The Hays Police Department responded to 79 incidents May 19-25, 2024, according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 79 incidents May 19-25, 2024, according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
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Hays Police Department activity log, May 19-25, 2024

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Hays Police Department arrest log, May 19-25, 2024

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 256 incidents May 26-June 1, 2024, according to the activity report.

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 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 256 incidents May 26-June 1, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activities log, May 26-June 1, 2024

LA CROSSE—Some drivers take weeks, months, even years to hit their stride when moving from one team to another. For Seth Bergman, it took one race.

In his return to his family-owned No. 23 machine, following a short stint in the TwoC Racing car, Bergman collected his second American Sprint Car Series National Tour victory of the season Friday night at Rush County Speedway.

After starting the Feature on the outside of the front row, following a second-place Dash effort, Bergman trailed closely behind polesitter Matt Covington in the early stages of the race. Once Covington began catching traffic on Lap 7, Bergman dove to Covington’s inside entering Turn 3, completed the pass, and never looked back.

“What a fantastic night,” Bergman said in Victory Lane. “First night back in our family car, to come out here and get a win, I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”

With all 30 laps going caution-free, maneuvering around slower cars was critical throughout the seven-minute feature. Bergman was one of the only drivers in the field capable of using any lane on the track at any time, which allowed him to build a lead of nearly seven seconds by the time the checkered flag flew–and lap up to sixth place.

“This place was cowboy up tonight,” Bergman said. “I felt like a teenager again. Growing up on the West Coast definitely helped me tonight. I was able to dig back in the toolbox and get the spurs on and go to work. I felt like my biggest concern there once I got going was running out of tear-offs. I felt like I was pulling two or three a lap sometimes.”

Covington’s dominant Dash victory gave him the night’s pole position in the feature, but the 19-time National Tour winner said a lack of versatility in traffic was his downfall.

“I felt like my car was good in clean air, but I didn’t feel as good when I got into dirty air,” Covington said. “It doesn’t take a lot to make these cars go from looking really good to really bad, just subtle changes. We were real close. Bergman was better in traffic, I think. We’ll put that in the notebook and try to get him next time.”

The National Tour was not the only one making its Rush County debut. Many drivers in the field, including the top two, were making their first-ever laps around the 5/16-mile bullring.

“The track stayed fairly narrow,” Covington said. “The kind of dirt it is, even though it looks all wet, you can get your car through it if you’re brave enough and stay in the gas.”

Bergman's move back to his family team allows him to take a more hands-on approach to his racing program.

“Getting back in our family car, I’m able to oversee everything at our house,” Bergman said. “I spend countless hours just overthinking and paying attention to detail and just really trying to build race cars that are capable of coming here and doing that.”

Rounding out the podium in the third spot was 17-year-old Ryder Laplante, who was making just his second start with the National Tour. The young Oklahoma native has bounced between everything from Micro Sprints to 410 Sprint Cars in the early months of the season and said he hopes his quick success with ASCS will snowball into a championship chase in 2025.

“We’re just going to hit as many races as we can here and there,” Laplante said. “Just get prepared for next year, and hopefully, we can hit it full-time.”

Bergman wasn’t the only one able to make passes during the 30-lap feature. Hank Davis, making his debut in the TwoC Racing No. 2C, charged from 11th to fourth, claiming the night’s Hard Charger Award.

Sam Hafertepe Jr., who challenged Covington for second most of the feature, fell back and ended the night fifth – his first top-five finish of the 2024 National Tour season.

UP NEXT: The National Tour will now turn its attention to the second half of this weekend’s Kansas doubleheader, with Dodge City Raceway Park on Saturday, June 1. Tickets will be available at the gate, with live coverage available on&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.mB7pKm66TiXpNF-2B3qCAGf1yDoiKVeaFU4opScCi1x5dEQPJGpAoc493reRvAfgqlv4o9_ai5o7a2ztpywqx-2FSZEU1mC0k3plQ2hEmdQsqZCH-2FtSbSauz5CcYpHe7spQkrAj9oKd2u9pfUdXZFI4OrBR4UG-2BRsvWFGVE5edc-2FmLQgsKE-2Bjz0bdoYU-2BC7AIOz2hAo8ag71GsdqIL9bo-2B1dLMl9va7vP4hkRtgQkuvHwUvTQ2EYY-2BMjUzR-2Bmt6PmuTLBfbHWN9J-2FJtFkljmINuXxQ69YefwaU8u25P-2B93AO8cqoWM1cIqtZ-2Fq-2BMRwLUiK3toXYm3wFwfTF95GGXw115KVgN-2F1h5sVtoqNO3m-2Brd-2BPLTRQ634ktbEh7ObhZIK2uszPvc4cE3aB2gm0lqqx8WfrAjcHkwFb4wiDLQUn4IcQvxHCnKQBj00raEoTXmaltjAQzO3" target="_blank">DIRTVision</a>&nbsp;for those unable to make it to the track.

RESULTSA Feature 1 (30 Laps): 1. 23-Seth Bergman[2]; 2. 95-Matt Covington[1]; 3. 88R-Ryder Laplante[7]; 4. 2C-Hank Davis[11]; 5. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[3]; 6. 10C-Jeremy Campbell[6]; 7. 36-Jason Martin[13]; 8. 10-Landon Britt[15]; 9. 55B-Jordon Mallett[4]; 10. 15D-Andrew Deal[8]; 11. 45X-Kyler Johnson[14]; 12. 2-Brekton Crouch[12]; 13. 16G-Austyn Gossel[9]; 14. 938-Bradley Fezard[20]; 15. 88J-Jeremy Huish[17]; 16. 2J-Zach Blurton[16]; 17. 88-Terry Easum[19]; 18. 88K-Jordan Knight[22]; 19. 57P-Peter Walker[23]; 20. 6G-Bryan Gossel[18]; 21. 1X-Bryant Wiedeman[10]; 22. 91-Michael Day[24]; 23. 71-Brady Baker[5]; 24. 11K-Tyler Knight[21]

