By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A public hearing and resolution vote will be held Thursday during the Hays City Commission meeting for the proposed expansion of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It provides tax rebates to property owners who make improvements that raise the appraised value of residential or commercial properties.&nbsp;

Expanding the area would include areas of Hays where homes and commercial businesses were constructed in 1980 and earlier.

Commissioners will also vote on an agreement with Werth Development Group for the construction of public water and sanitary sewer mains along Hall Street adjacent to the WDG Addition north of Interstate 70. The city would participate in the cost of over-sizing the water and sewer lines for future development at a cost not to exceed $359,260.&nbsp;

The commission will also consider a recommendation to sign a $152,800 engineering services agreement with&nbsp;Driggs Design Group, Hays, for infrastructure at The Grove housing development north of HaysMed. The project will also include a community center.

• Bid award of $124,811 to Reaction Distributing, Ontario, Canada, for purchase of a paper and cardboard recyclables baler. &nbsp;• Abatements for general nuisance and inoperable vehicles at 1111 Centennial Blvd. and inoperable vehicles at 206 E. 14th. •&nbsp;Support letter of SkyWest Airlines’ Essential Air Service proposal for Hays Regional Airport. • Hear an update on the 2023 water conservation programs from Holly Dickman,&nbsp;water conservation specialist.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The complete Feb. 22 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02222024-1467">here</a>.

The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707442640675.png" alt="The existing Hays Neighborhood Revitalization Program boundary is in red. The proposed expansion area is in blue. City of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The existing Hays Neighborhood Revitalization Program boundary is in red. The proposed expansion area is in blue. City of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA public hearing and resolution vote will be held Thursday during the Hays City Commission meeting for the proposed expansion of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;It provides tax rebates to property owners who make improvements that raise the appraised value of residential or commercial properties.&nbsp;Expanding the area would include areas of Hays where homes and commercial businesses were constructed in 1980 and earlier.Commissioners will also vote on an agreement with Werth Development Group for the construction of public water and sanitary sewer mains along Hall Street adjacent to the WDG Addition north of Interstate 70. The city would participate in the cost of over-sizing the water and sewer lines for future development at a cost not to exceed $359,260.&nbsp;The commission will also consider a recommendation to sign a $152,800 engineering services agreement with&nbsp;Driggs Design Group, Hays, for infrastructure at The Grove housing development north of HaysMed. The project will also include a community center.Other agenda items include:• Bid award of $124,811 to Reaction Distributing, Ontario, Canada, for purchase of a paper and cardboard recyclables baler. &nbsp;• Abatements for general nuisance and inoperable vehicles at 1111 Centennial Blvd. and inoperable vehicles at 206 E. 14th. •&nbsp;Support letter of SkyWest Airlines’ Essential Air Service proposal for Hays Regional Airport. • Hear an update on the 2023 water conservation programs from Holly Dickman,&nbsp;water conservation specialist.&nbsp;&nbsp; The complete Feb. 22 agenda is available <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02222024-1467">here</a>.The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.&nbsp;

Public hearing for Hays Neighborhood Revitalization expansion set for Thursday

Survey seeks to explain statewide teacher shortage

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Although a survey of Hays USD 489 teachers showed high satisfaction in many areas of their work, teachers said they saw society's opinions of their profession as low.

Eighty-three percent of teachers surveyed said they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with how society views teaching. This was even higher than the state average of 74 percent.

The voluntary survey was conducted in the fall. About 46 percent of the Hays USD 490 teachers responded. The responses were anonymous.

"The intent of this survey is to try to determine why, as a profession, we are losing educators and why we are not bringing in as many educators as in the past," Superintendent Ron Wilson told the Hays school board Monday night.

While USD 489 has been able to fill its teaching vacancies regularly, other districts in the state have struggled.

USD 489 has historically attributed part of its success to strong ties to the teaching program at Fort Hays State University.

Entering the fall 2022 academic year, there were an estimated 1,500 teacher vacancies in Kansas, according to a Kansas Reflector report in January 2023.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f5f0d8c-b161-4c03-b851-cce7d48b88ad">Nearby Victoria USD 432 has expressed issues with recruiting teachers. In a recent interview, their superintendent told the Hays Post the district only receives two or three applications per open position.&nbsp;</a>

The district considered going to a four-day school week to attract more applicants, but that will not happen for this coming school year.

Wilson said the survey is just one sampling of teachers and did not include the entire USD 489 teaching staff.

Thirty-three percent of teachers surveyed said they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with parental involvement. Twenty-eight percent said they were neutral, and forty percent were satisfied. No respondents said they were very satisfied. This was below the state average, which was 56 percent of teachers saying they were satisfied or very satisfied with parent involvement.

Wilson said he was concerned about the teachers' responses to the parental involvement question.

"I think we are at a time in education where we have had people who are more vocal against things that have gone on in schools, and I think, as teachers, you don't feel as supported," Wilson said.

Sixty-six percent of the surveyed teachers in USD 489 said they were overall satisfied with their jobs, which was 6 percent higher than the state average.

Many teachers in USD 489 and across the state said they were satisfied or very satisfied with factors such as having someone who cares for them at their schools, having colleagues who are committed to their jobs and feeling they had opportunities for professional development.

Fifty-eight of the surveyed USD 489 teachers said they believed their voices and opinions were heard, slightly higher than the state average. Sixty-one percent said they received feedback from the administration.

Eighty-six percent said they had school pride.&nbsp;

Eighty-eight percent of teachers surveyed said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the leadership of the superintendent, which was much higher than the state average of 56 percent.

Teachers also expressed high satisfaction with their principals.

Fifty-seven percent of surveyed teachers said they were satisfied with the Hays school board, which was also higher than the state average of 39 percent. This survey was conducted before the new school board members took their seats in January.

Sixty percent of teachers said they were dissatisfied with the amount of support they had for handling student behaviors and difficult situations in the classroom.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said he thought this an area the district needs to improve upon.

Almost half — 48 percent — of teachers said they were dissatisfied with the student-teacher ratios.

Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said&nbsp;addressing class size is built into the district's plans. 

She said class sizes have been difficult to reduce because additional classroom space is unavailable. The bond will help address that. She said reducing class size might also help reduce students' negative behaviors.&nbsp;

