The Hays Police Department responded to 70 incidents May 12-18, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.

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 </figure>HPDThe Hays Police Department responded to 70 incidents May 12-18, 2024, according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
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Hays Police Department activity log, May 12-18, 2024

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Hays Police Department arrest log, May 12-18, 2024

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

Winter weather in January wreaked havoc in the oil patch across the U.S., but until now we didn't know the extent of the slowdown here in Kansas. 

The latest numbers from the Kansas Geological Survey show glacial Kansas crude production in January, down 18% from the month before. Total output in the Sunflower State dropped from the historically low 71,000 barrels a day in December, to just over 58,000 barrels a day in January. Statewide production is down 21% from a year ago. Barton County output was down 15% from December. Ellis County dropped by 12%. Output in Russell County dropped 9% while Stafford County dipped 16%.

Baker Hughes reports a slight uptick in drilling activity for the week, with 604 active drilling rigs nationwide, an increase one oil rig. The tallies in Texas and Oklahoma were each up one while New Mexico was down two rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count is up slightly from a week ago, but down slightly from a year ago. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 31 active rigs. The tally is up one rig in eastern Kansas at 14, and unchanged west of Wichita at 17 active rigs.. Drilling was underway on Monday on a lease in Russell County.

Kansas regulators last week okayed six new drilling permits statewide. There's one in Barton County and one in Ellis County out of four in western Kansas.

Operators completed 34 wells in Kansas last week. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 15 of those were west of Wichita, including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County.

Government crude purchases for the SPR continue as commercial stockpiles drop. Weekly inventory data from the Energy Information Administration show the government bought another 600,000 barrels of crude last week in its ongoing effort to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Energy Department sold off about half of our strategic reserves to stave off big price increases after Russia invaded Ukraine. U.S. commercial crude oil stockpiles dropped by more than 2.5 million barrels last week to 457 million as of May 10. That's about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.

Energy Information Administration reported a drop in U.S. crude production for the third week in a row. Domestic operators pumped 13,117,000 barrels per day in the week through May 10. Seasonal declines in production in Alaska account for the difference of 4,000 barrels a day from a week ago, and more, bigger differences from the last several weeks. Output has topped 13.1 million barrels a day in each of the last 16 weekly reports, and in 30 out of the last 31.

Tens of thousands of acres are charred in the province of Alberta, where wildfires spurred evacuations in the heart Canada's oil-sands industry. According to CBC News, more than 50 wildfires raged in Alberta by Tuesday, May 14.&nbsp; A provincial agency called Alberta Wildfire said the blazes grew dramatically a week earlier, when the sun came out, the humidity dissipated, and the winds shifted. No injuries have been reported.

The government reported another increase in wells drilled but uncompleted (DUC) in the nation's major shale basins. That hasn't happened for two months in a row since March of last year. It means operators drilled more wells than they completed in the seven shale basins tracked by the government. With DUCs, operators can quickly ramp up production when prices rise. The Energy Information Administration reports a total of 4,510 DUCs nationwide in April, an increase of six wells over March. The March tally was up nine wells from February.&nbsp;

The U.S. is a net petroleum exporter, but we import more crude oil than we ship out. The difference went up last week, following several weeks of declines. The Energy Information Administration reports crude imports topped exports by 2.6 million barrels a day in the week through May 10th. Domestic crude exports were down by 333,000 barrels to 4.1 million barrels a day. Crude imports averaged 6.7 million barrels a day, down about a quarter-million barrels from a week ago. The four-week average for crude exports and imports are each up about seven percent from a year ago. 

