All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724699319635.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a><figure>
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

Ellis County Jail bookings, Oct. 15-21, 2024

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 275 incidents Oct. 15-21, 2024, according to the activity report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444921352.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 275 incidents Oct. 15-21, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activity log, Oct. 15-21, 2024

By RORY MOORE Special to the Hays Post

Big Boy No. 4104, the largest operating steam locomotive in the world, passed through Hays in front of a crowd of hundreds on Sunday morning.

The famous 83-year-old steam engine stopped in town before leaving for Grainfield as part of its Heartland of America Tour through nine states.

Big Boy announced its arrival when it tooted its whistle to many excited families who gathered to watch the train as it stopped on the tracks along the intersection of Ninth and Milner streets.

Many had seen it before, while others saw it for the first time.

Rick Stapleton of Dodge City had seen other iterations of Big Boy in museums but had yet to see it in motion.

“It’s a tremendous locomotive, and I’ve always wanted to see one move and feel the noise,” he said. “I’ve seen one at a museum in Denver and one on the bluffs above the Missouri River at Omaha.”

The train is one of 25 Big Boy locomotives manufactured by the American Locomotive Company and Union Pacific to transport freight across the country, primarily through the Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah and the Rocky Mountain Range in Colorado.

Introduced to the railroad industry in the 1940s, the powerful train became reliable because of its power. It is part of Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet, which has been running a restoration project on it since 2013.B

Built in 1941, the No. 4104 locomotive weighs 1.2 million pounds and is 132 feet long. The Heritage Fleet retired it in 1961, and Union Pacific returned it to service in 2019.

Big Boy is one of the few remaining operative steam engines in the world, making the experience unique for many of its younger spectators who are used to modern trains that run on fuel and electricity.&nbsp;

“It’s really impressive with them blowing the whistle and how loud it got,” Dale Highfill of Hays said. “It kind of surprised everybody.”

People of all ages have admired the train due to its previous visits to Hays, particularly in 2019 when its appearance was illuminated by snowfall. Its popularity and yearly trips prompt many to travel out of town to observe the locomotive in person.

“I’ve talked to people that spent as much as two and a half hours to get here to see it,” Highfill said. “That’s quite a length of time just to come here to watch this, and after they do, they won’t forget it.”

For older spectators like Highfill, Big Boy’s stop in Hays brings back memories from growing up with older technology and watching it evolve.

“This kind of gives away your age,” he said. “When my great-great-grandfather and me watched these doing work down in Oklahoma, not this one but something similar. 

"He would go about how he walked, and then he was on horseback and then he was in that land rush. We got airplanes and automobiles, and he was wondering what was going to happen in our lifetime. I'm sitting here thinking we're back to the train."

Another factor driving people’s anticipation of the tour is their amazement at Big Boy’s size and appearance.

"Everybody seems a little bit surprised because I think the size gets them," Highfill said. "If you look at their faces, they've all got a grin, and they're happy. It's a big black train, so it stands out as pretty impressive to them."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729474219888.jpeg" alt="Big Boy No. 4104 blows steam as it sits on the train tracks. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Big Boy No. 4104 blows steam as it sits on the train tracks. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By RORY MOORE Special to the Hays PostBig Boy No. 4104, the largest operating steam locomotive in the world, passed through Hays in front of a crowd of hundreds on Sunday morning.The famous 83-year-old steam engine stopped in town before leaving for Grainfield as part of its Heartland of America Tour through nine states.Big Boy announced its arrival when it tooted its whistle to many excited families who gathered to watch the train as it stopped on the tracks along the intersection of Ninth and Milner streets.Many had seen it before, while others saw it for the first time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729474374683.jpeg" alt="People admire the large locomotive as it sits.&nbsp;Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>People admire the large locomotive as it sits.&nbsp;Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Rick Stapleton of Dodge City had seen other iterations of Big Boy in museums but had yet to see it in motion.“It’s a tremendous locomotive, and I’ve always wanted to see one move and feel the noise,” he said. “I’ve seen one at a museum in Denver and one on the bluffs above the Missouri River at Omaha.”The train is one of 25 Big Boy locomotives manufactured by the American Locomotive Company and Union Pacific to transport freight across the country, primarily through the Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah and the Rocky Mountain Range in Colorado.Introduced to the railroad industry in the 1940s, the powerful train became reliable because of its power. It is part of Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet, which has been running a restoration project on it since 2013.B<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729474541767.jpeg" alt="Big Boy is one of the few operating steam engines in the world.&nbsp;Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Big Boy is one of the few operating steam engines in the world.&nbsp;Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Built in 1941, the No. 4104 locomotive weighs 1.2 million pounds and is 132 feet long. The Heritage Fleet retired it in 1961, and Union Pacific returned it to service in 2019.Big Boy is one of the few remaining operative steam engines in the world, making the experience unique for many of its younger spectators who are used to modern trains that run on fuel and electricity.&nbsp;“It’s really impressive with them blowing the whistle and how loud it got,” Dale Highfill of Hays said. “It kind of surprised everybody.”People of all ages have admired the train due to its previous visits to Hays, particularly in 2019 when its appearance was illuminated by snowfall. Its popularity and yearly trips prompt many to travel out of town to observe the locomotive in person.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729474657231.jpeg" alt="Big Boy memorabilia is sold next to the train tracks.&nbsp;Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Big Boy memorabilia is sold next to the train tracks.&nbsp;Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“I’ve talked to people that spent as much as two and a half hours to get here to see it,” Highfill said. “That’s quite a length of time just to come here to watch this, and after they do, they won’t forget it.”For older spectators like Highfill, Big Boy’s stop in Hays brings back memories from growing up with older technology and watching it evolve.“This kind of gives away your age,” he said. “When my great-great-grandfather and me watched these doing work down in Oklahoma, not this one but something similar. "He would go about how he walked, and then he was on horseback and then he was in that land rush. We got airplanes and automobiles, and he was wondering what was going to happen in our lifetime. I'm sitting here thinking we're back to the train."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729474744280.jpeg" alt="Union Pacific crewmen operate the train during the Heartland of America Tour. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Union Pacific crewmen operate the train during the Heartland of America Tour. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Another factor driving people’s anticipation of the tour is their amazement at Big Boy’s size and appearance."Everybody seems a little bit surprised because I think the size gets them," Highfill said. "If you look at their faces, they've all got a grin, and they're happy. It's a big black train, so it stands out as pretty impressive to them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729474849373.jpeg" alt="Big Boy emits steam for a crowd of onlookers. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Big Boy emits steam for a crowd of onlookers. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729474947374.jpeg" alt="The American and Kansas flag flies on the front of the large locomotive. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The American and Kansas flag flies on the front of the large locomotive. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729474976271.jpeg" alt="Families of all ages gathered to watch the locomotive visit the Midwestern United States.&nbsp;Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Families of all ages gathered to watch the locomotive visit the Midwestern United States.&nbsp;Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729475062439.jpeg" alt="Big Boy leaves Hays for its next destination on its tour. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Big Boy leaves Hays for its next destination on its tour. Photo by Rory Moore/Special to the Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Big Boy rolls through Hays 

Grow Hays, Inc. is accepting candidate applications for board of director positions that will open in 2025. There will be three open positions the board will be looking to fill.

Prospective candidates must be willing to serve a four-year term. The Grow Hays Board meets a minimum of once a month, on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. Board members are occasionally asked to serve on additional committees, which meet as required.

Grow Hays Inc. is a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County. Long known for its efforts to promote a robust economy through business creation, retention, expansion, and recruitment, Grow Hays continues to develop and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal organizations in an effort to bring resources and support to businesses located in the community.

If you have any questions regarding the expectations if they are elected to the board, or the nature of the work required of Grow Hays Board members, please call Grow Hays at (785) 628-3102.

Candidate applications are available at www.GrowHays.com or at BriefSpace, 219 West 10th. Deadline to apply is Nov. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574881377018.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedGrow Hays, Inc. is accepting candidate applications for board of director positions that will open in 2025. There will be three open positions the board will be looking to fill.Prospective candidates must be willing to serve a four-year term. The Grow Hays Board meets a minimum of once a month, on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. Board members are occasionally asked to serve on additional committees, which meet as required.Grow Hays Inc. is a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing the economic health and vitality of Ellis County. Long known for its efforts to promote a robust economy through business creation, retention, expansion, and recruitment, Grow Hays continues to develop and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal organizations in an effort to bring resources and support to businesses located in the community.If you have any questions regarding the expectations if they are elected to the board, or the nature of the work required of Grow Hays Board members, please call Grow Hays at (785) 628-3102.Candidate applications are available at www.GrowHays.com or at BriefSpace, 219 West 10th. Deadline to apply is Nov. 1.

Applications open for Grow Hays Board of Directors

Winners have been announced for the 13th annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photography contest. Photographers of all ages submitted photos that showcase the mission of RTK, “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.”

Crystal Socha of Augusta was the grand prize winner in this year’s contest. This is the third year she has won grand prize, which is a testament to her talent level and how she captures the cowboy way of life. Many of her images are taken from horseback during real cattle drives and work in Flink Hills pastures.

