asked how to tell the difference between a large dog track and the track of a big cat. Canine tracks, which include dogs, coyotes and foxes, are slightly long and narrow, and will show claw marks in the mud or snow, while any cat track will be rounder (look at the paw of a house or barn cat) and will show NO claw marks as all cats have retractable claws, and walk with them retracted.In the end, this all amounts to a few animals leaving a multitude of life signs of various kinds. When scouting there is no better find than tracks and other signs left by our four- legged quarry. And, while it is true that the more tracks and other signs you see, the more animals there are using that particular area, we just need to consider all the above when estimating wildlife numbers. So, to be on the conservative side, count the number of wildlife tracks and divide by four! Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: Wildlife math. Count tracks, divide by 4

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A new treatment being offered by High Plains Mental Health Center is proving to be life-changing for some people suffering from depression.

High Plains purchased a&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit, also known as TMS, last year.

The treatment is recommended for major depressive disorder, anxious depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The treatment is approved for youth as young as 15 through adults of any age.

The treatment locally and nationwide is showing significant success in helping patients with treatment-resistant depression, which is people who have tried two or more mental health medications without success.

"By the time someone takes a fourth medication, there's less than a 4% chance of them getting any benefit from it,"&nbsp;Dr. Mark Romereim, High Plains medical director, said.

Romereim said about 10% to 15% of the population has depression at any one time. He estimated as many as a quarter of those people have treatment-resistant depression.

With TMS, patients have an 83% chance of improvement and a 62% chance of symptom relief and remission of the illness.

Inhaled ketamine has also been used for treatment-resistant depression but with lower success rates,&nbsp;Romereim said. That treatment has to be repeated once per week on an ongoing basis. Ketamine has a 67% response rate and a 35% remission rate.&nbsp;

"TMS adds the layer of get me in and get treated and come back in a year or not at all," Craig Poe, High Plains executive director, said, "and not experience depression at all, which is life-changing."

High Plains is the first community mental health center in Kansas and one of the few nationwide to offer TMS treatment.

"For us to be the first ... It's important for us to do something because this is an unmet need, and we want to do everything possible to help our people in northwest Kansas and treat depression using the most effective treatments available,"  Romereim said.

"This is by far the most effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression."

The TMS unit looks much like a dental chair. A device is placed next to the head. It transmits electromagnetic pulses that cause an electrical change in  the brain  and the creation of new neural pathways, Romereim said.

The treatment usually lasts about 19 minutes. It is an outpatient procedure, and clients can immediately return to normal activities after treatment. No anesthesia is required, and patients can drive themselves to and from appointments.

A course of treatment is usually daily, every weekday for seven weeks, for a total of 36 treatments.

Romereim said patients usually experience few side effects. Some complain of a mild headache, which can be treated with over-the-counter medication or a tapping sensation at the treatment site. He said most of the systems fade during the first week.

The treatment is unavailable for people with ferrous metal in their heads or necks. However, pacemakers are not affected.

NeuroStar, the High Plains' TMS unit manufacturer, has been operating for about 20 years. Romereim said the company's units have treated more than 180,000 people.

High Plains has been treating people with TMS since August. Eighteen people have completed treatment, and five more have ongoing treatment.&nbsp;

"We are seeing consistent results. One person, it didn't help,"&nbsp;Romereim said. ... "When it works, it's nothing short of phenomenal."

"To take someone who has been depressed anywhere from 10 to 30 years or their entire adult life, and now they're not," he said.

Romereim said this treatment could mean the difference between being nonfunctional and on disability to being employed and a functional member of the community again.

Some people can take less medication, and some don't have to take medication at all. Romereim said one-third of patients have to repeat the treatment after a year, while about two-thirds have long-lasting benefits and don't have to repeat the treatment.

Medicare and most major private insurance companies cover the treatment.&nbsp;

Medicaid does not cover it in Kansas.&nbsp;Half of U.S. states cover the treatment through Medicaid, which equals an out-of-pocket cost of $8,000.

High Plains and other mental health providers are lobbying the Kansas Legislature to get Kansas to cover the cost of TMS.

