The Veterans Administration is looking at expanding an existing caregiving program to assist veterans who live in rural Kansas.

The Medical Foster Home Program serves veterans who require additional daily help, said Amy Adams, who serves as the coordinator of the program in this part of Kansas. Adams is a social worker with the Robert J. Dole VA Center in Wichita.

Medical foster homes are private residences where the approved caregivers live and provide continuous care and supervision to veterans who are medically fragile. Homes can be owned or rented.

Caregivers may open up their homes to up to three veterans and are paid by the veteran or the veteran’s family for the services provided. Caregivers provide meals, transportation, laundry, personal care and socialization to the veterans who live with them.

The veteran’s medical care plan is provided by the VA’s Home-Based Primary Care, Adams said.

Caregivers should have one to two approved relief caregivers who can provide a break for the primary caregiver.

Adams said the VA has been very successful in placing veterans in medical foster homes in the Wichita area. Now she is focusing on rural areas, such as Ellis County.

“Existing caregivers tell me that this is a good option for people who want a work-at-home business who enjoy providing care to others,” Adams said. “Caregivers who participate in this program say being a caregiver is part of their path in life, and they find enjoyment in this type of work full-time.”&nbsp;

This program also provides a routine and normalcy to veterans facing medical issues or end-of-life, Adams said. Veterans live in a home with activities, socialization and a family unit.

“It can bring joy to both the caregivers and the veterans,” Adams said. “Many veterans are in need of caregiving because they often don’t have family or others in their lives who are able or willing to be caregivers.

“This will fill the gap in the current options available to veterans living in rural Kansas who need long-term care,” she added.

Interested caregivers in the Ellis County area are asked to call 316-814-1574.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712690474831.jpeg" alt="Employees from the Robert J. Dole Veterans Administration Center join veteran Isaac Sanders in celebrating the Fourth of July last year. Sanders, who served as an air trooper in the Army Airborne, has been living in his medical foster home in Wichita for about a year. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Employees from the Robert J. Dole Veterans Administration Center join veteran Isaac Sanders in celebrating the Fourth of July last year. Sanders, who served as an air trooper in the Army Airborne, has been living in his medical foster home in Wichita for about a year. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Dole VA CenterThe Veterans Administration is looking at expanding an existing caregiving program to assist veterans who live in rural Kansas.The Medical Foster Home Program serves veterans who require additional daily help, said Amy Adams, who serves as the coordinator of the program in this part of Kansas. Adams is a social worker with the Robert J. Dole VA Center in Wichita.Medical foster homes are private residences where the approved caregivers live and provide continuous care and supervision to veterans who are medically fragile. Homes can be owned or rented.Caregivers may open up their homes to up to three veterans and are paid by the veteran or the veteran’s family for the services provided. Caregivers provide meals, transportation, laundry, personal care and socialization to the veterans who live with them.The veteran’s medical care plan is provided by the VA’s Home-Based Primary Care, Adams said.Caregivers should have one to two approved relief caregivers who can provide a break for the primary caregiver.Adams said the VA has been very successful in placing veterans in medical foster homes in the Wichita area. Now she is focusing on rural areas, such as Ellis County.“Existing caregivers tell me that this is a good option for people who want a work-at-home business who enjoy providing care to others,” Adams said. “Caregivers who participate in this program say being a caregiver is part of their path in life, and they find enjoyment in this type of work full-time.”&nbsp;This program also provides a routine and normalcy to veterans facing medical issues or end-of-life, Adams said. Veterans live in a home with activities, socialization and a family unit.“It can bring joy to both the caregivers and the veterans,” Adams said. “Many veterans are in need of caregiving because they often don’t have family or others in their lives who are able or willing to be caregivers.“This will fill the gap in the current options available to veterans living in rural Kansas who need long-term care,” she added.Interested caregivers in the Ellis County area are asked to call 316-814-1574.

VA seeking caregivers for veterans in Ellis County, rural Kansas

On Saturday April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event allows for the public to anonymously dispose of old, unused, unwanted, or no longer needed medications. Theevent will be held in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th St, in Hays.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. 

Items that will be accepted are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. 

Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. 

Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713387751993.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOn Saturday April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event allows for the public to anonymously dispose of old, unused, unwanted, or no longer needed medications. Theevent will be held in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th St, in Hays.The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. Items that will be accepted are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted.

Ellis County Sheriff teams with the DEA for drug take back event

Sunflower Audubon to present 'Cliff Swallows'

<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/2024/4/1713730521406.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

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants. These annual waste tire grants are awarded to local municipalities and public and private schools K-12 across the state. The grants totaled $529,600.88 and were awarded to 51 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.

• City of Altamont, Labette County, Grant Amount $4,222.00• City of Belleville, Republic County, Grant Amount $9,360.00• City of Beloit Parks and Recreation, Mitchell County, Grant Amount $808.50• City of Bentley, Sedgwick County, Grant Amount $4,294.50• City of Caney, Montgomery County, Grant Amount $11,922.21• City of Chetopa, Labette County, Grant Amount $7,842.00• City of Dodge City Parks &amp; Recreation, Ford County, Grant Amount $37,895.80• City of Edgerton, Johnson County, Grant Amount $24,791.36• City of Eudora, Douglas County, Grant Amount $875.00• City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Grant Amount $15,600.00• City of Garden Plain, Sedgwick County, Grant Amount $2,072.5• City of Garnett, Anderson County, Grant Amount $12,675.00• City of Greensburg, Kiowa County, Grant Amount $3,153.5• City of Harveyville, Wabaunsee County, Grant Amount $1,677.00• City of Havensville, Pottawatomie County, Grant Amount $2,747.00• City of Hays Parks Department, Ellis County, Grant Amount $8,142.00• City of Howard, Elk County, Grant Amount $11,949.45• City of Jewell, Jewell County, Grant Amount $3,120.00• City of Kingman, Kingman County, Grant Amount $7,343.12• City of Lebo, Coffey County, Grant Amount $14,175.45• City of Longton, Elk County, Grant Amount $567.00• City of McCune, Crawford County, Grant Amount $1,428.00• City of Melvern, Osage County, Grant Amount $7,505.66• City of Montezuma, Gray County, Grant Amount $3,328.00• City of Osage, Osage County, Grant Amount $4,416.00• City of Ottawa, Franklin County, Grant Amount $32,938.90• City of Overbrook, Osage County, Grant Amount $1,922.50• City of Prairie Village, Johnson County, Grant Amount $20,715.21• City of Randall, Jewell County, Grant Amount $880.00• City of Salina, Saline County, Grant Amount $13,502.50• City of Stockton, Rooks County, Grant Amount $34,951.00• City of Valley Falls, Jefferson County, Grant Amount $8,226.00• City of Washington, Washington County, Grant Amount $2,887.00• City of Wellington, Sumner County, Grant Amount $19,354.54• City of Whitting, Jackson County, Grant Amount $14,133.10• City of Williamsburg, Franklin County, Grant Amount $1,681.00• Gertrude Walker Elementary, Finney County, Grant Amount $2,188.00• Lakemary Center, Johnson County, Grant Amount $40,155.00• Most Pure Heart of Mary School, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $13,847.64• Shawnee County Parks &amp; Rec, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $12,431.59• USD #216 Deerfield, Kearney County, Grant Amount $8,048.50• USD #252, Southern Lyon County, Grant Amount $18,800.47• USD #327 United School District, Ellsworth County, Grant Amount $20,568.50• USD #330 Mission Valley School District, Wabaunsee County, Grant Amount $3,960.00• USD #345 Seaman School District, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $2,735.00• USD #385 Sunflower Elementary, Butler County, Grant Amount $994.00• USD #408 Recreation, Marion County, Grant Amount $3,282.00• USD #462 Central Elementary USD, Cowley County, Grant Amount $14,075.00• USD #469 Inclusive Playground Committee, Leavenworth County, Grant Amount $32,188.88• USD #479 Stephanie Edgerton, Anderson County, Grant Amount $766.50• USD #509 South Haven School, Sumner County, Grant Amount $2,457.00

