THOMAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a suspect identified as 41-year-old Jonatas&nbsp;Pereira, according to online jail records, in connection with a standoff on Tuesday in northwest Kansas.

Pereira is being held in the Thomas County Jail on requested charges of Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault,&nbsp;Aggravated Criminal Threat, Criminal Restraint, Aggravated Burglary and Felony Criminal use of a weapon, according to online records.

Just before 10a.m. Tuesday, the 911 center in Thomas County received information of an ongoing incident of a possible armed intruder, according to a media release from the Sheriff's Department.

The situation was changed to a hostage barricaded suspect.           Law enforcement Officers from the Colby Police Department, Thomas County Sheriff Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrived on scene. 

A perimeter was established. A car with Texas plates was in the alley behind the home. While trying to establish contact with someone inside one of the hostages was able to climb out a bedroom window. 

It was determined there were 3 female adult hostages still inside with 2 children.            The hostage taker was a Pereira who had driven from Texas to locate the individuals in the house. 

         Around 10:38 am Pereira eventually walked out of the house with the hostages and was taken into custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708784811768.png" alt="Pereira-photo Thomas County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Pereira-photo Thomas County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>THOMAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a suspect identified as 41-year-old Jonatas&nbsp;Pereira, according to online jail records, in connection with a standoff on Tuesday in northwest Kansas.Pereira is being held in the Thomas County Jail on requested charges of Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault,&nbsp;Aggravated Criminal Threat, Criminal Restraint, Aggravated Burglary and Felony Criminal use of a weapon, according to online records.Just before 10a.m. Tuesday, the 911 center in Thomas County received information of an ongoing incident of a possible armed intruder, according to a media release from the Sheriff's Department.The situation was changed to a hostage barricaded suspect. Law enforcement Officers from the Colby Police Department, Thomas County Sheriff Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrived on scene. A perimeter was established. A car with Texas plates was in the alley behind the home. While trying to establish contact with someone inside one of the hostages was able to climb out a bedroom window. It was determined there were 3 female adult hostages still inside with 2 children. The hostage taker was a Pereira who had driven from Texas to locate the individuals in the house. Around 10:38 am Pereira eventually walked out of the house with the hostages and was taken into custody.

Man faces multiple charges after hostages taken in NW Kansas

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Three agreements that will enhance development efforts in Hays were approved by the Hays City Commission at its meeting Thursday night.

A public hearing for proposed expansion of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan in Hays drew no public comments during Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting.&nbsp;

Commissioners approved a resolution to amend the district's area to include housing and commercial structures built in 1980 and earlier to incentivize improvements in older areas of town, including north Vine Street.&nbsp;

Guidelines call for a minimum residential property investment of $25,000 that is then eligible for property tax rebates of 65 percent for 10 years. Commercial properties require a minimum investment of $50,000, which is eligible for rebates of 95 percent for 10 years. Rebate amounts are based on the incremental increase in property values resulting from the project.

Also approved was an agreement with Werth Development Group, Hays, developer of WDG Addition, for the construction of public water and sewer mains along Hall Street to the WDG Addition north of Interstate 70.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The city, per its development policy, will pay $359,260 toward oversizing the water and sewer lines to 12 inches from 8 inches for future development.&nbsp;

The development policy also allows for a developer to recoup a proportionate share of the original construction costs from any future user connecting to or benefitting from the water and sewer improvements made by the developer for a period of 10 years after improvements are made. 

Commissioners agreed to the Werth Development Group's request for an extended period of 18 years.&nbsp; "We've all agreed that growth is what we want," said Commissioner Alaina Cunningham.

"If any development to the north or east of there is going to occur without this development, they're going to incur all of the cost.&nbsp; So, it's hard for me to think that the person that puts in the first cost should not have a chance to recoup some of that," she said. "I'm having a hard time finding the true con to 18 years."

The addition is subdivided into two lots. The north lot, comprised of 25 acres, is to be the location of the National Guard Readiness Center. There is no current development plan for the south lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An engineering services agreement for The Grove housing development north of HaysMed was also approved with Driggs Design Group, Hays, for $152,800.&nbsp;The project comprises 2,600 feet of water line, sanitary sewer and street improvements.

Grow Hays is developing the mixed housing and community center in The Grove Addition. Construction is expected to begin this summer. It will be built in one phase as a planned development.

Three proposals for Essential Air Service at the Hays Regional Airport were submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

 "They basically subsidize the flights to the actual air carrier for smaller, rural communities like Hays that wouldn't necessarily have the service if the program didn't exist," said Jamie Salter, airport director.

The current contract with SkyWest expires July 31.&nbsp;

Salter recommended the city continue its relationship with the SkyWest, which has been in Hays since 2014. 

"They've provided safe, reliable jet service," she said.

The contract would be for another three years.&nbsp;

City commissioners signed a letter of support for the SkyWest bid&nbsp; for continued 14 roundtrip flights per week to Denver and Chicago.

Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman provided a review of the city's 2023 water conservation programs and incentives. Turf conversion rebates from water-intensive cool-season grasses to warm-season grasses, which use less water, increased considerably. The exchange of old inefficient showerheads for new low-flow showerheads and rebates for high-efficiency toilet installation also increased from last year.

City Manager Toby Dougherty said Friday in a Morning Blend interview that even as the R9 Ranch long-term water project progresses, water conservation will always be a priority in Hays.&nbsp;