"It's hard to talk about things that might actually cure somebody in this type of industry, but it's possible that we would move them to a much better life because of Medicaid reimbursing for this service," Poe said.

Romereim said the treatment can prevent hospitalizations and save lives by preventing suicide.

"You can't put a number on [lives], but you can put a number on hospitalizations," he said. "We are seeing people treated with this who are not going to need to be hospitalized."

Poe said once insurance companies saw the value in reimbursing for the treatment, High Plains was able to invest in the technology.

High Plains invested $150,000 to purchase the TMS unit. Center administrators would like to purchase more units to serve more people. One machine can serve about 50 to 70 people per year.

High Plains covers a wide swath of northwest Kansas, including 20 counties north to the Nebraska border and west to the Colorado border.

"We want to continue to provide the best result we can to the clients who are getting this benefit," Poe said. "Only being able to give 50 to 60 people that benefit a year is something another machine would help us alleviate."

Poe said he would happily accept donations toward that purchase if anyone is interested.

Call High Plains at 785-628-2871 to find the service location closest to you. If you need to speak to someone immediately, call its 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-432-0333. You may also call or text 988.

You can also visit <a href="https://hpmhc.com/">High Plains Mental Health Center's&nbsp;</a>website or follow the center on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HighPlainsMentalHealth">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738186960743.jpeg" alt="Dr. Mark Romereim, High Plains Mental Health Center medical director, holds part of a&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit, which transmits electromagnetic pulses to the brain to treat treatment-resistant depression. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Romereim, High Plains Mental Health Center medical director, holds part of a&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit, which transmits electromagnetic pulses to the brain to treat treatment-resistant depression. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA new treatment being offered by High Plains Mental Health Center is proving to be life-changing for some people suffering from depression.High Plains purchased a&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit, also known as TMS, last year.The treatment is recommended for major depressive disorder, anxious depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The treatment is approved for youth as young as 15 through adults of any age.The treatment locally and nationwide is showing significant success in helping patients with treatment-resistant depression, which is people who have tried two or more mental health medications without success."By the time someone takes a fourth medication, there's less than a 4% chance of them getting any benefit from it,"&nbsp;Dr. Mark Romereim, High Plains medical director, said.Romereim said about 10% to 15% of the population has depression at any one time. He estimated as many as a quarter of those people have treatment-resistant depression.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738186995659.jpeg" alt="This&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit is placed next to the head and provides electromagnetic pulses to the brain. It is used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>This&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation unit is placed next to the head and provides electromagnetic pulses to the brain. It is used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>With TMS, patients have an 83% chance of improvement and a 62% chance of symptom relief and remission of the illness.Inhaled ketamine has also been used for treatment-resistant depression but with lower success rates,&nbsp;Romereim said. That treatment has to be repeated once per week on an ongoing basis. Ketamine has a 67% response rate and a 35% remission rate.&nbsp;"TMS adds the layer of get me in and get treated and come back in a year or not at all," Craig Poe, High Plains executive director, said, "and not experience depression at all, which is life-changing."High Plains is the first community mental health center in Kansas and one of the few nationwide to offer TMS treatment."For us to be the first ... It's important for us to do something because this is an unmet need, and we want to do everything possible to help our people in northwest Kansas and treat depression using the most effective treatments available," Romereim said."This is by far the most effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression."The TMS unit looks much like a dental chair. A device is placed next to the head. It transmits electromagnetic pulses that cause an electrical change in the brain and the creation of new neural pathways, Romereim said.The treatment usually lasts about 19 minutes. It is an outpatient procedure, and clients can immediately return to normal activities after treatment. No anesthesia is required, and patients can drive themselves to and from appointments.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738187173375.jpeg" alt="Patients sit in this chair to receive&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at High Plains Mental Health Center. The treatment is outpatient and has only a few minor side effects, according to providers. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Patients sit in this chair to receive&nbsp;Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at High Plains Mental Health Center. The treatment is outpatient and has only a few minor side effects, according to providers. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>A course of treatment is usually daily, every weekday for seven weeks, for a total of 36 treatments.Romereim said patients usually experience few side effects. Some complain of a mild headache, which can be treated with over-the-counter medication or a tapping sensation at the treatment site. He said most of the systems fade during the first week.The treatment is unavailable for people with ferrous metal in their heads or necks. However, pacemakers are not affected.NeuroStar, the High Plains' TMS unit manufacturer, has been operating for about 20 years. Romereim said the company's units have treated more than 180,000 people.High Plains has been treating people with TMS since August. Eighteen people have completed treatment, and five more have ongoing treatment.&nbsp;"We are seeing consistent results. One person, it didn't help,"&nbsp;Romereim said. ... "When it works, it's nothing short of phenomenal.""To take someone who has been depressed anywhere from 10 to 30 years or their entire adult life, and now they're not," he said.Romereim said this treatment could mean the difference between being nonfunctional and on disability to being employed and a functional member of the community again.Some people can take less medication, and some don't have to take medication at all. Romereim said one-third of patients have to repeat the treatment after a year, while about two-thirds have long-lasting benefits and don't have to repeat the treatment.Medicare and most major private insurance companies cover the treatment.&nbsp;Medicaid does not cover it in Kansas.&nbsp;Half of U.S. states cover the treatment through Medicaid, which equals an out-of-pocket cost of $8,000.High Plains and other mental health providers are lobbying the Kansas Legislature to get Kansas to cover the cost of TMS."It's hard to talk about things that might actually cure somebody in this type of industry, but it's possible that we would move them to a much better life because of Medicaid reimbursing for this service," Poe said.Romereim said the treatment can prevent hospitalizations and save lives by preventing suicide."You can't put a number on [lives], but you can put a number on hospitalizations," he said. "We are seeing people treated with this who are not going to need to be hospitalized."Poe said once insurance companies saw the value in reimbursing for the treatment, High Plains was able to invest in the technology.High Plains invested $150,000 to purchase the TMS unit. Center administrators would like to purchase more units to serve more people. One machine can serve about 50 to 70 people per year.High Plains covers a wide swath of northwest Kansas, including 20 counties north to the Nebraska border and west to the Colorado border."We want to continue to provide the best result we can to the clients who are getting this benefit," Poe said. "Only being able to give 50 to 60 people that benefit a year is something another machine would help us alleviate."Poe said he would happily accept donations toward that purchase if anyone is interested.Call High Plains at 785-628-2871 to find the service location closest to you. If you need to speak to someone immediately, call its 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-432-0333. You may also call or text 988.You can also visit <a href="https://hpmhc.com/">High Plains Mental Health Center's&nbsp;</a>website or follow the center on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HighPlainsMentalHealth">Facebook</a>.