Few USD 489 teachers said they intended to retire in the next three years, leave public education or plan to teach in another district.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708448910487.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Survey seeks to explain statewide teacher shortage</h2>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAlthough a survey of Hays USD 489 teachers showed high satisfaction in many areas of their work, teachers said they saw society's opinions of their profession as low.Eighty-three percent of teachers surveyed said they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with how society views teaching. This was even higher than the state average of 74 percent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708451880688.jpeg" alt="Teacher survey results. USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Teacher survey results. USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>The voluntary survey was conducted in the fall. About 46 percent of the Hays USD 490 teachers responded. The responses were anonymous."The intent of this survey is to try to determine why, as a profession, we are losing educators and why we are not bringing in as many educators as in the past," Superintendent Ron Wilson told the Hays school board Monday night.While USD 489 has been able to fill its teaching vacancies regularly, other districts in the state have struggled.USD 489 has historically attributed part of its success to strong ties to the teaching program at Fort Hays State University.Entering the fall 2022 academic year, there were an estimated 1,500 teacher vacancies in Kansas, according to a Kansas Reflector report in January 2023.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f5f0d8c-b161-4c03-b851-cce7d48b88ad">Nearby Victoria USD 432 has expressed issues with recruiting teachers. In a recent interview, their superintendent told the Hays Post the district only receives two or three applications per open position.&nbsp;</a>The district considered going to a four-day school week to attract more applicants, but that will not happen for this coming school year.Wilson said the survey is just one sampling of teachers and did not include the entire USD 489 teaching staff.Thirty-three percent of teachers surveyed said they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with parental involvement. Twenty-eight percent said they were neutral, and forty percent were satisfied. No respondents said they were very satisfied. This was below the state average, which was 56 percent of teachers saying they were satisfied or very satisfied with parent involvement.Wilson said he was concerned about the teachers' responses to the parental involvement question."I think we are at a time in education where we have had people who are more vocal against things that have gone on in schools, and I think, as teachers, you don't feel as supported," Wilson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708451999570.jpeg" alt="Teacher survey results. USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Teacher survey results. USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>Sixty-six percent of the surveyed teachers in USD 489 said they were overall satisfied with their jobs, which was 6 percent higher than the state average.Many teachers in USD 489 and across the state said they were satisfied or very satisfied with factors such as having someone who cares for them at their schools, having colleagues who are committed to their jobs and feeling they had opportunities for professional development.Fifty-eight of the surveyed USD 489 teachers said they believed their voices and opinions were heard, slightly higher than the state average. Sixty-one percent said they received feedback from the administration.Eighty-six percent said they had school pride.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708452041503.jpeg" alt="Teacher survey results. USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Teacher survey results. USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>Eighty-eight percent of teachers surveyed said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the leadership of the superintendent, which was much higher than the state average of 56 percent.Teachers also expressed high satisfaction with their principals.Fifty-seven percent of surveyed teachers said they were satisfied with the Hays school board, which was also higher than the state average of 39 percent. This survey was conducted before the new school board members took their seats in January.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708452071525.jpeg" alt="Teacher survey results. USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Teacher survey results. USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>Sixty percent of teachers said they were dissatisfied with the amount of support they had for handling student behaviors and difficult situations in the classroom.Superintendent Ron Wilson said he thought this an area the district needs to improve upon.Almost half — 48 percent — of teachers said they were dissatisfied with the student-teacher ratios.Board member Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp said&nbsp;addressing class size is built into the district's plans. She said class sizes have been difficult to reduce because additional classroom space is unavailable. The bond will help address that. She said reducing class size might also help reduce students' negative behaviors.&nbsp;"All of it is connected," she said.Few USD 489 teachers said they intended to retire in the next three years, leave public education or plan to teach in another district.

Hays USD 489 teachers: Society doesn't value our profession

Work is continuing on the Hays USD 489 bond projects, with construction on 13th Street to start this spring.

Dirt work has slowed on the Hays High construction project because of recent rain and snow, but work has continued on fire and domestic water lines and footings.&nbsp;

Work at the Roosevelt Elementary School has included installing ceiling tile, framing, setting bathroom fixtures, and installing wall covers and epoxy flooring.

Wilson shared a photo with the board of Roosevelt students standing at the library window and looking at the construction project.

"What this picture sums up perfectly is what school bonds are about and why they are necessary," Wilson said. "... Mrs. Callahan, the librarian, said this is the highlight of coming to the library. It's not necessarily checking out books. It's getting a view of the construction.

"What you have there is a bunch of kids who someday will talk about, 'Hey, I remember when that was built."

Some of them, hopefully, will have kids, and they will go to this school, Wilson said. The parents will talk to their kids about watching the school being built, Wilson said.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f8c30e1-f4f7-46ea-8db2-e1bb7a65fcb9">The district is also working with the city of Hays to improve 13th Street.</a>

The bond project includes the construction of a new high school at the 13th Street site. The current high school will be remodeled into a middle school, which means the area will have more traffic.

The street will be widened from Harvest to Commerce Parkway. This will include turning lanes.

Crosswalks and pedestrian islands will also be added. The traffic lights at 13th and Canterbury will be improved.

The city and school district will share the cost of the improvements. Bids will go out on this project by the beginning of March.

Thanks to donations from Women Who Lead and the Community Assistance Center, the district is relaunching its Food For Kids program. Food packs will be sent home over the weekend with children who are in need. Students at Westside School will help pack the food.

After an executive session, the board also approved building-level administrator contracts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708464465558.png" alt="Roosevelt Elementary School students watch construction at their school from a library window. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt Elementary School students watch construction at their school from a library window. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWork is continuing on the Hays USD 489 bond projects, with construction on 13th Street to start this spring.Dirt work has slowed on the Hays High construction project because of recent rain and snow, but work has continued on fire and domestic water lines and footings.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708464773626.png" alt="HHS construction site. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>HHS construction site. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708464790641.png" alt="HHS construction site. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>HHS construction site. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Work at the Roosevelt Elementary School has included installing ceiling tile, framing, setting bathroom fixtures, and installing wall covers and epoxy flooring.Wilson shared a photo with the board of Roosevelt students standing at the library window and looking at the construction project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708464856321.png" alt="Roosevelt construction site. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt construction site. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708464870225.png" alt="Roosevelt construction site.&nbsp; Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Roosevelt construction site.&nbsp; Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"What this picture sums up perfectly is what school bonds are about and why they are necessary," Wilson said. "... Mrs. Callahan, the librarian, said this is the highlight of coming to the library. It's not necessarily checking out books. It's getting a view of the construction."What you have there is a bunch of kids who someday will talk about, 'Hey, I remember when that was built."Some of them, hopefully, will have kids, and they will go to this school, Wilson said. The parents will talk to their kids about watching the school being built, Wilson said.<h2>13th Street</h2><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5f8c30e1-f4f7-46ea-8db2-e1bb7a65fcb9">The district is also working with the city of Hays to improve 13th Street.</a> The bond project includes the construction of a new high school at the 13th Street site. The current high school will be remodeled into a middle school, which means the area will have more traffic.The street will be widened from Harvest to Commerce Parkway. This will include turning lanes.Crosswalks and pedestrian islands will also be added. The traffic lights at 13th and Canterbury will be improved.The city and school district will share the cost of the improvements. Bids will go out on this project by the beginning of March.Work is slated to start this spring.<h2>Food program</h2>Thanks to donations from Women Who Lead and the Community Assistance Center, the district is relaunching its Food For Kids program. Food packs will be sent home over the weekend with children who are in need. Students at Westside School will help pack the food.<h2>Administrator contracts</h2>After an executive session, the board also approved building-level administrator contracts.

Hays bond projects move forward; work to start soon on 13th Street widening

The word "malnutrition" is usually associated with hunger and underfed people in the developing world.

But the term also applies to those who are overfed and eating too much unhealthy food.

It's a problem in industrialized countries, including the United States, says Jessica Phelan, PhD, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.&nbsp;

"When we think of those who are morbidly obese or suffering from those lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease from overconsumption of food, that's also considered malnutrition," said Phelan, "because we're in a state of poor nutrition."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Many times the foods that are overconsumed are of poor nutritional density.

"We would refer to them as ultra-processed foods, meaning that they have a lot of calories but not much good stuff.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Ultra-processed foods usually have more sugar, salt and fats versus those nutrients that we really want more of," she said.

There are four levels of household food security — whether people have access to enough healthy food for a healthy, active lifestyle — starting with high and falling to very low.

At any level of food insecurity, households potentially run out of food, or they have to manage the food that they have in their homes by skipping meals, reducing the size of meals or not eating if hungry.