Petroleum product exports top imports by nearly 4.3 million barrels a day.&nbsp; Product imports are down more than 13% week over week, while exports dropped about ten percent.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications Winter weather in January wreaked havoc in the oil patch across the U.S., but until now we didn't know the extent of the slowdown here in Kansas. The latest numbers from the Kansas Geological Survey show glacial Kansas crude production in January, down 18% from the month before. Total output in the Sunflower State dropped from the historically low 71,000 barrels a day in December, to just over 58,000 barrels a day in January. Statewide production is down 21% from a year ago. Barton County output was down 15% from December. Ellis County dropped by 12%. Output in Russell County dropped 9% while Stafford County dipped 16%.Baker Hughes reports a slight uptick in drilling activity for the week, with 604 active drilling rigs nationwide, an increase one oil rig. The tallies in Texas and Oklahoma were each up one while New Mexico was down two rigs.The Kansas Rig Count is up slightly from a week ago, but down slightly from a year ago. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 31 active rigs. The tally is up one rig in eastern Kansas at 14, and unchanged west of Wichita at 17 active rigs.. Drilling was underway on Monday on a lease in Russell County.Kansas regulators last week okayed six new drilling permits statewide. There's one in Barton County and one in Ellis County out of four in western Kansas.Operators completed 34 wells in Kansas last week. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 15 of those were west of Wichita, including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County.Government crude purchases for the SPR continue as commercial stockpiles drop. Weekly inventory data from the Energy Information Administration show the government bought another 600,000 barrels of crude last week in its ongoing effort to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Energy Department sold off about half of our strategic reserves to stave off big price increases after Russia invaded Ukraine. U.S. commercial crude oil stockpiles dropped by more than 2.5 million barrels last week to 457 million as of May 10. That's about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.Energy Information Administration reported a drop in U.S. crude production for the third week in a row. Domestic operators pumped 13,117,000 barrels per day in the week through May 10. Seasonal declines in production in Alaska account for the difference of 4,000 barrels a day from a week ago, and more, bigger differences from the last several weeks. Output has topped 13.1 million barrels a day in each of the last 16 weekly reports, and in 30 out of the last 31.Tens of thousands of acres are charred in the province of Alberta, where wildfires spurred evacuations in the heart Canada's oil-sands industry. According to CBC News, more than 50 wildfires raged in Alberta by Tuesday, May 14.&nbsp; A provincial agency called Alberta Wildfire said the blazes grew dramatically a week earlier, when the sun came out, the humidity dissipated, and the winds shifted. No injuries have been reported.The government reported another increase in wells drilled but uncompleted (DUC) in the nation's major shale basins. That hasn't happened for two months in a row since March of last year. It means operators drilled more wells than they completed in the seven shale basins tracked by the government. With DUCs, operators can quickly ramp up production when prices rise. The Energy Information Administration reports a total of 4,510 DUCs nationwide in April, an increase of six wells over March. The March tally was up nine wells from February.&nbsp;The U.S. is a net petroleum exporter, but we import more crude oil than we ship out. The difference went up last week, following several weeks of declines. The Energy Information Administration reports crude imports topped exports by 2.6 million barrels a day in the week through May 10th. Domestic crude exports were down by 333,000 barrels to 4.1 million barrels a day. Crude imports averaged 6.7 million barrels a day, down about a quarter-million barrels from a week ago. The four-week average for crude exports and imports are each up about seven percent from a year ago. Petroleum product exports top imports by nearly 4.3 million barrels a day.&nbsp; Product imports are down more than 13% week over week, while exports dropped about ten percent.&nbsp; &nbsp;

News From the Oil Patch: January weather shuts in 18% of Kansas crude production

Beginning Tuesday, at approximately 8 a.m., Morgan Brothers Construction will begin work on pavement reconstruction on 28th Street in Hays, between Fort and Oak. 

The area will be closed to through traffic until further notice and traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed. 

If there are any questions, please call Morgan Brother Construction at either 785-394-1777 or 785-432-3104 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689603343931.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Tuesday, at approximately 8 a.m., Morgan Brothers Construction will begin work on pavement reconstruction on 28th Street in Hays, between Fort and Oak. The area will be closed to through traffic until further notice and traffic control will be set in areas of work being completed. If there are any questions, please call Morgan Brother Construction at either 785-394-1777 or 785-432-3104 or the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.&nbsp;

Pavement reconstruction on 28th St. between Fort and Oak starts Tuesday in Hays

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Thirty-nine customers Midwest Energy customers in Russell were still listed without power as of 4:45 a.m. Monday.

According to the outage map, power has been restored in Gorham.

Send us your damage reports and storm shots to&nbsp;cjanney@eagleradio.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716242042179.jpeg" alt="Baseball-sized hail in Russell Sunday.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Pratt" />
 <figcaption>Baseball-sized hail in Russell Sunday.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Pratt</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThirty-nine customers Midwest Energy customers in Russell were still listed without power as of 4:45 a.m. Monday.According to the outage map, power has been restored in Gorham.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716241788762.jpeg" alt="The storm as it rolls in Russell on Sunday. Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Elizabeth Pratt" />
 <figcaption>The storm as it rolls in Russell on Sunday. Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Elizabeth Pratt</figcaption>
 </figure>Send us your damage reports and storm shots to&nbsp;cjanney@eagleradio.net.

Update: Some customers still without power in Russell

The Southeastern Conference announced their 2024 baseball awards and Hays, Kan. native Dylan Dreiling is among the honorees.&nbsp;

Dreiling was named to the first team as an outfielder. The true sophomore recorded 61 hits while batting .333. Out of the 61 hits, 34 were for extra bases. He hit 15 doubles, 2 triples and 17 home runs.&nbsp;

Dreiling scored 53 runs and drove in 59 and registered a team high 37 walks.

The #1 ranked Volunteers won the SEC regular season title. Their first game in the SEC tournament will be on Wednesday, May 22nd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716237029713.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of&nbsp; University of Tennessee Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of&nbsp; University of Tennessee Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostThe Southeastern Conference announced their 2024 baseball awards and Hays, Kan. native Dylan Dreiling is among the honorees.&nbsp;Dreiling was named to the first team as an outfielder. The true sophomore recorded 61 hits while batting .333. Out of the 61 hits, 34 were for extra bases. He hit 15 doubles, 2 triples and 17 home runs.&nbsp;Dreiling scored 53 runs and drove in 59 and registered a team high 37 walks.The #1 ranked Volunteers won the SEC regular season title. Their first game in the SEC tournament will be on Wednesday, May 22nd.

⚾ Hays native Dylan Dreiling 1st team All-SEC

FHSU crime log May 11-17, 2024

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 307 incidents May 12-18, 2024, according to the activity report.

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 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 307 incidents May 12-18, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activity log, May 12-18, 2024

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Ellis County jail bookings, May 13-20, 2024

Midwest Energy crews are still addressing power outages in Russell and areas just west of Russell Monday morning.