She said, “I have several awesome cowboys who come out and ride for photography workshops. Lynn and his horse are simply amazing! I love watching them work together and those two can fly without wings.”

Lynn in the cowboy in the photo. He was chasing cattle that decided to run in a different direction.

She said, “When he took off running it was like the earth shook. I couldn't get my camera on them quick enough. Lynn is an amazing rider. This was one of those special moments that I was blessed to have been in the right place at the right time to capture!”

Amanda Buus Thomsen of Kiowa won the Fan Favorite category by just one vote! She received 212 votes on RTK’s Facebook page. It was a tight race down to the last second when voting closed. Her photo was taken west of Monument Rocks in Gove County.

“I am absolutely honored to have won the fan favorite category. There were so many great photos in the contest this year and I am humbled and thankful to have my photo chosen,” she said.

Winning images were selected by a panel of RTK and Kansas Livestock Association representatives, along with special guest judge and professional photographer Jim Richardson. Richardson is a Kansas native and has traveled the world as a National Geographic photographer for over 35 years. He also speaks nationally and internationally.

Category winners include: Landscape – Mike Scheufler, Augusta; Livestock – James Claassen, Meade; People – Shelly Wonders, North Newton; Sunrise or Sunset – Jennifer Wagner, Spring Hill; Youth and Wildlife – Jarett Riley, Galva; KLA Member – Marcella Warner Holman, Spearville; Honorable Mention – Scott Bean, Manhattan; and Holly Mettling, Bogue.

L’image is the exclusive sponsor of contest. The locally owned photo printing and picture framing store in Wichita has been in business for more than 25 years, specializing in their ready-to-hang plaque mount. Prizes are awarded to the top 10 winning photographers. All winning entries can be viewed on RTK’s Facebook page or website www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729374513345.jpeg" alt="Crystal Socha - Grand Prize&nbsp;&nbsp;13th annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photography contest. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Crystal Socha - Grand Prize&nbsp;&nbsp;13th annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photography contest. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWinners have been announced for the 13th annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photography contest. Photographers of all ages submitted photos that showcase the mission of RTK, “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.”Crystal Socha of Augusta was the grand prize winner in this year’s contest. This is the third year she has won grand prize, which is a testament to her talent level and how she captures the cowboy way of life. Many of her images are taken from horseback during real cattle drives and work in Flink Hills pastures.She said, “I have several awesome cowboys who come out and ride for photography workshops. Lynn and his horse are simply amazing! I love watching them work together and those two can fly without wings.”Lynn in the cowboy in the photo. He was chasing cattle that decided to run in a different direction.She said, “When he took off running it was like the earth shook. I couldn't get my camera on them quick enough. Lynn is an amazing rider. This was one of those special moments that I was blessed to have been in the right place at the right time to capture!”Amanda Buus Thomsen of Kiowa won the Fan Favorite category by just one vote! She received 212 votes on RTK’s Facebook page. It was a tight race down to the last second when voting closed. Her photo was taken west of Monument Rocks in Gove County.“I am absolutely honored to have won the fan favorite category. There were so many great photos in the contest this year and I am humbled and thankful to have my photo chosen,” she said.Winning images were selected by a panel of RTK and Kansas Livestock Association representatives, along with special guest judge and professional photographer Jim Richardson. Richardson is a Kansas native and has traveled the world as a National Geographic photographer for over 35 years. He also speaks nationally and internationally.Category winners include: Landscape – Mike Scheufler, Augusta; Livestock – James Claassen, Meade; People – Shelly Wonders, North Newton; Sunrise or Sunset – Jennifer Wagner, Spring Hill; Youth and Wildlife – Jarett Riley, Galva; KLA Member – Marcella Warner Holman, Spearville; Honorable Mention – Scott Bean, Manhattan; and Holly Mettling, Bogue.L’image is the exclusive sponsor of contest. The locally owned photo printing and picture framing store in Wichita has been in business for more than 25 years, specializing in their ready-to-hang plaque mount. Prizes are awarded to the top 10 winning photographers. All winning entries can be viewed on RTK’s Facebook page or website www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org.

Winners of RTK photography contest announced

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

Many people, for a variety of reasons, such as arthritis or other painful conditions, don’t participate in regular physical activity, despite the health benefits it would offer.

The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease program was developed to help people with or without arthritis form walking groups whose goals are safety and success. The program’s three major objectives are to provide participants with

· Education about successful physical activity for people with arthritis

· Opportunity to begin and develop an ongoing aerobic fitness program

Walk with Ease’s information and strategies are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management.

Groups meet for 6 weeks, three times per week. Each session lasts about one hour. The length of each session depends on how long your group decides to walk. At the start, some people may only be able to walk 5 to 15 minutes, but the program will help you gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of walking, three times a week. The program can be modified to meet the interests and needs of participants, who walk at their own pace.

Each session begins with a brief discussion of a topic important to successful walking or arthritis management. After the discussion the group will warm up, stretch, walk, cool down, and stretch one last time. Walking with a group is fun and groups often spend additional time socializing.

The Walk with Ease program is designed for people with arthritis- young and old, male and female, fit and not-so-fit. It is also suitable for people without arthritis who would like to begin a regular walking program to gain the benefits of regular aerobic exercise.

If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can probably participate successfully, and the program can be modified to meet your needs.

If you want to participate but have concerns about your health, consult your health care practitioner before you begin.

To participate in the course, you complete and return an application. Please contact the Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430 or email moniquek@ksu.edu or you can stop by the office at 601 Main St. to fill out the application. The cost is $15 to participate. You receive a book with the class. Classes will meet most Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 9:30am at Hays Recreation Center gyms. Classes begin November 4, 2024 and ends on December 13, 2024.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictMany people, for a variety of reasons, such as arthritis or other painful conditions, don’t participate in regular physical activity, despite the health benefits it would offer.The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease program was developed to help people with or without arthritis form walking groups whose goals are safety and success. The program’s three major objectives are to provide participants with· Education about successful physical activity for people with arthritis· Education about arthritis management· Opportunity to begin and develop an ongoing aerobic fitness programWalk with Ease’s information and strategies are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change, and arthritis management.How does it work?Groups meet for 6 weeks, three times per week. Each session lasts about one hour. The length of each session depends on how long your group decides to walk. At the start, some people may only be able to walk 5 to 15 minutes, but the program will help you gradually build up to at least 30 minutes of walking, three times a week. The program can be modified to meet the interests and needs of participants, who walk at their own pace.Each session begins with a brief discussion of a topic important to successful walking or arthritis management. After the discussion the group will warm up, stretch, walk, cool down, and stretch one last time. Walking with a group is fun and groups often spend additional time socializing.Who can participate?The Walk with Ease program is designed for people with arthritis- young and old, male and female, fit and not-so-fit. It is also suitable for people without arthritis who would like to begin a regular walking program to gain the benefits of regular aerobic exercise.If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can probably participate successfully, and the program can be modified to meet your needs.If you want to participate but have concerns about your health, consult your health care practitioner before you begin.How do I register?To participate in the course, you complete and return an application. Please contact the Cottonwood Extension Office at 785-628-9430 or email moniquek@ksu.edu or you can stop by the office at 601 Main St. to fill out the application. The cost is $15 to participate. You receive a book with the class. Classes will meet most Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 9:30am at Hays Recreation Center gyms. Classes begin November 4, 2024 and ends on December 13, 2024.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Walk with ease

<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/2024/10/1729444330496.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, KS)—As farms and ranches across America are presented with an unprecedented series of challenges and opportunities, the Partnership of Rangeland Trust (PORT), a nine-member alliance of land trusts in the West and Midwest with a focus on conserving working lands, is celebrating 20 years of making a difference together.

For the past two decades, agriculture has faced an increasingly uncertain future. Industrialization and urbanization have posed a threat to the nations’ vast and unique private farmlands, rangelands and grasslands. Since 2004, PORT members, each with an affiliation to their state’s livestock trade association, have banded together to help keep working lands in working hands.

Collectively, PORT member organizations have helped more than 2,000 families voluntarily conserve more than 3 million acres of vibrant working lands across 12 states. This regional alliance originally included six land trusts in 2004, including California Rangeland Trust, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust, Montana Land Reliance, Kansas Livestock Association Ranchland Trust (now called the Ranchland Trust of Kansas) and the Oregon Rangeland Trust (now expanded to the Northwest Rangeland Trust, serving Oregon, Washington and Idaho). Subsequent additions have included Nebraska Land Trust, South Dakota Agricultural Land Trust and Texas Agricultural Land Trust (which also serves Oklahoma). The alliance’s mission is to advocate for the conservation of working lands and western heritage for the benefit and well-being of future generations.

“For 20 years, PORT has led the way in encouraging western states to establish land trusts that forge partnerships with local ranchers to preserve our treasured landscapes for future generations to enjoy,” said U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). “PORT has been instrumental in preserving 3 million acres of our western landscapes, and I applaud this organization for its continued commitment to protecting our land and uplifting the communities who depend on them.”