"Food insecurity is linked with poverty, but it's also linked with accessibility," Phelan said.&nbsp;

Food deserts are geographic areas where fresh and affordable healthy foods cannot be easily purchased.&nbsp;

"Think about rural areas where grocery stores are miles and miles away," Phelan said. "You have to drive to another town to access healthy fruits and vegetables."

In urban areas, residents might not have vehicles and must walk or take public transportation to get groceries.&nbsp;

"If there are no grocery stores, farmers markets or fresh food sources near their homes, that's also considered a food desert," she said.

"We have access to food but it's not what is going to be healthful for our lives," she said.

Urban areas and small rural towns often have convenience stores, gas stations and fast-food restaurants, but there is no access to foods that would benefit your health.

"In addition to socioeconomic factors, your geographic location really influences what types of foods you're able to consume," Phalen said.&nbsp;

All food, she said, can be part of a nutritious diet.&nbsp;

"Of course, we want to try to choose those foods that are more healthful but if that's&nbsp;the resource you have, we can still make that part of a healthy diet," she said.

"There are plenty of times when ultra-processed food is something that is going to stay on the shelf longer for you. If that's going to supply you with some kind of energy, that's better than the alternative."

Canned and frozen foods are also healthy alternatives and easy to store.

In Ellis County, there are numerous resources for food assistance, including food pantries, food distribution, and state and federal government assistance programs.

A list of available programs is available through the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/community-resource-directory">United Way of Ellis County community resource directory app</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708383183081.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe word "malnutrition" is usually associated with hunger and underfed people in the developing world.But the term also applies to those who are overfed and eating too much unhealthy food.It's a problem in industrialized countries, including the United States, says Jessica Phelan, PhD, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="FHSU professor discusses food management in food deserts, swamps" 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=vzr9h-158a109-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>"When we think of those who are morbidly obese or suffering from those lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease from overconsumption of food, that's also considered malnutrition," said Phelan, "because we're in a state of poor nutrition."&nbsp;&nbsp;Many times the foods that are overconsumed are of poor nutritional density."We would refer to them as ultra-processed foods, meaning that they have a lot of calories but not much good stuff.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ultra-processed foods usually have more sugar, salt and fats versus those nutrients that we really want more of," she said.There are four levels of household food security — whether people have access to enough healthy food for a healthy, active lifestyle — starting with high and falling to very low.At any level of food insecurity, households potentially run out of food, or they have to manage the food that they have in their homes by skipping meals, reducing the size of meals or not eating if hungry."Food insecurity is linked with poverty, but it's also linked with accessibility," Phelan said.&nbsp;Food deserts are geographic areas where fresh and affordable healthy foods cannot be easily purchased.&nbsp;"Think about rural areas where grocery stores are miles and miles away," Phelan said. "You have to drive to another town to access healthy fruits and vegetables."In urban areas, residents might not have vehicles and must walk or take public transportation to get groceries.&nbsp;"If there are no grocery stores, farmers markets or fresh food sources near their homes, that's also considered a food desert," she said.There are also food swamps."We have access to food but it's not what is going to be healthful for our lives," she said.Urban areas and small rural towns often have convenience stores, gas stations and fast-food restaurants, but there is no access to foods that would benefit your health."In addition to socioeconomic factors, your geographic location really influences what types of foods you're able to consume," Phalen said.&nbsp;All food, she said, can be part of a nutritious diet.&nbsp;"Of course, we want to try to choose those foods that are more healthful but if that's&nbsp;the resource you have, we can still make that part of a healthy diet," she said."There are plenty of times when ultra-processed food is something that is going to stay on the shelf longer for you. If that's going to supply you with some kind of energy, that's better than the alternative."Canned and frozen foods are also healthy alternatives and easy to store.In Ellis County, there are numerous resources for food assistance, including food pantries, food distribution, and state and federal government assistance programs.A list of available programs is available through the <a href="https://www.liveunited.us/community-resource-directory">United Way of Ellis County community resource directory app</a>.&nbsp;

🎙 FHSU professor discusses food management in food deserts, swamps    

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that nearly $16.5 million will go toward 17 short line rail expansion and rehabilitation projects. These investments, made through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Rail Service Improvement Program (RSIP), will improve the state's agriculture supply chain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“These needed rail infrastructure improvements will lift up rural Kansas and, in doing so, will maximize the economic potential of the entire state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening agriculture supply chains, my administration is helping our farmers and ranchers connect to regional, national, and international markets.”&nbsp;

RSIP recipients will use the funds for expansion and capacity improvements, major track rehabilitation, and rail replacement. These projects support rail improvements that enhance safety, expand carload capabilities, reduce truck traffic, increase operating speeds, and improve operating efficiencies. &nbsp;

State funding for the 17 projects will be enhanced by a 30% match from each recipient, resulting in a total rail infrastructure investment of more than $23.5 million. The program received 26 applications requesting more than $39 million in total costs through IKE, the state’s 10-year bipartisan transportation program.&nbsp;

“Rail service lessens the number of trucks that would otherwise be on local roads and Kansas highways, which reduces roadway maintenance and rehabilitation needs,”&nbsp;Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “Having different modes of quality transportation strengthens our state and creates new economic development opportunities for Kansas communities.”&nbsp;

Selected projects through the RSIP for State Fiscal Year 2024:&nbsp;

Cimarron Valley Railroad, Ford County Expansion/Capacity improvements $2,233,946

Summit Sustainable Ingredients, Phillips County Expansion/Capacity improvements $1,436,595

South Kansas &amp; Oklahoma Railroad, Cowley County Major rehabilitation $319,802

South Kansas &amp; Oklahoma Railroad, Elk County Expansion/Capacity improvements $1,947,101

The Scoular Company, Sherman County Qualified track maintenance $230,002

Kansas &amp; Oklahoma Railroad, Sedgwick County Major rehabilitation $859,221

New Century AirCenter Railroad (JCAX), Johnson County Major rehabilitation $1,400,594

Kyle Railroad, Cloud County Major rehabilitation $811,440

Viterra USA Grain, Sedgwick County Major rehabilitation $562,332

Hutchinson Transportation (HUTX), Reno County Major rehabilitation $586,906

Weskan Grain, Scott County Expansion/Capacity improvements $1,472,240

Central Prairie Co-op, Rice County Expansion/Capacity improvements $880,110

Garden City Western Railway, Finney County Preservation/Major rehabilitation $695,056

Mid-States Materials, Reno County Expansion/Capacity improvements $911,826

Midway Co-op, Smith County Major rehabilitation $422,835

Farmers Co-op, Sumner County Qualified track maintenance $39,057

V&amp;S Railway, Barber/Harper counties Preservation/Major rehabilitation $1,657,799