As of 9:45 this morning, thirty-nine customers were still without power in Russell. Eighty-five customers were listed without power west of Russell, presumably in the Gorham area.

Hays received .41 inches of rain Sunday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center south of Hays.

That puts Hays at 1.34 inches of rain for the month and 5.11 inches of precipitation year to date.

Hays still falls below the expected precipitation for the year to date, which is 7.92 inches by the end of May.&nbsp;

Isolated thunderstorms are possible across northern zones, mainly Monday night and early Tuesday. Storm coverage will be limited, but any storm may produce marginally severe wind and/or hail, according to the National Weather Service.

A slight chance of thunderstorms return Thursday and Friday.

Send us your damage reports and storm shots to cjanney@eagleradio.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716217273037.jpeg" alt="Clouds over Bunker Hill as the storm hit Sunday. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Clouds over Bunker Hill as the storm hit Sunday. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostMidwest Energy crews are still addressing power outages in Russell and areas just west of Russell Monday morning.As of 9:45 this morning, thirty-nine customers were still without power in Russell. Eighty-five customers were listed without power west of Russell, presumably in the Gorham area.Hays received .41 inches of rain Sunday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center south of Hays.That puts Hays at 1.34 inches of rain for the month and 5.11 inches of precipitation year to date.Hays still falls below the expected precipitation for the year to date, which is 7.92 inches by the end of May.&nbsp;Isolated thunderstorms are possible across northern zones, mainly Monday night and early Tuesday. Storm coverage will be limited, but any storm may produce marginally severe wind and/or hail, according to the National Weather Service.A slight chance of thunderstorms return Thursday and Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716224630892.jpeg" alt="A large tree down in the city park in Luray. Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Mark Herbig" />
 <figcaption>A large tree down in the city park in Luray. Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Mark Herbig</figcaption>
 </figure>Send us your damage reports and storm shots to cjanney@eagleradio.net.

Power outages still reported Monday; official rain report for Hays

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Taco Riendos' food truck made its final stop as it transitioned into a new building to serve Latin flavors to the community.

Owners Hublester Rauda and his wife, Mirian Rauda, have been in the food business for 11 years and opened their new taco shop at 804 Main St.

Their new chapter began on April 26, 10 years after they first arrived in Hays, during which their household has also expanded.

"The family has grown," Mirian said. "That's also why we decided to undertake this new beginning because we had more help."

Originally from Dodge City, Hublester and Mirian saw an opportunity to establish themselves and leave their mark on the food scene in Hays.

Taco Riendos' former food truck resided on Vine Street and received encouragement from customers to grow beyond its mobile roots.

The family is grateful for the customers who supported Taco Riendo during its truck days, but the lack of seating contributed to their decision to expand.

"We were always busy in the truck, and the same is true here, but it has worked better because now people come to sit down for a snack," Hublester said.

With new seating came more food items, introducing dishes that were previously unavailable, such as quesabirrias, taco locos, the mega taco and the mega burrito.

"All of this is new, and everything sells very well. We are going to add more things little by little,"&nbsp;Hublester said.

Mirian said what separates Taco Riendo from other establishments is the fresh food that stays true to its Mexican authenticity.

"The most important thing for people who have not come to visit us is to try our specialty tacos," she said. "That's why we're called a taqueria."

Additional items on the menu feature churro cups, milkshakes, bolis, pina loca and a variety of burgers. The selection of premium meats includes pork, chicken, beef and beef tongue.

After relocating from Dodge City, Taco Riendos' food truck evolved to larger trucks and utilizing trailers. However, their most recent vehicle was sold to a different business.

"We still have a trailer that we only use for events like town fairs, weddings and quinceaneras,"&nbsp;Hublester said.

The taco shop has expanded its reach to places like Ellis, Ellsworth and Russell, reflecting its growing popularity and support beyond Hays.

Taco Riendo also offers catering for birthdays, baptisms, first communions and private parties. For inquiries about these services, contact Taco Riendo at cateringbytacoriendo@gmail.com or call 620-339-6881.

Taco Riendos' new home comes after a significant hiatus, during which Hublester and Mirian welcomed a new family member and employee.

"We had to take a little break from the business for a year because we had a baby," Hublester said.

The family of six operates the taqueria with the help of other extended family members, ensuring top-quality food and service for the area.

Hublester and Mirian thanked God and their children for the growth and achievements they have experienced since the taco shop's relocation to Hays.

"Keep supporting us, and we'll continue giving it our all,"&nbsp;Hublester said.