Please visit our website for information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzcwMC9XYXN0ZS1SZWR1Y3Rpb24tUHVibGljLUVkdWNhdGlvbi1HcmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxNi45MzQyMTAwMSJ9.uRlH4DPI-6qnbZTF_YacSgQbAx5_MHTW3ko6BuGBGLE/s/1305913623/br/240814285388-l">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/700/Waste-Reduction-Public-Education-Grants</a>

SubmittedTOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants. These annual waste tire grants are awarded to local municipalities and public and private schools K-12 across the state. The grants totaled $529,600.88 and were awarded to 51 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.• City of Altamont, Labette County, Grant Amount $4,222.00• City of Belleville, Republic County, Grant Amount $9,360.00• City of Beloit Parks and Recreation, Mitchell County, Grant Amount $808.50• City of Bentley, Sedgwick County, Grant Amount $4,294.50• City of Caney, Montgomery County, Grant Amount $11,922.21• City of Chetopa, Labette County, Grant Amount $7,842.00• City of Dodge City Parks &amp; Recreation, Ford County, Grant Amount $37,895.80• City of Edgerton, Johnson County, Grant Amount $24,791.36• City of Eudora, Douglas County, Grant Amount $875.00• City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Grant Amount $15,600.00• City of Garden Plain, Sedgwick County, Grant Amount $2,072.5• City of Garnett, Anderson County, Grant Amount $12,675.00• City of Greensburg, Kiowa County, Grant Amount $3,153.5• City of Harveyville, Wabaunsee County, Grant Amount $1,677.00• City of Havensville, Pottawatomie County, Grant Amount $2,747.00• City of Hays Parks Department, Ellis County, Grant Amount $8,142.00• City of Howard, Elk County, Grant Amount $11,949.45• City of Jewell, Jewell County, Grant Amount $3,120.00• City of Kingman, Kingman County, Grant Amount $7,343.12• City of Lebo, Coffey County, Grant Amount $14,175.45• City of Longton, Elk County, Grant Amount $567.00• City of McCune, Crawford County, Grant Amount $1,428.00• City of Melvern, Osage County, Grant Amount $7,505.66• City of Montezuma, Gray County, Grant Amount $3,328.00• City of Osage, Osage County, Grant Amount $4,416.00• City of Ottawa, Franklin County, Grant Amount $32,938.90• City of Overbrook, Osage County, Grant Amount $1,922.50• City of Prairie Village, Johnson County, Grant Amount $20,715.21• City of Randall, Jewell County, Grant Amount $880.00• City of Salina, Saline County, Grant Amount $13,502.50• City of Stockton, Rooks County, Grant Amount $34,951.00• City of Valley Falls, Jefferson County, Grant Amount $8,226.00• City of Washington, Washington County, Grant Amount $2,887.00• City of Wellington, Sumner County, Grant Amount $19,354.54• City of Whitting, Jackson County, Grant Amount $14,133.10• City of Williamsburg, Franklin County, Grant Amount $1,681.00• Gertrude Walker Elementary, Finney County, Grant Amount $2,188.00• Lakemary Center, Johnson County, Grant Amount $40,155.00• Most Pure Heart of Mary School, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $13,847.64• Shawnee County Parks &amp; Rec, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $12,431.59• USD #216 Deerfield, Kearney County, Grant Amount $8,048.50• USD #252, Southern Lyon County, Grant Amount $18,800.47• USD #327 United School District, Ellsworth County, Grant Amount $20,568.50• USD #330 Mission Valley School District, Wabaunsee County, Grant Amount $3,960.00• USD #345 Seaman School District, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $2,735.00• USD #385 Sunflower Elementary, Butler County, Grant Amount $994.00• USD #408 Recreation, Marion County, Grant Amount $3,282.00• USD #462 Central Elementary USD, Cowley County, Grant Amount $14,075.00• USD #469 Inclusive Playground Committee, Leavenworth County, Grant Amount $32,188.88• USD #479 Stephanie Edgerton, Anderson County, Grant Amount $766.50• USD #509 South Haven School, Sumner County, Grant Amount $2,457.00Please visit our website for information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzcwMC9XYXN0ZS1SZWR1Y3Rpb24tUHVibGljLUVkdWNhdGlvbi1HcmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxNi45MzQyMTAwMSJ9.uRlH4DPI-6qnbZTF_YacSgQbAx5_MHTW3ko6BuGBGLE/s/1305913623/br/240814285388-l">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/700/Waste-Reduction-Public-Education-Grants</a>

KDHE announces Hays, Stockton recipients of waste tire product grants

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the economic impact of Fort Hays State University.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses FHSU's economic impact" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:450px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3u4ea-15efa00-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=450" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the economic impact of Fort Hays State University.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses FHSU's economic impact

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

PLAINVILLE — House Speaker Dan Hawkins faced criticism from rural health officials and residents last week when he traveled to Plainville to speak in opposition of Medicaid expansion.

Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, addressed Rooks County Republicans during an April 11 gathering at Plainville’s Township Hall. The evening included a meal provided by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative lobbying group.

The GOP leader is fiercely opposed to Medicaid expansion, which would provide health care coverage to an estimated 152,000 low-income Kansans, and to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s efforts to promote the policy.

The town hall-style meeting was in part a response to local debates over the idea, a flurry of letters to the editor in the Plainville Times and vocal support for expansion by Mark Schaukowitch, a Plainville resident. The Rooks County Conservative Alliance invited Hawkins to speak.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/00c82adb-f823-4f4b-84e0-38fccb7bd846">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;LETTER: Speaker Hawkins’ 'truth' of Medicaid expansion</a>

Hawkins repeatedly made disputed claims about the impact of Medicaid expansion on Kansas taxpayers, struggling rural hospitals and employment.

“We don’t want to make a huge mistake,” Hawkins said, addressing the capacity crowd. “Medicaid expansion is a huge mistake.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/14/kansas-governor-unveils-revenue-neutral-medicaid-expansion-plan-with-work-requirement-2/">Kelly’s proposal for Medicaid expansion</a>&nbsp;includes a work requirement with exceptions for full-time students, veterans, caregivers, people with partial disabilities, and former foster kids. It includes a new surcharge for hospitals that would benefit from the influx of $700 million in federal cash. The Kansas Health Institute&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/22/new-estimate-predicts-medicaid-expansion-would-serve-152k-at-no-cost-to-state/">estimates the plan</a>&nbsp;would not cost the state anything for the first eight years.