SubmittedGovernor Laura Kelly announced today that nearly $16.5 million will go toward 17 short line rail expansion and rehabilitation projects. These investments, made through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Rail Service Improvement Program (RSIP), will improve the state's agriculture supply chain.&nbsp;&nbsp;“These needed rail infrastructure improvements will lift up rural Kansas and, in doing so, will maximize the economic potential of the entire state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening agriculture supply chains, my administration is helping our farmers and ranchers connect to regional, national, and international markets.”&nbsp;RSIP recipients will use the funds for expansion and capacity improvements, major track rehabilitation, and rail replacement. These projects support rail improvements that enhance safety, expand carload capabilities, reduce truck traffic, increase operating speeds, and improve operating efficiencies. &nbsp;State funding for the 17 projects will be enhanced by a 30% match from each recipient, resulting in a total rail infrastructure investment of more than $23.5 million. The program received 26 applications requesting more than $39 million in total costs through IKE, the state’s 10-year bipartisan transportation program.&nbsp;“Rail service lessens the number of trucks that would otherwise be on local roads and Kansas highways, which reduces roadway maintenance and rehabilitation needs,”&nbsp;Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “Having different modes of quality transportation strengthens our state and creates new economic development opportunities for Kansas communities.”&nbsp;Selected projects through the RSIP for State Fiscal Year 2024:&nbsp;Cimarron Valley Railroad, Ford County Expansion/Capacity improvements $2,233,946Summit Sustainable Ingredients, Phillips County Expansion/Capacity improvements $1,436,595South Kansas &amp; Oklahoma Railroad, Cowley County Major rehabilitation $319,802South Kansas &amp; Oklahoma Railroad, Elk County Expansion/Capacity improvements $1,947,101The Scoular Company, Sherman County Qualified track maintenance $230,002Kansas &amp; Oklahoma Railroad, Sedgwick County Major rehabilitation $859,221New Century AirCenter Railroad (JCAX), Johnson County Major rehabilitation $1,400,594Kyle Railroad, Cloud County Major rehabilitation $811,440Viterra USA Grain, Sedgwick County Major rehabilitation $562,332Hutchinson Transportation (HUTX), Reno County Major rehabilitation $586,906Weskan Grain, Scott County Expansion/Capacity improvements $1,472,240Central Prairie Co-op, Rice County Expansion/Capacity improvements $880,110Garden City Western Railway, Finney County Preservation/Major rehabilitation $695,056Mid-States Materials, Reno County Expansion/Capacity improvements $911,826Midway Co-op, Smith County Major rehabilitation $422,835Farmers Co-op, Sumner County Qualified track maintenance $39,057V&amp;S Railway, Barber/Harper counties Preservation/Major rehabilitation $1,657,799Total Awarded $16,466,862

Gov. Kelly announces $16.5 million for short line rail projects

<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays, Kansas</a>, is
pleased to announce the availability of sponsorships for the 15th Annual
Chamber Golf Tournament sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless.

Set to take place at the Smoky
Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall St., at 7:30 a.m. May 3, this year’s event
promises to be another day filled with camaraderie, competition, and community
spirit.

As the foremost fundraiser of the
year and a hallmark event in Hays, the Chamber Golf Tournament has become an annual
tradition. 

This year, golf enthusiasts and
supporters of the Ellis County business community will once again gather to tee
off for a cause and enjoy a day The Chamber plans to be brimming with
excitement both on and off the course, said president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.

“The Chamber Golf Tournament is
more than just a day of golf; it's a celebration of our vibrant community and a
testament to the collective commitment of our members to support local
businesses,” Wasinger said. “As the single largest fundraiser for The Chamber
in Hays, Kansas, the golf tournament provides numerous opportunities for
businesses of all sizes to participate in the events throughout the week.
Support of this event powers The Chambers' ability to advocate for community
advancement for all Ellis County residents.”

"We are incredibly grateful
to Nex-Tech Wireless for their steadfast support as our title sponsor,”
Wasinger said. “Their commitment to our community and their dedication to
advancing local businesses exemplify the spirit of partnership and
collaboration that defines The Chamber."

One of the highlights of the day
will be the return of the highly popular Chamber Online Auction sponsored by
First Care Clinic and the Plinko Patio Party sponsored by Stone House Spirit
&amp; Cigar, offering attendees the chance to win exciting prizes and mingle
with fellow participants in a lively atmosphere.

“Sponsorship of the Chamber Golf
Tournament not only provides businesses with valuable exposure and networking
opportunities but also contributes to the ongoing initiatives of The Chamber in
promoting economic growth and prosperity in Ellis County,” Wasinger said. “Businesses
interested in becoming sponsors for the 15th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament are
encouraged to contact The Chamber at (785) 628-8201.”

For more information and
sponsorship inquiries, please visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634743366242.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Submitted<a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays, Kansas</a>, is
pleased to announce the availability of sponsorships for the 15th Annual
Chamber Golf Tournament sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless.Set to take place at the Smoky
Hill Country Club, 3303 Hall St., at 7:30 a.m. May 3, this year’s event
promises to be another day filled with camaraderie, competition, and community
spirit.<div><iframe title="Sponsorships open for 15th Annual Chamber Golf Tourney" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=f49b5-158836c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>As the foremost fundraiser of the
year and a hallmark event in Hays, the Chamber Golf Tournament has become an annual
tradition. This year, golf enthusiasts and
supporters of the Ellis County business community will once again gather to tee
off for a cause and enjoy a day The Chamber plans to be brimming with
excitement both on and off the course, said president and CEO Sarah Wasinger.“The Chamber Golf Tournament is
more than just a day of golf; it's a celebration of our vibrant community and a
testament to the collective commitment of our members to support local
businesses,” Wasinger said. “As the single largest fundraiser for The Chamber
in Hays, Kansas, the golf tournament provides numerous opportunities for
businesses of all sizes to participate in the events throughout the week.
Support of this event powers The Chambers' ability to advocate for community
advancement for all Ellis County residents.”"We are incredibly grateful
to Nex-Tech Wireless for their steadfast support as our title sponsor,”
Wasinger said. “Their commitment to our community and their dedication to
advancing local businesses exemplify the spirit of partnership and
collaboration that defines The Chamber."One of the highlights of the day
will be the return of the highly popular Chamber Online Auction sponsored by
First Care Clinic and the Plinko Patio Party sponsored by Stone House Spirit
&amp; Cigar, offering attendees the chance to win exciting prizes and mingle
with fellow participants in a lively atmosphere.“Sponsorship of the Chamber Golf
Tournament not only provides businesses with valuable exposure and networking
opportunities but also contributes to the ongoing initiatives of The Chamber in
promoting economic growth and prosperity in Ellis County,” Wasinger said. “Businesses
interested in becoming sponsors for the 15th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament are
encouraged to contact The Chamber at (785) 628-8201.”For more information and
sponsorship inquiries, please visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com.</a>

🎙 Sponsorships open for 15th Annual Chamber Golf Tourney

<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/2024/2/1708458003592.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

THOMAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple potential charges after a standoff in northwest Kansas.

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 41-year-old-man who had driven from Texas to locate the individuals in the house. 

         Around 10:38 am the man eventually walked out of the house with the hostages and was taken into custody. He was taken to the Thomas County Jail where he is being held.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office has not released the name of the suspect or possible charges.

THOMAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple potential charges after a standoff in northwest Kansas.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 41-year-old-man who had driven from Texas to locate the individuals in the house. Around 10:38 am the man eventually walked out of the house with the hostages and was taken into custody. He was taken to the Thomas County Jail where he is being held.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office has not released the name of the suspect or possible charges.

Suspect surrenders after hostages taken in NW Kansas 

Hays High vs Dodge City Tuesday, Feb. 20 Hays, Kan. - Hays 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/986142">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians host the Dodge City Red Deamons in a Western Athletic Conference showdown Tuesday night at Hays High School.