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717430546465.jpeg" alt="Seth Bergman Winsby Photo by EmilySchwanke" />
 <figcaption>Seth Bergman Winsby Photo by EmilySchwanke</figcaption>
 </figure>LA CROSSE—Some drivers take weeks, months, even years to hit their stride when moving from one team to another. For Seth Bergman, it took one race.In his return to his family-owned No. 23 machine, following a short stint in the TwoC Racing car, Bergman collected his second American Sprint Car Series National Tour victory of the season Friday night at Rush County Speedway.After starting the Feature on the outside of the front row, following a second-place Dash effort, Bergman trailed closely behind polesitter Matt Covington in the early stages of the race. Once Covington began catching traffic on Lap 7, Bergman dove to Covington’s inside entering Turn 3, completed the pass, and never looked back.“What a fantastic night,” Bergman said in Victory Lane. “First night back in our family car, to come out here and get a win, I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717430606447.jpeg" alt="Bergman Celebration Photo by EmilySchwanke" />
 <figcaption>Bergman Celebration Photo by EmilySchwanke</figcaption>
 </figure>With all 30 laps going caution-free, maneuvering around slower cars was critical throughout the seven-minute feature. Bergman was one of the only drivers in the field capable of using any lane on the track at any time, which allowed him to build a lead of nearly seven seconds by the time the checkered flag flew–and lap up to sixth place.“This place was cowboy up tonight,” Bergman said. “I felt like a teenager again. Growing up on the West Coast definitely helped me tonight. I was able to dig back in the toolbox and get the spurs on and go to work. I felt like my biggest concern there once I got going was running out of tear-offs. I felt like I was pulling two or three a lap sometimes.”Covington’s dominant Dash victory gave him the night’s pole position in the feature, but the 19-time National Tour winner said a lack of versatility in traffic was his downfall.“I felt like my car was good in clean air, but I didn’t feel as good when I got into dirty air,” Covington said. “It doesn’t take a lot to make these cars go from looking really good to really bad, just subtle changes. We were real close. Bergman was better in traffic, I think. We’ll put that in the notebook and try to get him next time.”The National Tour was not the only one making its Rush County debut. Many drivers in the field, including the top two, were making their first-ever laps around the 5/16-mile bullring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717430666914.jpeg" alt="Podium Photo by Emily Schwanke." />
 <figcaption>Podium Photo by Emily Schwanke.</figcaption>
 </figure>“The track stayed fairly narrow,” Covington said. “The kind of dirt it is, even though it looks all wet, you can get your car through it if you’re brave enough and stay in the gas.”Bergman's move back to his family team allows him to take a more hands-on approach to his racing program.“Getting back in our family car, I’m able to oversee everything at our house,” Bergman said. “I spend countless hours just overthinking and paying attention to detail and just really trying to build race cars that are capable of coming here and doing that.”Rounding out the podium in the third spot was 17-year-old Ryder Laplante, who was making just his second start with the National Tour. The young Oklahoma native has bounced between everything from Micro Sprints to 410 Sprint Cars in the early months of the season and said he hopes his quick success with ASCS will snowball into a championship chase in 2025.“We’re just going to hit as many races as we can here and there,” Laplante said. “Just get prepared for next year, and hopefully, we can hit it full-time.”Bergman wasn’t the only one able to make passes during the 30-lap feature. Hank Davis, making his debut in the TwoC Racing No. 2C, charged from 11th to fourth, claiming the night’s Hard Charger Award.Sam Hafertepe Jr., who challenged Covington for second most of the feature, fell back and ended the night fifth – his first top-five finish of the 2024 National Tour season.UP NEXT: The National Tour will now turn its attention to the second half of this weekend’s Kansas doubleheader, with Dodge City Raceway Park on Saturday, June 1. Tickets will be available at the gate, with live coverage available on&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.mB7pKm66TiXpNF-2B3qCAGf1yDoiKVeaFU4opScCi1x5dEQPJGpAoc493reRvAfgqlv4o9_ai5o7a2ztpywqx-2FSZEU1mC0k3plQ2hEmdQsqZCH-2FtSbSauz5CcYpHe7spQkrAj9oKd2u9pfUdXZFI4OrBR4UG-2BRsvWFGVE5edc-2FmLQgsKE-2Bjz0bdoYU-2BC7AIOz2hAo8ag71GsdqIL9bo-2B1dLMl9va7vP4hkRtgQkuvHwUvTQ2EYY-2BMjUzR-2Bmt6PmuTLBfbHWN9J-2FJtFkljmINuXxQ69YefwaU8u25P-2B93AO8cqoWM1cIqtZ-2Fq-2BMRwLUiK3toXYm3wFwfTF95GGXw115KVgN-2F1h5sVtoqNO3m-2Brd-2BPLTRQ634ktbEh7ObhZIK2uszPvc4cE3aB2gm0lqqx8WfrAjcHkwFb4wiDLQUn4IcQvxHCnKQBj00raEoTXmaltjAQzO3" target="_blank">DIRTVision</a>&nbsp;for those unable to make it to the track.RESULTSA Feature 1 (30 Laps): 1. 23-Seth Bergman[2]; 2. 95-Matt Covington[1]; 3. 88R-Ryder Laplante[7]; 4. 2C-Hank Davis[11]; 5. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[3]; 6. 10C-Jeremy Campbell[6]; 7. 36-Jason Martin[13]; 8. 10-Landon Britt[15]; 9. 55B-Jordon Mallett[4]; 10. 15D-Andrew Deal[8]; 11. 45X-Kyler Johnson[14]; 12. 2-Brekton Crouch[12]; 13. 16G-Austyn Gossel[9]; 14. 938-Bradley Fezard[20]; 15. 88J-Jeremy Huish[17]; 16. 2J-Zach Blurton[16]; 17. 88-Terry Easum[19]; 18. 88K-Jordan Knight[22]; 19. 57P-Peter Walker[23]; 20. 6G-Bryan Gossel[18]; 21. 1X-Bryant Wiedeman[10]; 22. 91-Michael Day[24]; 23. 71-Brady Baker[5]; 24. 11K-Tyler Knight[21]

Bergman wins at Rush County in return to family team

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

John Linn's 35 years in education allowed him to serve in a number of roles and in several schools across Kansas, and all the while, he never lost the competitive fire and desire to be a coach.

When the head girls' basketball coach position at Thomas More-Prep Marian became available, he knew the time was right to return to coaching.

“When this opportunity came around this year, ‘I was like,
you know,’ I really want to get back into coaching again, and what a great
opportunity to do it,” Linn said. “I know most of the girls. I got to have them in the class. I know how competitive they are, so the timing was perfect.”

Linn, who serves as the TMP business teacher, takes over
after the school elected not to retain Rose McFarland after 12 seasons.

After finishing the season with no seniors, Linn says he
will lean on the five seniors who will be a part of the program next year as
they look to increase their numbers. 

“I look forward to them being great leaders for underclassmen
and being those people who continue to build upon the program and maybe
getting more girls excited about coming in and joining our program and building up
those numbers,” Linn said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717440334876.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostJohn Linn's 35 years in education allowed him to serve in a number of roles and in several schools across Kansas, and all the while, he never lost the competitive fire and desire to be a coach.When the head girls' basketball coach position at Thomas More-Prep Marian became available, he knew the time was right to return to coaching.“When this opportunity came around this year, ‘I was like,
you know,’ I really want to get back into coaching again, and what a great
opportunity to do it,” Linn said. “I know most of the girls. I got to have them in the class. I know how competitive they are, so the timing was perfect.”Linn, who serves as the TMP business teacher, takes over
after the school elected not to retain Rose McFarland after 12 seasons.TMP finished 11-12 last season. After finishing the season with no seniors, Linn says he
will lean on the five seniors who will be a part of the program next year as
they look to increase their numbers. “I look forward to them being great leaders for underclassmen
and being those people who continue to build upon the program and maybe
getting more girls excited about coming in and joining our program and building up
those numbers,” Linn said.You can here more from Linn below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1836560880&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/6-3-2024-john-linn" title="6-3-2024 - John Linn" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">6-3-2024 - John Linn</a></div></div>

🏀 John Linn named TMP-Marian girls basketball coach

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The K-State Ag Research Center in Hays reported .75 inches of rain during the weekend.

Hays is still behind on its precipitation for the year. To date, Hays has received 6.7 inches of precipitation.&nbsp;

By the end of June, the average year-to-date precipitation for Hays will be 11.31 inches, with 3.38 inches anticipated for June.

The Kansas Drought Monitor only shows precipitation amounts through last Tuesday. No precipitation from last week or this weekend is counted in the map that was released Thursday.&nbsp;

It showed Ellis County abnormally dry to being in moderate drought.