High Plains Mental Health provides 'life-changing' new treatment for depression

By KALEY CONNER High Plains Mental Health Center

When Triston Albert was 15, he was diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. At that time, Albert said the picture painted for him seemed a little bleak. He understood the condition could be long-term or life-long and accepted the reality that he would probably need to be on medications for the rest of his life. But even the newest and best prescriptions were not enough to alleviate the challenging symptoms.

Fast forward about 11 years, and Albert, now representing individuals served on the High Plains Mental Health Center governing board, was among the first to learn of an innovative new treatment option. 

High Plains Mental Health Center became the first Community Mental Health Center in Kansas to implement Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a non-invasive and medication-free treatment clinically proven to reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.

Albert became one of the first northwest Kansas residents to complete a treatment course, and the results have been life-changing.

“My first reaction was skepticism. Because it’s new and it’s messing with my brain,” Albert said. “But I cannot argue with the result. The facts are irrefutable, and I would recommend this to anybody who may need it.”

TMS typically requires 36 treatments, which are provided Monday through Friday for about seven weeks. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Albert, a Hays resident, began treatment in August 2024 and completed his last session in October.&nbsp;

Since then, he estimates at least a 60-percent reduction in his depressive symptoms. His memory is sharper, and he can more easily focus and make decisions. 

His ability to manage both time and money has improved, and for the first time in many years, he is craving social interaction and wants to be around other people instead of isolating at home. It’s also very significant that he is no longer experiencing suicidal thoughts, he said.

Albert said he is more self-motivated, has much more energy, and, for the first time, is not experiencing worsening depression in winter due to seasonal affective changes. He’s able to maintain a healthy weight and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Overall, he says he feels healthier than he’s ever been.