Taco Riendo's is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

You can also follow Taco Riendo on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tacoriendohaysks">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715803566998.jpeg" alt="The front entrance of Taco Riendo's new restaurant. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The front entrance of Taco Riendo's new restaurant. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostTaco Riendos' food truck made its final stop as it transitioned into a new building to serve Latin flavors to the community.Owners Hublester Rauda and his wife, Mirian Rauda, have been in the food business for 11 years and opened their new taco shop at 804 Main St.Their new chapter began on April 26, 10 years after they first arrived in Hays, during which their household has also expanded."The family has grown," Mirian said. "That's also why we decided to undertake this new beginning because we had more help."Originally from Dodge City, Hublester and Mirian saw an opportunity to establish themselves and leave their mark on the food scene in Hays.Taco Riendos' former food truck resided on Vine Street and received encouragement from customers to grow beyond its mobile roots.The family is grateful for the customers who supported Taco Riendo during its truck days, but the lack of seating contributed to their decision to expand.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715804405391.jpeg" alt="Tables and booths inside Taco Riendos' new restaurant. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tables and booths inside Taco Riendos' new restaurant. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715804452546.jpeg" alt="Sitting areas for customers include high chairs and a counter.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sitting areas for customers include high chairs and a counter.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"We were always busy in the truck, and the same is true here, but it has worked better because now people come to sit down for a snack," Hublester said.With new seating came more food items, introducing dishes that were previously unavailable, such as quesabirrias, taco locos, the mega taco and the mega burrito."All of this is new, and everything sells very well. We are going to add more things little by little,"&nbsp;Hublester said.Mirian said what separates Taco Riendo from other establishments is the fresh food that stays true to its Mexican authenticity."The most important thing for people who have not come to visit us is to try our specialty tacos," she said. "That's why we're called a taqueria."Additional items on the menu feature churro cups, milkshakes, bolis, pina loca and a variety of burgers. The selection of premium meats includes pork, chicken, beef and beef tongue.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715803907295.jpeg" alt="Bottles of Jarritos in pineapple, lime, mandarin, fruit punch and more at Taco Riendo. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Bottles of Jarritos in pineapple, lime, mandarin, fruit punch and more at Taco Riendo. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715804143637.jpeg" alt="Snack shelves behind the counter at Taco Riendo holding Cheetos, Takis, Tostitos, Duritos and more.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Snack shelves behind the counter at Taco Riendo holding Cheetos, Takis, Tostitos, Duritos and more.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715804207356.jpeg" alt="Containers of fresh flavored water at Taco Riendo. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Containers of fresh flavored water at Taco Riendo. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715804042249.jpeg" alt="Tubs of ice cream flavors at Taco Riendo include coconut, bubble gum, pecan, pistachio and strawberry. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Tubs of ice cream flavors at Taco Riendo include coconut, bubble gum, pecan, pistachio and strawberry. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>After relocating from Dodge City, Taco Riendos' food truck evolved to larger trucks and utilizing trailers. However, their most recent vehicle was sold to a different business."We still have a trailer that we only use for events like town fairs, weddings and quinceaneras,"&nbsp;Hublester said.The taco shop has expanded its reach to places like Ellis, Ellsworth and Russell, reflecting its growing popularity and support beyond Hays.Taco Riendo also offers catering for birthdays, baptisms, first communions and private parties. For inquiries about these services, contact Taco Riendo at cateringbytacoriendo@gmail.com or call 620-339-6881.Taco Riendos' new home comes after a significant hiatus, during which Hublester and Mirian welcomed a new family member and employee."We had to take a little break from the business for a year because we had a baby," Hublester said.The family of six operates the taqueria with the help of other extended family members, ensuring top-quality food and service for the area.Hublester and Mirian thanked God and their children for the growth and achievements they have experienced since the taco shop's relocation to Hays."Keep supporting us, and we'll continue giving it our all,"&nbsp;Hublester said.Taco Riendo's is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.You can also follow Taco Riendo on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tacoriendohaysks">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715803817451.jpeg" alt="Hublester and Mirian and their family staff at Taco Riendo.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hublester and Mirian and their family staff at Taco Riendo.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Taco Riendos food truck hits brakes, moves into new Hays building

RUSSELL - Due to weather-related issues, there will be no school Monday, May 20, for Unified School District 407, Russell.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716198619760.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RussellUSD407">USD 407</a>RUSSELL - Due to weather-related issues, there will be no school Monday, May 20, for Unified School District 407, Russell.

Severe weather-related issues cancel Monday classes in Russell

The Hays Public Library Kansas Room will undergo a remodel later this year as part of a project to update the basement. The Hays Public Library Foundation is conducting a fundraiser, beginning May 20, 2024, to cover the costs of the Kansas Room portion of the project.

The Kansas Room is a place to explore the people and history of Kansas and the Great Plains, conduct genealogy research, and attend presentations. Updates to the Kansas Room will include new furniture, flooring, lighting, and workspaces to improve the use of the room for the special collection as well as for presentations and meetings. This project is scheduled to happen in the final phase of the overall basement project, which is slated to start in August.

The Hays Public Library Foundation’s fundraising goal is $150,000. Donors who give a minimum of $25 will receive a special Hays Public Library sticker. A plaque will be placed in the Kansas Room with the names of those who donate $1,000 or more. Donations can be dropped off at the library or made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/fundraiser/">hayslibrary.org/fundraiser/</a>.