But Hawkins said Kelly’s plan was “smoke and mirrors.” As he went through slides in a PowerPoint presentation, he fielded questions from audience members.

Beth Oller, a Plainville physician who runs a practice with her husband, Mike, took Hawkins to task for generalizing that doctors and those in the medical field oppose expansion. Oller said they are tired of turning patients away or having to base treatment on a patient’s ability to pay.

“I talk to doctors all the time,” Hawkins said.

“Not as many as I do,” Oller said, as the exchange grew heated.

“I didn’t come here for an argument,” Hawkins said.

Oller’s comments are consistent with more than 100 health professionals and administrators who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/16/100-kansas-hospital-and-clinic-executives-health-professionals-endorse-medicaid-expansion/">sent a letter in January</a>&nbsp;asking the Legislature to expand Medicaid.

Concerns over such confrontations prompted meeting organizers to ask for questions to be submitted.

Schaukowitch, the vocal supporter of Medicaid expansion from Plainville, asked Hawkins about his work as an insurance salesman.

“Can you address your conflict of interest?” Schaukowitch said.

“We have nothing to do with Medicaid,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://danhawkinskansas.com/about/">on his website</a>&nbsp;describes the Hawkins Group, which he owns, as “an employee benefits insurance agency.” His 2023 statement of substantial interests, which elected officials are required to file with the state, says he receives fees or commissions from United Healthcare, Vision Care Direct, Delta Dental of Kansas, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, among other insurance companies.

Members of the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature came to hear Hawkins speak. Members said expansion has long been important to them.

“It’s one of our top priorities,” said Steve Watts, the organization’s northwest Kansas chairman. “It is something we’ve supported since it was possible.”

According to Kelly, who scheduled a pro-expansion appearance at Hays Medical Center a few hours ahead of Hawkins’ speech 25 miles north of Hays, the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act would create 23,000 new jobs in Kansas.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/87dfa1c2-653b-462f-9be2-07f13b029fed">SEE RELATED STORY: Governor Kelly Tours HaysMed; relaunches 'Healthy Workers, Health Economy' Tour</a>

She included a work requirement in her proposal to address concerns raised by Hawkins and other opponents of Medicaid expansion, who say the program would serve “able-bodied adults.” In reality, most people who would benefit from Medicaid expansion are already working or suffer from chronic illness. They include small business owners and their employees, as well as students, cancer patients and those who need mental health treatment.

Hawkins said the governor’s work requirements are “a joke.”

Under Kelly’s proposal, people would have to prove they are employed in order to sign up for services and renew them each year. The state health secretary would develop exceptions to allow enrollment by full-time students, caretakers, veterans and those with medical conditions.

However, Hawkins said, an applicant who only has to reapply once a year only has to prove they had one paycheck.

“Nowhere in that work requirement does it say you have to work a certain number of hours,” he said.

He claimed that “workforce participation will decline” and that Medicaid expansion would be an incentive not to work. Those concerns have not been realized in the 40 states that have already expanded Medicaid. According to the Kansas Health Institute,&nbsp;68.9% of adults who would qualify are already working.

Hawkins said some of the people in the target group for Medicaid expansion are already eligible for coverage through their employer or the Affordable Care Act. Those individuals would be taken off of private plans and placed into the government program, he said.

Kansas’ version of Medicaid, known as KanCare, is available to children, their parents, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. Only those who earn less than 38% of the federal poverty level are eligible. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $11,400.

Under the ACA, the federal government covers 90% of the cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. The annual income threshold for a family of four would be $41,400.

Hospital administrators say Medicaid expansion will have a dramatic positive impact on their bottom line. But Hawkins claimed they won’t actually see a benefit by adding services at Medicaid reimbursement rates.

In Kansas, eight rural hospitals have closed since 2015. Another 27 have been operating at a loss for the past three years and are at immediate risk of closing,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Data1.html">according to data</a>&nbsp;from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.

Hawkins said the state has to set priorities: Does it want Medicaid expansion or good roads and quality schools?

“Once you have this, you’re not going to get rid of it,” he said, because there would be too much political fallout with trying to reverse course.

Kansas is losing population and federal COVID relief money will eventually dry up, Hawkins said. He also claimed there is no proof that expansion will do anything to improve health care outcomes.

“There’s no magic pot of money. We’re going to have to pay the piper,” he said. “You should say no because you are the ones who are going to have to pay for it.”

Mike McCorkle, a Democrat who is challenging Hawkins for his Wichita district seat, traveled 200 miles to hear Hawkins speak.

Hawkins introduced McCorkle to the crowd.

“We’re going to have a good campaign,” Hawkins said. “Some of you are going to agree with me and some of you are going to disagree, and that’s OK.”

Hawkins said he has been willing to “work across the aisle” and that divisions within the Legislature are not as bad as portrayed by news media.

“Don’t believe everything you hear about,” Hawkins said.

McCorkle didn’t offer any remarks. He just sat in the audience.

The Senate is scheduled to consider a motion to debate the governor’s proposal when lawmakers return next week.

Earlier this session, Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson allowed committee hearings on Medicaid expansion for the first time in four years.

According to testimony in those hearings, at least 70% of registered voters in Kansas support Medicaid expansion. That includes a slight majority of Republican primary voters and 83% of small business owners.

All of the states bordering Kansas have expanded Medicaid.

“We have left more than $7 billion in Washington, D.C., as one of the last 10 states to expand Medicaid,” Kelly said this week after a meeting on Medicaid expansion with law enforcement officials in Topeka. “This influx of funding would have an enormous impact by decreasing the financial burden on our jails and county taxpayers and increasing access to mental health care services for all Kansans. When the Legislature reconvenes next week, it is time for legislators to debate and vote on Medicaid expansion.”