“I wouldn’t even say that I have treatment-resistant major depressive disorder anymore. I would just say that I have experience with major depressive disorder, and I would say I have mild depression,” he said. “I’m happy. I’m very happy.”

Albert kept a journal detailing all of his treatment sessions and the effects he noticed — both positive and negative.

The negatives were few and far between, he said, noting how he occasionally experienced a minor headache, topical discomfort on the top of his head, or slight twitching in his eye or jaw. Any side effects were short-lived for him, never lasting beyond the day of treatment, he said.

The positives were more pronounced and longer-lasting — he continues to see the benefits every day.

“After a week of doing it, I could feel my brain had been correcting itself through the treatments. The first week, I felt a weight lifted off of me,” Albert said. “By the second week, I definitely felt a shift in my personality. … Things I didn’t like, I enjoy now.”

As the fog of depression began to lift, Albert said it caught him off guard when he began experiencing a wide array of other emotions. He had been depressed for so long, he realized he had to learn how to identify and manage other feelings that typically pop up in daily life, like joy, anger, or excitement. In that way, Albert said, it felt kind of like being a teenager again.

Reflecting on his teenage years, Albert remembers how difficult it was to navigate that time in his life while experiencing severe depression. He ultimately dropped out of high school and earned a GED.

TMS is approved for treatment in individuals 15 and older as recommended by a psychiatrist. Albert said that’s one reason he initially supported the technology as a member of the High Plains Mental Health Center governing board. Had TMS been available to him as a teenager, that part of his story might have turned out differently, he said.

Albert is now able to work full-time, moving from a part-time position to a full-time management role with a local retail store. He loves his job, enjoys working with people, is making new friends, and has plans to come off the medical disability benefits he had applied for at the height of his depression when he was physically and mentally unable to maintain employment.

He continues to take certain medications and follow a treatment plan for remaining symptoms, but has been able to discontinue some prescriptions and others might soon follow. Overall, he says, TMS has been a complete game-changer.

“The best words I could use to describe the TMS machine, it is revolutionary,” he said. “I really feel a sense of debt, because it feels like a gift. I’ve been given a gift.”

Albert said there’s only one thing he doesn’t like about TMS – currently, Kansas Medicaid will not pay for TMS, and that’s a barrier for some who may qualify for treatment.

Other major insurers, including Medicare and Blue Cross, do provide coverage for TMS. Albert is not alone in his recovery journey – TMS has been found highly effective nationally, with 83 percent of patients reporting symptom reduction and improved functioning. 

About 62 percent of clients improved to the point that they no longer met diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.

Albert has gotten to know other individuals living with major depressive disorder, and he tries to set a good example and encourage others not to give up. The key, he said, is to not stop trying.

“You cannot give up. The moment you give up, you are in defeat, and you cannot let depression literally drag you down. That’s what it’s there for, don’t let it do its job,” he said. “You are able to overcome it and manage it if you try.

“(Because of TMS) I feel really different, and I would recommend this to anybody who may need it.”

TMS services are available at the Hays Main Office of High Plains Mental Health Center, 208 E. Seventh St. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 1-800-432-0333.