In other business, commissioners:&nbsp;&nbsp; • Approved general nuisance and inoperable vehicle abatements at 1111 Centennial Blvd., and an inoperable vehicle abatement at 206 E. 14th &nbsp;• Approved a low bid for a paper and cardboard recyclables baler and conveyor from Reaction Distributing, Ontario, Canada, for $124,811&nbsp; • Approved mayoral appointments of Natashia Cecil and Stacey Smith to the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board&nbsp; • Reviewed the January 2024 financial statement • Heard a monthly progress report of department projects and activities, and heard a preview of upcoming events in Hays&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708725876186.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners approved three development-related agreements during their Feb. 22 meeting. At left is Toby Dougherty, city manager. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners approved three development-related agreements during their Feb. 22 meeting. At left is Toby Dougherty, city manager. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThree agreements that will enhance development efforts in Hays were approved by the Hays City Commission at its meeting Thursday night.A public hearing for proposed expansion of the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan in Hays drew no public comments during Thursday's Hays City Commission meeting.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707442640675.png" alt="The blue areas are now part of the Hays Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, containing properties built in 1980 and earlier. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>The blue areas are now part of the Hays Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, containing properties built in 1980 and earlier. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners approved a resolution to amend the district's area to include housing and commercial structures built in 1980 and earlier to incentivize improvements in older areas of town, including north Vine Street.&nbsp;Guidelines call for a minimum residential property investment of $25,000 that is then eligible for property tax rebates of 65 percent for 10 years. Commercial properties require a minimum investment of $50,000, which is eligible for rebates of 95 percent for 10 years. Rebate amounts are based on the incremental increase in property values resulting from the project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707925695732.png" alt="WDG Addition north of Interstate 70 on the west side of Hall Street. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>WDG Addition north of Interstate 70 on the west side of Hall Street. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Also approved was an agreement with Werth Development Group, Hays, developer of WDG Addition, for the construction of public water and sewer mains along Hall Street to the WDG Addition north of Interstate 70.&nbsp;&nbsp;The city, per its development policy, will pay $359,260 toward oversizing the water and sewer lines to 12 inches from 8 inches for future development.&nbsp;The development policy also allows for a developer to recoup a proportionate share of the original construction costs from any future user connecting to or benefitting from the water and sewer improvements made by the developer for a period of 10 years after improvements are made. Commissioners agreed to the Werth Development Group's request for an extended period of 18 years.&nbsp; "We've all agreed that growth is what we want," said Commissioner Alaina Cunningham."If any development to the north or east of there is going to occur without this development, they're going to incur all of the cost.&nbsp; So, it's hard for me to think that the person that puts in the first cost should not have a chance to recoup some of that," she said. "I'm having a hard time finding the true con to 18 years."The addition is subdivided into two lots. The north lot, comprised of 25 acres, is to be the location of the National Guard Readiness Center. There is no current development plan for the south lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708040149807.png" alt="The Grove concept plan map. Courtesy image&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Grove concept plan map. Courtesy image&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>An engineering services agreement for The Grove housing development north of HaysMed was also approved with Driggs Design Group, Hays, for $152,800.&nbsp;The project comprises 2,600 feet of water line, sanitary sewer and street improvements.Grow Hays is developing the mixed housing and community center in The Grove Addition. Construction is expected to begin this summer. It will be built in one phase as a planned development.Three proposals for Essential Air Service at the Hays Regional Airport were submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation. "They basically subsidize the flights to the actual air carrier for smaller, rural communities like Hays that wouldn't necessarily have the service if the program didn't exist," said Jamie Salter, airport director.The current contract with SkyWest expires July 31.&nbsp;Salter recommended the city continue its relationship with the SkyWest, which has been in Hays since 2014. "They've provided safe, reliable jet service," she said.The contract would be for another three years.&nbsp;City commissioners signed a letter of support for the SkyWest bid&nbsp; for continued 14 roundtrip flights per week to Denver and Chicago.Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman provided a review of the city's 2023 water conservation programs and incentives. Turf conversion rebates from water-intensive cool-season grasses to warm-season grasses, which use less water, increased considerably. The exchange of old inefficient showerheads for new low-flow showerheads and rebates for high-efficiency toilet installation also increased from last year.City Manager Toby Dougherty said Friday in a Morning Blend interview that even as the R9 Ranch long-term water project progresses, water conservation will always be a priority in Hays.&nbsp;In other business, commissioners:&nbsp;&nbsp; • Approved general nuisance and inoperable vehicle abatements at 1111 Centennial Blvd., and an inoperable vehicle abatement at 206 E. 14th &nbsp;• Approved a low bid for a paper and cardboard recyclables baler and conveyor from Reaction Distributing, Ontario, Canada, for $124,811&nbsp; • Approved mayoral appointments of Natashia Cecil and Stacey Smith to the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board&nbsp; • Reviewed the January 2024 financial statement • Heard a monthly progress report of department projects and activities, and heard a preview of upcoming events in Hays&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hays City Commission approves 3 development-related agreements

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

What little kid wouldn't want to create art, write stories and play with the "big" kids? A new Hays USD 489 offers all of that and helps the children make BUDS along the way.

The BUDS program, which stands for believing, uniting, discovering and succeeding, partners Hays High School English students with Roosevelt Elementary School kindergarteners.

Some of the big BUDS and little BUDS in their matching creamsicle orange T-shirts showed up at the Hays USD 489 school board Monday as their teachers gave a presentation to the board on the program.

Heidi&nbsp;Harper-Wamser, Roosevelt kindergarten teacher, was looking for something to make learning to read and write easier for her students.

Wamser partnered with sophomore English teacher Lisa Renz and HHS special education teacher Kelly Ackerman.

The HHS teachers weren't sure if the high school students would buy into the matching T-shirts or the proposal to join the littles at recess, but they said yes.

The BUDS students participated in a reverse trick-or-trick at Ascension Living Via Christi Village. During a reverse trick-or-treat, the children give treats as well as receive.

In November, the littles went to the high school, where they wrote a turkey dinner story, ate lunch in the "big classroom," and went on a scavenger hunt.

While the BUDS were at the high school, HHS students approached the teachers and asked them what class the students were a part of and how they could sign up for the class.

In January, the kindergarten students created a melting snowman craft and wrote a story to go with their artwork.

This spring, the kindergarten students will write step-by-step instructions for making pizzas and then make personal pizzas to eat.

Wamser said the teachers give the instructions, but they let the bigs lead the lessons.

Multiple community partners have donated to the project.

"I know without a doubt our last day together will be a tough one," Wamser said. "Each side of this project has benefited in different ways. This activity will be hard to beat ever."

The bigs have played with not only the students in Wamser's kindergarten class but also all the kids in the other kindergarten classes at Roosevelt.

"The whole thing is wonderful, but recess brings out the best," she said.

Both the littles and the HHS BUDS at the meeting Monday said recess was their favorite part of the program.

The bigs swing with the littles, play soccer with them and climb on the playground equipment with them, Wamser said.

"They don't just stand around," she said. "They completely engage with our kids. They become and are allowed to be kids again."

One of the bigs said recently they wished they had recess at the high school.

"They are growing up but still have a desire to be a kid every once in a while," Wamser said.

Lisa Renz, HHS English teacher, said she has seen some of the bigs come out of their shells during their participation in the program. Some students who were reluctant to even participate in the program have become some of the best mentors for the littles.

Some students have also expressed interest in becoming teachers.

"I think any time you can inspire someone else, you have done your job right there," Ruth Ruder, board member,&nbsp;said. ... "And you, Lisa [Renz], as you said, maybe you can create an educator in USD 489 someday.&nbsp; So kudos to you."

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWhat little kid wouldn't want to create art, write stories and play with the "big" kids? A new Hays USD 489 offers all of that and helps the children make BUDS along the way.The BUDS program, which stands for believing, uniting, discovering and succeeding, partners Hays High School English students with Roosevelt Elementary School kindergarteners.Some of the big BUDS and little BUDS in their matching creamsicle orange T-shirts showed up at the Hays USD 489 school board Monday as their teachers gave a presentation to the board on the program.Heidi&nbsp;Harper-Wamser, Roosevelt kindergarten teacher, was looking for something to make learning to read and write easier for her students.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708543692528.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Wamser partnered with sophomore English teacher Lisa Renz and HHS special education teacher Kelly Ackerman.The HHS teachers weren't sure if the high school students would buy into the matching T-shirts or the proposal to join the littles at recess, but they said yes.The BUDS students participated in a reverse trick-or-trick at Ascension Living Via Christi Village. During a reverse trick-or-treat, the children give treats as well as receive.In November, the littles went to the high school, where they wrote a turkey dinner story, ate lunch in the "big classroom," and went on a scavenger hunt.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708543773193.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>While the BUDS were at the high school, HHS students approached the teachers and asked them what class the students were a part of and how they could sign up for the class.In January, the kindergarten students created a melting snowman craft and wrote a story to go with their artwork.This spring, the kindergarten students will write step-by-step instructions for making pizzas and then make personal pizzas to eat.Wamser said the teachers give the instructions, but they let the bigs lead the lessons.Multiple community partners have donated to the project."I know without a doubt our last day together will be a tough one," Wamser said. "Each side of this project has benefited in different ways. This activity will be hard to beat ever."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708543812993.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The bigs have played with not only the students in Wamser's kindergarten class but also all the kids in the other kindergarten classes at Roosevelt."The whole thing is wonderful, but recess brings out the best," she said.Both the littles and the HHS BUDS at the meeting Monday said recess was their favorite part of the program.The bigs swing with the littles, play soccer with them and climb on the playground equipment with them, Wamser said."They don't just stand around," she said. "They completely engage with our kids. They become and are allowed to be kids again."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708543883210.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the bigs said recently they wished they had recess at the high school."They are growing up but still have a desire to be a kid every once in a while," Wamser said.Lisa Renz, HHS English teacher, said she has seen some of the bigs come out of their shells during their participation in the program. Some students who were reluctant to even participate in the program have become some of the best mentors for the littles.Some students have also expressed interest in becoming teachers."I think any time you can inspire someone else, you have done your job right there," Ruth Ruder, board member,&nbsp;said. ... "And you, Lisa [Renz], as you said, maybe you can create an educator in USD 489 someday.&nbsp; So kudos to you."