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

The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Hays High 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 vs Dodge City Tuesday, Feb. 20 Hays, Kan. - Hays 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/986142">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians host the Dodge City Red Deamons in a Western Athletic Conference showdown Tuesday night at Hays High School.The Hays High girls have own seven straight while the boys have won eight of their last nine games.&nbsp;The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Hays High School.Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Hays High hosts Dodge City in WAC matchup

TMP-Marian at Plainville Tuesday, Feb. 20 – 6 p.m. Plainville, Kan. - Cardinal Gym

Radio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/986149">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs close out the regular season Tuesday on the road in Plainville.&nbsp;

The TMP girls are looking to end a two-game losing streak while the TMP boys have won four of their last five games.&nbsp;

Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow from Gardinal Gymnasium on the Monarchs Sports Network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian at Plainville Tuesday, Feb. 20 – 6 p.m. Plainville, Kan. - Cardinal GymRadio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/986149">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs close out the regular season Tuesday on the road in Plainville.&nbsp;The TMP girls are looking to end a two-game losing streak while the TMP boys have won four of their last five games.&nbsp;Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow from Gardinal Gymnasium on the Monarchs Sports Network.

🏀🎥 TMP travels to Plainville for regular season finale

February 16, 2024 Topeka

As the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, the one piece of legislation that I focus on the most is that of the budget for the state of Kansas. The state of Kansas is projected to have an ending balance in fiscal year 2024, the current fiscal year, of $2.8 billion. That ending balance figure does not account for the projected $1.6 billion in Budget Stabilization or commonly referred to as the Rainy-Day Fund. This is a unique situation that the state is currently experiencing. Our focus should be on true tax relief for the citizens of Kansas regarding income, sales, and, especially, property and not erroneous spending or items that have not been funded for decades.

The governor has proposed an excess of $1.3 billion in spending, though we have already taken measures in the Appropriations Committee to reduce the amount of spending the Governor has proposed by $1 billion.

An area that the governor said that she was focusing on is paying off debt; however, that is not necessarily the case. When we analyze the strategy the governor is using, which is called “to defease,” it does not pay off debt but rather places funds aside for when those bonds become callable. Instead of this tactic, we are reviewing our entire bond portfolio and analyzing those bonds that could be paid off now as opposed to placing money into escrow until they actually come due.

The state of Kansas also has monies remaining from the pandemic dollars that we received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Our focus, since we are on a limited time frame with those dollars, is to use them for economic development purposes. We also need to be cognizant that the entire state benefits from these dollars and not one area. For example, the governor placed in her budget $20 million for the World Cup Event in the Kansas City area. I have been advocating that if we disperse $20 million to northeast Kansas for this event, then I want nearly the same amount for an economic development proposal in northwest Kansas, using the ARPA dollars and not the state general fund.

I do not know if we will be able to provide the tax relief that Kansans need that is in House Bill 2284. This tax bill provides for tax relief in income, sales, and property taxes.

The House Appropriations Committee continued discussing the various agency budgets and finished deliberations on the budgets for the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Office of the State Banking Commissioner, Office of the Governor, Legislature, Judicial Branch, and many more.

The committee heard from the Department of Commerce regarding economic development in Kansas. We also had an update from Chancellor Doug Girod with the University of Kansas about the University of Kansas Cancer Center and President Richard Linton from Kansas State University. In addition, we finally received the budget bill from the governor’s office and the bill was introduced during Tuesday morning’s meeting.

This week is the sixth week of the 2024 legislative session, and we spent most of the time debating bills and resolutions in the chamber of the Kansas House of Representatives. Here is a look at some of those bills:

House Bill 2583 increases the criminal penalty for harming or killing certain dogs or horses used by law enforcement entities. This bill requires restitution for this crime to include veterinary medical treatment, funeral, and burial expenses.

House Bill 2168 relates to agriculture and reduces the license and registration fee for industrial hemp to a maximum of $500.

House Bill 2477 increases the maximum reimbursement from the Kansas Agricultural Remediation Fund from $200,000 to $300,000 for an eligible person and from $400,000 to $600,000 when both a buyer and seller or a lessee and a lessor are responsible for remediation.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Rep. Troy Waymaster is the House Appropriations Committee chairman and representative of the Kansas House 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>February 16, 2024 Topeka <h2>Budget Process</h2>As the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, the one piece of legislation that I focus on the most is that of the budget for the state of Kansas. The state of Kansas is projected to have an ending balance in fiscal year 2024, the current fiscal year, of $2.8 billion. That ending balance figure does not account for the projected $1.6 billion in Budget Stabilization or commonly referred to as the Rainy-Day Fund. This is a unique situation that the state is currently experiencing. Our focus should be on true tax relief for the citizens of Kansas regarding income, sales, and, especially, property and not erroneous spending or items that have not been funded for decades.The governor has proposed an excess of $1.3 billion in spending, though we have already taken measures in the Appropriations Committee to reduce the amount of spending the Governor has proposed by $1 billion.An area that the governor said that she was focusing on is paying off debt; however, that is not necessarily the case. When we analyze the strategy the governor is using, which is called “to defease,” it does not pay off debt but rather places funds aside for when those bonds become callable. Instead of this tactic, we are reviewing our entire bond portfolio and analyzing those bonds that could be paid off now as opposed to placing money into escrow until they actually come due.The state of Kansas also has monies remaining from the pandemic dollars that we received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Our focus, since we are on a limited time frame with those dollars, is to use them for economic development purposes. We also need to be cognizant that the entire state benefits from these dollars and not one area. For example, the governor placed in her budget $20 million for the World Cup Event in the Kansas City area. I have been advocating that if we disperse $20 million to northeast Kansas for this event, then I want nearly the same amount for an economic development proposal in northwest Kansas, using the ARPA dollars and not the state general fund.I do not know if we will be able to provide the tax relief that Kansans need that is in House Bill 2284. This tax bill provides for tax relief in income, sales, and property taxes.<h2>Appropriations Committee</h2>The House Appropriations Committee continued discussing the various agency budgets and finished deliberations on the budgets for the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Office of the State Banking Commissioner, Office of the Governor, Legislature, Judicial Branch, and many more.The committee heard from the Department of Commerce regarding economic development in Kansas. We also had an update from Chancellor Doug Girod with the University of Kansas about the University of Kansas Cancer Center and President Richard Linton from Kansas State University. In addition, we finally received the budget bill from the governor’s office and the bill was introduced during Tuesday morning’s meeting.<h2>Bills Debated On the House Floor</h2>This week is the sixth week of the 2024 legislative session, and we spent most of the time debating bills and resolutions in the chamber of the Kansas House of Representatives. Here is a look at some of those bills:House Bill 2583 increases the criminal penalty for harming or killing certain dogs or horses used by law enforcement entities. This bill requires restitution for this crime to include veterinary medical treatment, funeral, and burial expenses.House Bill 2168 relates to agriculture and reduces the license and registration fee for industrial hemp to a maximum of $500.House Bill 2477 increases the maximum reimbursement from the Kansas Agricultural Remediation Fund from $200,000 to $300,000 for an eligible person and from $400,000 to $600,000 when both a buyer and seller or a lessee and a lessor are responsible for remediation.I voted “yes” on these three bills.<h2>Contact Information</h2>Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Rep. Troy Waymaster is the House Appropriations Committee chairman and representative of the Kansas House 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties.&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home: Feb. 15, the budget process

RUSSELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Michael Maurice&nbsp;Dreiling, 76, Russell, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Russell.

Due to an unknown medical condition, the van crossed the median into the eastbound lane of travel, entered the south ditch and came to rest submerged in a creek.