The last two weeks of May are the kickoff for the fundraising effort, which will continue through the year. Money raised at the 4th&nbsp;Annual Wine &amp; Cheese Fundraiser on Oct. 19 also will be designated for the Kansas Room project. Tickets for that event will go on sale Aug. 19.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715790189201.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Public Library Kansas Room will undergo a remodel later this year as part of a project to update the basement. The Hays Public Library Foundation is conducting a fundraiser, beginning May 20, 2024, to cover the costs of the Kansas Room portion of the project.The Kansas Room is a place to explore the people and history of Kansas and the Great Plains, conduct genealogy research, and attend presentations. Updates to the Kansas Room will include new furniture, flooring, lighting, and workspaces to improve the use of the room for the special collection as well as for presentations and meetings. This project is scheduled to happen in the final phase of the overall basement project, which is slated to start in August.The Hays Public Library Foundation’s fundraising goal is $150,000. Donors who give a minimum of $25 will receive a special Hays Public Library sticker. A plaque will be placed in the Kansas Room with the names of those who donate $1,000 or more. Donations can be dropped off at the library or made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://hayslibrary.org/fundraiser/">hayslibrary.org/fundraiser/</a>.The last two weeks of May are the kickoff for the fundraising effort, which will continue through the year. Money raised at the 4th&nbsp;Annual Wine &amp; Cheese Fundraiser on Oct. 19 also will be designated for the Kansas Room project. Tickets for that event will go on sale Aug. 19.

Hays Public Library Foundation to raise money for Kansas Room remodel

Platinum Group, a full-service commercial and residential
real estate firm based in Hays, is delighted to introduce Leah Reed as the
newest addition to their esteemed team of Hays realtors.

Hailing
from western Kansas, Reed brings with her an infectious enthusiasm and a
determined spirit, poised to make a significant impact in the real estate realm
as she embarks on this exciting new career journey.

With
her roots deeply intertwined within the community, Leah's decision to pursue a
career in real estate speaks volumes about her unwavering dedication to Ellis
County and its residents.

"I'm
thrilled about the prospect of helping people find their dream homes,"
Reed said. "Every individual's dream looks different, but I thrive on
connecting with people and bringing joy to their lives. I'm genuinely excited
about the opportunity to assist area residents in making their dreams a
reality."

Adam
Pray, owner of Platinum Group, expressed his enthusiasm for Reed.

"We
are absolutely delighted to welcome Leah to our family of dedicated real estate
professionals,” he said. “Leah's unwavering commitment to excellence and her
genuine passion for serving our community perfectly align with the core values
we uphold at Platinum Group."

Upon
joining Platinum Group, Reed expressed her eagerness to deepen the firm's ties
to the community.

"I
see this as an opportunity not only to assist individuals in finding their
perfect homes but also to strengthen our bond with the community we
serve," she said.

“With
Reed’s addition, Platinum Group continues its tradition of providing
exceptional service and expertise to clients while further solidifying its
position as a trusted leader in the Hays real estate market,” Pray said.
“Leah's dedication and passion for serving the community are sure to enhance
the firm's reputation for excellence and commitment to client satisfaction.”

Despite
being new to the role of real estate agent, Leah is no stranger to the
industry, given her husband Tyler's longstanding tenure as a realtor with
Platinum Group.

"That's
the thing that's been nice for me; I pretty much knew what I was getting
into," Reed said. "I'm familiar with the real estate world. Of
course, it's a little different when you're doing it, and I know, obviously,
that I have so much to learn. But I'm excited to get there."

Reed
also emphasized the familial atmosphere that sets the firm apart.

"The
thing with Platinum Group is, we're a family," she said. "They have
always involved family in a lot of the events they do. While I've always felt
like a part of the Platinum family, now I’m full-time family!"

Reed's
entry into the team signifies ongoing expansion for Platinum Group as they
actively seek new sales talent in the area to serve their clients better.

"Her
addition to the team marks continued growth for Platinum Group," Pray
said. "We're in a dynamic phase of development, and Leah's expertise and
enthusiasm will undoubtedly contribute to our mission of providing exceptional
service to our large client base."

For
more information about Platinum Group, please visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.platinumgrouphays.com/">platinumgrouphays.com</a>.