RELATED STORY: See the latest on what your legislators are saying about Medicaid expansion:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/77c80d94-0150-48fe-b50f-f2f6f7ab6e3e">No rest for local legislators between adjournment, upcoming veto session in Topeka</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713542737579.jpeg" alt="House Speaker Dan Hawkins chats with attendees of a town hall meeting April 11, 2024, in Plainville. Hawkins outlined his opposition to Medicaid expansion during the gathering organized by Rooks County Republicans. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Dan Hawkins chats with attendees of a town hall meeting April 11, 2024, in Plainville. Hawkins outlined his opposition to Medicaid expansion during the gathering organized by Rooks County Republicans. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>PLAINVILLE — House Speaker Dan Hawkins faced criticism from rural health officials and residents last week when he traveled to Plainville to speak in opposition of Medicaid expansion.Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, addressed Rooks County Republicans during an April 11 gathering at Plainville’s Township Hall. The evening included a meal provided by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative lobbying group.The GOP leader is fiercely opposed to Medicaid expansion, which would provide health care coverage to an estimated 152,000 low-income Kansans, and to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s efforts to promote the policy.The town hall-style meeting was in part a response to local debates over the idea, a flurry of letters to the editor in the Plainville Times and vocal support for expansion by Mark Schaukowitch, a Plainville resident. The Rooks County Conservative Alliance invited Hawkins to speak.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/00c82adb-f823-4f4b-84e0-38fccb7bd846">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;LETTER: Speaker Hawkins’ 'truth' of Medicaid expansion</a>Hawkins repeatedly made disputed claims about the impact of Medicaid expansion on Kansas taxpayers, struggling rural hospitals and employment.“We don’t want to make a huge mistake,” Hawkins said, addressing the capacity crowd. “Medicaid expansion is a huge mistake.”<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/14/kansas-governor-unveils-revenue-neutral-medicaid-expansion-plan-with-work-requirement-2/">Kelly’s proposal for Medicaid expansion</a>&nbsp;includes a work requirement with exceptions for full-time students, veterans, caregivers, people with partial disabilities, and former foster kids. It includes a new surcharge for hospitals that would benefit from the influx of $700 million in federal cash. The Kansas Health Institute&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/22/new-estimate-predicts-medicaid-expansion-would-serve-152k-at-no-cost-to-state/">estimates the plan</a>&nbsp;would not cost the state anything for the first eight years.But Hawkins said Kelly’s plan was “smoke and mirrors.” As he went through slides in a PowerPoint presentation, he fielded questions from audience members.And audience members pushed back.Beth Oller, a Plainville physician who runs a practice with her husband, Mike, took Hawkins to task for generalizing that doctors and those in the medical field oppose expansion. Oller said they are tired of turning patients away or having to base treatment on a patient’s ability to pay.“I talk to doctors all the time,” Hawkins said.“Not as many as I do,” Oller said, as the exchange grew heated.“I didn’t come here for an argument,” Hawkins said.Oller’s comments are consistent with more than 100 health professionals and administrators who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/16/100-kansas-hospital-and-clinic-executives-health-professionals-endorse-medicaid-expansion/">sent a letter in January</a>&nbsp;asking the Legislature to expand Medicaid.Concerns over such confrontations prompted meeting organizers to ask for questions to be submitted.Schaukowitch, the vocal supporter of Medicaid expansion from Plainville, asked Hawkins about his work as an insurance salesman.“Can you address your conflict of interest?” Schaukowitch said.“We have nothing to do with Medicaid,” Hawkins said.Hawkins&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://danhawkinskansas.com/about/">on his website</a>&nbsp;describes the Hawkins Group, which he owns, as “an employee benefits insurance agency.” His 2023 statement of substantial interests, which elected officials are required to file with the state, says he receives fees or commissions from United Healthcare, Vision Care Direct, Delta Dental of Kansas, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, among other insurance companies.Members of the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature came to hear Hawkins speak. Members said expansion has long been important to them.“It’s one of our top priorities,” said Steve Watts, the organization’s northwest Kansas chairman. “It is something we’ve supported since it was possible.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713542817611.jpeg" alt="A capacity crowd on April 11, 2024, filled the Plainville Township Hall to hear House Speaker Dan Hawkins talk about Medicaid expansion. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A capacity crowd on April 11, 2024, filled the Plainville Township Hall to hear House Speaker Dan Hawkins talk about Medicaid expansion. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Making his case</h2>According to Kelly, who scheduled a pro-expansion appearance at Hays Medical Center a few hours ahead of Hawkins’ speech 25 miles north of Hays, the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act would create 23,000 new jobs in Kansas.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/87dfa1c2-653b-462f-9be2-07f13b029fed">SEE RELATED STORY: Governor Kelly Tours HaysMed; relaunches 'Healthy Workers, Health Economy' Tour</a>She included a work requirement in her proposal to address concerns raised by Hawkins and other opponents of Medicaid expansion, who say the program would serve “able-bodied adults.” In reality, most people who would benefit from Medicaid expansion are already working or suffer from chronic illness. They include small business owners and their employees, as well as students, cancer patients and those who need mental health treatment.Hawkins said the governor’s work requirements are “a joke.”Under Kelly’s proposal, people would have to prove they are employed in order to sign up for services and renew them each year. The state health secretary would develop exceptions to allow enrollment by full-time students, caretakers, veterans and those with medical conditions.However, Hawkins said, an applicant who only has to reapply once a year only has to prove they had one paycheck.“Nowhere in that work requirement does it say you have to work a certain number of hours,” he said.He claimed that “workforce participation will decline” and that Medicaid expansion would be an incentive not to work. Those concerns have not been realized in the 40 states that have already expanded Medicaid. According to the Kansas Health Institute,&nbsp;68.9% of adults who would qualify are already working.Hawkins said some of the people in the target group for Medicaid expansion are already eligible for coverage through their employer or the Affordable Care Act. Those individuals would be taken off of private plans and placed into the government program, he said.Kansas’ version of Medicaid, known as KanCare, is available to children, their parents, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. Only those who earn less than 38% of the federal poverty level are eligible. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $11,400.Under the ACA, the federal government covers 90% of the cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. The annual income threshold for a family of four would be $41,400.Hospital administrators say Medicaid expansion will have a dramatic positive impact on their bottom line. But Hawkins claimed they won’t actually see a benefit by adding services at Medicaid reimbursement rates.In Kansas, eight rural hospitals have closed since 2015. Another 27 have been operating at a loss for the past three years and are at immediate risk of closing,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Data1.html">according to data</a>&nbsp;from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.Hawkins said the state has to set priorities: Does it want Medicaid expansion or good roads and quality schools?“Once you have this, you’re not going to get rid of it,” he said, because there would be too much political fallout with trying to reverse course.Kansas is losing population and federal COVID relief money will eventually dry up, Hawkins said. He also claimed there is no proof that expansion will do anything to improve health care outcomes.“There’s no magic pot of money. We’re going to have to pay the piper,” he said. “You should say no because you are the ones who are going to have to pay for it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713542874199.jpeg" alt="Mike McCorkle, a Democratic challenger to GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins, speaks to Tonia Goertz, a reporter for the Plainville Times, before the presentation by Hawkins. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Mike McCorkle, a Democratic challenger to GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins, speaks to Tonia Goertz, a reporter for the Plainville Times, before the presentation by Hawkins. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Status of legislation</h2>Mike McCorkle, a Democrat who is challenging Hawkins for his Wichita district seat, traveled 200 miles to hear Hawkins speak.Hawkins introduced McCorkle to the crowd.“We’re going to have a good campaign,” Hawkins said. “Some of you are going to agree with me and some of you are going to disagree, and that’s OK.”Hawkins said he has been willing to “work across the aisle” and that divisions within the Legislature are not as bad as portrayed by news media.“Don’t believe everything you hear about,” Hawkins said.McCorkle didn’t offer any remarks. He just sat in the audience.The Senate is scheduled to consider a motion to debate the governor’s proposal when lawmakers return next week.Earlier this session, Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson allowed committee hearings on Medicaid expansion for the first time in four years.According to testimony in those hearings, at least 70% of registered voters in Kansas support Medicaid expansion. That includes a slight majority of Republican primary voters and 83% of small business owners.All of the states bordering Kansas have expanded Medicaid.“We have left more than $7 billion in Washington, D.C., as one of the last 10 states to expand Medicaid,” Kelly said this week after a meeting on Medicaid expansion with law enforcement officials in Topeka. “This influx of funding would have an enormous impact by decreasing the financial burden on our jails and county taxpayers and increasing access to mental health care services for all Kansans. When the Legislature reconvenes next week, it is time for legislators to debate and vote on Medicaid expansion.”RELATED STORY: See the latest on what your legislators are saying about Medicaid expansion:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/77c80d94-0150-48fe-b50f-f2f6f7ab6e3e">No rest for local legislators between adjournment, upcoming veto session in Topeka</a>

Kansas House speaker meets opposition as he makes case against Medicaid expansion in Plainville

Speaker of the Kansas House, Dan Hawkins, visited Plainville this [April 11] to reveal the “truth” of Medicaid expansion. Either his presentation was outdated, or he was not truthful. Either way, Hawkins’ presentation proved he cannot speak the truth.