Hays High students, Roosevelt kindergartners become BUDS

CHEYENNE COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured after she was involved in two accidents just before 10p.m. Friday in Cheyenne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Mary Beth&nbsp;Zweygardt, 60, St. Francis, was southbound on Kansas 27 approximately one mile north of the U.S. 36 Junction.

A southbound 2001 Acura driven by Octavio Ruiz, 27, Wray, Colorado, began to pass the Jeep.&nbsp; 

The Jeep crossed the center line and made contact with the rear passenger side bumper of the Acura. After impact, the Acura began to slide sideways in front of the Jeep. The Acura entered the west ditch and rolled.

Zweygardt continued southbound and approached the intersection at U.S. 36.&nbsp; She&nbsp; failed to stop at the stop sign.&nbsp; The Jeep crossed U.S. 36, entered the ditch, struck a road closed sign and other traffic control posts and struck a tree head-on.&nbsp;

EMS transported Ruiz and Zweygardt to Cheyenne County Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

CHEYENNE COUNTY —A Kansas woman was injured after she was involved in two accidents just before 10p.m. Friday in Cheyenne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Mary Beth&nbsp;Zweygardt, 60, St. Francis, was southbound on Kansas 27 approximately one mile north of the U.S. 36 Junction.A southbound 2001 Acura driven by Octavio Ruiz, 27, Wray, Colorado, began to pass the Jeep.&nbsp; The Jeep crossed the center line and made contact with the rear passenger side bumper of the Acura. After impact, the Acura began to slide sideways in front of the Jeep. The Acura entered the west ditch and rolled.Zweygardt continued southbound and approached the intersection at U.S. 36.&nbsp; She&nbsp; failed to stop at the stop sign.&nbsp; The Jeep crossed U.S. 36, entered the ditch, struck a road closed sign and other traffic control posts and struck a tree head-on.&nbsp;EMS transported Ruiz and Zweygardt to Cheyenne County Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman injured after rear-end crash Jeep struck a tree

The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in March. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701368603184.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in March. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those celebrating 30 years:<ul>
 <li>Eric Anderson, Professional Civil Engineer I,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>Scott Mullen, Area Engineer,&nbsp;Pratt</li><li>Bradley Reeh, Highway Maintenance Superintendent,&nbsp;Colby</li><li>James Roudybush, District Maintenance Engineer,&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 25 years:<ul>
 <li>Priscilla Petersen, Public Affairs Manager,&nbsp;Independence</li><li>Roberta Wehking, Management Analyst I,&nbsp;Topeka&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 20 years:<ul>
 <li>Jonny Madrid, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>Jolene Watson, Accountant I,&nbsp;Cimarron</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 10 years:<ul>
 <li>Kenneth Bowden Jr., Field Maintenance Coordinator,&nbsp;Garden City</li><li>Shane Drybread, Equipment Mechanic Senior,&nbsp;Buffalo</li><li>Landon Hamel, Equipment Operator Specialist,&nbsp;Norton</li><li>Gavin Johnson, Highway Maintenance Supervisor,&nbsp;Beattie</li><li>Linda Liester, Engineering Technician Supervisor,&nbsp;Hoxie</li><li>Donna Schmit, Bridge Team Leader,&nbsp;Garnett</li><li>Levi Sutton, Construction Engineer Associate,&nbsp;Overland Park</li><li>Phillip Thompson, Equipment Operator,&nbsp;Chanute</li><li>Scott Zima, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Junction City</li>
 </ul>

KDOT employees celebrate service anniversaries

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

The Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics will be hosting three conferences to help farmers and ranchers plan for the transition of their farm to the next generation.

· March 7: Great Bend – Great Bend Convention Center.

· March 8: Manhattan – Manhattan Convention Center.

Each conference begins at 9 a.m. and adjourns by 3 p.m. Lunch and materials will be provided.

Ashlee Westerhold, director of the Office of Farm and Ranch Transition at K-State said that “85% of Kansas farms are family owned. A Farm Journal survey indicated that 80% of farmers plan to transfer control of their operation to the next generation, but only 20% were confident that their succession plan would achieve that goal.”

Shannon Ferrell, professor and agricultural law specialist at Oklahoma State University, is the keynote speaker at all three locations. He will give an informative, yet humorous, overview of the importance of transition planning and how a farm family can begin the process.

The conference agenda also includes presentations about Farm Service Agency’s CRP-TIP program for transitioning farms, an overview of K-State resources for farm transition, and presentations by local attorneys and accountants on the nuts and bolts of putting a plan in place.

Registration costs $60 and must be received by March 1. For&nbsp;more information about the conference and to register go to www.agkansitions.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698928362549.jpeg" alt=" File photo" />
 <figcaption> File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe Kansas State University Department of Agricultural Economics will be hosting three conferences to help farmers and ranchers plan for the transition of their farm to the next generation.The locations of the conference include:· March 6: Garden City – Clarion Inn.· March 7: Great Bend – Great Bend Convention Center.· March 8: Manhattan – Manhattan Convention Center.Each conference begins at 9 a.m. and adjourns by 3 p.m. Lunch and materials will be provided.Ashlee Westerhold, director of the Office of Farm and Ranch Transition at K-State said that “85% of Kansas farms are family owned. A Farm Journal survey indicated that 80% of farmers plan to transfer control of their operation to the next generation, but only 20% were confident that their succession plan would achieve that goal.”Shannon Ferrell, professor and agricultural law specialist at Oklahoma State University, is the keynote speaker at all three locations. He will give an informative, yet humorous, overview of the importance of transition planning and how a farm family can begin the process.The conference agenda also includes presentations about Farm Service Agency’s CRP-TIP program for transitioning farms, an overview of K-State resources for farm transition, and presentations by local attorneys and accountants on the nuts and bolts of putting a plan in place.Registration costs $60 and must be received by March 1. For&nbsp;more information about the conference and to register go to www.agkansitions.org.

CAMPBELL: K-State plans farm transition conferences

<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/2024/2/1708725486214.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

&nbsp;Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)&nbsp; announced $56,829,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda for Kansas drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.&nbsp;

The funding is part of the over $50 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest such investment in American history. Today’s announcement will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the state. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring that funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.&nbsp;

“President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said&nbsp;EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”&nbsp;

“State Revolving Funds make water protection and progress possible for cities of all sizes,” said&nbsp;EPA Region 7 Administrator Meghan A. McCollister. “We’re already seeing water projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Kansas cities as large as Wichita and as small as Oketo. This over $56 million investment will allow Kansans to continue to address the needs and challenges that arise with aging water infrastructure.”&nbsp;

“Investments that provide long-term, sustainable solutions are critical to addressing the water quality and quantity crisis in Kansas,” said&nbsp;Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “These funds provide additional resources for the work my administration is doing to ensure Kansans have safe, accessible drinking water.”&nbsp;

"From the water in our taps to the rain in our gutters, water infrastructure touches many parts of our lives,” said&nbsp;U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (KS-3). “People don't always realize how important those systems are until they fail – but it's our responsibility to ensure they never get to that point. I am glad to welcome investments from the bipartisan infrastructure bill to help deliver cleaner drinking water, safer stormwater systems, and better wastewater management to our communities."&nbsp;

Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken, or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).&nbsp;