The
company also maintains a presence on social media, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PlatinumGroupHays/">Facebook.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715883544345.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedPlatinum Group, a full-service commercial and residential
real estate firm based in Hays, is delighted to introduce Leah Reed as the
newest addition to their esteemed team of Hays realtors.Hailing
from western Kansas, Reed brings with her an infectious enthusiasm and a
determined spirit, poised to make a significant impact in the real estate realm
as she embarks on this exciting new career journey.With
her roots deeply intertwined within the community, Leah's decision to pursue a
career in real estate speaks volumes about her unwavering dedication to Ellis
County and its residents."I'm
thrilled about the prospect of helping people find their dream homes,"
Reed said. "Every individual's dream looks different, but I thrive on
connecting with people and bringing joy to their lives. I'm genuinely excited
about the opportunity to assist area residents in making their dreams a
reality."Adam
Pray, owner of Platinum Group, expressed his enthusiasm for Reed."We
are absolutely delighted to welcome Leah to our family of dedicated real estate
professionals,” he said. “Leah's unwavering commitment to excellence and her
genuine passion for serving our community perfectly align with the core values
we uphold at Platinum Group."Upon
joining Platinum Group, Reed expressed her eagerness to deepen the firm's ties
to the community."I
see this as an opportunity not only to assist individuals in finding their
perfect homes but also to strengthen our bond with the community we
serve," she said.“With
Reed’s addition, Platinum Group continues its tradition of providing
exceptional service and expertise to clients while further solidifying its
position as a trusted leader in the Hays real estate market,” Pray said.
“Leah's dedication and passion for serving the community are sure to enhance
the firm's reputation for excellence and commitment to client satisfaction.”Despite
being new to the role of real estate agent, Leah is no stranger to the
industry, given her husband Tyler's longstanding tenure as a realtor with
Platinum Group."That's
the thing that's been nice for me; I pretty much knew what I was getting
into," Reed said. "I'm familiar with the real estate world. Of
course, it's a little different when you're doing it, and I know, obviously,
that I have so much to learn. But I'm excited to get there."Reed
also emphasized the familial atmosphere that sets the firm apart."The
thing with Platinum Group is, we're a family," she said. "They have
always involved family in a lot of the events they do. While I've always felt
like a part of the Platinum family, now I’m full-time family!"Reed's
entry into the team signifies ongoing expansion for Platinum Group as they
actively seek new sales talent in the area to serve their clients better."Her
addition to the team marks continued growth for Platinum Group," Pray
said. "We're in a dynamic phase of development, and Leah's expertise and
enthusiasm will undoubtedly contribute to our mission of providing exceptional
service to our large client base."For
more information about Platinum Group, please visit their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.platinumgrouphays.com/">platinumgrouphays.com</a>.The
company also maintains a presence on social media, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PlatinumGroupHays/">Facebook.</a>

Platinum Group welcomes new agent

Beginning at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, Commerce Parkway in Hays will be closed to through traffic in both directions at the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) crossing just north of Highway 40. &nbsp;

UPRR will be doing repairs to the crossing and expects repairs to be completed by the end of the day on May 22. &nbsp;The area will remain closed during the overnight hours. &nbsp;

Local traffic should plan an alternate route during this time if traveling in the area. &nbsp;UPRR will be working in coordination with the city to establish traffic control alerting drivers of the closure. &nbsp;

If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588710714177.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, Commerce Parkway in Hays will be closed to through traffic in both directions at the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) crossing just north of Highway 40. &nbsp;UPRR will be doing repairs to the crossing and expects repairs to be completed by the end of the day on May 22. &nbsp;The area will remain closed during the overnight hours. &nbsp;Local traffic should plan an alternate route during this time if traveling in the area. &nbsp;UPRR will be working in coordination with the city to establish traffic control alerting drivers of the closure. &nbsp;If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Railroad repairs to close Commerce Parkway crossing in Hays

<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/2024/5/1716152329623.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

RUSSELL COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Sunday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; Vincent O. Weiss, 66, St. Joseph, Mo., was westbound on Interstate 70 just before 181 Street during severe weather conditions.

A strong gust of wind hit the truck, pushing it across both lanes of the highway and into the median where it rolled onto the drivers side.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716158906438.png" alt="Overturned semi near Gorham on Interstate 70. Submitted photo" />
 <figcaption>Overturned semi near Gorham on Interstate 70. Submitted photo</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Sunday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; Vincent O. Weiss, 66, St. Joseph, Mo., was westbound on Interstate 70 just before 181 Street during severe weather conditions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716170897167.png" alt="View of the Sunday storm in Russell County-photo city of Russell" />
 <figcaption>View of the Sunday storm in Russell County-photo city of Russell</figcaption>
 </figure>A strong gust of wind hit the truck, pushing it across both lanes of the highway and into the median where it rolled onto the drivers side.EMS transported Weiss to Russell Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns on I-70 during storm

Ellis and Russell received large hail and damaging winds this afternoon.

Hail reports have ranged from golfball-sized hail in Hays to three-inch hail in the Ellis and Gorham areas.

High winds downed large limbs in Hays. Some of the large hail in the area broke windows and damaged vehicles.

Power outages were reported in Russell. Over 1,000 Midwest Energy customers were reported without power north and east of Hays as of 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Three semis were reported overturned on Interstate 70 in the Gorham area.

Official rainfall amounts were not available as of this post.

See the Hays Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716158906438.png" alt="Overturned semi near Gorham on Interstate 70. Submitted photo" />
 <figcaption>Overturned semi near Gorham on Interstate 70. Submitted photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostEllis and Russell received large hail and damaging winds this afternoon.Hail reports have ranged from golfball-sized hail in Hays to three-inch hail in the Ellis and Gorham areas.High winds downed large limbs in Hays. Some of the large hail in the area broke windows and damaged vehicles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716158991599.png" alt="A tree limb downed a powerline on Maple in Hays. Submitted photo" />
 <figcaption>A tree limb downed a powerline on Maple in Hays. Submitted photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Power outages were reported in Russell. Over 1,000 Midwest Energy customers were reported without power north and east of Hays as of 5:30 p.m. Sunday.Three semis were reported overturned on Interstate 70 in the Gorham area.Official rainfall amounts were not available as of this post.See the Hays Post for more information as it becomes available.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716159045435.jpeg" alt="Hail in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hail in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Damage reports coming in as storm brings high winds, hail to Ellis, Russell counties

Fourth St. between Main St. and Fort St. in Hays will be closed to through traffic for street repairs beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday.

The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks, with the street planned to reopen on May 31.