“I congratulate the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts on 20 years of excellence, advocating for private land conservation across the American West to safeguard our nation’s precious and disappearing rangelands for generations to come. As Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, I know that our national conservation goals cannot be achieved through public land ownership alone. We must empower private landowners to choose conservation, as my family did for our cattle ranch with the California Rangeland Trust in 1998. The Partnership of Rangeland Trusts and its member land trusts do this critical work every day without much fuss or fanfare. On this anniversary, I hope the dedicated staff, board members, supporters and landowners look back with immense pride on 3 million acres conserved across a dozen states. Now onto the next 3 million acres!” said U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA08).

Since its humble beginnings, PORT has grown into a driving force for conservation that supports agriculture, the environment, rural communities and the hardworking families who want to ensure their lands stay healthy and productive in perpetuity. With a keen focus on advocating for voluntary, common-sense incentives that work for farm and ranch families, some of PORT’s biggest successes thus far stem directly from the partnerships it has built and the respect and trust it has earned on Capitol Hill.

Earlier this year, the 2022 Census of Agriculture was released showing an alarming decline of 141,733 farms and ranches nationwide compared to just five years earlier with a loss of more than 18.4 million acres during that same timeframe. Modeling released by the American Farmland Trust (AFT) estimates an additional 4.5 million acres of farm and ranch land in the 12 Western and Midwestern states PORT serves could be lost to development and conversion by 2040 if trends continue. With so much at stake, working lands conservation is more critical than ever.

Now, with the 2024 farm bill in deliberation in Congress, PORT is stressing the prioritization of voluntary conservation programs, especially with the future of agriculture facing an unprecedented range of serious threats. In July, PORT was one of 500 organizations and companies representing a diverse set of farm bill stakeholders to send a letter to congressional leaders urging passage of a bipartisan bill before the end of the year.

During the 2018 farm bill negotiations, PORT played a significant role in advocating for and helping to secure a significant increase in funding—to the tune of $2 billion over 10 years—for voluntary, working lands conservation. These farm bill programs, including the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, represent the largest federal funding source for private land conservation and create significant opportunities for farm and ranch families to conserve high-priority, working landscapes, open spaces, wildlife habitat and water resources.

“American Farmland Trust commends PORT for significantly elevating the issue of agricultural land loss in the West—and the value of voluntary conservation programs to help landowners

keep working lands working,” said Cris Coffin, AFT Senior Policy Advisor and Director of the National Agricultural Land Network. “PORT has been an invaluable partner in building support

for the federal Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and making it an effective tool for

landowners seeking to protect their working lands for future generations. AFT looks forward to another 20 years of close collaboration with this effective and innovative partnership.”

Regardless of political party affiliation, conservation easements are widely used and have been successful tools to keep dedicated and knowledgeable stewards on the lands that serve as our country’s agricultural foundation. These programs are not just about conserving land; they are about empowering landowners, enhancing rural economies and safeguarding our environmental heritage. Well-stewarded, working lands are essential for food production and carbon sequestration. They act as a natural purification system for water to flow, cleanse the air we breathe, provide critical habitat for many species of wildlife, offer scenic viewsheds and so much more.

“For 20 years, the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts has been committed to conserving the working lands that are the backbone of the American West. By providing farm and ranch families with conservation tools that work for their operations, we’ve not only helped them keep these lands productive and working, but we’ve also supported the resilience of rural communities,” said Erik Glenn, president of the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts. “As we look to the future, PORT remains dedicated to advancing innovative, voluntary solutions that empower landowners, strengthen rural economies and ensure that these landscapes continue to provide lasting benefits for generations to come.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729375775658.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted(TOPEKA, KS)—As farms and ranches across America are presented with an unprecedented series of challenges and opportunities, the Partnership of Rangeland Trust (PORT), a nine-member alliance of land trusts in the West and Midwest with a focus on conserving working lands, is celebrating 20 years of making a difference together.For the past two decades, agriculture has faced an increasingly uncertain future. Industrialization and urbanization have posed a threat to the nations’ vast and unique private farmlands, rangelands and grasslands. Since 2004, PORT members, each with an affiliation to their state’s livestock trade association, have banded together to help keep working lands in working hands.Collectively, PORT member organizations have helped more than 2,000 families voluntarily conserve more than 3 million acres of vibrant working lands across 12 states. This regional alliance originally included six land trusts in 2004, including California Rangeland Trust, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust, Montana Land Reliance, Kansas Livestock Association Ranchland Trust (now called the Ranchland Trust of Kansas) and the Oregon Rangeland Trust (now expanded to the Northwest Rangeland Trust, serving Oregon, Washington and Idaho). Subsequent additions have included Nebraska Land Trust, South Dakota Agricultural Land Trust and Texas Agricultural Land Trust (which also serves Oklahoma). The alliance’s mission is to advocate for the conservation of working lands and western heritage for the benefit and well-being of future generations.“For 20 years, PORT has led the way in encouraging western states to establish land trusts that forge partnerships with local ranchers to preserve our treasured landscapes for future generations to enjoy,” said U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). “PORT has been instrumental in preserving 3 million acres of our western landscapes, and I applaud this organization for its continued commitment to protecting our land and uplifting the communities who depend on them.”“I congratulate the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts on 20 years of excellence, advocating for private land conservation across the American West to safeguard our nation’s precious and disappearing rangelands for generations to come. As Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, I know that our national conservation goals cannot be achieved through public land ownership alone. We must empower private landowners to choose conservation, as my family did for our cattle ranch with the California Rangeland Trust in 1998. The Partnership of Rangeland Trusts and its member land trusts do this critical work every day without much fuss or fanfare. On this anniversary, I hope the dedicated staff, board members, supporters and landowners look back with immense pride on 3 million acres conserved across a dozen states. Now onto the next 3 million acres!” said U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA08).Since its humble beginnings, PORT has grown into a driving force for conservation that supports agriculture, the environment, rural communities and the hardworking families who want to ensure their lands stay healthy and productive in perpetuity. With a keen focus on advocating for voluntary, common-sense incentives that work for farm and ranch families, some of PORT’s biggest successes thus far stem directly from the partnerships it has built and the respect and trust it has earned on Capitol Hill.Earlier this year, the 2022 Census of Agriculture was released showing an alarming decline of 141,733 farms and ranches nationwide compared to just five years earlier with a loss of more than 18.4 million acres during that same timeframe. Modeling released by the American Farmland Trust (AFT) estimates an additional 4.5 million acres of farm and ranch land in the 12 Western and Midwestern states PORT serves could be lost to development and conversion by 2040 if trends continue. With so much at stake, working lands conservation is more critical than ever.Now, with the 2024 farm bill in deliberation in Congress, PORT is stressing the prioritization of voluntary conservation programs, especially with the future of agriculture facing an unprecedented range of serious threats. In July, PORT was one of 500 organizations and companies representing a diverse set of farm bill stakeholders to send a letter to congressional leaders urging passage of a bipartisan bill before the end of the year.During the 2018 farm bill negotiations, PORT played a significant role in advocating for and helping to secure a significant increase in funding—to the tune of $2 billion over 10 years—for voluntary, working lands conservation. These farm bill programs, including the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, represent the largest federal funding source for private land conservation and create significant opportunities for farm and ranch families to conserve high-priority, working landscapes, open spaces, wildlife habitat and water resources.“American Farmland Trust commends PORT for significantly elevating the issue of agricultural land loss in the West—and the value of voluntary conservation programs to help landownerskeep working lands working,” said Cris Coffin, AFT Senior Policy Advisor and Director of the National Agricultural Land Network. “PORT has been an invaluable partner in building supportfor the federal Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and making it an effective tool forlandowners seeking to protect their working lands for future generations. AFT looks forward to another 20 years of close collaboration with this effective and innovative partnership.”Regardless of political party affiliation, conservation easements are widely used and have been successful tools to keep dedicated and knowledgeable stewards on the lands that serve as our country’s agricultural foundation. These programs are not just about conserving land; they are about empowering landowners, enhancing rural economies and safeguarding our environmental heritage. Well-stewarded, working lands are essential for food production and carbon sequestration. They act as a natural purification system for water to flow, cleanse the air we breathe, provide critical habitat for many species of wildlife, offer scenic viewsheds and so much more.“For 20 years, the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts has been committed to conserving the working lands that are the backbone of the American West. By providing farm and ranch families with conservation tools that work for their operations, we’ve not only helped them keep these lands productive and working, but we’ve also supported the resilience of rural communities,” said Erik Glenn, president of the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts. “As we look to the future, PORT remains dedicated to advancing innovative, voluntary solutions that empower landowners, strengthen rural economies and ensure that these landscapes continue to provide lasting benefits for generations to come.”

Partnership of Rangeland trusts celebrates 20 years of impact

In my snail mail box yesterday I found a flyer from KansasUnited.org. I googled them and learned they are affiliated with the ACLU. I applaud their efforts to provide information on candidates running for office. Kansas has a long list and considering the effort it takes to become an informed voter it was disappointing to see the list only addressed the Ellis County Clerk position, leaving the impression this was a political ad. That was disappointing from an organization dedicated to providing fair and unbiased voting information. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Each candidate was asked to respond to the following

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To put polling places in locations convenient for all eligible Ellis County citizens?