EMS transported&nbsp;Dreiling to the Russell Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708600573628.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Michael Maurice&nbsp;Dreiling, 76, Russell, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Russell.Due to an unknown medical condition, the van crossed the median into the eastbound lane of travel, entered the south ditch and came to rest submerged in a creek.EMS transported&nbsp;Dreiling to the Russell Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after van travels into a creek

Submitted by Kansas Justice Institute

Steve Howard, the owner of the iconic burger joint, The Cozy Inn,&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BoEyY03VwQVkWBe6RECH38iYVm0KzdGhLXN0bDZZvwls-3D-MCN_7wBycvMPybCLu9GEHh-2FcwqfbnXzgwmf7GRZSag-2BFX4lUpRt6aeWBQhflJsGWNYaQ8qxX7ipByHIK4v-2FxkDTNjzJ3funygAXOW8VTBoXX1SdPiWInznp49Uq13sycpaAMzqgtbobwD7gTiYtCJZVqF-2Fk9Z0PqkuOgn0ah2l9ofTcwMK5gqFzm7PFE9e2rUiqz1888kcw-2BIMziWPu503DZBedxTC-2FWPU5lVTIlKkx4fKz2zpNjbEVyWS7diBaj6MIiuQz-2FNAambyU5ffDHq3lusQjc6OxiFNHhKTLgeC5avT4SwWXn6nYsH6NKMY2uH-2FPkKSHd6rLKjEounYBz8DSVEk9QJ59001oKM3dc7Gy2E04-3D" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the City of Salina, Kansas, on Monday, after city officials told Mr. Howard he had to stop painting a mural on the side of The Cozy. The Cozy is a Salina landmark that has been serving hamburgers for more than 100 years.

“Salina is my hometown, I love it here,” says Mr. Howard, “I want to finish my mural.”&nbsp;

Salina is a vibrant and unique community, with beautiful murals adorning the walls of countless buildings. Steve wanted The Cozy to be a part of the artistic culture of Salina and hired local artist Colin Benson to paint a whimsical mural depicting burger-esque flying saucers piloted by aliens attacking The Cozy with blasts of ketchup and mustard. But city officials ordered Steve to halt work on the half-finished mural.

According to city officials, because Steve sells hamburgers, and the flying saucers in his mural look like hamburgers, the City of Salina considers his mural to be a regulated sign—instead of unregulated artwork—and therefore, a violation of the city code.

But the First Amendment does not allow the City of Salina to restrict speech, such as murals and other artwork, based on the message it conveys or the identity of the mural’s owner.&nbsp;

Mr. Howard and The Cozy teamed up with Kansas Justice Institute (KJI) to file the lawsuit. The lawsuit does not seek money from the City of Salina. Instead, the lawsuit argues that the City of Salina’s restrictions on murals violate the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment.&nbsp;

“Downtown Salina is vibrant, unique, and beautiful. The Cozy’s artistic mural is too. The First Amendment protects the right to finish the mural,” says Sam MacRoberts, KJI litigation director. “Salina is a great city with a set of really bad, unconstitutional laws and policies.”&nbsp;

“Over 90% of our customers are travelers,” says Steve, “I want them to feel the fun and excitement when they get here. My customers traveled hundreds or thousands of miles, and they are excited but now they are finally here, and it is fun when they see the aliens who traveled light-years to get here.”

This case is part of KJI’s litigation campaign challenging laws that interfere with the right to free speech. It’s also part of KJI’s litigation efforts to fight back against city hall.&nbsp;

In 2019, KJI successfully sued the State of Kansas over its&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOa1v2buYG7xR-2B86a-2Fbmjn1rDn00tGZuloWDfDByqrCsgA-3D-3DdfXu_7wBycvMPybCLu9GEHh-2FcwqfbnXzgwmf7GRZSag-2BFX4lUpRt6aeWBQhflJsGWNYaQ8qxX7ipByHIK4v-2FxkDTNjzJ3funygAXOW8VTBoXX1SdPiWInznp49Uq13sycpaAMzqgtbobwD7gTiYtCJZVqF-2Fk9Z0PqkuOgn0ah2l9ofTcwMK5gqFzm7PFE9e2rUiqz1888kcw-2BIMziWPu503DZBRXi9nQI64CyjCa9KeCc41xW83PhgCbk5QYkSJEJo9Nk6yqdjNBo8NI9xk8vWxSfL4EdCpj-2FiKGrpuG8gjU4qb8tlJnZ5O1aHNmRhdv-2BBjWY4fQNHNUy1HnvVJ-2BHsz1DrtrKUHV0R3yLOjH5GsPEPJ4-3D" target="_blank">raw milk advertising prohibition</a>, and just last year, KJI sued the City of Ottawa, Kansas, over its home-based business prohibitions involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2B8MP26JtP6-2FPF9ZhnIskee-2B1zxaZlL-2F6QDNvPNB6TwrlgXTchLYzbuS4xOSD2f-2FVI_Fs2_7wBycvMPybCLu9GEHh-2FcwqfbnXzgwmf7GRZSag-2BFX4lUpRt6aeWBQhflJsGWNYaQ8qxX7ipByHIK4v-2FxkDTNjzJ3funygAXOW8VTBoXX1SdPiWInznp49Uq13sycpaAMzqgtbobwD7gTiYtCJZVqF-2Fk9Z0PqkuOgn0ah2l9ofTcwMK5gqFzm7PFE9e2rUiqz1888kcw-2BIMziWPu503DZBXzChPkKYFxrc6C-2FBVF4yVbSGI3XOvOZXbml2akyMhaq6c6ZPC13HpxKBdJkIGgCxDSCA1Vm37JEo6w1sEdIc8UZLWDN6Hh9MqCPsIyanwrhlMHsNgp177Z2sClZ-2BD7CbQKsY4PH2cRY4-2BrT6KMS5WU-3D" target="_blank">beekeeping and gardening</a>.&nbsp;