Hawkins claims over 150,000 able-bodied adults “who are not working” will receive taxpayer-financed health care if Medicaid expansion becomes law. Able-bodied adults should just “get a job” that either provides health care benefits or enough wages to purchase a subsidized plan on the federal insurance market.

However, there are not 150,000 able-bodied adults “not working” in Kansas. The current unemployment rate is 2.7%. Kansas is home to just under 2.9 million people. Subtract children, retirees and the disabled from that number, and you’ll arrive at about 1.9 million able-bodied adults. Multiply 1.9 million by 0.027. You get 51,300 unemployed. The unemployed have access to COBRA if they lose their job or are already on Medicaid if their COBRA extension has run out.

This means Hawkins stood in front of about 100 people and used faulty information or directly lied. I prefer to be generous and assume he used old information. Either way, I would expect the Speaker of the Kansas House to have heard Kari Bruffett’s testimony in favor of Medicaid expansion during the March 20 hearings. Bruffett, the CEO of the nonpartisan Kansas Health Institute, testified about 40,000 children and 110,000 adults would receive health insurance through Medicaid expansion. Only 20,000 of those adults are “not working.” Further testimony in the hearing revealed these adults cannot work because they did not receive consistent treatment for varying ailments like cancer. They literally are not healthy enough, but could have been, had they been on Medicaid.

Why would Hawkins continue to oppose Medicaid expansion if the target population is working? I believe he has a conflict of interest. Hawkins sells health insurance to employers for the Conrade Group in Wichita. According to a study by KU, Kansas health insurance premiums went up 77% between 2012 and 2020, whereas states that have expanded Medicaid only saw an increase of 25%. Frankly, Medicaid expansion could decrease the yearly growth in Kansas’ health insurance premiums.

I’m not saying a decrease in your premium will happen if Medicaid expansion is passed. Nor am I saying that increases will go away. I simply saying the increases will most likely not be as much after a few years. Being an insurance salesman, Hawkins no doubt knows this. However, he probably does not want his lucrative health insurance business to make less money than it does now. Either that, or he really does not care that the “truth” of Medicaid expansion is that Governor Kelly’s legislation would employ more people, help hospitals and decrease Kansans’ health care costs.

— Mark Schaukowitch of Plainville

1. Kari Bruffett, Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act: Hearings on HR 2556, March 20, 2024, <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf">https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf</a>

2. Davut Ayan et al. “Economic Costs to Kansas Due to State’s Failure to Expand Medicaid,” REACH Foundation, May 2022, <a href="https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851">https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851</a>

Speaker of the Kansas House, Dan Hawkins, visited Plainville this [April 11] to reveal the “truth” of Medicaid expansion. Either his presentation was outdated, or he was not truthful. Either way, Hawkins’ presentation proved he cannot speak the truth.Hawkins claims over 150,000 able-bodied adults “who are not working” will receive taxpayer-financed health care if Medicaid expansion becomes law. Able-bodied adults should just “get a job” that either provides health care benefits or enough wages to purchase a subsidized plan on the federal insurance market.However, there are not 150,000 able-bodied adults “not working” in Kansas. The current unemployment rate is 2.7%. Kansas is home to just under 2.9 million people. Subtract children, retirees and the disabled from that number, and you’ll arrive at about 1.9 million able-bodied adults. Multiply 1.9 million by 0.027. You get 51,300 unemployed. The unemployed have access to COBRA if they lose their job or are already on Medicaid if their COBRA extension has run out.This means Hawkins stood in front of about 100 people and used faulty information or directly lied. I prefer to be generous and assume he used old information. Either way, I would expect the Speaker of the Kansas House to have heard Kari Bruffett’s testimony in favor of Medicaid expansion during the March 20 hearings. Bruffett, the CEO of the nonpartisan Kansas Health Institute, testified about 40,000 children and 110,000 adults would receive health insurance through Medicaid expansion. Only 20,000 of those adults are “not working.” Further testimony in the hearing revealed these adults cannot work because they did not receive consistent treatment for varying ailments like cancer. They literally are not healthy enough, but could have been, had they been on Medicaid.Why would Hawkins continue to oppose Medicaid expansion if the target population is working? I believe he has a conflict of interest. Hawkins sells health insurance to employers for the Conrade Group in Wichita. According to a study by KU, Kansas health insurance premiums went up 77% between 2012 and 2020, whereas states that have expanded Medicaid only saw an increase of 25%. Frankly, Medicaid expansion could decrease the yearly growth in Kansas’ health insurance premiums.I’m not saying a decrease in your premium will happen if Medicaid expansion is passed. Nor am I saying that increases will go away. I simply saying the increases will most likely not be as much after a few years. Being an insurance salesman, Hawkins no doubt knows this. However, he probably does not want his lucrative health insurance business to make less money than it does now. Either that, or he really does not care that the “truth” of Medicaid expansion is that Governor Kelly’s legislation would employ more people, help hospitals and decrease Kansans’ health care costs.— Mark Schaukowitch of PlainvilleSources Cited:1. Kari Bruffett, Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act: Hearings on HR 2556, March 20, 2024, <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf">https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf</a>2. Davut Ayan et al. “Economic Costs to Kansas Due to State’s Failure to Expand Medicaid,” REACH Foundation, May 2022, <a href="https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851">https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851</a>

LETTER: Speaker Hawkins’ 'truth' of Medicaid expansion

Old Iron is back after a 15-year break! As part of the 150th Anniversary of Rush County, Kansas, the people of Otis have resurrected Old Iron Days for a one-time encore celebration. The celebration will be held on April 26-28, 2024 in downtown Otis.

Events begin on Friday the 26th at 6 pm with a Pancake Feed sponsored by the Otis Lions Club under the People’s Bank tent in the Otis City Park. Live music will be provided by “Off Duty.” A free will offering will be taken.

On Saturday morning, events kick off with a car and antique tractor show from 10 am - 2 pm. Military vehicles will also be on display. There will be live blacksmithing demonstrations, and the Mountain Man Rendezvous will feature historical reenactments from the early 1800s. Food and craft vendors, games for the kids, and more will be set up downtown. The Rush County Historical Society will exhibit historical displays in the Senior Center from 10 am - 2 pm and after the parade. Balloons from the Messer Helium Plant will be available for the kids from 10 am – 12:00 pm.

At 2:30 pm, the parade kicks off on Main Street featuring tractors, cars, and floats from the late 1800s to the present. On Sunday, April 28, the celebration will conclude with a community worship service under the People’s Bank tent at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome.

The Otis Old Iron Days celebration was founded in 1987 as a vision of Jim Funk, Harry Schneider, Ory Petersilie, and&nbsp;Jenny Landers, of Otis. Their idea was to give antique farm equipment collectors a chance to showcase and celebrate these historic artifacts of the past while providing a day of fun and entertainment. The last Old Iron Days celebration was held in April 2011. Old Iron Days 2024 is sponsored by the Otis Lions Club.