If there are any questions, please contact the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621458704710.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysFourth St. between Main St. and Fort St. in Hays will be closed to through traffic for street repairs beginning at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday.The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks, with the street planned to reopen on May 31.If there are any questions, please contact the City of Hays Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

4th St. between Main and Fort in Hays closed beginning Monday

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Cats of any description are fierce, efficient hunters, and feral cats, all-the-more. They do untold damage to pheasant and quail populations and kill large numbers of songbirds. By feral cats I mean cats that live totally in the wild and possibly haven’t had a domestic relative for years or even generations; NOT “Fluffy” next door that rolls around at your feet and plays hide and seek with you from a paper sack.

Feral cats have become so overpopulated in some states that over the years, hunting seasons have actually been proposed for them. Heck, when we were kids, we called feral cats RT’s, short for Running Targets. But I think I have some good ideas to actually utilize feral cats in today’s topsy-turvey society. For starters, and in light of all the recent “protests” at our nation’s colleges, how about using them for crowd control. Rioting crowds would probably react badly to snarling German Shepherds, which will soon be history anyway since the K-9 police units will probably be washed down the drain with the rest of law enforcement officers by those claiming animal cruelty. But who’s gonna’ notice a few fluffy cats rubbing against everyone’s legs. Really long-haired ones rolled in some sort of fairy-dust sleeping potion and turned loose to spread it through the crowd could have the “demonstrators” simply falling asleep where they stand. All that’s needed is to pile everyone against the curbs and traffic is restored; no buildings burned, no one shot, no historic statues that have stood there for generations torn down, and just look at the money saved on tear gas. Hopefully when the protestors all awake to see how pathetic they look on the evening news, they’ll just slink off into the shadows and be too ashamed to try it again.

Since it appears many 911 calls could soon be answered by only mental health professionals of some description who will undoubtedly be unarmed except for a clipboard and some colored markers, a few of the nastiest, old hag, feral cats can be trained to go with them when they enter whatever the new nations within our cities will call themselves by then. They can be carried in small cat size carriers or with those nifty little harnesses with a handle so they can be carted around like a lunch box. “A cat against a crowd of demonstrators?” you’re thinking. Remember,

these “demonstrators” that want the world to believe they are the toughest things since Dirty Harry are mostly snowflakes and tree huggers; they’ll urge violence against law enforcement officers and burn cities, but they won’t harm a cat. And if one does get out-of-line, that old hag, feral cat will lay them open like a fish with a couple lightning quick swipes of a paw; pretty good protection I’d say.

Those new nations set-up within our cities will probably become overrun with rodents, since none of the snowflakes or tree huggers would ever think of killing a mouse or rat. Heck, I have already read a report claiming someone released rats into one of the college “encampments.” Those rodents would soon spread out into the rest of the city, so a crew of feral cats released there could soon take care of the issue. Besides, the only food our feline mousers would be offered by residents there would probably only be vegan.

Well, there you have just a few examples of innovative ways to repurpose feral cats for today’s topsy-turvey world. I see it as a win-win-deal; a few feral cats are taken out of the wild, pet lovers are happy cause’ they weren’t killed and we hunters reap the benefits… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsCats of any description are fierce, efficient hunters, and feral cats, all-the-more. They do untold damage to pheasant and quail populations and kill large numbers of songbirds. By feral cats I mean cats that live totally in the wild and possibly haven’t had a domestic relative for years or even generations; NOT “Fluffy” next door that rolls around at your feet and plays hide and seek with you from a paper sack.Feral cats have become so overpopulated in some states that over the years, hunting seasons have actually been proposed for them. Heck, when we were kids, we called feral cats RT’s, short for Running Targets. But I think I have some good ideas to actually utilize feral cats in today’s topsy-turvey society. For starters, and in light of all the recent “protests” at our nation’s colleges, how about using them for crowd control. Rioting crowds would probably react badly to snarling German Shepherds, which will soon be history anyway since the K-9 police units will probably be washed down the drain with the rest of law enforcement officers by those claiming animal cruelty. But who’s gonna’ notice a few fluffy cats rubbing against everyone’s legs. Really long-haired ones rolled in some sort of fairy-dust sleeping potion and turned loose to spread it through the crowd could have the “demonstrators” simply falling asleep where they stand. All that’s needed is to pile everyone against the curbs and traffic is restored; no buildings burned, no one shot, no historic statues that have stood there for generations torn down, and just look at the money saved on tear gas. Hopefully when the protestors all awake to see how pathetic they look on the evening news, they’ll just slink off into the shadows and be too ashamed to try it again.Since it appears many 911 calls could soon be answered by only mental health professionals of some description who will undoubtedly be unarmed except for a clipboard and some colored markers, a few of the nastiest, old hag, feral cats can be trained to go with them when they enter whatever the new nations within our cities will call themselves by then. They can be carried in small cat size carriers or with those nifty little harnesses with a handle so they can be carted around like a lunch box. “A cat against a crowd of demonstrators?” you’re thinking. Remember,these “demonstrators” that want the world to believe they are the toughest things since Dirty Harry are mostly snowflakes and tree huggers; they’ll urge violence against law enforcement officers and burn cities, but they won’t harm a cat. And if one does get out-of-line, that old hag, feral cat will lay them open like a fish with a couple lightning quick swipes of a paw; pretty good protection I’d say.Those new nations set-up within our cities will probably become overrun with rodents, since none of the snowflakes or tree huggers would ever think of killing a mouse or rat. Heck, I have already read a report claiming someone released rats into one of the college “encampments.” Those rodents would soon spread out into the rest of the city, so a crew of feral cats released there could soon take care of the issue. Besides, the only food our feline mousers would be offered by residents there would probably only be vegan.Well, there you have just a few examples of innovative ways to repurpose feral cats for today’s topsy-turvey world. I see it as a win-win-deal; a few feral cats are taken out of the wild, pet lovers are happy cause’ they weren’t killed and we hunters reap the benefits… Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Repurposing feral cats for today’s topsy-turvey world