Salina Post is following this story and will post updates as new information becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708443329052.jpeg" alt="1Cozy Inn Hamburgers' new mural was put on pause by the City of Salina because restaurant owner, Steve Howard, did not follow procedures set in place by the Salina City Design and Review Board.&nbsp;Photo by Olivia Bergmeier/Salina Post" />
 <figcaption>1Cozy Inn Hamburgers' new mural was put on pause by the City of Salina because restaurant owner, Steve Howard, did not follow procedures set in place by the Salina City Design and Review Board.&nbsp;Photo by Olivia Bergmeier/Salina Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by Kansas Justice InstituteSteve Howard, the owner of the iconic burger joint, The Cozy Inn,&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2BoEyY03VwQVkWBe6RECH38iYVm0KzdGhLXN0bDZZvwls-3D-MCN_7wBycvMPybCLu9GEHh-2FcwqfbnXzgwmf7GRZSag-2BFX4lUpRt6aeWBQhflJsGWNYaQ8qxX7ipByHIK4v-2FxkDTNjzJ3funygAXOW8VTBoXX1SdPiWInznp49Uq13sycpaAMzqgtbobwD7gTiYtCJZVqF-2Fk9Z0PqkuOgn0ah2l9ofTcwMK5gqFzm7PFE9e2rUiqz1888kcw-2BIMziWPu503DZBedxTC-2FWPU5lVTIlKkx4fKz2zpNjbEVyWS7diBaj6MIiuQz-2FNAambyU5ffDHq3lusQjc6OxiFNHhKTLgeC5avT4SwWXn6nYsH6NKMY2uH-2FPkKSHd6rLKjEounYBz8DSVEk9QJ59001oKM3dc7Gy2E04-3D" target="_blank">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the City of Salina, Kansas, on Monday, after city officials told Mr. Howard he had to stop painting a mural on the side of The Cozy. The Cozy is a Salina landmark that has been serving hamburgers for more than 100 years.“Salina is my hometown, I love it here,” says Mr. Howard, “I want to finish my mural.”&nbsp;Salina is a vibrant and unique community, with beautiful murals adorning the walls of countless buildings. Steve wanted The Cozy to be a part of the artistic culture of Salina and hired local artist Colin Benson to paint a whimsical mural depicting burger-esque flying saucers piloted by aliens attacking The Cozy with blasts of ketchup and mustard. But city officials ordered Steve to halt work on the half-finished mural.According to city officials, because Steve sells hamburgers, and the flying saucers in his mural look like hamburgers, the City of Salina considers his mural to be a regulated sign—instead of unregulated artwork—and therefore, a violation of the city code.But the First Amendment does not allow the City of Salina to restrict speech, such as murals and other artwork, based on the message it conveys or the identity of the mural’s owner.&nbsp;Mr. Howard and The Cozy teamed up with Kansas Justice Institute (KJI) to file the lawsuit. The lawsuit does not seek money from the City of Salina. Instead, the lawsuit argues that the City of Salina’s restrictions on murals violate the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment.&nbsp;“Downtown Salina is vibrant, unique, and beautiful. The Cozy’s artistic mural is too. The First Amendment protects the right to finish the mural,” says Sam MacRoberts, KJI litigation director. “Salina is a great city with a set of really bad, unconstitutional laws and policies.”&nbsp;“Over 90% of our customers are travelers,” says Steve, “I want them to feel the fun and excitement when they get here. My customers traveled hundreds or thousands of miles, and they are excited but now they are finally here, and it is fun when they see the aliens who traveled light-years to get here.”This case is part of KJI’s litigation campaign challenging laws that interfere with the right to free speech. It’s also part of KJI’s litigation efforts to fight back against city hall.&nbsp;In 2019, KJI successfully sued the State of Kansas over its&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOa1v2buYG7xR-2B86a-2Fbmjn1rDn00tGZuloWDfDByqrCsgA-3D-3DdfXu_7wBycvMPybCLu9GEHh-2FcwqfbnXzgwmf7GRZSag-2BFX4lUpRt6aeWBQhflJsGWNYaQ8qxX7ipByHIK4v-2FxkDTNjzJ3funygAXOW8VTBoXX1SdPiWInznp49Uq13sycpaAMzqgtbobwD7gTiYtCJZVqF-2Fk9Z0PqkuOgn0ah2l9ofTcwMK5gqFzm7PFE9e2rUiqz1888kcw-2BIMziWPu503DZBRXi9nQI64CyjCa9KeCc41xW83PhgCbk5QYkSJEJo9Nk6yqdjNBo8NI9xk8vWxSfL4EdCpj-2FiKGrpuG8gjU4qb8tlJnZ5O1aHNmRhdv-2BBjWY4fQNHNUy1HnvVJ-2BHsz1DrtrKUHV0R3yLOjH5GsPEPJ4-3D" target="_blank">raw milk advertising prohibition</a>, and just last year, KJI sued the City of Ottawa, Kansas, over its home-based business prohibitions involving&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhObFtpAmqNqXzpRRwxU4Zb2-2B8MP26JtP6-2FPF9ZhnIskee-2B1zxaZlL-2F6QDNvPNB6TwrlgXTchLYzbuS4xOSD2f-2FVI_Fs2_7wBycvMPybCLu9GEHh-2FcwqfbnXzgwmf7GRZSag-2BFX4lUpRt6aeWBQhflJsGWNYaQ8qxX7ipByHIK4v-2FxkDTNjzJ3funygAXOW8VTBoXX1SdPiWInznp49Uq13sycpaAMzqgtbobwD7gTiYtCJZVqF-2Fk9Z0PqkuOgn0ah2l9ofTcwMK5gqFzm7PFE9e2rUiqz1888kcw-2BIMziWPu503DZBXzChPkKYFxrc6C-2FBVF4yVbSGI3XOvOZXbml2akyMhaq6c6ZPC13HpxKBdJkIGgCxDSCA1Vm37JEo6w1sEdIc8UZLWDN6Hh9MqCPsIyanwrhlMHsNgp177Z2sClZ-2BD7CbQKsY4PH2cRY4-2BrT6KMS5WU-3D" target="_blank">beekeeping and gardening</a>.&nbsp;Salina Post is following this story and will post updates as new information becomes available.

Iconic restaurant, The Cozy Inn, sues Salina over right to paint a one-of-a-kind mural

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Inflation is slowing and job growth has surged, but many Americans still feel the burden of expensive housing — fueled in part by high demand, low inventory and mortgage rates.

Home prices across the U.S. rose 5.5% over the past year in December 2023 and they are projected to increase 2.8% year over year by December 2024,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/us-home-price-insights-february-2024/">according to</a>&nbsp;CoreLogic, a consumer and business information company. None of the states in CoreLogic’s data showed home price declines.

Rents shot up 23.9% between the beginning of 2020 and the start of 2023 and home prices rose 37.5%,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/reports/files/Harvard_JCHS_The_State_of_the_Nations_Housing_2023.pdf">according to</a>&nbsp;Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ 2023 state of the nation’s housing report. The median sales price of a home sold in the U.S. is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUS">$417,700</a>, according to the St. Louis Fed.

Given the state of housing affordability in the U.S., here’s what to know about ongoing construction shortages, high interest rates, where housing prices are climbing, and what policymakers could do about it.

Much of the current predicament renters and homebuyers face is linked to high housing demand, low housing inventory and the Fed’s cycle of hiking interest rates.

Very low mortgage rates – January 2021 saw the lowest recorded mortgage rate at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themortgagereports.com/61853/30-year-mortgage-rates-chart">2.65%</a>&nbsp;– fueled demand but drove up prices, exacerbated by low housing inventory, Matthew Walsh, economist at Moody’s Analytics explained. The Federal Reserve then raised interest rates in 2022 to combat inflation, which in turn influenced mortgage rates.

Those rates reached near 8% in October, and higher rates put constraints on housing supply, with more homeowners staying put. It’s now&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms">6.77%</a>&nbsp;for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

A lack of housing stock, both in for sale and overall inventory, is a key long-run problem for housing affordability, said Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. A lack of accessible rental inventory that provides both single family and multi-family rental housing is a problem, he said.

“We simply don’t have enough developed land to build on, particularly in the places where it’s needed the most, which tends to be highly dense, more regulated markets in the largest metros where there’s a lot of population growth,” he said.

He added that a lack of construction labor as well as expensive building materials – partly affected by supply chain problems – have exacerbated the problem.

A 2023 Home Builders Institute&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Spring-2023-construction-labor-market-report_final-PDF.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;found that construction would need to add hundreds of thousands of workers to meet residential construction demand. An HBI survey done in 2021 found that around 90% of home builders for single-family homes said there was a shortage of carpenters and that more than 80% of remodelers said there was a shortage in most of the construction trades they needed subcontractors for.

What is the Federal Reserve doing with interest rates?

The Fed is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2024/02/01/fed-keeps-interest-rates-same-as-expected-with-changes-likely-months-away/">expected</a>&nbsp;to cut rates this year, which should have some impact on housing prices. The Fed may not cut rates until May or later, but economists have forecast multiple rate cuts this year.