The National Weather Service forecasts a 20% chance of rain after 1 p.m. today with a high of 87 for Hays.

The weather is forecast to be clear through Friday with chances of rain returning Friday night and into the weekend.

Highs will be in the upper 80s and lower 90s through Friday.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe K-State Ag Research Center in Hays reported .75 inches of rain during the weekend.Hays is still behind on its precipitation for the year. To date, Hays has received 6.7 inches of precipitation.&nbsp;By the end of June, the average year-to-date precipitation for Hays will be 11.31 inches, with 3.38 inches anticipated for June.The Kansas Drought Monitor only shows precipitation amounts through last Tuesday. No precipitation from last week or this weekend is counted in the map that was released Thursday.&nbsp;It showed Ellis County abnormally dry to being in moderate drought.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717429270374.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service forecasts a 20% chance of rain after 1 p.m. today with a high of 87 for Hays.The weather is forecast to be clear through Friday with chances of rain returning Friday night and into the weekend.Highs will be in the upper 80s and lower 90s through Friday.

Hays sees rain during the weekend, but still below precipitation average for year

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Ellis County Jail bookings, May 27-June 3, 2024

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Sunday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Highlander driven by William R. Thomas, 79, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately 4 miles east of the Wilson-Lucas Kansas 232 exit.&nbsp;

The Toyota rear-ended a 2012 Ford Focus driven by Elizabeth A.&nbsp;Lineberry, 18, Colorado, who slowed due to blowing dust and no visibility.&nbsp; After impact, a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Chantelle H. Meyer, 31, Salina, rear-ended the Ford Focus.

EMS transported&nbsp;Meyer to Salina Regional Health Center and a passenger in the Toyota Karine M. Thomas, 76, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to&nbsp;Ellsworth County Medical Center.

EMS transported a passenger in the Ford Focus Margaret A.&nbsp;Bojorquez, 44,&nbsp; Flippin, Arkansas, to HaysMed.

Lineberry and Thomas were not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Sunday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Highlander driven by William R. Thomas, 79, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately 4 miles east of the Wilson-Lucas Kansas 232 exit.&nbsp;The Toyota rear-ended a 2012 Ford Focus driven by Elizabeth A.&nbsp;Lineberry, 18, Colorado, who slowed due to blowing dust and no visibility.&nbsp; After impact, a 2017 Ford Escape driven by Chantelle H. Meyer, 31, Salina, rear-ended the Ford Focus.EMS transported&nbsp;Meyer to Salina Regional Health Center and a passenger in the Toyota Karine M. Thomas, 76, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to&nbsp;Ellsworth County Medical Center.EMS transported a passenger in the Ford Focus Margaret A.&nbsp;Bojorquez, 44,&nbsp; Flippin, Arkansas, to HaysMed.Lineberry and Thomas were not injured. All five were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized in Hays after crash in blowing dust

DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement agencies along the border between northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska continue actively assisting Decatur County, Oberlin, Kansas, authorities with an ongoing investigation of an abduction and holding a hostage from Oberlin, according to Decatur County Sheriff&nbsp; David Wachendorfer.&nbsp; Early Monday, the sheriff's office reported no new developments in the search.

On Saturday, Decatur County Dispatch in Oberlin received a report from a man that he had been kidnapped and had just escaped from his captors.

Law Enforcement Officers from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and Oberlin Police Department, as well as members of Decatur County EMS and Emergency Management responded to the location.

The victim was located and the incident appears to be valid, according to Wachendorfer. The kidnapping occurred in another jurisdiction and the victim was able to escape while passing through. The sheriff is asking for the public’s assistance in watching for a blue or green older model mini van with Oklahoma plates.

The vehicle is occupied by a white male about 5-foot-6, bald, with a long brown beard and tattoos on his chest.

The second subject is a black male 5-foot-10, chubby, with a mustache, goatee and face tattoos. The suspects are to be considered armed and dangerous.&nbsp; Do not approach them.

DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement agencies along the border between northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska continue actively assisting Decatur County, Oberlin, Kansas, authorities with an ongoing investigation of an abduction and holding a hostage from Oberlin, according to Decatur County Sheriff&nbsp; David Wachendorfer.&nbsp; Early Monday, the sheriff's office reported no new developments in the search.On Saturday, Decatur County Dispatch in Oberlin received a report from a man that he had been kidnapped and had just escaped from his captors.Law Enforcement Officers from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and Oberlin Police Department, as well as members of Decatur County EMS and Emergency Management responded to the location.The victim was located and the incident appears to be valid, according to Wachendorfer. The kidnapping occurred in another jurisdiction and the victim was able to escape while passing through. The sheriff is asking for the public’s assistance in watching for a blue or green older model mini van with Oklahoma plates.The vehicle is occupied by a white male about 5-foot-6, bald, with a long brown beard and tattoos on his chest.The second subject is a black male 5-foot-10, chubby, with a mustache, goatee and face tattoos. The suspects are to be considered armed and dangerous.&nbsp; Do not approach them.

Suspects in NW Kansas abduction still at large

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Elevate your style in downtown Hays with Azalea Avenue Boutique, a new women's clothing store with a range of options.

The boutique, 110 W 11th St., opened its second location since its founding in 2017 on Saturday.

Owner Merry Walt said her journey began at home when she sketched fashion designs and worked with a limited clothing inventory.

"I started this seven years ago with three shirts out of my basement," Walt said. "I was in the middle of quitting an old job when I was like, 'I'm gonna do it.'"

Starting online, the clothing store moved to Quinter before relocating to 117 N. Main St. in WaKeeney.

On June 1, its newest location had a grand opening celebration with the mission to help the women of Hays look their most fashionable.

Walt said what distinguishes Azalea Avenue in the Hays area is its modern clothing style and focus on catering to women in their 30s and 40s.

With a passion for fashion, Walt said she looks to guide women during challenging times and motherhood.

"In the midst of raising children, we forget ourselves and who we are," she said. "You can be a mom, and you can be stylish."

The boutique offers a range of styles, from business casual to summer outfits, everyday wear, and clothing suitable for before and after pregnancy.

Azalea Avenue in Hays features exclusive denim brands not found at its Quinter location or anywhere else in Hays.

The clothing store offers an extensive selection of accessories and apparel, such as dresses, bags, boots, curved tops and bottoms with sizes ranging from small to 3XL.

"Because there's multiple amazing clothing stores downtown, I think it's going to draw more women," Walt said. "I think they're gonna really enjoy a Saturday morning with us."

After its opening week, Azalea Avenue will have special hours and promotions in conjunction with Brew on the Bricks on June 15 and the Wild West Festival from July 3 to 6.

Having helped countless women so far, Walt looks to do the same in Hays with her second of many store locations that have yet to come.

"We're really excited to be in Hays to expand and inspire more women and help them with their fashion," she said.

Walt plans to grow her business with a Salina location by 2025 while establishing a presence in Lawrence, Lenexa, Garden City and beyond.

Between her Hays and WaKeeney stores, Walt said she maintains her managing role with some assistance.

"A little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus," she said.

Walt's Hays location resides in the former building of Brick's Rockin' BBQ. She and her husband discussed expansion a year before its renovation and opening while eating there.