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That Ellis County polling locations are accessible to and meet the needs of residents with disabilities and the elderly?

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To extend the early voting period in Ellis County?

The candidate responded yes; the incumbent did not respond. Perhaps because these issues are already covered in her oath for office.

1. No address in the city of Hays is located more than 2 miles from the assigned polling location.

2. By law, polling locations must provide handicap assess.&nbsp; All Hays polling locations have adequate parking located near the entrance of the poll. All entrances have handicap ramps and personnel are available to assist the elderly.

3. Kansas law dictates early voting access.&nbsp; In Ellis County early voting begins October 16 with mail in ballot mailing. In person early voting is from October 28 – November 1, between the hours of 8am and 4pm. November 4th&nbsp;hours are 8am to 12 pm.&nbsp; Voting takes place at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main Street.

I am not acquainted with Laura Allen and have no knowledge of her work history or experience in civil service.&nbsp; I have worked with Bobbie Dreiling as a poll judge for several local, state and national elections.&nbsp; She is a professional; knowledgeable, experienced, efficient, and dedicated to running an election that gives every registered Ellis County voter the opportunity to vote.&nbsp;

The time and effort in producing this flyer would have better served the people of Kansas with a list of candidates running for office and a link to information on their history and positions on important issues, ending with a GET OUT AND VOTE message. It is our right, it is our privilege, and it is our responsibility. Our democracy depends on it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>In my snail mail box yesterday I found a flyer from KansasUnited.org. I googled them and learned they are affiliated with the ACLU. I applaud their efforts to provide information on candidates running for office. Kansas has a long list and considering the effort it takes to become an informed voter it was disappointing to see the list only addressed the Ellis County Clerk position, leaving the impression this was a political ad. That was disappointing from an organization dedicated to providing fair and unbiased voting information. &nbsp;&nbsp;Each candidate was asked to respond to the followingDo you pledge1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To put polling places in locations convenient for all eligible Ellis County citizens?2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That Ellis County polling locations are accessible to and meet the needs of residents with disabilities and the elderly?3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To extend the early voting period in Ellis County?The candidate responded yes; the incumbent did not respond. Perhaps because these issues are already covered in her oath for office.1. No address in the city of Hays is located more than 2 miles from the assigned polling location.2. By law, polling locations must provide handicap assess.&nbsp; All Hays polling locations have adequate parking located near the entrance of the poll. All entrances have handicap ramps and personnel are available to assist the elderly.3. Kansas law dictates early voting access.&nbsp; In Ellis County early voting begins October 16 with mail in ballot mailing. In person early voting is from October 28 – November 1, between the hours of 8am and 4pm. November 4th&nbsp;hours are 8am to 12 pm.&nbsp; Voting takes place at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main Street.I am not acquainted with Laura Allen and have no knowledge of her work history or experience in civil service.&nbsp; I have worked with Bobbie Dreiling as a poll judge for several local, state and national elections.&nbsp; She is a professional; knowledgeable, experienced, efficient, and dedicated to running an election that gives every registered Ellis County voter the opportunity to vote.&nbsp;The time and effort in producing this flyer would have better served the people of Kansas with a list of candidates running for office and a link to information on their history and positions on important issues, ending with a GET OUT AND VOTE message. It is our right, it is our privilege, and it is our responsibility. Our democracy depends on it.Cathy Van Doren

LETTER: KansasUnited flyer biased

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at the Rockwell Administration Center for a work session.

The board will hear reports on the following items:

• Early Childhood Connections • Fleet management program • The district's school improvement program • Special education funding

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at the Rockwell Administration Center for a work session.The board will hear reports on the following items:• Early Childhood Connections • Fleet management program • The district's school improvement program • Special education funding

Hays USD 489 BOE work session to include update on special ed funding

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

At breakfast this morning, a friend remarked about the number of hawks he recently saw covering a newly-cut soybean field. Ah, I thought, it’s time for the annual raptor migration through Kansas to begin.

I love watching hawks hunt and I love observing how they’ve learned to interact with farm equipment as it rolls across fields and stirs up rodents and small birds that scurry about and often end up as a snack for the hawk. Our raised deer blind overlooks a grass waterway that grows up in giant sunflowers and pigweed by summer’s end, becoming a nice secure travel way for deer, but making them hard to spot during hunting season. I try to mow that area every fall, and every year as I mow the last swath of thick weedy cover, fat field mice scatter everywhere and I think to myself “Man, could the hawks be feasting here!” A few years back I happened by a nearby field of soybeans being cut. What caught my eye was the enormous number of hawks all around the field, just as exactly as my friend had described; I counted to thirty-some then lost count. I rolled into the field and talked with one of the combine drivers about the hawks. He said they had suddenly appeared as if from nowhere when they started cutting and had been there since. The soybean plants were extra tall and thick that year, and as they ripened and dropped their foliage, it left several inches of duff covering the ground between the rows; perfect cover for field mice and rats looking for warm concealment. As the combines lumbered through the field, they forced all those rodents from their cozy quarters and the hawks were feasting. 

Each year about this time, we begin to see an extraordinary number of hawks of all varieties as they migrate south toward warmer climates. The extent of our Kansas winter will largely determine whether they stay here for a spell or move on south, and our milder-than-normal winters of late have been a huge draw to migrating hawks. The hawks I observed hunting the soybean stubble field that year, and the ones my friend observed lately were obviously migrants that were getting a good meal whether they stayed or not. The vast acreages of new wheat fields will be a huge draw too, as mice, voles and insects become vulnerable to the hawk’s keen eyes in the short new wheat. Another plus is the type of air currents and thermals that blow through the plains states. North winds coming down from Canada are utilized by all types of hawks, saving them precious energy by being able to soar. So in summary, the mild winters, the open fields and the beneficial wind currents all make Kansas a popular place to see hawks of many varieties this time of year.

One common hawk we see here every winter is the Northern Harrier. They are large hawks with wide white bands across their broad square tails and are often seen gliding effortlessly mere feet above CRP fields and pastures. We also get an influx of Red Tails from northern states as they come here for our milder winters. Swainson Hawks on their way to Argentina stop in Kansas by the thousands. Rough-Legged Hawks migrate from Canada to the western US, including Kansas. Ferruginous Hawks may be seen here as they travel from Western Kansas to parts of the South Eastern US and to Florida. All these truly make for a kaleidoscope of raptors in our Kansas sky.

This article wouldn’t be complete without emphasizing the important role raptors play in our agricultural environment. Raptors get blamed for everything from low pheasant and quail populations to stealing chickens and everything in between. Yes, we all know that hawks and especially owls will steal a chicken or two given the chance, but in actuality, hawks prey on mice, rats, snakes and possums that eat quail and pheasant eggs and newly hatched young. (FYI, feral and stray cats are the worst predators alive for killing young game birds and song birds.) Owls are huge rat and mice hunters and also eat skunks that carry rabies. If not for these raptors in our midst, rodent populations would devastate farmer’s crops and our environment as a whole. And for the record, killing a raptor of any kind is illegal in Kansas!

You can’t go afield this time of year without spotting hawks silently hunting low over patches of CRP and milo stalks, waiting patiently atop power poles for prey to reveal themselves or putting on shows of acrobatic excellence as they soar above us on the fall breezes. I once overheard a raptor rehabilitator tell someone “We as humans have encroached on them, so the least we can do is let them live with us.” Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsAt breakfast this morning, a friend remarked about the number of hawks he recently saw covering a newly-cut soybean field. Ah, I thought, it’s time for the annual raptor migration through Kansas to begin.I love watching hawks hunt and I love observing how they’ve learned to interact with farm equipment as it rolls across fields and stirs up rodents and small birds that scurry about and often end up as a snack for the hawk. Our raised deer blind overlooks a grass waterway that grows up in giant sunflowers and pigweed by summer’s end, becoming a nice secure travel way for deer, but making them hard to spot during hunting season. I try to mow that area every fall, and every year as I mow the last swath of thick weedy cover, fat field mice scatter everywhere and I think to myself “Man, could the hawks be feasting here!” A few years back I happened by a nearby field of soybeans being cut. What caught my eye was the enormous number of hawks all around the field, just as exactly as my friend had described; I counted to thirty-some then lost count. I rolled into the field and talked with one of the combine drivers about the hawks. He said they had suddenly appeared as if from nowhere when they started cutting and had been there since. The soybean plants were extra tall and thick that year, and as they ripened and dropped their foliage, it left several inches of duff covering the ground between the rows; perfect cover for field mice and rats looking for warm concealment. As the combines lumbered through the field, they forced all those rodents from their cozy quarters and the hawks were feasting. Each year about this time, we begin to see an extraordinary number of hawks of all varieties as they migrate south toward warmer climates. The extent of our Kansas winter will largely determine whether they stay here for a spell or move on south, and our milder-than-normal winters of late have been a huge draw to migrating hawks. The hawks I observed hunting the soybean stubble field that year, and the ones my friend observed lately were obviously migrants that were getting a good meal whether they stayed or not. The vast acreages of new wheat fields will be a huge draw too, as mice, voles and insects become vulnerable to the hawk’s keen eyes in the short new wheat. Another plus is the type of air currents and thermals that blow through the plains states. North winds coming down from Canada are utilized by all types of hawks, saving them precious energy by being able to soar. So in summary, the mild winters, the open fields and the beneficial wind currents all make Kansas a popular place to see hawks of many varieties this time of year.One common hawk we see here every winter is the Northern Harrier. They are large hawks with wide white bands across their broad square tails and are often seen gliding effortlessly mere feet above CRP fields and pastures. We also get an influx of Red Tails from northern states as they come here for our milder winters. Swainson Hawks on their way to Argentina stop in Kansas by the thousands. Rough-Legged Hawks migrate from Canada to the western US, including Kansas. Ferruginous Hawks may be seen here as they travel from Western Kansas to parts of the South Eastern US and to Florida. All these truly make for a kaleidoscope of raptors in our Kansas sky.This article wouldn’t be complete without emphasizing the important role raptors play in our agricultural environment. Raptors get blamed for everything from low pheasant and quail populations to stealing chickens and everything in between. Yes, we all know that hawks and especially owls will steal a chicken or two given the chance, but in actuality, hawks prey on mice, rats, snakes and possums that eat quail and pheasant eggs and newly hatched young. (FYI, feral and stray cats are the worst predators alive for killing young game birds and song birds.) Owls are huge rat and mice hunters and also eat skunks that carry rabies. If not for these raptors in our midst, rodent populations would devastate farmer’s crops and our environment as a whole. And for the record, killing a raptor of any kind is illegal in Kansas!You can’t go afield this time of year without spotting hawks silently hunting low over patches of CRP and milo stalks, waiting patiently atop power poles for prey to reveal themselves or putting on shows of acrobatic excellence as they soar above us on the fall breezes. I once overheard a raptor rehabilitator tell someone “We as humans have encroached on them, so the least we can do is let them live with us.” Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Here come the hawks