Many homebuyers and renters are hoping that a cut in interest rates could provide lower home and rental prices, since a lack of homebuying can drive up rental costs.

But economists say there won’t be meaningful relief anytime soon.

“It should push mortgage rates down into the low 6% range and perhaps in 2025 moving into the high 5s,” Dietz said. “That’s not the 2 to 3% rate that we saw earlier, but it will help price in some demand by lowering the monthly payment on a hypothetical mortgage. It is going to have a disproportionate impact on first-time buyers who tend to be particularly sensitive to changes in rates because they don’t have any home equity as first-time buyers.”

Selma Hepp, chief economist at CoreLogic, said home prices will remain pricy for quite some time, even when mortgage rates come down.

“Because home prices have gone up 40%, no matter how much you adjust mortgage rates — and we’re not expecting them to come down to 2% any time soon if ever again — you’d really have to get them to 2% to get that affordability back,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708379646015.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>Inflation is slowing and job growth has surged, but many Americans still feel the burden of expensive housing — fueled in part by high demand, low inventory and mortgage rates.Home prices across the U.S. rose 5.5% over the past year in December 2023 and they are projected to increase 2.8% year over year by December 2024,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/us-home-price-insights-february-2024/">according to</a>&nbsp;CoreLogic, a consumer and business information company. None of the states in CoreLogic’s data showed home price declines.Rents shot up 23.9% between the beginning of 2020 and the start of 2023 and home prices rose 37.5%,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/reports/files/Harvard_JCHS_The_State_of_the_Nations_Housing_2023.pdf">according to</a>&nbsp;Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ 2023 state of the nation’s housing report. The median sales price of a home sold in the U.S. is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUS">$417,700</a>, according to the St. Louis Fed.Given the state of housing affordability in the U.S., here’s what to know about ongoing construction shortages, high interest rates, where housing prices are climbing, and what policymakers could do about it.<h2>How did the housing market get this way?</h2>Much of the current predicament renters and homebuyers face is linked to high housing demand, low housing inventory and the Fed’s cycle of hiking interest rates.Very low mortgage rates – January 2021 saw the lowest recorded mortgage rate at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://themortgagereports.com/61853/30-year-mortgage-rates-chart">2.65%</a>&nbsp;– fueled demand but drove up prices, exacerbated by low housing inventory, Matthew Walsh, economist at Moody’s Analytics explained. The Federal Reserve then raised interest rates in 2022 to combat inflation, which in turn influenced mortgage rates.Those rates reached near 8% in October, and higher rates put constraints on housing supply, with more homeowners staying put. It’s now&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms">6.77%</a>&nbsp;for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.A lack of housing stock, both in for sale and overall inventory, is a key long-run problem for housing affordability, said Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. A lack of accessible rental inventory that provides both single family and multi-family rental housing is a problem, he said.“We simply don’t have enough developed land to build on, particularly in the places where it’s needed the most, which tends to be highly dense, more regulated markets in the largest metros where there’s a lot of population growth,” he said.He added that a lack of construction labor as well as expensive building materials – partly affected by supply chain problems – have exacerbated the problem.A 2023 Home Builders Institute&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hbi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Spring-2023-construction-labor-market-report_final-PDF.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;found that construction would need to add hundreds of thousands of workers to meet residential construction demand. An HBI survey done in 2021 found that around 90% of home builders for single-family homes said there was a shortage of carpenters and that more than 80% of remodelers said there was a shortage in most of the construction trades they needed subcontractors for.<h2>What is the Federal Reserve doing with interest rates?</h2>The Fed is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newjerseymonitor.com/2024/02/01/fed-keeps-interest-rates-same-as-expected-with-changes-likely-months-away/">expected</a>&nbsp;to cut rates this year, which should have some impact on housing prices. The Fed may not cut rates until May or later, but economists have forecast multiple rate cuts this year.Many homebuyers and renters are hoping that a cut in interest rates could provide lower home and rental prices, since a lack of homebuying can drive up rental costs.But economists say there won’t be meaningful relief anytime soon.“It should push mortgage rates down into the low 6% range and perhaps in 2025 moving into the high 5s,” Dietz said. “That’s not the 2 to 3% rate that we saw earlier, but it will help price in some demand by lowering the monthly payment on a hypothetical mortgage. It is going to have a disproportionate impact on first-time buyers who tend to be particularly sensitive to changes in rates because they don’t have any home equity as first-time buyers.”Selma Hepp, chief economist at CoreLogic, said home prices will remain pricy for quite some time, even when mortgage rates come down.“Because home prices have gone up 40%, no matter how much you adjust mortgage rates — and we’re not expecting them to come down to 2% any time soon if ever again — you’d really have to get them to 2% to get that affordability back,” she said.<h2>What are home price trends in different parts of the U.S.?</h2>New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island saw the highest home price increases in December, according to CoreLogic’s data, but no states saw home prices go down.Hepp said that is significant because until this report, a couple of states continued to show year-over-year declines: Utah and Idaho as well as the District of Columbia. She said that change may have been fueled by people moving from parts of California and from Seattle who drove up home prices in their new states.A Moody’s Investor Service report released in October showed Florida, Montana, Nevada and Idaho had the largest decline in affordability, due in part to growth in new residents.But no part of the country is being spared by the effects of rising housing prices. Walsh said some of the fastest price appreciation he’s seen is in parts of the northeast and midwest because some of those markets are more affordable compared to parts of the country that saw an influx of residents earlier in the pandemic, such as metro areas in Mountain states including Colorado and Arizona.“The places where we’ve seen the most moderation in home prices have been in the places that lost that affordability edge…,” he said. “… Some of the fastest growing places in the northeast, like upstate New York, a place that really hasn’t seen quick increases in home prices in a long time, have been showing signs of life over the past year.”<h2>How are policymakers helping?</h2>Some states and cities are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2023/12/26/states-biden-administration-push-efforts-to-aid-renters-keep-people-housed/">stepping up</a>&nbsp;to the challenge of improving its affordable housing stock.A program in Maine is funding more affordable rental housing, which includes the improvement of existing housing. Minnesota’s Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program is expanding rental assistance.Voters in Phoenix and Albuquerque, N.M., last year&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nlihc.org/resource/support-housing-and-homelessness-ballot-measures-transcends-geographic-and-partisan">supported</a>&nbsp;bond measures that will spend millions on affordable housing. In 2022, voters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/12/19/voters-embraced-affordable-housing-initiatives-advocates-say-congress-should-do-the-same/">approved</a>&nbsp;housing bonds to fund more affordable housing for Buncombe County, N.C.; Columbus, Ohio, and Kansas City, Mo. Localities in Colorado and Montana voted to use tax revenues on affordable housing development and projects in 2023 as well.On the federal level, the Biden administration&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/27/biden-harris-administration-announces-actions-to-lower-housing-costs-and-boost-supply/">announced</a>&nbsp;in July it would address low housing supply by incentivizing projects with greater density and creating a program to fund projects that focus on zoning reforms. In October, the administration also introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/16/white-house-announces-new-actions-on-homeownership/">new housing initiatives</a>&nbsp;to increase homeownership, such as loans to boost affordable housing on tribal lands and letting homeowners use prospective rental income from “dwelling units” at their home as part of their income when they want to qualify for FHA-insured mortgages. Some economists say that zoning is far too restrictive to increase housing supply and make it more affordable.Government policies to address housing affordability should include “thinking about ways to incentivize state and local governments to reduce regulatory burdens and enact zoning reform to promote density where the market demands it,” Dietz said.