The funding EPA announced for Kansas is part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUfjCOjrO6QdpZicz-2F-2FrXw8244-2FR-2FtuPLnZ8KFrkdoJXhpKC8EkZRWNKUdTLzxHcdBcxSHgFFm6KvE6gQPyzcW21UkUTwdVTiHikjdba0kw5DZfIF4xQmEo4kc2FpvKGNhyFrptiiMS05TALj5amDXg730pGCtvhER7K-2B4-2F-2FLdYK1u0wbcbnkshT45DjY2l-2F9ZNnEQGUy9TcRJym0jzTt3HJHgJ2MySC9lS6XSC31vnDiQlAEA2yVwFN1TlsMp2vi8mzy1el6LHFQ7ENAomnKpWBr4zS0-2B7pcH-2FT8ZBN1Xk-2BehXvr_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3LW4lIxz4ITJutnaQg2weGkO2YiUtyB38I28A7xsGz-2BMbeG5swJOgeyTbCo-2FB7n6u0BAfeeOb23JYeAyhH40r2DGmC8jPKEFnpdibXb-2FnpL-2BBb0-2BmqnZt9sDyWlpijuf0H7ZJSE0zhdwLVYX0zXlptWlaFSsAyqMhXNQEZ6OSVCJ78wIqDJYqsdZgzKPs5T0YYlCbp8x0jpVkrAglf7dYWxlW-2FWcuTLhwobink9mKb-2FPHjWGwdbF3WyG6J4xefFBvgC8GbAGJ6s7LS4Z0xo76q4-3D">$5.8 billion investment</a>&nbsp;through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs), which are among EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this spring.&nbsp;

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in Kansas&nbsp;

Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected over $218 million into water infrastructure projects across the state, protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.&nbsp;

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded SRF projects that are underway in Kansas include:&nbsp;

To read more about some additional projects that are underway across the country, see EPA’s recently released&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZBqUCsp5nfMUD1BQdplOWo8Bcv3xgPdal4y6-2F7wlYyUmKGPvAK8kCuwvC7SW8UIdacvnLbXDQ6YSgYp6GVCIfYQhxkj2dRek7Pf0tNPEwv-2Bl9Sh23FbEDD-2FXmN65nnU-2BtNxz6xu0dmh1dC6mz-2FqtqYNg2rwMFoSCM6zIkeo-2FH0LgT6EpJiCryAi3m94M-2BMdL4HkPgkwSm7Y6QusELL1ZWexvl7WcVs-2BHwTrfYboEEYaFuYhjGTvJzv1iLK4pawK8joxg5Nh3NfQ6-2FsYUmOOPIY-3Dv1OW_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3LW4lIxz4ITJutnaQg2weGkO2YiUtyB38I28A7xsGz-2BMbeG5swJOgeyTbCo-2FB7n6u0BAfeeOb23JYeAyhH40r2DGmC8jPKEFnpdibXb-2FnpL-2BBb0-2BmqnZt9sDyWlpijuf0PQLZqf2rCEwBprXDD8u4O108Ke3waJewnVhas9vIyKRNPmJDxps01FkeDpm9MZBMHGFQkrBVzPhRYvdELgwSoPQQxGX58Tj9zuMeUUQrriU-2FLgx9O2FaE3SdlhSvXyltHVnRYEHAzH4px31aDCFAbg-3D">Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects</a>.To view stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s new&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUU66U2oRHLx-2BN8YWKbvBLrIbn4mRPe5iD6JgnQxEBM91WLDRHsuHd-2FTxokbt2D9Jyfzy-2FGqoZvDuN08H1qBslvhtSwsY2TPReph6tDd-2Bj2T02-2BM-2BTZ4YmefqXP932R4FyBYbgh7QeT60Tceg94OAHsX6-2F-2F2QFVq-2B0zen9VIdeZYM5Ykcpln2L3MloOcd-2ByI5OC8V1NqWOTupRc-2FKs77ch-2FnfIJqvxL1g3lm32gHkYN54sTnPgv1AdLbfzYpDRtwMpA-3D-3DAsZ5_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3LW4lIxz4ITJutnaQg2weGkO2YiUtyB38I28A7xsGz-2BMbeG5swJOgeyTbCo-2FB7n6u0BAfeeOb23JYeAyhH40r2DGmC8jPKEFnpdibXb-2FnpL-2BBb0-2BmqnZt9sDyWlpijuf0GXU2ZNjukyDfAK-2FtXz-2FHGC215Ksw8jaufwtPoYD-2FepQvaP1X47b4rkVRd6fzQ9-2BJHEhHm9o9zTKm7zzxmLI9XWrrB7pbxiRuN5sqwORiHmg0KF2jaWJK0HNb6Oo4B7BCsTCEqElLYKOv64zVwTdGdQ-3D">Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure StoryMap</a>.&nbsp;