Azalea Avenue Boutique in Hays is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and its WaKeeney location is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

You can join Azalea Avenue Boutique's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/166039954053365">VIP group</a> or follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/azaleaavenueclothing/">store </a>on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716918569830.jpeg" alt="The front of Azalea Avenue Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The front of Azalea Avenue Boutique in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostElevate your style in downtown Hays with Azalea Avenue Boutique, a new women's clothing store with a range of options.The boutique, 110 W 11th St., opened its second location since its founding in 2017 on Saturday.Owner Merry Walt said her journey began at home when she sketched fashion designs and worked with a limited clothing inventory."I started this seven years ago with three shirts out of my basement," Walt said. "I was in the middle of quitting an old job when I was like, 'I'm gonna do it.'"Starting online, the clothing store moved to Quinter before relocating to 117 N. Main St. in WaKeeney.On June 1, its newest location had a grand opening celebration with the mission to help the women of Hays look their most fashionable.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717182831465.jpeg" alt="Clothing racks and entrance space to Azalea Avenue's Hays location. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Clothing racks and entrance space to Azalea Avenue's Hays location. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Walt said what distinguishes Azalea Avenue in the Hays area is its modern clothing style and focus on catering to women in their 30s and 40s.With a passion for fashion, Walt said she looks to guide women during challenging times and motherhood."In the midst of raising children, we forget ourselves and who we are," she said. "You can be a mom, and you can be stylish."The boutique offers a range of styles, from business casual to summer outfits, everyday wear, and clothing suitable for before and after pregnancy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717182898468.jpeg" alt="Azalea Avenue's sales floor at its Hays location with cookies and water for customers. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Azalea Avenue's sales floor at its Hays location with cookies and water for customers. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717182800767.jpeg" alt="Clothing racks and shelves for bottoms at Azalea Avenue's Hays location. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Clothing racks and shelves for bottoms at Azalea Avenue's Hays location. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Azalea Avenue in Hays features exclusive denim brands not found at its Quinter location or anywhere else in Hays.The clothing store offers an extensive selection of accessories and apparel, such as dresses, bags, boots, curved tops and bottoms with sizes ranging from small to 3XL."Because there's multiple amazing clothing stores downtown, I think it's going to draw more women," Walt said. "I think they're gonna really enjoy a Saturday morning with us."After its opening week, Azalea Avenue will have special hours and promotions in conjunction with Brew on the Bricks on June 15 and the Wild West Festival from July 3 to 6.Having helped countless women so far, Walt looks to do the same in Hays with her second of many store locations that have yet to come."We're really excited to be in Hays to expand and inspire more women and help them with their fashion," she said.Walt plans to grow her business with a Salina location by 2025 while establishing a presence in Lawrence, Lenexa, Garden City and beyond.Between her Hays and WaKeeney stores, Walt said she maintains her managing role with some assistance."A little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus," she said.Walt's Hays location resides in the former building of Brick's Rockin' BBQ. She and her husband discussed expansion a year before its renovation and opening while eating there.Azalea Avenue Boutique in Hays is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and its WaKeeney location is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.You can join Azalea Avenue Boutique's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/166039954053365">VIP group</a> or follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/azaleaavenueclothing/">store </a>on Facebook.

Adorn yourself at Azalea Avenue Boutique's new Hays location

The filing deadline for the fall elections is noon Monday, June 3 at the Ellis County Clerk’s office, Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St.

Below is a list of offices that will be on the Aug. 6 primary
ballot:

These positions must be filed with the Secretary of State’s office:

• United States House of Representatives,
1st District • State Senate, 40th
District • State Representative, 110th
&amp; 111th Districts • District Court Judge, 23rd
District, 1st &amp; 2nd Divisions

These positions must be filed with the Ellis County Clerk’s office at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718 Main St., Hays:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

• Ellis City Council – three positions
(November election only) • Ellis County Commissioner, 2nd
&amp; 3rd &nbsp;District&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • Ellis County Treasurer&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • Ellis County Register of Deeds • Ellis County Sheriff • Ellis County Clerk • Ellis County Attorney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Township Trustee in Big Creek
Township • Township Trustee in Buckeye
Township • Township Trustee in Freedom
Township • Township Trustee in Herzog
Township • Township Treasurer in Big Creek
Township • Township Treasurer in Buckeye Township • Township Treasurer in Freedom Township • Township Treasurer in Herzog Township&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One precinct committeeman in
each precinct&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One precinct committeewoman in
each precinct&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The last day to register to vote in the primary is July 16. 

Last day to change your party
affiliation is June 3rd at noon.


Unaffiliated voters can declare a party up to and including Election Day.

Early voting begins July 22 and will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and Saturday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St.

The last day to early vote is noon
on Aug. 5 at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St.

The last day to request an advance mail ballot is July 30.

If you have moved or changed
your name, you will need to fill out a new voter registration. You can do this
online or at the Ellis County Clerk’s office at the Ellis County Administrative Center. Voters may
go to VoterView at <a href="https://www.ksvotes.org/">www.voteks.org</a> to check
their registration status.

Ellis County ClerkThe filing deadline for the fall elections is noon Monday, June 3 at the Ellis County Clerk’s office, Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St.Below is a list of offices that will be on the Aug. 6 primary
ballot:These positions must be filed with the Secretary of State’s office:• United States House of Representatives,
1st District • State Senate, 40th
District • State Representative, 110th
&amp; 111th Districts • District Court Judge, 23rd
District, 1st &amp; 2nd DivisionsThese positions must be filed with the Ellis County Clerk’s office at the Ellis County Administration Center, 718 Main St., Hays:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• Ellis City Council – three positions
(November election only) • Ellis County Commissioner, 2nd
&amp; 3rd &nbsp;District&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • Ellis County Treasurer&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • Ellis County Register of Deeds • Ellis County Sheriff • Ellis County Clerk • Ellis County Attorney&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Township positions• Township Trustee in Big Creek
Township • Township Trustee in Buckeye
Township • Township Trustee in Freedom
Township • Township Trustee in Herzog
Township • Township Treasurer in Big Creek
Township • Township Treasurer in Buckeye Township • Township Treasurer in Freedom Township • Township Treasurer in Herzog Township&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One precinct committeeman in
each precinct&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One precinct committeewoman in
each precinct&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The last day to register to vote in the primary is July 16. Last day to change your party
affiliation is June 3rd at noon.
Unaffiliated voters can declare a party up to and including Election Day.Early voting begins July 22 and will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and Saturday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St.The last day to early vote is noon
on Aug. 5 at the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main St.The last day to request an advance mail ballot is July 30.If you have moved or changed
your name, you will need to fill out a new voter registration. You can do this
online or at the Ellis County Clerk’s office at the Ellis County Administrative Center. Voters may
go to VoterView at <a href="https://www.ksvotes.org/">www.voteks.org</a> to check
their registration status.

Filing deadline for fall elections today; see list of positions up for election

College tuition is going up in Kansas on all public university campuses. Operating costs are escalating, and higher education is faced with new Department of Labor overtime rules, a volatile employment market, and inflation—unfortunately, we experience that in many of the things we purchase on a regular basis.