Throughout 2024, Rush County is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a year-long celebration,&nbsp;The 150-Year Rush. On December 5, 1874, Kansas Governor Thomas Osborn signed a proclamation formally establishing Rush County, Kansas. To commemorate, special sesquicentennial events are being held each month throughout the county. All events are open to the public.

For more information, or a complete schedule of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/">www.rushcounty.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Rush County Economic Development at 785-222-2808 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:celebrate150@rushcounty.org">celebrate150@rushcounty.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659716953388.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOld Iron is back after a 15-year break! As part of the 150th Anniversary of Rush County, Kansas, the people of Otis have resurrected Old Iron Days for a one-time encore celebration. The celebration will be held on April 26-28, 2024 in downtown Otis.Events begin on Friday the 26th at 6 pm with a Pancake Feed sponsored by the Otis Lions Club under the People’s Bank tent in the Otis City Park. Live music will be provided by “Off Duty.” A free will offering will be taken.On Saturday morning, events kick off with a car and antique tractor show from 10 am - 2 pm. Military vehicles will also be on display. There will be live blacksmithing demonstrations, and the Mountain Man Rendezvous will feature historical reenactments from the early 1800s. Food and craft vendors, games for the kids, and more will be set up downtown. The Rush County Historical Society will exhibit historical displays in the Senior Center from 10 am - 2 pm and after the parade. Balloons from the Messer Helium Plant will be available for the kids from 10 am – 12:00 pm.At 2:30 pm, the parade kicks off on Main Street featuring tractors, cars, and floats from the late 1800s to the present. On Sunday, April 28, the celebration will conclude with a community worship service under the People’s Bank tent at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome.The Otis Old Iron Days celebration was founded in 1987 as a vision of Jim Funk, Harry Schneider, Ory Petersilie, and&nbsp;Jenny Landers, of Otis. Their idea was to give antique farm equipment collectors a chance to showcase and celebrate these historic artifacts of the past while providing a day of fun and entertainment. The last Old Iron Days celebration was held in April 2011. Old Iron Days 2024 is sponsored by the Otis Lions Club.Throughout 2024, Rush County is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a year-long celebration,&nbsp;The 150-Year Rush. On December 5, 1874, Kansas Governor Thomas Osborn signed a proclamation formally establishing Rush County, Kansas. To commemorate, special sesquicentennial events are being held each month throughout the county. All events are open to the public.For more information, or a complete schedule of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/">www.rushcounty.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Rush County Economic Development at 785-222-2808 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:celebrate150@rushcounty.org">celebrate150@rushcounty.org</a>.

Old Iron Days returns to Otis

The presidential primaries are unfolding quietly. Having clinched their party nominations early, Biden and Trump have shifted focus toward the general election.

From the start, a stubborn and sizeable percentage of Democrat and Republican primary voters have refused to endorse the front runners. Instead, they have voted for the alternatives.

The significance of these votes becomes clear in battleground states where lingering inter-party divisions could determine the general election outcome.

In the two crucial swing states of Georgia and Wisconsin, nearly 15 percent of Republican primary voters supported Nikki Haley.

Prior to that, Haley won 43 percent in New Hampshire, 27 percent in Michigan, and defeated Trump in Vermont.

Haley’s success was credited to open primaries where Independents and Democrats can participate.

However, in Arizona’s closed primary Haley still captured nearly 18 percent. And in the Florida and Kansas closed primaries, she locked up 14 and 16 percent, respectively.

In four of the five most populous Kansas counties, Haley’s percentages increased. She won 22 percent in Johnson, 18 percent in Sedgwick, 22 percent in Shawnee, and 26 percent in Douglas.

Adding in “none of the names shown” category, the statewide anti-Trump Kansas vote reached 21 percent or just over 20,000 GOP voters.

Meanwhile, a parallel trend is taking place among Democrats.

Biden’s decision to skip New Hampshire and award South Carolina the first primary spot disappointed many Granite State voters. As a result, Dean Phillips secured nearly 20 percent of the vote.

A few weeks later, over 100,000 Michigan Democrats cast uncommitted ballots protesting Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

In North Carolina the “no preference” option garnered nearly 90,000 votes. And in Kansas the “none of the names shown” option came in second place at 10 percent. The tally included almost 15 percent in solidly blue Douglas County and 8 percent in Johnson and Sedgwick counties. More recently, in pivotal swing state Wisconsin, 48,000 Democrats voted “uninstructed," twice the goal of the grassroots group Listen to Wisconsin that demanded policy changes over the war in Gaza. Another 17,000 voted for Phillips, who ended his campaign weeks before.

Clearly, thousands of Democrats and Republicans are using presidential primaries to express their dissatisfaction.

Yet neither nominee appears eager to reach out to the disaffected.

Trump remains steadfast in his unapologetic style that does not sit well with moderate Republicans but resonates with some Democrat leaning groups including working-class whites, Blacks and Latinos.

The Biden campaign seems focused on capturing the Haley block, investing in ads that showcase Trump’s offensive comments directed at Haley.

The reality is few disaffected primary voters will cross party lines. In matters of ideology and policy they are still closer to their party nominee than the opposition.

However, it’s possible they stay home on election day or continue to protest by other means. If protests occur during the summer – possibility at the party conventions, it could spell real trouble.

So as the primaries near their conclusion, let’s see whether Biden and Trump take the necessary steps to unify their parties.

The presidential primaries are unfolding quietly. Having clinched their party nominations early, Biden and Trump have shifted focus toward the general election.Yet all is not well.From the start, a stubborn and sizeable percentage of Democrat and Republican primary voters have refused to endorse the front runners. Instead, they have voted for the alternatives.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Mark R. Joslyn" />
 <figcaption>Mark R. Joslyn</figcaption>
 </figure>The significance of these votes becomes clear in battleground states where lingering inter-party divisions could determine the general election outcome.In the two crucial swing states of Georgia and Wisconsin, nearly 15 percent of Republican primary voters supported Nikki Haley.This after she had quit the race.Prior to that, Haley won 43 percent in New Hampshire, 27 percent in Michigan, and defeated Trump in Vermont.Haley’s success was credited to open primaries where Independents and Democrats can participate.However, in Arizona’s closed primary Haley still captured nearly 18 percent. And in the Florida and Kansas closed primaries, she locked up 14 and 16 percent, respectively.In four of the five most populous Kansas counties, Haley’s percentages increased. She won 22 percent in Johnson, 18 percent in Sedgwick, 22 percent in Shawnee, and 26 percent in Douglas.Adding in “none of the names shown” category, the statewide anti-Trump Kansas vote reached 21 percent or just over 20,000 GOP voters.Meanwhile, a parallel trend is taking place among Democrats.Biden’s decision to skip New Hampshire and award South Carolina the first primary spot disappointed many Granite State voters. As a result, Dean Phillips secured nearly 20 percent of the vote.A few weeks later, over 100,000 Michigan Democrats cast uncommitted ballots protesting Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.In North Carolina the “no preference” option garnered nearly 90,000 votes. And in Kansas the “none of the names shown” option came in second place at 10 percent. The tally included almost 15 percent in solidly blue Douglas County and 8 percent in Johnson and Sedgwick counties. More recently, in pivotal swing state Wisconsin, 48,000 Democrats voted “uninstructed," twice the goal of the grassroots group Listen to Wisconsin that demanded policy changes over the war in Gaza. Another 17,000 voted for Phillips, who ended his campaign weeks before.Clearly, thousands of Democrats and Republicans are using presidential primaries to express their dissatisfaction.Yet neither nominee appears eager to reach out to the disaffected.Trump remains steadfast in his unapologetic style that does not sit well with moderate Republicans but resonates with some Democrat leaning groups including working-class whites, Blacks and Latinos.The Biden campaign seems focused on capturing the Haley block, investing in ads that showcase Trump’s offensive comments directed at Haley.The reality is few disaffected primary voters will cross party lines. In matters of ideology and policy they are still closer to their party nominee than the opposition.However, it’s possible they stay home on election day or continue to protest by other means. If protests occur during the summer – possibility at the party conventions, it could spell real trouble.So as the primaries near their conclusion, let’s see whether Biden and Trump take the necessary steps to unify their parties.&nbsp;— Mark R. Joslyn