EPA&nbsp;Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)&nbsp; announced $56,829,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda for Kansas drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades.&nbsp;The funding is part of the over $50 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest such investment in American history. Today’s announcement will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the state. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring that funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.&nbsp;“President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said&nbsp;EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”&nbsp;“State Revolving Funds make water protection and progress possible for cities of all sizes,” said&nbsp;EPA Region 7 Administrator Meghan A. McCollister. “We’re already seeing water projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Kansas cities as large as Wichita and as small as Oketo. This over $56 million investment will allow Kansans to continue to address the needs and challenges that arise with aging water infrastructure.”&nbsp;“Investments that provide long-term, sustainable solutions are critical to addressing the water quality and quantity crisis in Kansas,” said&nbsp;Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “These funds provide additional resources for the work my administration is doing to ensure Kansans have safe, accessible drinking water.”&nbsp;"From the water in our taps to the rain in our gutters, water infrastructure touches many parts of our lives,” said&nbsp;U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (KS-3). “People don't always realize how important those systems are until they fail – but it's our responsibility to ensure they never get to that point. I am glad to welcome investments from the bipartisan infrastructure bill to help deliver cleaner drinking water, safer stormwater systems, and better wastewater management to our communities."&nbsp;Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken, or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).&nbsp;The funding EPA announced for Kansas is part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUfjCOjrO6QdpZicz-2F-2FrXw8244-2FR-2FtuPLnZ8KFrkdoJXhpKC8EkZRWNKUdTLzxHcdBcxSHgFFm6KvE6gQPyzcW21UkUTwdVTiHikjdba0kw5DZfIF4xQmEo4kc2FpvKGNhyFrptiiMS05TALj5amDXg730pGCtvhER7K-2B4-2F-2FLdYK1u0wbcbnkshT45DjY2l-2F9ZNnEQGUy9TcRJym0jzTt3HJHgJ2MySC9lS6XSC31vnDiQlAEA2yVwFN1TlsMp2vi8mzy1el6LHFQ7ENAomnKpWBr4zS0-2B7pcH-2FT8ZBN1Xk-2BehXvr_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3LW4lIxz4ITJutnaQg2weGkO2YiUtyB38I28A7xsGz-2BMbeG5swJOgeyTbCo-2FB7n6u0BAfeeOb23JYeAyhH40r2DGmC8jPKEFnpdibXb-2FnpL-2BBb0-2BmqnZt9sDyWlpijuf0H7ZJSE0zhdwLVYX0zXlptWlaFSsAyqMhXNQEZ6OSVCJ78wIqDJYqsdZgzKPs5T0YYlCbp8x0jpVkrAglf7dYWxlW-2FWcuTLhwobink9mKb-2FPHjWGwdbF3WyG6J4xefFBvgC8GbAGJ6s7LS4Z0xo76q4-3D">$5.8 billion investment</a>&nbsp;through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs), which are among EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this spring.&nbsp;Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in Kansas&nbsp;Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected over $218 million into water infrastructure projects across the state, protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.&nbsp;Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded SRF projects that are underway in Kansas include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Crowley County, Kansas:&nbsp;The cities of Arkansas City and Winfield will use over $1.2 million to help fund the construction of a 200,000-gallon water tower at Strother Field Airport/Industrial Park (owned jointly by the two cities) to replace the existing water tower.</li><li>Douglas County, Kansas:&nbsp;The city of Lawrence will use $500,000 to help conduct lead service line inventory activities.</li><li>Johnson County, Kansas:&nbsp;Water District #1 of Johnson County will use over $1.8 million to help replace main distribution lines within the county.</li><li>Marshall County, Kansas:&nbsp;The city of Oketo will use $500,000 to help rehabilitate water system infrastructure, including a well and water storage facility, as part of the second phase of their water system improvements. The city of Vermillion will use $3 million to help replace approximately 3 miles of distribution lines and associated valves, fire hydrants, and service lines.</li><li>Osborne County, Kansas: The city of Portis will use $500,000 to help replace water mains, valves, meters, and fire hydrants, as part of the third phase of their water system improvements.</li><li>Pratt County, Kansas: The city of Sawyer will use $500,000 to help upgrade well infrastructure, including existing service connections and meters.</li><li>Sedgwick County, Kansas:&nbsp;The city of Wichita will use $65 million to help rehabilitate two wastewater facilities.</li>
 </ul>To read more about some additional projects that are underway across the country, see EPA’s recently released&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUZBqUCsp5nfMUD1BQdplOWo8Bcv3xgPdal4y6-2F7wlYyUmKGPvAK8kCuwvC7SW8UIdacvnLbXDQ6YSgYp6GVCIfYQhxkj2dRek7Pf0tNPEwv-2Bl9Sh23FbEDD-2FXmN65nnU-2BtNxz6xu0dmh1dC6mz-2FqtqYNg2rwMFoSCM6zIkeo-2FH0LgT6EpJiCryAi3m94M-2BMdL4HkPgkwSm7Y6QusELL1ZWexvl7WcVs-2BHwTrfYboEEYaFuYhjGTvJzv1iLK4pawK8joxg5Nh3NfQ6-2FsYUmOOPIY-3Dv1OW_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3LW4lIxz4ITJutnaQg2weGkO2YiUtyB38I28A7xsGz-2BMbeG5swJOgeyTbCo-2FB7n6u0BAfeeOb23JYeAyhH40r2DGmC8jPKEFnpdibXb-2FnpL-2BBb0-2BmqnZt9sDyWlpijuf0PQLZqf2rCEwBprXDD8u4O108Ke3waJewnVhas9vIyKRNPmJDxps01FkeDpm9MZBMHGFQkrBVzPhRYvdELgwSoPQQxGX58Tj9zuMeUUQrriU-2FLgx9O2FaE3SdlhSvXyltHVnRYEHAzH4px31aDCFAbg-3D">Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects</a>.To view stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s new&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUU66U2oRHLx-2BN8YWKbvBLrIbn4mRPe5iD6JgnQxEBM91WLDRHsuHd-2FTxokbt2D9Jyfzy-2FGqoZvDuN08H1qBslvhtSwsY2TPReph6tDd-2Bj2T02-2BM-2BTZ4YmefqXP932R4FyBYbgh7QeT60Tceg94OAHsX6-2F-2F2QFVq-2B0zen9VIdeZYM5Ykcpln2L3MloOcd-2ByI5OC8V1NqWOTupRc-2FKs77ch-2FnfIJqvxL1g3lm32gHkYN54sTnPgv1AdLbfzYpDRtwMpA-3D-3DAsZ5_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3LW4lIxz4ITJutnaQg2weGkO2YiUtyB38I28A7xsGz-2BMbeG5swJOgeyTbCo-2FB7n6u0BAfeeOb23JYeAyhH40r2DGmC8jPKEFnpdibXb-2FnpL-2BBb0-2BmqnZt9sDyWlpijuf0GXU2ZNjukyDfAK-2FtXz-2FHGC215Ksw8jaufwtPoYD-2FepQvaP1X47b4rkVRd6fzQ9-2BJHEhHm9o9zTKm7zzxmLI9XWrrB7pbxiRuN5sqwORiHmg0KF2jaWJK0HNb6Oo4B7BCsTCEqElLYKOv64zVwTdGdQ-3D">Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure StoryMap</a>.&nbsp;

City of Portis to benefit from EPA water infrastructure upgrade funds

Hays High at Great Bend Friday, Feb. 23 Great Bned, Kan. - Great Bend High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/992310">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians close out the regular season with a rivalry matchup against the Great Bend Panthers Friday in Great Bend.

The Hays High girls have won eight straight while the boys have won nine of their 10 nine games.&nbsp;

The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Great Bend School.

Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High at Great Bend Friday, Feb. 23 Great Bned, Kan. - Great Bend High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/992310">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians close out the regular season with a rivalry matchup against the Great Bend Panthers Friday in Great Bend.The Hays High girls have won eight straight while the boys have won nine of their 10 nine games.&nbsp;The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Great Bend School.Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Hays High travels to Great Bend for regular season finale

FHSU crime log Feb. 16-23, 2024

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

President Joe Biden expanded his push to eliminate student loan debt Wednesday, saying during a speech the initiative is part of a campaign promise to address the “broken” system.

“While a college degree is still a ticket to a better life, that ticket is too expensive,” Biden said. “And too many Americans are still saddled with unsustainable debt in exchange for a college degree.”

Biden, who made his remarks while on a trip to California that also included fundraising for his 2024 campaign, argued that canceling student loan debt not only helps those who receive the benefit directly, but those in their communities.

“When people’s student debt is relieved, they buy homes, they start businesses, they contribute, they engage in the community in ways they weren’t able to before and it actually grows the economy,” Biden said.

The latest round of student debt forgiveness includes nearly 153,000 borrowers and a total of $1.2 billion in debt, according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/02/21/fact-sheet-president-biden-cancels-student-debt-for-more-than-150000-student-loan-borrowers-ahead-of-schedule/">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;from the White House.

Those receiving loan forgiveness are enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education or SAVE repayment plan, have been paying back their loans for at least 10 years and originally took out less than $12,000 in loans.

This week’s actions bring total student loan cancellation by the Biden administration to $138 billion for nearly 3.9 million people, according to the fact sheet.

The so-called SAVE Plan allows borrowers to set their student loan repayments based on their income and family size, not the amount of student loan debt they hold.

“The SAVE plan ensures that if borrowers are making their monthly payments, their balances cannot grow because of unpaid interest,” according to the White House’s fact sheet. “And, starting in July, undergraduate loan payments will be cut in half, capping a borrower’s loan payment at 5 pecent of their discretionary income.”

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said on a call with reporters Tuesday there are about 7.5 million people enrolled in the SAVE Plan and that 4.3 million don’t have a monthly payment.

“Many SAVE forgiveness recipients come from lower- and middle-income backgrounds,” Cardona said. “Many took out loans to attend community colleges. Some were at high risk for delinquency and default. That’s why the actions we’re announcing today do matter.”

Cardona said those eligible for this round of student debt cancellation would receive an email from Biden telling them about the move.

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy said in a written statement the latest round of student loan forgiveness is misguided.

“The Biden Department of Education has been unable to fulfill their basic responsibilities mandated by Congress and essential to families, like implementing FAFSA,” Cassidy said, referring to the application college students fill out to access student aid, including grants, scholarships and loans.

The Biden administration’s efforts to revamp the form have been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/new-fafsa-was-supposed-be-easier-use-technical-glitches-have-made-it-anything">marred by delays and errors.&nbsp;</a>

“Instead, they have spent a considerable amount of time prioritizing their student loan schemes to shift someone else’s debt onto taxpayers that chose not to go to college or already paid off their loans,” Cassidy added. “This is unfair, manipulative and a cynical attempt to buy votes.”