The third-annual 5k and color run on Oct. 19 at Fort Hays State University, raised funds for Serena's Sunflower Memorial Fund and the Speech-Language Pathology organization.

Photos By Tony Guerrero/Hays PostThe third-annual 5k and color run on Oct. 19 at Fort Hays State University, raised funds for Serena's Sunflower Memorial Fund and the Speech-Language Pathology organization.<figure>
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Photo gallery: Serena's Sunflower 5k color run

TOPEKA, Kan., Oct. 18, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis today announced that USDA is awarding more than $650,000 in grants to help rural Kansans in seven communities build renewable energy generation systems or improve their existing energy efficiency.

“With this program Kansas farmers and rural business owners can expand their operations while lowering energy costs,” Davis said. “These grants will support rural communities with clean energy production and improved efficiency.”

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes 38 other states, Guam and Puerto Rico. The details of the Kansas projects are:

· A $98,764 grant will help the Berger Company purchase and install a 68.73 kilowatt (kW) solar system. Berger Company is an established leather manufacturer located in Atchison. This project is expected to generate 97,427 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, enough energy to power eight homes.

· A $131,950 grant will help Controlled Environmental Warehousing LLC, of Osage City, purchase and install a 144.4 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 205,859 kWh per year, enough energy to power 18 homes.

· A $78,801 grant will help Sutherland Family Limited Partnership purchase and install a 44.88 kW solar system. Sutherland Family operates Sutherland Shopping Center in Paola. This project is expected to replace 58,611 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough energy to power five homes.

· A $48,208 grant will help the Brothers Market 5 Inc. purchase and install LED lighting. Brothers Market is an existing grocery store located in Tonganoxie. This project is expected to save 89,773 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power eight homes.

· A $95,037 grant will assist Malay's Market, an existing grocery store located in WaKeeney, purchase and install new refrigeration equipment and LED lighting. This project is expected to save $8,947 per year and replace 104,721 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough energy to power nine homes.

· A $135,279 grant will assist Quinter Area Hospitality Group LLC purchase and install a 79.2 kW solar system. Quinter Area Hospitality is an established hotel

located in Quinter. This project is expected to replace 136,540 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power 12 homes.

· A $65,201 grant will help purchase and install a 31.9 kW solar array for Advance Termite and Pest Control Inc. of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 44,098 kWh per year, enough energy to power four homes.

Background The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699552514554.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of AgricultureTOPEKA, Kan., Oct. 18, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis today announced that USDA is awarding more than $650,000 in grants to help rural Kansans in seven communities build renewable energy generation systems or improve their existing energy efficiency.“With this program Kansas farmers and rural business owners can expand their operations while lowering energy costs,” Davis said. “These grants will support rural communities with clean energy production and improved efficiency.”Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement that includes 38 other states, Guam and Puerto Rico. The details of the Kansas projects are:· A $98,764 grant will help the Berger Company purchase and install a 68.73 kilowatt (kW) solar system. Berger Company is an established leather manufacturer located in Atchison. This project is expected to generate 97,427 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, enough energy to power eight homes.· A $131,950 grant will help Controlled Environmental Warehousing LLC, of Osage City, purchase and install a 144.4 kW solar system. This project is expected to replace 205,859 kWh per year, enough energy to power 18 homes.· A $78,801 grant will help Sutherland Family Limited Partnership purchase and install a 44.88 kW solar system. Sutherland Family operates Sutherland Shopping Center in Paola. This project is expected to replace 58,611 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough energy to power five homes.· A $48,208 grant will help the Brothers Market 5 Inc. purchase and install LED lighting. Brothers Market is an existing grocery store located in Tonganoxie. This project is expected to save 89,773 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power eight homes.· A $95,037 grant will assist Malay's Market, an existing grocery store located in WaKeeney, purchase and install new refrigeration equipment and LED lighting. This project is expected to save $8,947 per year and replace 104,721 kWh of electricity per year, which is enough energy to power nine homes.· A $135,279 grant will assist Quinter Area Hospitality Group LLC purchase and install a 79.2 kW solar system. Quinter Area Hospitality is an established hotellocated in Quinter. This project is expected to replace 136,540 kWh of electricity per year, enough energy to power 12 homes.· A $65,201 grant will help purchase and install a 31.9 kW solar array for Advance Termite and Pest Control Inc. of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 44,098 kWh per year, enough energy to power four homes.Background The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA Rural Development funds seven more renewable energy projects in Kansas

Editors note: Sam Allen is the son of&nbsp;Laura Allen

Submitted by SAM ALLEN and ANNA TOWNS

The American Democracy Project (ADP) at Fort Hays State University has shared research showing increased voter registration at Kansas universities with polling locations on campus. Unfortunately, FHSU does not have a polling location on campus, despite years of advocating for one. That same research reveals the embarrassing fact that FHSU was the Regents school with the lowest voting rate in 2020. Surely, those two facts are related, and surely, it is time to make a change.

The current county clerk, Bobbi Dreiling has resisted efforts to establish a polling place on campus. When we discuss having a polling place on campus, the clerk asserts that the current location is not far for the college students to travel. As a student who lives on campus, it would take me (Samuel) approximately forty minutes to walk to the nearest polling location, Messiah Lutheran, and then another forty minutes to return to campus. This does not include any possible inclement weather we might have on election day, which may delay travel time. Nor does it take into consideration the class and work time that would be taken up by this journey.

We understand that students would not be the only population voting at a campus polling location. However, we believe that the high concentration of students in this area–and the potential for increased registrations–warrants the need for a polling place on campus. Campus and community groups have been working to bring a polling place to campus since at least 2018, and have met every challenge. Each new obstacle that the clerk invents has been solved by the dedicated students who have been working on this project for years:

● Finding an area that is big enough and ADA compliant: Cunningham Hall is large enough and is fully ADA compliant.

● Not enough parking (keep in mind that the previous polling location at 601 Main had fewer than 20 parking spots): Cunningham Hall has an abundance of parking spots, and the University Police have been supportive of efforts to bring a polling place to campus and would help with traffic flow issues.

● Location availability for Election Day and Special Elections: Coaches and building managers have agreed that the polling place would have priority, and that they would not schedule an event for election days.

A related issue is the absence of any attempt by the county clerk to engage FHSU students in the election process via education, awareness, and voter registration. At Monday’s County Clerk Forum, the Incumbent, Bobbi Dreiling, commented that she had not heard from students at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) or the American

Democracy Project (ADP), and therefore had not been active in voter education or registration on campus. At FHSU, anyone is welcome to have a table at the FHSU Back to School Picnic (former Clerk Maskus and Treasurer Peifer had a booth at the 2016 Picnic - Facebook), request a space to give a talk, or have a table in the Memorial Union.

The impetus to involve the campus community in the voting process should not lie with student groups alone. However, this semester, at least five student organizations hosted tables in the Union to help students get registered, check their registration, and request a mail-in ballot from Ellis County (or the Kansas county where they are registered). The clerk herself should be more proactive in her approach to community outreach and should have done more during a presidential election year, when more people are likely to be engaged in this democratic process.