Help is always available by calling High Plains Mental Health Center at 1-800-432-0333, or by calling or texting 988, the Kansas suicide prevention lifeline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738350991527.jpeg" alt="Triston Albert. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Triston Albert. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By KALEY CONNER High Plains Mental Health CenterWhen Triston Albert was 15, he was diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. At that time, Albert said the picture painted for him seemed a little bleak. He understood the condition could be long-term or life-long and accepted the reality that he would probably need to be on medications for the rest of his life. But even the newest and best prescriptions were not enough to alleviate the challenging symptoms.Fast forward about 11 years, and Albert, now representing individuals served on the High Plains Mental Health Center governing board, was among the first to learn of an innovative new treatment option. High Plains Mental Health Center became the first Community Mental Health Center in Kansas to implement Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a non-invasive and medication-free treatment clinically proven to reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.Albert became one of the first northwest Kansas residents to complete a treatment course, and the results have been life-changing.“My first reaction was skepticism. Because it’s new and it’s messing with my brain,” Albert said. “But I cannot argue with the result. The facts are irrefutable, and I would recommend this to anybody who may need it.”TMS typically requires 36 treatments, which are provided Monday through Friday for about seven weeks. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Albert, a Hays resident, began treatment in August 2024 and completed his last session in October.&nbsp;Since then, he estimates at least a 60-percent reduction in his depressive symptoms. His memory is sharper, and he can more easily focus and make decisions. His ability to manage both time and money has improved, and for the first time in many years, he is craving social interaction and wants to be around other people instead of isolating at home. It’s also very significant that he is no longer experiencing suicidal thoughts, he said.Albert said he is more self-motivated, has much more energy, and, for the first time, is not experiencing worsening depression in winter due to seasonal affective changes. He’s able to maintain a healthy weight and stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Overall, he says he feels healthier than he’s ever been.“I wouldn’t even say that I have treatment-resistant major depressive disorder anymore. I would just say that I have experience with major depressive disorder, and I would say I have mild depression,” he said. “I’m happy. I’m very happy.”Albert kept a journal detailing all of his treatment sessions and the effects he noticed — both positive and negative.The negatives were few and far between, he said, noting how he occasionally experienced a minor headache, topical discomfort on the top of his head, or slight twitching in his eye or jaw. Any side effects were short-lived for him, never lasting beyond the day of treatment, he said.The positives were more pronounced and longer-lasting — he continues to see the benefits every day.“After a week of doing it, I could feel my brain had been correcting itself through the treatments. The first week, I felt a weight lifted off of me,” Albert said. “By the second week, I definitely felt a shift in my personality. … Things I didn’t like, I enjoy now.”As the fog of depression began to lift, Albert said it caught him off guard when he began experiencing a wide array of other emotions. He had been depressed for so long, he realized he had to learn how to identify and manage other feelings that typically pop up in daily life, like joy, anger, or excitement. In that way, Albert said, it felt kind of like being a teenager again.Reflecting on his teenage years, Albert remembers how difficult it was to navigate that time in his life while experiencing severe depression. He ultimately dropped out of high school and earned a GED.TMS is approved for treatment in individuals 15 and older as recommended by a psychiatrist. Albert said that’s one reason he initially supported the technology as a member of the High Plains Mental Health Center governing board. Had TMS been available to him as a teenager, that part of his story might have turned out differently, he said.Albert is now able to work full-time, moving from a part-time position to a full-time management role with a local retail store. He loves his job, enjoys working with people, is making new friends, and has plans to come off the medical disability benefits he had applied for at the height of his depression when he was physically and mentally unable to maintain employment.He continues to take certain medications and follow a treatment plan for remaining symptoms, but has been able to discontinue some prescriptions and others might soon follow. Overall, he says, TMS has been a complete game-changer.“The best words I could use to describe the TMS machine, it is revolutionary,” he said. “I really feel a sense of debt, because it feels like a gift. I’ve been given a gift.”Albert said there’s only one thing he doesn’t like about TMS – currently, Kansas Medicaid will not pay for TMS, and that’s a barrier for some who may qualify for treatment.Other major insurers, including Medicare and Blue Cross, do provide coverage for TMS. Albert is not alone in his recovery journey – TMS has been found highly effective nationally, with 83 percent of patients reporting symptom reduction and improved functioning. About 62 percent of clients improved to the point that they no longer met diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.Albert has gotten to know other individuals living with major depressive disorder, and he tries to set a good example and encourage others not to give up. The key, he said, is to not stop trying.“You cannot give up. The moment you give up, you are in defeat, and you cannot let depression literally drag you down. That’s what it’s there for, don’t let it do its job,” he said. “You are able to overcome it and manage it if you try.“(Because of TMS) I feel really different, and I would recommend this to anybody who may need it.”TMS services are available at the Hays Main Office of High Plains Mental Health Center, 208 E. Seventh St. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 1-800-432-0333.Help is always available by calling High Plains Mental Health Center at 1-800-432-0333, or by calling or texting 988, the Kansas suicide prevention lifeline.