Earlier this month, Kansas’ six public universities presented their proposed tuition and fee schedule for 2024-25 to the Kansas Board of Regents. Fort Hays State University, which has a long history of commitment to affordability, stood out from the rest with a proposed 6 percent increase. Before casting dispersions on the university for what many see as a big jump, it is important to know the rest of the story. A fuller story that was not reported in the media.

• Annual tuition for a full-time student at Fort Hays State would be $5,924, almost half the national average for public universities

• The proposed tuition at Fort Hays, even with the 6 percent increase, is still 35 percent less than the Kansas average for public universities

• In preparing the tuition proposal, the university looked at market trends and institutional needs believed essential to maintaining the balance between affordability and quality, long the hallmarks of a Fort Hays State education.

A commitment to accessibility and excellence guide Fort Hays State University leadership in important decisions concerning the cost of a university education. The tuition proposal presented to the Kansas Board of Regents will allow the university to continue its commitment to offering the best value in higher education in Kansas, something we all can support.

— Janis K. Lee, retired Kansas state senator

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>College tuition is going up in Kansas on all public university campuses. Operating costs are escalating, and higher education is faced with new Department of Labor overtime rules, a volatile employment market, and inflation—unfortunately, we experience that in many of the things we purchase on a regular basis.Earlier this month, Kansas’ six public universities presented their proposed tuition and fee schedule for 2024-25 to the Kansas Board of Regents. Fort Hays State University, which has a long history of commitment to affordability, stood out from the rest with a proposed 6 percent increase. Before casting dispersions on the university for what many see as a big jump, it is important to know the rest of the story. A fuller story that was not reported in the media.• Annual tuition for a full-time student at Fort Hays State would be $5,924, almost half the national average for public universities• The proposed tuition at Fort Hays, even with the 6 percent increase, is still 35 percent less than the Kansas average for public universities• In preparing the tuition proposal, the university looked at market trends and institutional needs believed essential to maintaining the balance between affordability and quality, long the hallmarks of a Fort Hays State education.A commitment to accessibility and excellence guide Fort Hays State University leadership in important decisions concerning the cost of a university education. The tuition proposal presented to the Kansas Board of Regents will allow the university to continue its commitment to offering the best value in higher education in Kansas, something we all can support.— Janis K. Lee, retired Kansas state senator

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: And now the the rest of the story, college tuition

TOPEKA—Kansas&nbsp;district&nbsp;courts affected by an Oct. 12 cybersecurity incident have finished working through a backlog of new cases and paper documents filed while&nbsp;court&nbsp;information systems were offline from mid-October to early January.

District&nbsp;courts in 104 counties switched to paper filings after&nbsp;court&nbsp;information systems managed by the Office of Judicial Administration were taken offline following the Oct. 12 cybersecurity incident.

“After the cybersecurity incident, our first goal was to restore all&nbsp;court&nbsp;information systems safely and securely,” Chief Justice Marla Luckert said. “Once these systems were restored, district&nbsp;court&nbsp;staff then had to work through a backlog of paper filings to bring the district&nbsp;court&nbsp;case management system up to date. That work is now complete.”

Some&nbsp;courts reduced the hours their&nbsp;court&nbsp;clerk offices were open to give staff uninterrupted time to focus on working through their paper backlogs.

As&nbsp;courts finished this work, some of their&nbsp;court&nbsp;clerk office staff helped&nbsp;courts in other judicial districts work through their backlogs. A statewide workshare team numbering about a dozen people from&nbsp;court&nbsp;clerk offices in several judicial districts helped multiple&nbsp;courts work through their backlogs.

“I’m infinitely grateful to the judges and&nbsp;court&nbsp;employees who worked to overcome the challenges our&nbsp;court&nbsp;system faced following the cybersecurity incident,” Luckert said. “I’m also grateful for the understanding and patience shown to our&nbsp;courts by attorneys and the public as we worked to continue to provide service under trying circumstances.”

Working across lines that define judicial districts and counties was not possible before the judicial branch began rolling out a new case management system in district&nbsp;courts statewide.

By August 2023, all district&nbsp;courts operated on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/QBf3akVCxgLprDaWuqeW0GrWYZXRkvCulrAv5Rs5lhQ" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;eCourt case management system</a>&nbsp;except the&nbsp;court&nbsp;in Johnson County. The Johnson County District&nbsp;Court&nbsp;will transition to the new case management system later this year.

This new case management system also makes it possible for people to search most district&nbsp;court&nbsp;case information online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/QBf3akVCxgLprDaWuqeW0CzNMT7YlfmX5NfWaHw2Da4" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;District&nbsp;Court&nbsp;Public Access Portal</a>.

Now that all&nbsp;courts have worked through their paper backlogs, the portal now has information from the period&nbsp;courts were operating on paper.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696967207582.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Kansas&nbsp;district&nbsp;courts affected by an Oct. 12 cybersecurity incident have finished working through a backlog of new cases and paper documents filed while&nbsp;court&nbsp;information systems were offline from mid-October to early January.District&nbsp;courts in 104 counties switched to paper filings after&nbsp;court&nbsp;information systems managed by the Office of Judicial Administration were taken offline following the Oct. 12 cybersecurity incident.“After the cybersecurity incident, our first goal was to restore all&nbsp;court&nbsp;information systems safely and securely,” Chief Justice Marla Luckert said. “Once these systems were restored, district&nbsp;court&nbsp;staff then had to work through a backlog of paper filings to bring the district&nbsp;court&nbsp;case management system up to date. That work is now complete.”Some&nbsp;courts reduced the hours their&nbsp;court&nbsp;clerk offices were open to give staff uninterrupted time to focus on working through their paper backlogs.As&nbsp;courts finished this work, some of their&nbsp;court&nbsp;clerk office staff helped&nbsp;courts in other judicial districts work through their backlogs. A statewide workshare team numbering about a dozen people from&nbsp;court&nbsp;clerk offices in several judicial districts helped multiple&nbsp;courts work through their backlogs.“I’m infinitely grateful to the judges and&nbsp;court&nbsp;employees who worked to overcome the challenges our&nbsp;court&nbsp;system faced following the cybersecurity incident,” Luckert said. “I’m also grateful for the understanding and patience shown to our&nbsp;courts by attorneys and the public as we worked to continue to provide service under trying circumstances.”Working across lines that define judicial districts and counties was not possible before the judicial branch began rolling out a new case management system in district&nbsp;courts statewide.By August 2023, all district&nbsp;courts operated on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/QBf3akVCxgLprDaWuqeW0GrWYZXRkvCulrAv5Rs5lhQ" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;eCourt case management system</a>&nbsp;except the&nbsp;court&nbsp;in Johnson County. The Johnson County District&nbsp;Court&nbsp;will transition to the new case management system later this year.This new case management system also makes it possible for people to search most district&nbsp;court&nbsp;case information online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/QBf3akVCxgLprDaWuqeW0CzNMT7YlfmX5NfWaHw2Da4" target="_blank">Kansas&nbsp;District&nbsp;Court&nbsp;Public Access Portal</a>.Now that all&nbsp;courts have worked through their paper backlogs, the portal now has information from the period&nbsp;courts were operating on paper.

Kansas district courts finish working through backlog of paper filings

<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/2024/6/1717359966630.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

Corrected as of 9:22 a.m. Tuesday, June 4

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4 p.m. Sunday in Logan County.

A 2012 GMC Denali XL driven by Brooks Kaipo Poaha Tancayo, 22, Colby, was northbound on U.S. 83.