I (Samuel), a student and employee at FHSU, also had the opportunity to speak to two sociology classes on campus about the importance of voting, getting registered, and the laws regarding elections in Kansas. We do not see any reason why the current clerk would not have taken the opportunity to reach out to students in this way as well. Clerk Dreiling says she has an open-door policy, but apparently, the door only works one way, where citizens have to come to her instead of being met where they are.

When we take a closer look at the statistics presented by Mrs. Dreling during the forum, we see a concerning reality: Out of the total 1,650 students residing on the FHSU campus, only 69 are registered to vote in Ellis County. This astonishingly low figure represents a mere 4% of the student population living on campus. We believe this situation highlights a significant missed opportunity for civic engagement with the campus community.

One can only imagine how enjoyable it must be for her to visit elementary schools and run mock elections with the young students, helping to instill in them a sense of civic duty and participation. However, the lack of follow-through with similar efforts directed toward college students at FHSU is a failure of the office. These college students are at a pivotal time in their lives when understanding and participating in real elections could greatly impact their commitment to this community and their future as engaged citizens.

Real elections influence everything from local policies to funding for educational programs, and yet, with such a small percentage of students registered to vote, it seems that their voices are not being heard. It would be beneficial for the county clerk to come to FHSU and engage students in discussions about the voting process, the importance of their participation, and the real-world consequences of their choices at the polls.

Creating opportunities for dialogue and education around these topics could inspire more students to register and vote, ultimately strengthening our democracy and enhancing community involvement.

Bobbi Dreiling has shown us time and again that she is not a candidate who supports this vision for Ellis County’s future. It is time to vote for a candidate who will work with and for all citizens. It is time to vote for Laura Allen!

Links: https://www.facebook.com/voteann/posts/pfbid03AAHVa3ioZV1WMfLVM31K7UjGVW6yaaUdJFGu4KrTytoyPqKiwZQz7vG8DCZx6ikl?rdid=9cB2ef7HMwNa7fix

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Editors note: Sam Allen is the son of&nbsp;Laura AllenSubmitted by SAM ALLEN and ANNA TOWNSThe American Democracy Project (ADP) at Fort Hays State University has shared research showing increased voter registration at Kansas universities with polling locations on campus. Unfortunately, FHSU does not have a polling location on campus, despite years of advocating for one. That same research reveals the embarrassing fact that FHSU was the Regents school with the lowest voting rate in 2020. Surely, those two facts are related, and surely, it is time to make a change.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729374733073.jpeg" alt="Image depicts former County Clerk Donna Maskus and County Tresuer Ann Pfeifer at the Back to School Bash at FHSU in 2016. (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Image depicts former County Clerk Donna Maskus and County Tresuer Ann Pfeifer at the Back to School Bash at FHSU in 2016. (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>The current county clerk, Bobbi Dreiling has resisted efforts to establish a polling place on campus. When we discuss having a polling place on campus, the clerk asserts that the current location is not far for the college students to travel. As a student who lives on campus, it would take me (Samuel) approximately forty minutes to walk to the nearest polling location, Messiah Lutheran, and then another forty minutes to return to campus. This does not include any possible inclement weather we might have on election day, which may delay travel time. Nor does it take into consideration the class and work time that would be taken up by this journey.We understand that students would not be the only population voting at a campus polling location. However, we believe that the high concentration of students in this area–and the potential for increased registrations–warrants the need for a polling place on campus. Campus and community groups have been working to bring a polling place to campus since at least 2018, and have met every challenge. Each new obstacle that the clerk invents has been solved by the dedicated students who have been working on this project for years:● Finding an area that is big enough and ADA compliant: Cunningham Hall is large enough and is fully ADA compliant.● Not enough parking (keep in mind that the previous polling location at 601 Main had fewer than 20 parking spots): Cunningham Hall has an abundance of parking spots, and the University Police have been supportive of efforts to bring a polling place to campus and would help with traffic flow issues.● Location availability for Election Day and Special Elections: Coaches and building managers have agreed that the polling place would have priority, and that they would not schedule an event for election days.A related issue is the absence of any attempt by the county clerk to engage FHSU students in the election process via education, awareness, and voter registration. At Monday’s County Clerk Forum, the Incumbent, Bobbi Dreiling, commented that she had not heard from students at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) or the AmericanDemocracy Project (ADP), and therefore had not been active in voter education or registration on campus. At FHSU, anyone is welcome to have a table at the FHSU Back to School Picnic (former Clerk Maskus and Treasurer Peifer had a booth at the 2016 Picnic - Facebook), request a space to give a talk, or have a table in the Memorial Union.The impetus to involve the campus community in the voting process should not lie with student groups alone. However, this semester, at least five student organizations hosted tables in the Union to help students get registered, check their registration, and request a mail-in ballot from Ellis County (or the Kansas county where they are registered). The clerk herself should be more proactive in her approach to community outreach and should have done more during a presidential election year, when more people are likely to be engaged in this democratic process.I (Samuel), a student and employee at FHSU, also had the opportunity to speak to two sociology classes on campus about the importance of voting, getting registered, and the laws regarding elections in Kansas. We do not see any reason why the current clerk would not have taken the opportunity to reach out to students in this way as well. Clerk Dreiling says she has an open-door policy, but apparently, the door only works one way, where citizens have to come to her instead of being met where they are.When we take a closer look at the statistics presented by Mrs. Dreling during the forum, we see a concerning reality: Out of the total 1,650 students residing on the FHSU campus, only 69 are registered to vote in Ellis County. This astonishingly low figure represents a mere 4% of the student population living on campus. We believe this situation highlights a significant missed opportunity for civic engagement with the campus community.One can only imagine how enjoyable it must be for her to visit elementary schools and run mock elections with the young students, helping to instill in them a sense of civic duty and participation. However, the lack of follow-through with similar efforts directed toward college students at FHSU is a failure of the office. These college students are at a pivotal time in their lives when understanding and participating in real elections could greatly impact their commitment to this community and their future as engaged citizens.Real elections influence everything from local policies to funding for educational programs, and yet, with such a small percentage of students registered to vote, it seems that their voices are not being heard. It would be beneficial for the county clerk to come to FHSU and engage students in discussions about the voting process, the importance of their participation, and the real-world consequences of their choices at the polls.Creating opportunities for dialogue and education around these topics could inspire more students to register and vote, ultimately strengthening our democracy and enhancing community involvement.Bobbi Dreiling has shown us time and again that she is not a candidate who supports this vision for Ellis County’s future. It is time to vote for a candidate who will work with and for all citizens. It is time to vote for Laura Allen!Links: https://www.facebook.com/voteann/posts/pfbid03AAHVa3ioZV1WMfLVM31K7UjGVW6yaaUdJFGu4KrTytoyPqKiwZQz7vG8DCZx6ikl?rdid=9cB2ef7HMwNa7fix

LETTER: Vote Allen to support voting on FHSU campus

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

This year’s presidential campaign has featured shocking statements and dramatic moments, including two assassination attempts. More recently, former President Trump made alarming comments about “enemies within” that hint at the use of military force against his political opponents, while Vice President Harris is struggling with a reticence among men of color to vote for her. Despite all this, the election itself may come down to a far more traditional, pocketbook issue.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/2024-election-and-the-economy-survey/?tpt=a">new Bankrate survey</a>&nbsp;shows that 41% of Americans are concerned about inflation.&nbsp; More generally,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/651719/economy-important-issue-2024-presidential-vote.aspx">Gallup</a>&nbsp;finds that the economy is the top issue this year, with 52% of voters calling it “extremely important.”&nbsp;

Inflation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/page-one-economics/2023/08/25/the-rise-and-fall-of-inflation-during-the-early-2020s#:~:text=Economists%20suggested%20both%20supply%20and,and%20higher%20over%20this%20period.&amp;text=See%2C%20for%20example%2C%20the%20San,and%20continued%20acceleration%20in%20inflation.">surged after the covid pandemic</a>&nbsp;due a variety of factors including clogged supply chains, worker shortages, and pent-up consumer demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/federal-spending-was-responsible-2022-spike-inflation-research-shows">One study by MIT researchers</a>&nbsp;found that federal spending was the biggest driver.&nbsp; This included stimulus checks and support for state governments. That spending also had positive effects, likely averting a recession and possibly even a depression.&nbsp; After their spike, inflation rates today are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/latest-inflation-statistics/?tpt=a">back down to 2.4% annually,</a>&nbsp;a level last seen in February 2021.&nbsp; Most economists attribute this control primarily to the Federal Reserve’s policy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clevelandfed.org/center-for-inflation-research/inflation-101/why-does-the-fed-care-start">raising interest rates</a>.&nbsp; So, why are voters still upset?