Cassidy is the ranking member on the U.S. Senate’s Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee, often referred to as the HELP Committee.

Biden, speaking at the Julian Dixon Library in Culver City, Calif., criticized the U.S. Supreme Court for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-rules-against-biden-administration-student-loan-debt-relief-plan">blocking his original student loan forgiveness plan.&nbsp;</a>

“Early in my term, I announced a major plan to provide millions of working families with debt relief for their college student debt,” Biden said. “But my MAGA Republican friends in the Congress, elected officials and special interests stepped in and sued us. And the Supreme Court blocked it. But that didn’t stop me.”

Biden said the justices’ opinion in that case led him to “pursue alternative paths” for student debt relief, which includes the announcement he made Wednesday.

Canceling some student loan debt, Biden said, is about giving people a chance.

“That’s all we’re doing … giving people a chance, a fighting chance to make it, because no one who is willing to work hard in America should be denied the opportunity to have that chance.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708705551208.jpeg" alt="U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on canceling student debt at Culver City Julian Dixon Library on Feb. 21, 2024, in Culver City, Calif. The Biden administration announced it will forgive $1.2 billion in student debt for more than 150,000 borrowers who are enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, repayment plan. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on canceling student debt at Culver City Julian Dixon Library on Feb. 21, 2024, in Culver City, Calif. The Biden administration announced it will forgive $1.2 billion in student debt for more than 150,000 borrowers who are enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, repayment plan. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>President Joe Biden expanded his push to eliminate student loan debt Wednesday, saying during a speech the initiative is part of a campaign promise to address the “broken” system.“While a college degree is still a ticket to a better life, that ticket is too expensive,” Biden said. “And too many Americans are still saddled with unsustainable debt in exchange for a college degree.”Biden, who made his remarks while on a trip to California that also included fundraising for his 2024 campaign, argued that canceling student loan debt not only helps those who receive the benefit directly, but those in their communities.“When people’s student debt is relieved, they buy homes, they start businesses, they contribute, they engage in the community in ways they weren’t able to before and it actually grows the economy,” Biden said.The latest round of student debt forgiveness includes nearly 153,000 borrowers and a total of $1.2 billion in debt, according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/02/21/fact-sheet-president-biden-cancels-student-debt-for-more-than-150000-student-loan-borrowers-ahead-of-schedule/">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;from the White House.Those receiving loan forgiveness are enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education or SAVE repayment plan, have been paying back their loans for at least 10 years and originally took out less than $12,000 in loans.This week’s actions bring total student loan cancellation by the Biden administration to $138 billion for nearly 3.9 million people, according to the fact sheet.<h2>Repayments tied to income, family size</h2>The so-called SAVE Plan allows borrowers to set their student loan repayments based on their income and family size, not the amount of student loan debt they hold.“The SAVE plan ensures that if borrowers are making their monthly payments, their balances cannot grow because of unpaid interest,” according to the White House’s fact sheet. “And, starting in July, undergraduate loan payments will be cut in half, capping a borrower’s loan payment at 5 pecent of their discretionary income.”Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said on a call with reporters Tuesday there are about 7.5 million people enrolled in the SAVE Plan and that 4.3 million don’t have a monthly payment.“Many SAVE forgiveness recipients come from lower- and middle-income backgrounds,” Cardona said. “Many took out loans to attend community colleges. Some were at high risk for delinquency and default. That’s why the actions we’re announcing today do matter.”Cardona said those eligible for this round of student debt cancellation would receive an email from Biden telling them about the move.<h2>New FAFSA rollout criticized</h2>Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy said in a written statement the latest round of student loan forgiveness is misguided.“The Biden Department of Education has been unable to fulfill their basic responsibilities mandated by Congress and essential to families, like implementing FAFSA,” Cassidy said, referring to the application college students fill out to access student aid, including grants, scholarships and loans.The Biden administration’s efforts to revamp the form have been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/new-fafsa-was-supposed-be-easier-use-technical-glitches-have-made-it-anything">marred by delays and errors.&nbsp;</a>“Instead, they have spent a considerable amount of time prioritizing their student loan schemes to shift someone else’s debt onto taxpayers that chose not to go to college or already paid off their loans,” Cassidy added. “This is unfair, manipulative and a cynical attempt to buy votes.”Cassidy is the ranking member on the U.S. Senate’s Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee, often referred to as the HELP Committee.<h2>Supreme Court decision</h2>Biden, speaking at the Julian Dixon Library in Culver City, Calif., criticized the U.S. Supreme Court for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-rules-against-biden-administration-student-loan-debt-relief-plan">blocking his original student loan forgiveness plan.&nbsp;</a>“Early in my term, I announced a major plan to provide millions of working families with debt relief for their college student debt,” Biden said. “But my MAGA Republican friends in the Congress, elected officials and special interests stepped in and sued us. And the Supreme Court blocked it. But that didn’t stop me.”Biden said the justices’ opinion in that case led him to “pursue alternative paths” for student debt relief, which includes the announcement he made Wednesday.Canceling some student loan debt, Biden said, is about giving people a chance.“That’s all we’re doing … giving people a chance, a fighting chance to make it, because no one who is willing to work hard in America should be denied the opportunity to have that chance.”

Biden unveils latest round of student loan cancellation to aid 153,000 borrowers 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Joe Cheray is well aware that clergy members aren’t required to report child abuse.

She remembers going to her priest as a child, asking for his help when she was being sexually abused.&nbsp;Cheray said he did nothing.

“Had I known back then clergy were not mandated reporters of abuse, I would’ve just went to law enforcement and the Department for Children and Families. I wouldn’t have even said anything to my church at all,” Cheray said.

Cheray, who advocates with other survivors of child sex abuse every week in the entrance of the Statehouse, is asking that ministers and clergy be required to report cases like hers.

Earlier this month, Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and senior pastor at First Congregational Church, introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2300/">House Bill 2300</a>,&nbsp;which would add ordained ministers of religion to the mandated reporters list, with an exception for penitential communication, such as confession.

“People wonder why that isn’t the case already, and frankly, as a pastor, I do too,” Schlingensiepen said.

The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee, and no hearing has been scheduled.

DCF estimated implementation of the bill would result in increased reporting to the Kansas Protection Report Center, which oversees abuse reports. The change could result in an increase of $74,569 in expenditures from the State General Fund for an additional staff position to deal with the workload.

Four previous attempts to get clergy added to the list of mandated reporters failed in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/26/kansas-democrat-introduces-senate-bill-making-clergy-mandatory-reporters-of-suspected-abuse/">led the charge</a>&nbsp;during the last legislative session following the release of a four-year investigation of Catholic clergy abuse by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The KBI report found at least 188 church members suspected of committing offenses ranging from indecent liberties with a child to rape.

Schlingensiepen said he didn’t have a lot of optimism that the bill would be implemented this session, because of lawmaker preoccupation with other issues, such as the flat tax. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/">Republican-led effort to override</a>&nbsp;Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto and pass a universal 5.25 percent income tax rate failed earlier this week.

“I feel like they don’t have any appetite to put more on their plates, but that said, I think hopefully it’ll be back again next session, and we’ll try this again, this time with multiple sponsors on both sides of the aisle,” Schlingensiepen said. “We already have very broad support.”

For now, Cheray will keep advocating for broader protections for survivors of sexual assault.