&nbsp;A 2024 Dodge Hornet driven by Michael Gordon Briese, 68, Kramer, North Dakota, and a 1993 Dodge Durango driven by&nbsp; Verna M. Wright, 83, Oakley, were stopped due to an oversized load carrying a windmill blade turning onto U.S. 40.

The Denali rear-ended the Hornet. The impact pushed the Hornet into the Dodge Durango.

EMS transported a passenger in the Hornet identified as Laura Kevel&nbsp;Briese, 58, Sun Tan Valley, Arizona, to the Logan County Hospital. There were no other injuries.&nbsp; All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Corrected as of 9:22 a.m. Tuesday, June 4LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4 p.m. Sunday in Logan County.A 2012 GMC Denali XL driven by Brooks Kaipo Poaha Tancayo, 22, Colby, was northbound on U.S. 83.&nbsp;A 2024 Dodge Hornet driven by Michael Gordon Briese, 68, Kramer, North Dakota, and a 1993 Dodge Durango driven by&nbsp; Verna M. Wright, 83, Oakley, were stopped due to an oversized load carrying a windmill blade turning onto U.S. 40.The Denali rear-ended the Hornet. The impact pushed the Hornet into the Dodge Durango.EMS transported a passenger in the Hornet identified as Laura Kevel&nbsp;Briese, 58, Sun Tan Valley, Arizona, to the Logan County Hospital. There were no other injuries.&nbsp; All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after 3-vehicle NW Kansas crash

The Ellis County Environmental Services office is announcing that the construction and demolition pit and tree pile at the landfill are open for dumping. The dirt pile will remain closed for the day.

The Ellis County Environmental Services office is announcing the construction and demolition pit, dirt pile and tree pile at the landfill are temporarily closing today due to muddy conditions.

Municipal waste will remain open, and the gates will be closed at 4:45 p.m. No dumping will be allowed after that time.

Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Landfill at 785-628-9460. We appreciate your cooperation.

Update: 4:17 p.m. June 4Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Environmental Services office is announcing that the construction and demolition pit and tree pile at the landfill are open for dumping. The dirt pile will remain closed for the day.----The Ellis County Environmental Services office is announcing the construction and demolition pit, dirt pile and tree pile at the landfill are temporarily closing today due to muddy conditions.Municipal waste will remain open, and the gates will be closed at 4:45 p.m. No dumping will be allowed after that time.Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Landfill at 785-628-9460. We appreciate your cooperation.

Update: Ellis County landfill reopened; dirt pit still closed

A Different Mindset Association presents “A Polka Night to Remember” on Saturday, June 8 at the Victoria VFW. All money raised will stay local, funding dementia and Alzheimer's programs and caregiver support in Ellis County and surrounding areas.

This is a family event. Bring your kids and grandkids and enjoy a fun night of great polka music by Karl Meis, plus a dinner buffet, cash bar and door prizes.

Get your tickets at A Different Mindset Association's website or call 785-269-1928.

Tickets will be available at the door based on availability.

SubmittedA Different Mindset Association presents “A Polka Night to Remember” on Saturday, June 8 at the Victoria VFW. All money raised will stay local, funding dementia and Alzheimer's programs and caregiver support in Ellis County and surrounding areas.This is a family event. Bring your kids and grandkids and enjoy a fun night of great polka music by Karl Meis, plus a dinner buffet, cash bar and door prizes.Get your tickets at A Different Mindset Association's website or call 785-269-1928.Tickets will be available at the door based on availability.

Polka night to help fund dementia, Alzheimer's services in Ellis County

A drug discount program may be hampering a federal program meant to save rural hospitals

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sarahjanetribble/">SARAH JANE TRIBBLE</a> Kansas Reflector

Facing ongoing concerns about rural hospital closures, Capitol Hill lawmakers have introduced a spate of proposals to fix a federal program created to keep lifesaving services in small towns nationwide.

In Anamosa, Iowa — a town of fewer than 6,000 residents located more than 900 miles from the nation’s capital — rural hospital leader Eric Briesemeister is watching for Congress’ next move. The 22-bed hospital Briesemeister runs averages about seven inpatients each night, and its most recent federal filings show it earned just $95,445 in annual net income from serving patients.

Yet Briesemeister isn’t interested in converting the facility into a rural emergency hospital, which would mean getting millions of extra dollars each year from federal payments. In exchange for that financial support, hospitals that join the program keep their emergency departments open and give up inpatient beds.

“It wasn’t for us,” said Briesemeister, chief executive of UnityPoint Health-Jones Regional Medical Center. “I think that program is a little bit more designed for hospitals that might not be around without it.”

Nationwide, only&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.shepscenter.unc.edu/programs-projects/rural-health/rural-emergency-hospitals/">about two dozen</a>&nbsp;of the more than 1,500 eligible hospitals have become rural emergency hospitals since the program launched last year. At the same time, rural hospitals continue to close — 10 since the fix became available.

Federal lawmakers have introduced a handful of legislative solutions since March. In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/sen-moran-introduces-legislation-to-help-save-rural-hospitals">one bill</a>, senators from Kansas and Minnesota list a myriad of tactics, including allowing older closed facilities to reopen.

Another&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mha.org/newsroom/the-rural-340b-access-act-of-2024-introduced-in-the-u-s-house/">proposal introduced</a>&nbsp;in the House by two Michigan lawmakers is the Rural 340B Access Act. It would allow rural emergency hospitals to use the 340B federal drug discount program, which Congress created in 1992.

The 340B program, named after its federal statute, lets eligible hospitals and clinics buy drugs at a discount and then bill insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid at market rates. Hospitals get to keep the money they make from the difference.

Congress approved 340B as an indirect aid package to help struggling hospitals stay afloat. Many larger hospitals say the cash is used for community benefits and charity care, while many small hospitals depend on the drug discounts to help cover staffing and operational shortfalls.

Currently, emergency hospitals are not eligible for 340B discounts. According&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1248">to a release</a>&nbsp;from U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), the House proposal would “correct this oversight.” Backers of the House bill include the American Hospital Association and the National Rural Health Association.

In Iowa, Briesemeister said the 340B federal drug discount program “can be used for tremendous good.” The small-town hospital uses money it makes from 340B to subsidize emergency services and uninsured and underinsured patients who frequent the emergency department, he said.

Chuck Grassley, Iowa’s longtime Republican senator, shepherded the Rural Emergency Hospital program into law. His spokesperson, Gillie Maddox, did not respond directly to questions about why the federal law creating rural emergency hospitals omitted the 340B program. Instead, Maddox said the designation was a “product of bipartisan negotiations.”

A survey conducted by the health analytics and consulting firm Chartis, along with the National Rural Health Association, found that nearly 80% of rural hospitals had participated in 340B and nearly 40% said they reaped $750,000 or more annually from the program.

Sanford Health, a largely rural health system headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, considered converting a handful of smaller critical access hospitals into rural emergency hospitals.

Martha Leclerc, vice president of corporate contracting for Sanford, said the system analyzed how much revenue would be lost by closing inpatient beds, which is also a requirement of the emergency hospital program, and by being unable to file for drug discounts.

In the end, she said, switching did not “make a lot of sense.”

While many rural hospitals are clamoring for the 340B provision to be added to the rural emergency hospital program, opponents have said 340B can be a cash cow for hospitals that don’t serve enough vulnerable patients.