INSIGHT: Protest votes signal troubles for Biden, Trump

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713644901306.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>

Numerous career opportunities available at Commerce Virtual Job Fair

The&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;has announced a partnership with Kansas State University to offer attendees of the leadership program three hours of college credit at a significant discount. This year’s ALBSK will be Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, on KSU’s campus in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU and 86th overall.

Kansas State is offering two sections of Introduction to Political Science (POLSC 110) specifically for Kansas Boys State attendees. Attending KBS will fulfill a portion of the course requirements with additional course work assigned by the instructor, Nate Birkhead, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. KBS attendees wishing to take advantage of this course will be enrolled as a KSU student, but they do not have to attend K-State as the credit hours will be transferable. The tuition for the course will be $366 (payable to K-State), a nearly 70 percent savings over the regular three-hour online tuition rate of $1,181.25. KBS attendees should contact their school guidance counselor to enroll in the course.

In addition, Kansas Boys State attendees also have the opportunity to earn two scholarships — the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, worth up to $10,000, and the Boys State of Kansas Director’s Scholarship, worth up to $1,500. For more information on the Samsung Scholarship, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legion.org/scholarships/samsung">legion.org/scholarships/samsung</a>; for more information on the KBS Director’s Scholarship, e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 550-6492.

The American Legion&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community,&nbsp;state&nbsp;and nation.&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the&nbsp;state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The ALBSK program is for individuals who will complete their junior or sophomore year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. The cost to attend Kansas&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or the family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2024 session should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2024 program is Tuesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate/">ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate</a>. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 550-6492.

For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksgirlsstate.org/">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.

SubmittedThe&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;has announced a partnership with Kansas State University to offer attendees of the leadership program three hours of college credit at a significant discount. This year’s ALBSK will be Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, on KSU’s campus in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU and 86th overall.Kansas State is offering two sections of Introduction to Political Science (POLSC 110) specifically for Kansas Boys State attendees. Attending KBS will fulfill a portion of the course requirements with additional course work assigned by the instructor, Nate Birkhead, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. KBS attendees wishing to take advantage of this course will be enrolled as a KSU student, but they do not have to attend K-State as the credit hours will be transferable. The tuition for the course will be $366 (payable to K-State), a nearly 70 percent savings over the regular three-hour online tuition rate of $1,181.25. KBS attendees should contact their school guidance counselor to enroll in the course.In addition, Kansas Boys State attendees also have the opportunity to earn two scholarships — the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, worth up to $10,000, and the Boys State of Kansas Director’s Scholarship, worth up to $1,500. For more information on the Samsung Scholarship, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legion.org/scholarships/samsung">legion.org/scholarships/samsung</a>; for more information on the KBS Director’s Scholarship, e-mail&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or call (785) 550-6492.The American Legion&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community,&nbsp;state&nbsp;and nation.&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the&nbsp;state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.The ALBSK program is for individuals who will complete their junior or sophomore year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. The cost to attend Kansas&nbsp;Boys State&nbsp;is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or the family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2024 session should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2024 program is Tuesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate/">ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate</a>. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 550-6492.For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksgirlsstate.org/">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.

Boys State of Kansas offering college credit, scholarships for attendees

By RAYMOND CLOYD K-State Extension Specialist in Horticultural Entomology

Brood 19 (XIX) and 13 (XIII) of the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada, will be emerging from certain areas in a number of states in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States but Kansas is not on the list for either cicada.

Periodical cicadas are insects with a 13- or 17-year life cycle depending on geography. Seventeen year life cycles are affiliated with the northern and western regions of the United States whereas 13 year life cycles are associated with the southern regions of the United States. Periodical cicadas have the longest life cycle of any insect, spending almost all their lives as nymphs underground that feed on the xylem (water conducting tissues) of plant roots. From April to June, millions of periodical cicada nymphs will emerge from the soil in an area in almost “perfect synchrony.” The factors responsible for the synchronized emergence are still not well understood.

Each periodical cicada emergence is referred to as a brood with each brood represented by a Roman numeral. There are 30 broods. Seventeen-year periodical cicada broods are designated I to XVII- and 13-year periodical cicada broods are designated XVIII to XXX. Different species are associated with the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada life cycles.

Periodical cicada nymphs undergo five instars (stages between each molt). Early instars are translucent or cream colored, and resemble ants or termites. The later instars are over 1 inch in length and move through the soil feeding on the xylem tissue of plant roots for 13 or 17 years. From April to June, fifth instar nymphs emerge from the soil and crawl onto tree trunks, posts, or other objects. The nymphs remain stationary, and then transition into adults that emerge from the hardened exoskeleton of the nymph. These exoskeletons are present long after adult populations have declined. Adults are 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, black, with red eyes and legs, and have orange veined wings that are held roof like over the body. Adults are active for four to six weeks. In the

first two weeks after emergence, adult females and males congregate at chorus centers, which are locations where males sing and mating occurs. Each mated female disperses from the chorus center and creates a series of slits or egg nests, using her sawlike ovipositor (egg laying device), along the length of 1/4 to 1/2-inch diameter twigs or branches of trees. A female can lay 20 to 30 eggs into each slit or egg nest, with each female capable of laying up to 600 eggs during her six week lifespan. Eggs are laid into the twigs or branches of a number of different trees including: ash, elm, hickory, and oak.

Nymphs emerge (eclose) from the eggs after six to 10 weeks and fall onto the soil surface. The nymphs then enter the soil and start feeding on plant roots. Periodical cicada nymphs are the only insect known to feed on the xylem tissue of plant roots. The nymphs will remain in the soil for 13 or 17 years.