“I do this for the kid in me that didn’t know,” Cheray said. “And I do this for all of the other survivors and victims now and in the future so that there is one more protection point for them to hopefully get some help."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708705095823.jpeg" alt="Joe Cheray campaigns for House Bill 2300 at the entrance of the Statehouse in Topeka. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Joe Cheray campaigns for House Bill 2300 at the entrance of the Statehouse in Topeka. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA —&nbsp;Joe Cheray is well aware that clergy members aren’t required to report child abuse.She remembers going to her priest as a child, asking for his help when she was being sexually abused.&nbsp;Cheray said he did nothing.“Had I known back then clergy were not mandated reporters of abuse, I would’ve just went to law enforcement and the Department for Children and Families. I wouldn’t have even said anything to my church at all,” Cheray said.Cheray, who advocates with other survivors of child sex abuse every week in the entrance of the Statehouse, is asking that ministers and clergy be required to report cases like hers.Earlier this month, Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and senior pastor at First Congregational Church, introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2300/">House Bill 2300</a>,&nbsp;which would add ordained ministers of religion to the mandated reporters list, with an exception for penitential communication, such as confession.“People wonder why that isn’t the case already, and frankly, as a pastor, I do too,” Schlingensiepen said.The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee, and no hearing has been scheduled.DCF estimated implementation of the bill would result in increased reporting to the Kansas Protection Report Center, which oversees abuse reports. The change could result in an increase of $74,569 in expenditures from the State General Fund for an additional staff position to deal with the workload.Four previous attempts to get clergy added to the list of mandated reporters failed in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/26/kansas-democrat-introduces-senate-bill-making-clergy-mandatory-reporters-of-suspected-abuse/">led the charge</a>&nbsp;during the last legislative session following the release of a four-year investigation of Catholic clergy abuse by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The KBI report found at least 188 church members suspected of committing offenses ranging from indecent liberties with a child to rape.Schlingensiepen said he didn’t have a lot of optimism that the bill would be implemented this session, because of lawmaker preoccupation with other issues, such as the flat tax. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/">Republican-led effort to override</a>&nbsp;Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto and pass a universal 5.25 percent income tax rate failed earlier this week.“I feel like they don’t have any appetite to put more on their plates, but that said, I think hopefully it’ll be back again next session, and we’ll try this again, this time with multiple sponsors on both sides of the aisle,” Schlingensiepen said. “We already have very broad support.”For now, Cheray will keep advocating for broader protections for survivors of sexual assault.“I do this for the kid in me that didn’t know,” Cheray said. “And I do this for all of the other survivors and victims now and in the future so that there is one more protection point for them to hopefully get some help."

Survivor of child sex abuse urges Kansas lawmakers to mandate clergy reporting

🎥 National FFA Week

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Hays Police Department arrest log, Feb. 11-17, 2024

The Hays Arts Council will open two exhibits of artists with ties to Fort Hays State University — one a former professor and the other his student.

An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday for "John C. Thorns Jr.: A Creative Legacy" and "Doloris Pederson: First Chapters in Visual Biography." Admission to the exhibits and reception is free.

Thorns was the chairman of the FHSU art department. The art that will be featured in this exhibit are collage and acrylic works from 2003 to 2013, which was about the last decade of his life.

The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus is named in part for him. He also designed the stained-glass windows in the First Presbyterian Church on Hall Street in Hays.

"Over the many decades of his creative, his collage elements were more understated, and there were big flows of acrylic used as a water media sort of around it," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council director, said.&nbsp;

"Later on, he really loved filling the space with the collage elements, but then they were joined together by his creative hand."

You might think of young children doing collage, but Meder said Thorns had incredible precision and craftsmanship in his work.

He would bring together dozens and dozens of pieces of collage to make one large piece of work, Meder said. He would then use acrylics or pastels to meld the components together.

Because of the layering in Thorns' work, it should be viewed in person, so you can look at the whole and then look at it up close and see the nature of the layering in the collage.

Almost three dozen of Thorns' pieces will be displayed, with another 20 in the art center's gift gallery. Thorns willed these art pieces to the FHSU Foundation upon his death and are on loan to the art center.

Select pieces of Thorns' work will be for sale. His work has sold for as much as $1,900, but works associated with this show are selling for $950.

Doloris Pederson is a Hays native and was one of Thorns' students. After studying at FHSU, she moved with her family to California. She has been a professional artist her whole adult life and earned many accolades in her own right, Meder said.

The art in Pederson's exhibit dates back to her early years of art exploration in the 1960s through 2003.

She depicts California imagery, but she has also traveled extensively, including to visit with her daughter, who lives in the Netherlands.

That was all inspiration for her work, Meder said. She has also created many florals, and her artwork is in the Hadley Foundation collection, which is displayed at the hospital.

Pederson is living back in Hays and will be attending the opening reception.

Although not affiliated with the Hays Arts Council, the Moss-Thorns Gallery will have a closing exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for"Kansas Clay MFA," which are ceramics created by the master of fine arts students and faculty from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University and FHSU. Admission is also free.

The Hays Arts Council is taking submissions for its youth creative writing contest.&nbsp;Ellis County students in kindergarten through 12th grade, through their teachers or independently, are invited to submit prose and poetry works  to this annual competition.

Members of the FHSU English Department serve as the judging panel, and an award ceremony is in late spring. Find more information on the arts council website at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">https://haysartscouncil.org/</a>. The deadline for entries is March 6.

The arts council is also accepting submissions for the 55-annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition. Artists will submit works online for this juried exhibit with prizes totaling $3,000. Information on that exhibition can also be found on the <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">arts council website</a>. The deadline for entries is March 19.

The exhibit will anchor the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk on April 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708616951211.jpeg" alt="Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr." />
 <figcaption>Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays Arts Council will open two exhibits of artists with ties to Fort Hays State University — one a former professor and the other his student.An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday for "John C. Thorns Jr.: A Creative Legacy" and "Doloris Pederson: First Chapters in Visual Biography." Admission to the exhibits and reception is free.Thorns was the chairman of the FHSU art department. The art that will be featured in this exhibit are collage and acrylic works from 2003 to 2013, which was about the last decade of his life.<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council to showcase Thorns, Pederson in dual exhibits" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gk2vq-158d7ab-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art on the FHSU campus is named in part for him. He also designed the stained-glass windows in the First Presbyterian Church on Hall Street in Hays."Over the many decades of his creative, his collage elements were more understated, and there were big flows of acrylic used as a water media sort of around it," Brenda Meder, Hays Arts Council director, said.&nbsp;"Later on, he really loved filling the space with the collage elements, but then they were joined together by his creative hand."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708617008428.jpeg" alt="Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr." />
 <figcaption>Artwork by John C. Thorns Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>You might think of young children doing collage, but Meder said Thorns had incredible precision and craftsmanship in his work.He would bring together dozens and dozens of pieces of collage to make one large piece of work, Meder said. He would then use acrylics or pastels to meld the components together.Because of the layering in Thorns' work, it should be viewed in person, so you can look at the whole and then look at it up close and see the nature of the layering in the collage.Almost three dozen of Thorns' pieces will be displayed, with another 20 in the art center's gift gallery. Thorns willed these art pieces to the FHSU Foundation upon his death and are on loan to the art center.Select pieces of Thorns' work will be for sale. His work has sold for as much as $1,900, but works associated with this show are selling for $950.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708617083474.jpeg" alt="Artwork by&nbsp;Doloris Pederson" />
 <figcaption>Artwork by&nbsp;Doloris Pederson</figcaption>
 </figure>Doloris Pederson is a Hays native and was one of Thorns' students. After studying at FHSU, she moved with her family to California. She has been a professional artist her whole adult life and earned many accolades in her own right, Meder said.The art in Pederson's exhibit dates back to her early years of art exploration in the 1960s through 2003.She depicts California imagery, but she has also traveled extensively, including to visit with her daughter, who lives in the Netherlands.That was all inspiration for her work, Meder said. She has also created many florals, and her artwork is in the Hadley Foundation collection, which is displayed at the hospital.Pederson is living back in Hays and will be attending the opening reception.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708617143806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Although not affiliated with the Hays Arts Council, the Moss-Thorns Gallery will have a closing exhibit from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for"Kansas Clay MFA," which are ceramics created by the master of fine arts students and faculty from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University and FHSU. Admission is also free.The Hays Arts Council is taking submissions for its youth creative writing contest.&nbsp;Ellis County students in kindergarten through 12th grade, through their teachers or independently, are invited to submit prose and poetry works to this annual competition.Members of the FHSU English Department serve as the judging panel, and an award ceremony is in late spring. Find more information on the arts council website at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">https://haysartscouncil.org/</a>. The deadline for entries is March 6.The arts council is also accepting submissions for the 55-annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition. Artists will submit works online for this juried exhibit with prizes totaling $3,000. Information on that exhibition can also be found on the <a href="https://haysartscouncil.org/">arts council website</a>. The deadline for entries is March 19.The exhibit will anchor the Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk on April 27.