‘I’m happy now’ – man tells how new mental health treatment helped him

TOPEKA — The 2025 Legislative Session officially began on Monday, January 13, at 2:00 p.m., marking the start of another year of important legislative work. 

The first week was largely ceremonial, featuring the State of the State, State of the Judiciary, and State of the Military addresses delivered before joint sessions of the Legislature. These traditions, along with photographs and other formalities, showcased the pomp and circumstance that honor the republican form of government we are privileged to enjoy in both Kansas and America.

Following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, the second week of the session was shortened but productive. 

While the Senate floor focused on passing rules and confirming appointments, much of the real work took place in the Senate’s 19 standing committees. 

These committees, covering key topics like education, agriculture, judiciary, budget, and utilities, are diligently prioritizing and vetting proposed legislation. Bills that pass-through committee hearings and votes then advance to the Senate floor, where the full chamber debates and votes on each measure. This step-by-step process ensures every piece of legislation receives thorough review and thoughtful consideration.

This session, my committee assignments remain largely the same, with one notable change: the Local Government Committee has merged with the Ethics and Transparency Committee, and I am honored to serve as chair of this newly combined committee.

I continue to serve on the Transportation, Judiciary, and Utilities committees, as well as the Historical Preservation Committee and the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight. Additionally, I was recently selected to serve on the Kansas Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, an exciting opportunity to help commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580853658061.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, 36th District, R-Concordia. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, 36th District, R-Concordia. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINSTOPEKA — The 2025 Legislative Session officially began on Monday, January 13, at 2:00 p.m., marking the start of another year of important legislative work. The first week was largely ceremonial, featuring the State of the State, State of the Judiciary, and State of the Military addresses delivered before joint sessions of the Legislature. These traditions, along with photographs and other formalities, showcased the pomp and circumstance that honor the republican form of government we are privileged to enjoy in both Kansas and America.Following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, the second week of the session was shortened but productive. While the Senate floor focused on passing rules and confirming appointments, much of the real work took place in the Senate’s 19 standing committees. These committees, covering key topics like education, agriculture, judiciary, budget, and utilities, are diligently prioritizing and vetting proposed legislation. Bills that pass-through committee hearings and votes then advance to the Senate floor, where the full chamber debates and votes on each measure. This step-by-step process ensures every piece of legislation receives thorough review and thoughtful consideration.COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTSThis session, my committee assignments remain largely the same, with one notable change: the Local Government Committee has merged with the Ethics and Transparency Committee, and I am honored to serve as chair of this newly combined committee. I continue to serve on the Transportation, Judiciary, and Utilities committees, as well as the Historical Preservation Committee and the Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight. Additionally, I was recently selected to serve on the Kansas Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, an exciting opportunity to help commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.Capitol Preservation Committee update The Capitol Preservation Committee will unveil the Suffragist Memorial Mural on Kansas Day, January 29, at noon—a meaningful tribute to the brave women who fought for the right to vote. Another historic milestone was achieved last fall when the Ad Astra Indian statue was finally placed on its long-empty pedestal in the northwest quadrant of the Capitol complex, completing the Ad Astra Plaza after a 20-year delay.STATE OF THE STATEIn her seventh State of the State message, Gov. Laura Kelly outlined her priorities to the Legislature using a collaborative tone in her calls to action. A portion of her message focused on investments concerning the youngest Kansans, including fully funding public schools, extending free school lunches to more students and advocating for a one-stop-shop for those who interface with early childhood services. Gov. Kelly also prioritized preserving the Ogallala Aquifer and clean water for future generations. Gov. Kelly shared her goal of adding an additional $30 million annually to support water resources and creating an Office of Natural Resources to combine water-related services currently split over 14 different agencies.STATE OF THE MILITARYFor the first time in history, the Kansas Legislature convened for a joint session to receive information on the State of the Military from Adjutant General Michael Venerdi on the work the Kansas National Guard is doing to make our state and nation safe, secure, and free.As General Venerdi articulated, “the Kansas National Guard comprises over 7,000 Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians. The National Guard is the primary combat reserve of the Army and Air Force, seamlessly providing forces to fight and win the nation’s wars and defend the homeland.”STATE OF THE JUDICIARY On Wednesday, Chief Justice Marla Luckert delivered the State of the Judiciary address before a joint session of the Legislature, highlighting a Russian-based ransomware attack on the Kansas Judicial Branch’s computer systems last October. The attack shut down the e-filing system, but the Judicial Branch refused to pay the ransom, instead focusing on recovery and fortifying its infrastructure.Chief Justice Luckert also emphasized collaboration among the three branches of government to address key issues such as mental health, child welfare, and the attorney shortage. She highlighted the Rural Justice Initiative, led by Justice K.J. Wall, which seeks to address the lack of justice resources in rural areas through a partnership of government, legal, and community stakeholders. I am honored to serve on the select committee for this initiative and look forward to working over the next 18 months to develop solutions for this challenge, which affects rural communities nationwide.NEW COMMITTEES FORMEDIn line with the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency in Washington, D.C., the Kansas Senate has established a Committee on Government Efficiency. This new committee is tasked with identifying ways to save taxpayer dollars and ensure government works for the people. In the coming days, a special email address and online portal will be launched, allowing Kansans to submit their own ideas and suggestions for the committee to review.Additionally, the Senate has formed a Select Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This committee will convene as needed to study issues and process legislation related to veterans, ensuring we continue to address the needs of those who have served our nation.SENATE FLOOR ACTION - CONFIRMATIONSThe Senate confirmed a number of appointments on January 23rd:State Banking Board: Taylor Hight,&nbsp;Herbert Iams,&nbsp;Leonard,&nbsp;Irvin Mitchell WolfeState Lottery Commission: Margaret La RueOffice of the Child Advocate: Kerrie LonardKansas Racing and Gaming Commission: David MosesState Long Term Care Ombudsman: Haely OrdoyneKansas Crime Victims Compensation Board: Richard SamaniegoKansas National Guard: Paul SchneiderKansas Human Rights Commission: Christal WatsonHELPFUL KANSAS INFORMATONKansas Insurance DepartmentNeed assistance finding a lost life insurance policy? Utilize the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Life Insurance Policy Locator, where you can perform a nationwide search for missing life insurance funds by providing the social security number, legal name, date of birth, and date of death of a deceased individual. The Kansas Insurance Department has assisted Kansans with the NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, which has found more than $69.6 million in life insurance policies for Kansans since 2019. Contact the Kansas Insurance Department at 785-296-2461 for assistance.Following the Kansas LegislatureYou can view video streaming of both chambers via the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. In addition, many committees are now audio streamed and can also be viewed on the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. The Kansas Legislature website is easy to use with Senate and House calendars and journals as well as the rosters of both chambers. Here are the relevant links: Website: <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">http://www.kslegislature.org</a> YouTube Streaming:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A"> http://bit.ly/2CZj9O0 Committee</a> Hearings: <a href="http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/20250128/-1">http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/</a>Page DatesEach year we are assigned dates for students to page for the Senate. The students should be twelve and over and will spend the full day with us, including running errands for all Senators and a tour and trip to the Capitol Dome top. I was a page myself for Representative Bill Fuller from Miltonvale in 1981! Our dates this year are – Tuesday, February 4; Tuesday, February 18; Wednesday, February 26; Tuesday, March 11; and Tuesday, March 18. Other dates may be available upon request.Office InformationMy office remains in the same suite, 223E (east wing second floor) next to the cage elevator. Randi Walters, who has worked in the Capitol for 22 years as an assistant and a committee assistant, is in our office.As session progresses, not every bill introduced will make it to the Governor’s desk, but that doesn’t mean opinions, facts and testimony weren't heard. Your participation in the state legislature is vital. As we continue to weed through the different bills, I hope to hear from you. I want to know how legislation will impact you and our district, or the ideas you have to improve a bill. A personal email with your thoughts is the best way to reach us as we sit in committees for most of the day and seldom get to stay at our desks for long periods.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov 785-296-7389 <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>The Kansas 36th Senate District includes: Clay, Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington counties Marshall County: Cities: Bremen, Herkimer, Marysville and Oketo Townships: Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo and WalnutPhillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal, Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon,&nbsp;Sumner, Valley and Walnut