First is the fact that controlling interest rates does not return prices to pre-inflationary levels.&nbsp; Instead, Fed policy has slowed the&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in prices, causing them to stabilize at a point that is 21.4% more expensive than before February 2020.&nbsp; The last time Americans experienced high inflation was in the 1970s. Many older Americans have forgotten, while many younger Americans were not around to experience it.&nbsp; Should the Fed keep going and fight inflation even harder– perhaps even starting a cycle of deflation?&nbsp; If they did, the result could be traumatic.&nbsp; When the Fed finally&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/great-inflation">brought inflation to heel in the early 1980s</a>, interest rates were far higher than they are now, unemployment was in the double digits, and the<a href="https://www.iowapbs.org/iowapathways/mypath/2422/farm-crisis-1980s">&nbsp;farm economy was absolutely devastated</a>.&nbsp; By contrast,<a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LNS14000024">&nbsp;today’s unemployment rates</a>&nbsp;are historically low.

Americans are also, specifically concerned about housing.&nbsp; Post-pandemic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/us-house-prices-are-forecast-to-rise-more-than-4-percent-next-year">demand for housing is surging</a>, but supply is not keeping up. Loosening up building restrictions and zoning codes seem like good answers, but the American system of government throws up a roadblock:&nbsp; state laws– including here in Kansas– delegate most of these regulations to local governments, creating a patchwork of codes and zoning laws that builders and rehabbers must navigate in order to create and rehabilitate more housing.&nbsp; The recent&nbsp;<a href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2023/10/05/prairie-village-housing-timeline-214778/">rejection of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Prairie Village</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/lenexa-city-council-votes-down-controversial-proposal-for-homeless-shelter-in-city">denial of rezoning for a homeless shelter in Lenexa</a>, are both examples of the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) politics that keeps housing choices limited.&nbsp; In addition, when developers do move in, they often prefer to build upscale apartments or large, single-family units in exclusive neighborhoods where the profit margin is greatest, doing little to relieve the shortage of&nbsp;affordable&nbsp;homes.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationforum.org/article/immigrant-construction-workers-in-the-united-states/">current anti-immigration political climate also contributes to the problem</a>&nbsp;by threatening to limit the number of workers in the construction industry.&nbsp; If Trump is elected and proceeds with plans for mass deportations, the problem will only worsen.&nbsp; Of course, immigrants need homes, too, but research shows that they contribute far more to&nbsp;lowering&nbsp;the cost of housing by working in construction, than they contribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jd-vance-debate-immigration-housing-prices-real-estate-federal-reserve/#:~:text=Still%2C%20there%20is%20some%20evidence,but%20although%20a%20small%20one.">raising it through increased demand.</a>&nbsp;

Inflation is a tough problem.&nbsp; Prices are not going back to pre-pandemic levels–the cost of doing so is simply too high.&nbsp; Popular policies like exclusive NIMBY zoning and anti-immigration legislation make the problem worse.&nbsp; Having been confronted with high inflation for the first time since the early 1980s, Americans are now re-learning what to do–and what not to do–in response.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasThis year’s presidential campaign has featured shocking statements and dramatic moments, including two assassination attempts. More recently, former President Trump made alarming comments about “enemies within” that hint at the use of military force against his political opponents, while Vice President Harris is struggling with a reticence among men of color to vote for her. Despite all this, the election itself may come down to a far more traditional, pocketbook issue.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/2024-election-and-the-economy-survey/?tpt=a">new Bankrate survey</a>&nbsp;shows that 41% of Americans are concerned about inflation.&nbsp; More generally,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/651719/economy-important-issue-2024-presidential-vote.aspx">Gallup</a>&nbsp;finds that the economy is the top issue this year, with 52% of voters calling it “extremely important.”&nbsp;Inflation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/page-one-economics/2023/08/25/the-rise-and-fall-of-inflation-during-the-early-2020s#:~:text=Economists%20suggested%20both%20supply%20and,and%20higher%20over%20this%20period.&amp;text=See%2C%20for%20example%2C%20the%20San,and%20continued%20acceleration%20in%20inflation.">surged after the covid pandemic</a>&nbsp;due a variety of factors including clogged supply chains, worker shortages, and pent-up consumer demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/federal-spending-was-responsible-2022-spike-inflation-research-shows">One study by MIT researchers</a>&nbsp;found that federal spending was the biggest driver.&nbsp; This included stimulus checks and support for state governments. That spending also had positive effects, likely averting a recession and possibly even a depression.&nbsp; After their spike, inflation rates today are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/latest-inflation-statistics/?tpt=a">back down to 2.4% annually,</a>&nbsp;a level last seen in February 2021.&nbsp; Most economists attribute this control primarily to the Federal Reserve’s policy of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clevelandfed.org/center-for-inflation-research/inflation-101/why-does-the-fed-care-start">raising interest rates</a>.&nbsp; So, why are voters still upset?First is the fact that controlling interest rates does not return prices to pre-inflationary levels.&nbsp; Instead, Fed policy has slowed the&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in prices, causing them to stabilize at a point that is 21.4% more expensive than before February 2020.&nbsp; The last time Americans experienced high inflation was in the 1970s. Many older Americans have forgotten, while many younger Americans were not around to experience it.&nbsp; Should the Fed keep going and fight inflation even harder– perhaps even starting a cycle of deflation?&nbsp; If they did, the result could be traumatic.&nbsp; When the Fed finally&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/great-inflation">brought inflation to heel in the early 1980s</a>, interest rates were far higher than they are now, unemployment was in the double digits, and the<a href="https://www.iowapbs.org/iowapathways/mypath/2422/farm-crisis-1980s">&nbsp;farm economy was absolutely devastated</a>.&nbsp; By contrast,<a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LNS14000024">&nbsp;today’s unemployment rates</a>&nbsp;are historically low.Americans are also, specifically concerned about housing.&nbsp; Post-pandemic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/us-house-prices-are-forecast-to-rise-more-than-4-percent-next-year">demand for housing is surging</a>, but supply is not keeping up. Loosening up building restrictions and zoning codes seem like good answers, but the American system of government throws up a roadblock:&nbsp; state laws– including here in Kansas– delegate most of these regulations to local governments, creating a patchwork of codes and zoning laws that builders and rehabbers must navigate in order to create and rehabilitate more housing.&nbsp; The recent&nbsp;<a href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2023/10/05/prairie-village-housing-timeline-214778/">rejection of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Prairie Village</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/lenexa-city-council-votes-down-controversial-proposal-for-homeless-shelter-in-city">denial of rezoning for a homeless shelter in Lenexa</a>, are both examples of the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) politics that keeps housing choices limited.&nbsp; In addition, when developers do move in, they often prefer to build upscale apartments or large, single-family units in exclusive neighborhoods where the profit margin is greatest, doing little to relieve the shortage of&nbsp;affordable&nbsp;homes.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrationforum.org/article/immigrant-construction-workers-in-the-united-states/">current anti-immigration political climate also contributes to the problem</a>&nbsp;by threatening to limit the number of workers in the construction industry.&nbsp; If Trump is elected and proceeds with plans for mass deportations, the problem will only worsen.&nbsp; Of course, immigrants need homes, too, but research shows that they contribute far more to&nbsp;lowering&nbsp;the cost of housing by working in construction, than they contribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jd-vance-debate-immigration-housing-prices-real-estate-federal-reserve/#:~:text=Still%2C%20there%20is%20some%20evidence,but%20although%20a%20small%20one.">raising it through increased demand.</a>&nbsp;Inflation is a tough problem.&nbsp; Prices are not going back to pre-pandemic levels–the cost of doing so is simply too high.&nbsp; Popular policies like exclusive NIMBY zoning and anti-immigration legislation make the problem worse.&nbsp; Having been confronted with high inflation for the first time since the early 1980s, Americans are now re-learning what to do–and what not to do–in response.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: What is Really Going On With Inflation?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729374122613.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>

Starting Monday, Oct. 21, APAC Construction, Hays,&nbsp; will begin work on the 13th Street road reconstruction project between Canterbury Drive and Tallgrass Road in Hays.

Traffic control signage will begin arriving in preparation for the road reconstruction. 

Please stay alert for additional updates as the project progresses. 

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. 

If there are any questions, please call APAC at 785-625-3459 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621458762746.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysStarting Monday, Oct. 21, APAC Construction, Hays,&nbsp; will begin work on the 13th Street road reconstruction project between Canterbury Drive and Tallgrass Road in Hays.Traffic control signage will begin arriving in preparation for the road reconstruction. Please stay alert for additional updates as the project progresses. The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call APAC at 785-625-3459 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.

Road reconstruction on east 13th Street in Hays begins Monday

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Parking areas near academic and residential buildings at Fort Hays State University are becoming increasingly crowded, prompting mixed reactions from students.

Scott Cason, FHSU's chief communications officer, said the university lost parking spaces because of ongoing construction, with more expected.

"We did lose parking spaces close to Forsyth Library and won't have those back until the completion of the renovation project in May 2026," Cason said.

According to the data Cason provided, 3,413 parking spaces are available in Zone 1 and Zone 2, while on-campus student enrollment is 3,745 this year.

A total of 4,700 parking tickets were issued between August 2023 and May 2024.

Zone 1 (green) includes the Memorial Union, Rarick Hall, Tomanek Hall, the Center for Applied Technology, the Forsyth Library and Stroup Hall.

Zone 2 (yellow) primarily includes residential buildings such as Custer Hall, McMindes Hall, Tiger Place, Victor E. Vilage and Wooster apartments.