🎙 Hays Arts Council to showcase Thorns, Pederson in dual exhibits

Submissions are open for the annual KSU Watersheds and city of Hays water poster contest. 

"Believe it or not, this is our 10th-annual water poster contest for the city of Hays," said Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist.

"The goal of the contest is to raise awareness of water conservation and water quality issues while gathering really awesome artwork and unique displays from community members at the same time."

 Day cares, pre-schools, USD 489, Holy Family Elementary, Thomas More Prep-Marian and home-school students, ages pre-school through 12th grade, students, faculty, and staff at Fort Hays State University and NCK Tech, and adults in the city of Hays are eligible to participate. 

There is also an intellectual/development disabilities division for youth through adults. 

"Posters could show how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters might share how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and E. coli bacteria, household chemicals, other things that are harmful to water sources," said Dickman.&nbsp;Both water conservation and stormwater/water quality can be highlighted on the same poster.

Posters must be horizontal, designed on 12-by-18-inch white poster paper with the words “Know Your Water” included. 

Posters may be designed with pencils, paints, pens, crayons and markers or may be computer-generated. Name, age and the teacher's name, if applicable, must be included on the back of the poster.

 Poster paper is available for pick-up at the Public Works Department, 1002 Vine St., during regular business hours. 

Prize money will be awarded to first- through third-place winners in each age division. 

Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central Office Supply, 1101 Main, during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair. 

Posters are due by Wednesday, March 6, at school offices, city hall or the Public Works Department. Winners will be announced by March 29, and the awards celebration will be at 6 p.m. on April 4 at the Sternberg Museum.

To learn more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/776/Water-Poster-Contest">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or <a href="https://www.kcare.k-state.edu/wrip/wraps/big-creek-and-middle-smoky-hill-watersheds/special_events.html">www.MyKansasWatershed.com</a>.

For more information, call Holly Dickman, city of Hays Water Conservation Specialist, at 785-628-7350 or Stacie Minson, KSU Watershed Specialist, at 785-769-3297.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708461655219.png" alt="Previous winning water posters display. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Previous winning water posters display. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostSubmissions are open for the annual KSU Watersheds and city of Hays water poster contest. The 2024 theme is “Know Your Water.”"Believe it or not, this is our 10th-annual water poster contest for the city of Hays," said Holly Dickman, water conservation specialist."The goal of the contest is to raise awareness of water conservation and water quality issues while gathering really awesome artwork and unique displays from community members at the same time." Day cares, pre-schools, USD 489, Holy Family Elementary, Thomas More Prep-Marian and home-school students, ages pre-school through 12th grade, students, faculty, and staff at Fort Hays State University and NCK Tech, and adults in the city of Hays are eligible to participate. There is also an intellectual/development disabilities division for youth through adults. "Posters could show how to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at home and work. Also, posters might share how to reduce sediment, nutrients, and E. coli bacteria, household chemicals, other things that are harmful to water sources," said Dickman.&nbsp;Both water conservation and stormwater/water quality can be highlighted on the same poster.Posters must be horizontal, designed on 12-by-18-inch white poster paper with the words “Know Your Water” included. Posters may be designed with pencils, paints, pens, crayons and markers or may be computer-generated. Name, age and the teacher's name, if applicable, must be included on the back of the poster. Poster paper is available for pick-up at the Public Works Department, 1002 Vine St., during regular business hours. Prize money will be awarded to first- through third-place winners in each age division. Winning posters will be displayed at Tri-Central Office Supply, 1101 Main, during the month of May and at the Ellis County Fair. Posters are due by Wednesday, March 6, at school offices, city hall or the Public Works Department. Winners will be announced by March 29, and the awards celebration will be at 6 p.m. on April 4 at the Sternberg Museum.To learn more about water conservation and stormwater/water quality for poster ideas, visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/776/Water-Poster-Contest">www.watersmarthays.com</a> or <a href="https://www.kcare.k-state.edu/wrip/wraps/big-creek-and-middle-smoky-hill-watersheds/special_events.html">www.MyKansasWatershed.com</a>.For more information, call Holly Dickman, city of Hays Water Conservation Specialist, at 785-628-7350 or Stacie Minson, KSU Watershed Specialist, at 785-769-3297.

Hays' 10th-annual water poster contest deadline is March 6

Have you every wondered where we find all of the judges who provide evaluation during the fairs? Do you have an interest in helping youth to improve their skills in a particular 4-H project area or an interest in evaluating open class exhibits during the fair?

If your answer is YES, or even Maybe – we have an opportunity for you! A Judges’ Training will be held on Saturday, February 24, at the Western Kansas Ag Research Center in Hays. We will have experienced judges who will provide evaluation training in each of the following areas: Style Revue, Photography, Clothing Construction, Fiber Arts, Foods and Nutrition, Rabbits, Horticulture and Crops, Visual Arts, Woodworking, Wildlife, Shooting Sports, and STEM.

In addition to knowledge of age-appropriate parameters for projects, having an ability to provide kind but constructive criticism is so important. We want youth to have positive and corrective feedback so that their spark for learning more about the project, and themselves, is encouraged!

There is a small fee of $10 to cover lunch and materials which lets you select three areas to learn. We do need your registration by the end of February 20 so that we can accurately provide lunch and supplies.

For more information, be sure to check out the flyer on the K-State Research and Extension-Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page or by accessing the Cottonwood Connection February 2024 newsletter on the website at cottonwood.k-state.edu. You can also contact Tamara Robertson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tarobertson@ksu.edu">tarobertson@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or myself!

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708119774432.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Have you every wondered where we find all of the judges who provide evaluation during the fairs? Do you have an interest in helping youth to improve their skills in a particular 4-H project area or an interest in evaluating open class exhibits during the fair?If your answer is YES, or even Maybe – we have an opportunity for you! A Judges’ Training will be held on Saturday, February 24, at the Western Kansas Ag Research Center in Hays. We will have experienced judges who will provide evaluation training in each of the following areas: Style Revue, Photography, Clothing Construction, Fiber Arts, Foods and Nutrition, Rabbits, Horticulture and Crops, Visual Arts, Woodworking, Wildlife, Shooting Sports, and STEM.In addition to knowledge of age-appropriate parameters for projects, having an ability to provide kind but constructive criticism is so important. We want youth to have positive and corrective feedback so that their spark for learning more about the project, and themselves, is encouraged!There is a small fee of $10 to cover lunch and materials which lets you select three areas to learn. We do need your registration by the end of February 20 so that we can accurately provide lunch and supplies.For more information, be sure to check out the flyer on the K-State Research and Extension-Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page or by accessing the Cottonwood Connection February 2024 newsletter on the website at cottonwood.k-state.edu. You can also contact Tamara Robertson at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tarobertson@ksu.edu">tarobertson@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or myself!Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

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