Nicole Longo is deputy vice president of public affairs for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the nation’s largest, most influential pharmaceutical lobbying group. She wrote in a recent blog post that hospital systems and chain pharmacies are “exploiting the program” and said patients have not benefited from the growth in the program.

In an interview, Longo said PhRMA supports rural emergency hospitals being able to access 340B because they are treating “vulnerable patients in underserved communities” and are “true safety net providers.”

PhRMA, she said, wants to encourage a thoughtful conversation about “which types of hospitals should be in the program.” Last year, PhRMA formed an unlikely pact with community health centers to create the Alliance to Save America’s 340B Program, or ASAP 340B.

Vacheria Keys, associate vice president of policy and regulatory affairs at the National Association of Community Health Centers, said, “There is a new day of openness, from all parties.”

Use of the drug discount program skyrocketed after provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2010/04/healthcare-reform-law-leads-to-significant-changes-to-the-340b-program">passed in 2010</a>, allowed hospitals and clinics to contract with an unlimited number of retail pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS, which are paid a fee to dispense the discounted drugs.

Adam J. Fein, president of the industry research organization Drug Channels Institute, reports that the 340B program is the second-largest federal drug program, trailing Medicare Part D. The flow of drugs purchased under the 340B program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa/updates/2022-340b-covered-entity-purchases">reached $53.7 billion in 2022</a>, about $9.8 billion more&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa/updates/2021-340b-covered-entity-purchases">than in 2021</a>.

In response to the exploding use of contract pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers have restricted the drugs they offer at a discount through the pharmacies. That throttling is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/340b-big-pharma-hospitals-battle-over-drug-discounts-patients-miss-out-on-millions-in-benefits/">affecting rural hospitals</a>&nbsp;like Labette Health, a Kansas hospital whose president asked President Joe Biden for help in dealing with the pharmaceutical companies.

Rena Conti, an associate professor of markets, public policy, and law at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, has studied the drug discounts for years and said she has “significant worries about expanding” the 340B program.

“There is a lot of money being generated in this program that we really can’t understand exactly how much that really is and exactly who it is benefiting,” Conti said.

At the same time, said Conti, a health care economist, giving rural hospitals access to the federal drug discounts “makes sense because they are hospitals that are serving particularly vulnerable patient populations.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us/">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us/">KFF</a>&nbsp;— the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717173519691.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;UnityPoint Health-Jones Regional Medical Center is a 22-bed critical access hospital in Anamosa, Iowa. It averages about seven inpatients a night and provides emergency services to the small community northeast of Cedar Rapids. (UnityPoint Health)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;UnityPoint Health-Jones Regional Medical Center is a 22-bed critical access hospital in Anamosa, Iowa. It averages about seven inpatients a night and provides emergency services to the small community northeast of Cedar Rapids. (UnityPoint Health)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A drug discount program may be hampering a federal program meant to save rural hospitals</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sarahjanetribble/">SARAH JANE TRIBBLE</a> Kansas ReflectorFacing ongoing concerns about rural hospital closures, Capitol Hill lawmakers have introduced a spate of proposals to fix a federal program created to keep lifesaving services in small towns nationwide.In Anamosa, Iowa — a town of fewer than 6,000 residents located more than 900 miles from the nation’s capital — rural hospital leader Eric Briesemeister is watching for Congress’ next move. The 22-bed hospital Briesemeister runs averages about seven inpatients each night, and its most recent federal filings show it earned just $95,445 in annual net income from serving patients.Yet Briesemeister isn’t interested in converting the facility into a rural emergency hospital, which would mean getting millions of extra dollars each year from federal payments. In exchange for that financial support, hospitals that join the program keep their emergency departments open and give up inpatient beds.“It wasn’t for us,” said Briesemeister, chief executive of UnityPoint Health-Jones Regional Medical Center. “I think that program is a little bit more designed for hospitals that might not be around without it.”Nationwide, only&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.shepscenter.unc.edu/programs-projects/rural-health/rural-emergency-hospitals/">about two dozen</a>&nbsp;of the more than 1,500 eligible hospitals have become rural emergency hospitals since the program launched last year. At the same time, rural hospitals continue to close — 10 since the fix became available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717173572624.jpeg" alt="Eric Briesemeister, chief executive of UnityPoint Health-Jones Regional Medical Center, isn’t interested in converting the facility into a rural emergency hospital, despite the prospect of receiving millions of extra dollars each year from federal payments. (UnityPoint Health)" />
 <figcaption>Eric Briesemeister, chief executive of UnityPoint Health-Jones Regional Medical Center, isn’t interested in converting the facility into a rural emergency hospital, despite the prospect of receiving millions of extra dollars each year from federal payments. (UnityPoint Health)</figcaption>
 </figure>Federal lawmakers have introduced a handful of legislative solutions since March. In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/5/sen-moran-introduces-legislation-to-help-save-rural-hospitals">one bill</a>, senators from Kansas and Minnesota list a myriad of tactics, including allowing older closed facilities to reopen.Another&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mha.org/newsroom/the-rural-340b-access-act-of-2024-introduced-in-the-u-s-house/">proposal introduced</a>&nbsp;in the House by two Michigan lawmakers is the Rural 340B Access Act. It would allow rural emergency hospitals to use the 340B federal drug discount program, which Congress created in 1992.The 340B program, named after its federal statute, lets eligible hospitals and clinics buy drugs at a discount and then bill insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid at market rates. Hospitals get to keep the money they make from the difference.Congress approved 340B as an indirect aid package to help struggling hospitals stay afloat. Many larger hospitals say the cash is used for community benefits and charity care, while many small hospitals depend on the drug discounts to help cover staffing and operational shortfalls.Currently, emergency hospitals are not eligible for 340B discounts. According&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1248">to a release</a>&nbsp;from U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), the House proposal would “correct this oversight.” Backers of the House bill include the American Hospital Association and the National Rural Health Association.In Iowa, Briesemeister said the 340B federal drug discount program “can be used for tremendous good.” The small-town hospital uses money it makes from 340B to subsidize emergency services and uninsured and underinsured patients who frequent the emergency department, he said.Chuck Grassley, Iowa’s longtime Republican senator, shepherded the Rural Emergency Hospital program into law. His spokesperson, Gillie Maddox, did not respond directly to questions about why the federal law creating rural emergency hospitals omitted the 340B program. Instead, Maddox said the designation was a “product of bipartisan negotiations.”A survey conducted by the health analytics and consulting firm Chartis, along with the National Rural Health Association, found that nearly 80% of rural hospitals had participated in 340B and nearly 40% said they reaped $750,000 or more annually from the program.Sanford Health, a largely rural health system headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, considered converting a handful of smaller critical access hospitals into rural emergency hospitals.Martha Leclerc, vice president of corporate contracting for Sanford, said the system analyzed how much revenue would be lost by closing inpatient beds, which is also a requirement of the emergency hospital program, and by being unable to file for drug discounts.In the end, she said, switching did not “make a lot of sense.”While many rural hospitals are clamoring for the 340B provision to be added to the rural emergency hospital program, opponents have said 340B can be a cash cow for hospitals that don’t serve enough vulnerable patients.Nicole Longo is deputy vice president of public affairs for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the nation’s largest, most influential pharmaceutical lobbying group. She wrote in a recent blog post that hospital systems and chain pharmacies are “exploiting the program” and said patients have not benefited from the growth in the program.In an interview, Longo said PhRMA supports rural emergency hospitals being able to access 340B because they are treating “vulnerable patients in underserved communities” and are “true safety net providers.”PhRMA, she said, wants to encourage a thoughtful conversation about “which types of hospitals should be in the program.” Last year, PhRMA formed an unlikely pact with community health centers to create the Alliance to Save America’s 340B Program, or ASAP 340B.Vacheria Keys, associate vice president of policy and regulatory affairs at the National Association of Community Health Centers, said, “There is a new day of openness, from all parties.”Use of the drug discount program skyrocketed after provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2010/04/healthcare-reform-law-leads-to-significant-changes-to-the-340b-program">passed in 2010</a>, allowed hospitals and clinics to contract with an unlimited number of retail pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS, which are paid a fee to dispense the discounted drugs.Adam J. Fein, president of the industry research organization Drug Channels Institute, reports that the 340B program is the second-largest federal drug program, trailing Medicare Part D. The flow of drugs purchased under the 340B program&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa/updates/2022-340b-covered-entity-purchases">reached $53.7 billion in 2022</a>, about $9.8 billion more&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa/updates/2021-340b-covered-entity-purchases">than in 2021</a>.In response to the exploding use of contract pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers have restricted the drugs they offer at a discount through the pharmacies. That throttling is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/340b-big-pharma-hospitals-battle-over-drug-discounts-patients-miss-out-on-millions-in-benefits/">affecting rural hospitals</a>&nbsp;like Labette Health, a Kansas hospital whose president asked President Joe Biden for help in dealing with the pharmaceutical companies.Rena Conti, an associate professor of markets, public policy, and law at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, has studied the drug discounts for years and said she has “significant worries about expanding” the 340B program.“There is a lot of money being generated in this program that we really can’t understand exactly how much that really is and exactly who it is benefiting,” Conti said.At the same time, said Conti, a health care economist, giving rural hospitals access to the federal drug discounts “makes sense because they are hospitals that are serving particularly vulnerable patient populations.”<a target="_blank" href="https://kffhealthnews.org/about-us/">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/about-us/">KFF</a>&nbsp;— the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Obscure drug discount program stifles use of federal lifeline by rural hospitals