Cason said on-campus enrollment in 2024 has increased compared to 2022 and 2023 but is still 750 students lower than in the fall of 2019.

Zone 1 parking slightly declined between 2017 and 2022 to 807, further decreasing to 775 in 2024. Zone 2 has remained steady at 2,638 spaces since 2017.

There are 141 accessible parking spaces, 48 cycle parking spaces and 557 staff parking spaces, which have remained consistent in recent years.

Visitor parking has slightly decreased to 58 spaces, down from 64 in 2020 and 2021. Before those years, the number of visitor parking spaces was below 64.

Cason said the Stroup Hall parking lot consistently has available spaces, but reductions may occur in that area next year.

"Due to construction, we will likely lose some parking in the Stroup lot by next fall," he said.

FHSU student Tarek Kolesch lives on campus and said parking is worse this year than last because of construction, but he still finds it tolerable.

"There's been less parking, but I really don't think it has been that bad," he said. "It depends on the time."

Cason said construction-related equipment can be moved, but it is unnecessary.

"We can move items currently being held in parking areas around construction sites but have not observed a need to do this thus far," he said.

FHSU student August Bridges, who lives off-campus, prefers walking to class and rarely drives to campus due to parking challenges.

"[When] we get into the busier part of the week or day, it might get harder to find a parking spot... seven times out of 10, you can find a spot,"&nbsp;Bridges said.

Most of Bridges' classes are in the Center for Applied Technology building and sometimes parks nearby at the Stroup Hall lot.

FHSU student Ryan Funai said his experience with parking has been manageable, with some exceptions, whether near residential or academic buildings.

He said parking on North Campus Drive was difficult last semester, often requiring him to park farther away from his class in Rarick Hall.

"All the parking there is usually pretty awful, especially because it's all parallel parking," he said.

FHSU students Karla Segoviano and Kynlee Flavin live on campus and said there is a shortage of parking spaces near McMindes Hall, a residential building.

"It's terrible. It's very cramped, and I feel like we could use more parking spaces," Seovianno said.

Segovianno said she works late, and when she returns to her dorm, she often has to park one to two blocks away.

"It's not easy to carry all your groceries," Flavin said. "There are 15-minute parking spots, but those are taken too. It's just not ideal at all."

Segovianno and Flavin said finding parking spots is usually tricky on weekdays, while weekends are more leisurely since most students leave campus.

Segovianno said she hopes for more leniency in ticketing, considering the parking difficulties on campus and the high ticket costs.

"I got a $45 ticket... I'm a broke college student trying to get through college. If they could lower that price, that'd be great," she said.&nbsp;

Most violations result in fines of $15 or $45, with a $75 fine for parking too close to a fire hydrant and a $100 fine for unauthorized parking in a handicap-accessible space.

The appeal process requires submitting a <a href="https://webapps.fhsu.edu/TrafficAppealsForm/Default.aspx">form </a>and may include appearing before the University Parking Committee, which consists of students, faculty and staff.

If fines are not paid on time, a $25 late fee is charged. Appeals must be filed within 14 days, and the violation payment will be refunded if approved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729275891092.jpeg" alt="Closed off parking east of Forsyth Library due to Fort Hays State University construction. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Closed off parking east of Forsyth Library due to Fort Hays State University construction. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostParking areas near academic and residential buildings at Fort Hays State University are becoming increasingly crowded, prompting mixed reactions from students.Scott Cason, FHSU's chief communications officer, said the university lost parking spaces because of ongoing construction, with more expected."We did lose parking spaces close to Forsyth Library and won't have those back until the completion of the renovation project in May 2026," Cason said.According to the data Cason provided, 3,413 parking spaces are available in Zone 1 and Zone 2, while on-campus student enrollment is 3,745 this year.A total of 4,700 parking tickets were issued between August 2023 and May 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729198690988.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University parking map" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University parking map</figcaption>
 </figure>Zone 1 (green) includes the Memorial Union, Rarick Hall, Tomanek Hall, the Center for Applied Technology, the Forsyth Library and Stroup Hall.Zone 2 (yellow) primarily includes residential buildings such as Custer Hall, McMindes Hall, Tiger Place, Victor E. Vilage and Wooster apartments.Cason said on-campus enrollment in 2024 has increased compared to 2022 and 2023 but is still 750 students lower than in the fall of 2019.Zone 1 parking slightly declined between 2017 and 2022 to 807, further decreasing to 775 in 2024. Zone 2 has remained steady at 2,638 spaces since 2017.There are 141 accessible parking spaces, 48 cycle parking spaces and 557 staff parking spaces, which have remained consistent in recent years.Visitor parking has slightly decreased to 58 spaces, down from 64 in 2020 and 2021. Before those years, the number of visitor parking spaces was below 64.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729276610135.jpeg" alt="Construction area with parking spaces fenced off at Forsyth Library. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Construction area with parking spaces fenced off at Forsyth Library. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729276570932.jpeg" alt="Construction area with parking spaces fenced off at Forsyth Library. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Construction area with parking spaces fenced off at Forsyth Library. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Cason said the Stroup Hall parking lot consistently has available spaces, but reductions may occur in that area next year."Due to construction, we will likely lose some parking in the Stroup lot by next fall," he said.FHSU student Tarek Kolesch lives on campus and said parking is worse this year than last because of construction, but he still finds it tolerable."There's been less parking, but I really don't think it has been that bad," he said. "It depends on the time."Cason said construction-related equipment can be moved, but it is unnecessary."We can move items currently being held in parking areas around construction sites but have not observed a need to do this thus far," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729277681217.jpeg" alt="Cars parked near Forsyth Library and Malloy Hall at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Cars parked near Forsyth Library and Malloy Hall at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729276881681.jpeg" alt="Cars parked near Forsyth Library and Tomanek Hall at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Cars parked near Forsyth Library and Tomanek Hall at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU student August Bridges, who lives off-campus, prefers walking to class and rarely drives to campus due to parking challenges."[When] we get into the busier part of the week or day, it might get harder to find a parking spot... seven times out of 10, you can find a spot,"&nbsp;Bridges said.Most of Bridges' classes are in the Center for Applied Technology building and sometimes parks nearby at the Stroup Hall lot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729276942201.jpeg" alt="The Stroup Hall parking lot at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Stroup Hall parking lot at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729276983142.jpeg" alt="The Stroup Hall parking lot at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Stroup Hall parking lot at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU student Ryan Funai said his experience with parking has been manageable, with some exceptions, whether near residential or academic buildings.He said parking on North Campus Drive was difficult last semester, often requiring him to park farther away from his class in Rarick Hall."All the parking there is usually pretty awful, especially because it's all parallel parking," he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729277836541.jpeg" alt="Cars parallel parked on North Campus Drive at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero" />
 <figcaption>Cars parallel parked on North Campus Drive at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729277612977.jpeg" alt="Cars parked on North Campus Drive at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero" />
 <figcaption>Cars parked on North Campus Drive at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU students Karla Segoviano and Kynlee Flavin live on campus and said there is a shortage of parking spaces near McMindes Hall, a residential building."It's terrible. It's very cramped, and I feel like we could use more parking spaces," Seovianno said.Segovianno said she works late, and when she returns to her dorm, she often has to park one to two blocks away."It's not easy to carry all your groceries," Flavin said. "There are 15-minute parking spots, but those are taken too. It's just not ideal at all."Segovianno and Flavin said finding parking spots is usually tricky on weekdays, while weekends are more leisurely since most students leave campus.Segovianno said she hopes for more leniency in ticketing, considering the parking difficulties on campus and the high ticket costs."I got a $45 ticket... I'm a broke college student trying to get through college. If they could lower that price, that'd be great," she said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729277932829.jpeg" alt="The parking lot between Malloy and Hammond Hall at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero" />
 <figcaption>The parking lot between Malloy and Hammond Hall at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729277976786.jpeg" alt="The Center for Applied Technology parking lot at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Center for Applied Technology parking lot at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729278062449.jpeg" alt="Cars parked in front of Sheridan Hall&nbsp;at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Cars parked in front of Sheridan Hall&nbsp;at Fort Hays State University. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Most violations result in fines of $15 or $45, with a $75 fine for parking too close to a fire hydrant and a $100 fine for unauthorized parking in a handicap-accessible space.The appeal process requires submitting a <a href="https://webapps.fhsu.edu/TrafficAppealsForm/Default.aspx">form </a>and may include appearing before the University Parking Committee, which consists of students, faculty and staff.If fines are not paid on time, a $25 late fee is charged. Appeals must be filed within 14 days, and the violation payment will be refunded if approved.Payments can be made at Student Fiscal Services in Picken Hall, Room 317, or through student Workday accounts.Parking permits are required for all vehicles parked on campus and must be displayed appropriately. Faculty, staff and students must also register their vehicles each academic year.Commuter students are eligible for Zone 1 or Zone 2 parking permits, while students residing in residence halls are limited to Zone 2 permits only.Zone 1 permits cost $25, while Zone 2 permits are $13. You can find more information on permits and parking <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/university-police/parking/">here</a>.

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