The main plant damage caused by the periodical cicada is associated with egg laying wounds created by females when using their sawlike ovipositor to lay eggs into twigs or small branches. Twig or branch dieback, or flagging may be noticeable later on in the growing season, especially on large trees, such as, oaks. Young, newly planted trees can be substantially damaged or even killed. For those interested, the next brood of periodical cicada to emerge in Kansas will be Brood IV (17 year life cycle), which is scheduled to emerge in 2032.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706040197223.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RAYMOND CLOYD K-State Extension Specialist in Horticultural EntomologyBrood 19 (XIX) and 13 (XIII) of the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada, will be emerging from certain areas in a number of states in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States but Kansas is not on the list for either cicada.Periodical cicadas are insects with a 13- or 17-year life cycle depending on geography. Seventeen year life cycles are affiliated with the northern and western regions of the United States whereas 13 year life cycles are associated with the southern regions of the United States. Periodical cicadas have the longest life cycle of any insect, spending almost all their lives as nymphs underground that feed on the xylem (water conducting tissues) of plant roots. From April to June, millions of periodical cicada nymphs will emerge from the soil in an area in almost “perfect synchrony.” The factors responsible for the synchronized emergence are still not well understood.Each periodical cicada emergence is referred to as a brood with each brood represented by a Roman numeral. There are 30 broods. Seventeen-year periodical cicada broods are designated I to XVII- and 13-year periodical cicada broods are designated XVIII to XXX. Different species are associated with the 13- and 17-year periodical cicada life cycles.Periodical cicada nymphs undergo five instars (stages between each molt). Early instars are translucent or cream colored, and resemble ants or termites. The later instars are over 1 inch in length and move through the soil feeding on the xylem tissue of plant roots for 13 or 17 years. From April to June, fifth instar nymphs emerge from the soil and crawl onto tree trunks, posts, or other objects. The nymphs remain stationary, and then transition into adults that emerge from the hardened exoskeleton of the nymph. These exoskeletons are present long after adult populations have declined. Adults are 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, black, with red eyes and legs, and have orange veined wings that are held roof like over the body. Adults are active for four to six weeks. In thefirst two weeks after emergence, adult females and males congregate at chorus centers, which are locations where males sing and mating occurs. Each mated female disperses from the chorus center and creates a series of slits or egg nests, using her sawlike ovipositor (egg laying device), along the length of 1/4 to 1/2-inch diameter twigs or branches of trees. A female can lay 20 to 30 eggs into each slit or egg nest, with each female capable of laying up to 600 eggs during her six week lifespan. Eggs are laid into the twigs or branches of a number of different trees including: ash, elm, hickory, and oak.Nymphs emerge (eclose) from the eggs after six to 10 weeks and fall onto the soil surface. The nymphs then enter the soil and start feeding on plant roots. Periodical cicada nymphs are the only insect known to feed on the xylem tissue of plant roots. The nymphs will remain in the soil for 13 or 17 years.The main plant damage caused by the periodical cicada is associated with egg laying wounds created by females when using their sawlike ovipositor to lay eggs into twigs or small branches. Twig or branch dieback, or flagging may be noticeable later on in the growing season, especially on large trees, such as, oaks. Young, newly planted trees can be substantially damaged or even killed. For those interested, the next brood of periodical cicada to emerge in Kansas will be Brood IV (17 year life cycle), which is scheduled to emerge in 2032.

COTTONWOOD: 13 and 17 year periodical cicada emergence

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713562013168.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>

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with CASA of the High Plains executive director&nbsp;Jan Johnson.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HiZHgSSbXgE?si=TxdJjOj7HZupVOv2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with CASA of the High Plains executive director&nbsp;Jan Johnson.

🎤Forward Ever: CASA of the High Plains executive director Jan Johnson

On this episode of The Post Podcast KKQY 101.9 The Bull Morning Show host Mike Holliday speaks with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus about the Home on the Range Cabin Celebration in Smith Center Saturday.

<div><iframe title="Superbowl champs plan Smith Center visit Saturday" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jbcmm-15ee027-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of The Post Podcast KKQY 101.9 The Bull Morning Show host Mike Holliday speaks with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus about the Home on the Range Cabin Celebration in Smith Center Saturday.

🎙 Post Podcast: NFL champs plan Smith Center visit Saturday

FHSU crime log April 13-19, 2024

TMP-Marian vs Abilene Friday, April 19 – 4:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - TMP Field

Radio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/1053523"> CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs returns home Friday afternoon for a battle of ranked teams as they host the Abilene Cowboys.

TMP has won four straight, after sweeping Goodland last Thursday. The Monarchs are ranked No. 5 this week in class 2-1A.

The host an Abilene team that has won eight straight and coming off a sweep of the top ranked team in 4A Clay Center.

The Cowboys are ranked 4th in 4A at 11-1.

First pitch of the first game of the doubleheader is set for 4 p.m. with the second game to follow from TMP Field on the Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs Abilene Friday, April 19 – 4:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - TMP FieldRadio: KHAZ (99.5) <a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/1053523"> CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs returns home Friday afternoon for a battle of ranked teams as they host the Abilene Cowboys.TMP has won four straight, after sweeping Goodland last Thursday. The Monarchs are ranked No. 5 this week in class 2-1A.The host an Abilene team that has won eight straight and coming off a sweep of the top ranked team in 4A Clay Center.The Cowboys are ranked 4th in 4A at 11-1.TMP is 10-2.First pitch of the first game of the doubleheader is set for 4 p.m. with the second game to follow from TMP Field on the Monarchs Sports Network.

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Abilene

Unemployment declined slightly in Ellis County in March from 2.4% in February to 2.2%.

The jobless rate in Trego County dropped a full percentage point from 4.7% to 3.7%.

The unemployment rate in the rest of northwest Kansas remains low at 3.1 percent or less for March.

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.7 percent for Kansas in March. This is unchanged from 2.7% in February and unchanged from 2.7% in March 2023.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 6,400 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 5,500 over the month, while government increased by 900.

Since March 2023, Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 21,800. This change is due to an increase of 16,400 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,400 government jobs.

Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for March 2024, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. The data collected for this report references the week including March 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713554374251.png" alt="March unemployment numbers" />
 <figcaption>March unemployment numbers</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of LaborUnemployment declined slightly in Ellis County in March from 2.4% in February to 2.2%.The jobless rate in Trego County dropped a full percentage point from 4.7% to 3.7%.The unemployment rate in the rest of northwest Kansas remains low at 3.1 percent or less for March.Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.7 percent for Kansas in March. This is unchanged from 2.7% in February and unchanged from 2.7% in March 2023.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 6,400 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 5,500 over the month, while government increased by 900.Since March 2023, Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 21,800. This change is due to an increase of 16,400 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,400 government jobs.Technical Note:&nbsp;This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for March 2024, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. The data collected for this report references the week including March 12.

Jobless rate dips slighting in Ellis County in March; 1% drop in Trego County

Hays Police Department arrest log, April 7-13, 2024

Hays Police Department activity log: April 7-13, 2024

Friends of Hays Public Library Book Sale today, Saturday

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Donna Riedel of Ellis!

She heard the code word on 101.9 The Bull.

Listen in at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. of 3 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX, 103.3 KJLS, 101.9 The Bull, 99.5 KZ Country, or 94.3 KAYS Monday through Friday during the month of April for your chance to win.

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Donna Riedel of Ellis!She heard the code word on 101.9 The Bull.Listen in at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. of 3 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX, 103.3 KJLS, 101.9 The Bull, 99.5 KZ Country, or 94.3 KAYS Monday through Friday during the month of April for your chance to win.<div><div data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="4c69b1bf-6d78-4d05-a3a5-0d499f7a715c" data-routing="hash" data-script="k2a5fp"></div>
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