By MARK JOSLYN Insight Kansas

Why did this happen? How can it be prevented from happening again?

These are the questions asked after gunfire erupted at the conclusion of the Kansas City Super Bowl parade that left one person dead and dozens injured – including 11 children.

Citizens turned to the government for answers.

Yet the solutions proposed by elected officials differed along partisan lines.

Most Democrats consider guns a primary threat to safety. They cite thousands of gun deaths and injuries as evidence, including horrific mass shootings. To mitigate risks, and safeguard the well-being of everyone, stricter regulations that control gun ownership are required.

Most Republicans consider guns crucial for self-defense. Responsible gun owners can protect themselves and others from those who intend harm. Making access to firearms easier, not harder, empowers law-abiding citizens and contributes to a safer society.

These radically different approaches frustrate anxious citizens, fuel partisan discord, and often result in legislative paralysis.

It’s in fact astonishing how few politicians grasp the value of collaboration after such traumatic events.

If gun laws are modified, it’s typically due to the legislative dominance of one party. For example, six months after a deadly mass shooting in Maine that resulted in the deaths of 18 people and injuries to 13 others, the Democrat-led legislature passed various guns measures including 72-hour waiting periods for gun purchases, expanded background checks, and a ban on devices that convert guns into rapid-fire weapons. After a school shooting in Iowa, where a school principal and sixth grade student died and several more injured, Republicans passed a bill allowing trained teachers and staff to carry guns on school property. It also required large districts to have an armed security officer at each high school – unless the school board opted out. Polling in Kansas and Missouri suggests strong support for gun measures including criminal and mental health background checks and requiring people to be 21 or older to purchase a gun. There’s also modest support for teachers with proper training to carry firearms.

Both legislatures failed to give these measures serious consideration.

Now is the time for a new path forward. Research shows most gun violence is spatially concentrated, arising from structural disadvantages such as poverty, densely crowded housing, high unemployment, lower educational attainment, as well as poor mental health, exposure to violence, and drug/alcohol abuse.

Addressing these disadvantages requires improving economic opportunities, renovating environments such as dilapidated housing and vacant buildings, developing more parks and community centers, and strengthening civic infrastructures so people can learn ways to mitigate gun violence and establish organizations to partner with police and mental health professionals.

By focusing on structural factors, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle can embrace a politically viable and arguably more effective approach.

So, when the unsettling pattern repeats – gun violence, partisan squabbles, and frequent stalemate, keep in mind gun violence has multiple causes, and existing gun laws are just one piece of a very large and complex puzzle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK JOSLYN Insight KansasWhy did this happen? How can it be prevented from happening again?These are the questions asked after gunfire erupted at the conclusion of the Kansas City Super Bowl parade that left one person dead and dozens injured – including 11 children.Citizens turned to the government for answers.Yet the solutions proposed by elected officials differed along partisan lines.Most Democrats consider guns a primary threat to safety. They cite thousands of gun deaths and injuries as evidence, including horrific mass shootings. To mitigate risks, and safeguard the well-being of everyone, stricter regulations that control gun ownership are required.Most Republicans consider guns crucial for self-defense. Responsible gun owners can protect themselves and others from those who intend harm. Making access to firearms easier, not harder, empowers law-abiding citizens and contributes to a safer society.These radically different approaches frustrate anxious citizens, fuel partisan discord, and often result in legislative paralysis.It’s in fact astonishing how few politicians grasp the value of collaboration after such traumatic events.Party agendas come first.If gun laws are modified, it’s typically due to the legislative dominance of one party. For example, six months after a deadly mass shooting in Maine that resulted in the deaths of 18 people and injuries to 13 others, the Democrat-led legislature passed various guns measures including 72-hour waiting periods for gun purchases, expanded background checks, and a ban on devices that convert guns into rapid-fire weapons. After a school shooting in Iowa, where a school principal and sixth grade student died and several more injured, Republicans passed a bill allowing trained teachers and staff to carry guns on school property. It also required large districts to have an armed security officer at each high school – unless the school board opted out. Polling in Kansas and Missouri suggests strong support for gun measures including criminal and mental health background checks and requiring people to be 21 or older to purchase a gun. There’s also modest support for teachers with proper training to carry firearms.Both legislatures failed to give these measures serious consideration.Now is the time for a new path forward. Research shows most gun violence is spatially concentrated, arising from structural disadvantages such as poverty, densely crowded housing, high unemployment, lower educational attainment, as well as poor mental health, exposure to violence, and drug/alcohol abuse.Addressing these disadvantages requires improving economic opportunities, renovating environments such as dilapidated housing and vacant buildings, developing more parks and community centers, and strengthening civic infrastructures so people can learn ways to mitigate gun violence and establish organizations to partner with police and mental health professionals.By focusing on structural factors, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle can embrace a politically viable and arguably more effective approach.So, when the unsettling pattern repeats – gun violence, partisan squabbles, and frequent stalemate, keep in mind gun violence has multiple causes, and existing gun laws are just one piece of a very large and complex puzzle.

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