OSBORNE COUNTY —A Kansas pilot avoided injury in an accident that occurred just before 9p.m. Saturday in Osborne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Air Tractor crop sprayer piloted by Garrett Handley, 24,&nbsp; Palco, lost power at west 230th drive just off U.S. 281 ten miles South of Osborne.

As the pilot attempted an emergency landing the wing struck a tree branch causing the aircraft to spin into the north ditch and&nbsp; strike a second tree.

Handley was not injured.&nbsp; The cause of the crash is remains under investigation.

OSBORNE COUNTY —A Kansas pilot avoided injury in an accident that occurred just before 9p.m. Saturday in Osborne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Air Tractor crop sprayer piloted by Garrett Handley, 24,&nbsp; Palco, lost power at west 230th drive just off U.S. 281 ten miles South of Osborne.As the pilot attempted an emergency landing the wing struck a tree branch causing the aircraft to spin into the north ditch and&nbsp; strike a second tree.Handley was not injured.&nbsp; The cause of the crash is remains under investigation.

Kan. crop sprayer makes emergency landing, strikes trees

With so much uncertainty, the Ellis Public Library Board
recently decided to opt out of a vote on a proposed Ellis County Library.

According to Ellis Public Library Board Chairperson Tracey
Andrews, the Ellis Public Library Board made the final decision, in a unanimous vote, to opt out of the
County Library at their April 29 meeting. The board informed the Ellis
City Council of its decision at the city's May 6 meeting.

Andrews said the library board's goal was to ensure the library was in the best possible place. She said that after talking
with other libraries in Kansas that have gone through something similar, there
were just too many unanswered questions.

"The lack of guaranteed funding for our library (and) there
was no guaranteed representation for us in the future and just so many other
unknown factors," Andrews said. "We couldn't sign the dotted line without some sort
of contract or something on paper for us."

Funding for all Ellis County libraries has been a driving factor in the push to put the Ellis County Library question on the ballot.

The Hays and Ellis Public libraries are funded by taxes
collected by their respective cities, while taxes collected in rural Ellis
County and Victoria fund the Central Kansas Library System.

In March, the Ellis County Commission voted to ask the rural residents
to vote on creating an Ellis County Library. If
approved, a taxing district would be created, and the county would leave the Central Kansas Library System.

It was estimated Ellis County could collect almost $300,000 in local
tax revenue, which could be distributed to the three public libraries in Ellis
County and the three public school district libraries.

Because the Ellis Library Board elected to opt out of the
vote, the Ellis community taxes will remain the same. The city collects the
taxes and then distributes the funds to the library. 

Andrews said if they had opted into the county library and it had been approved by the voters, their tax dollars would have been distributed across the county. While the Ellis Library Board members want to support Hays and the rest of the county, the current system keeps the
funds local to the Ellis community.

“We felt that we wanted to keep money in Ellis versus going
to the county,” Andrews said. “The local money stays local, and it's guaranteed. If we would have opted in and the vote was yes, we would have been proposed
to get $90,000, but that wasn't guaranteed money.”

According to the library board, the city collects
about $70,000, with a total library budget close to $87,000.

Andrews said that even though the Ellis City Library elected not to
vote on the county library, it will lose services from the Central Kansas Library System if rural
voters approve the taxing district.&nbsp;

That would then require the Ellis Public Library to contract
with the&nbsp;Central Kansas Library System for its services for $20,000, and it would also lose funding it receives from the Central Kansas Library System.

“If the rural voters vote yes to this, the money will stay
local to our communities, which is great,” Andrews said. “But then they would
not provide services to us as a whole anymore. We will have to partner with
them individually to receive services.”

Andrews said they wanted to stress to the residents of Ellis
and the surrounding communities that they really tried to “do their due diligence”
when they considered their decision. The board even brought in legal counsel to
help work through some of the issues and questions they had.

She said conversations with counsel confirmed a lot of
the questions they had following the April 22 joint meeting with
the Ellis County Commission, Ellis City Council, Hays Library Board and USD 388
Board of Education.

"Our legal counsel, who worked with a library situation very
similar to ours, just basically confirmed all of our thoughts," Andrews said. "We
knew, 'OK, we're on the right track,' This is what we probably need to do."

Many of the members present at the April 22 joint meeting said they had an issue with the timeline.

The idea of a county library was presented to most of the
board early in March, and because of the August election, they were given an early May deadline to make a decision.

Andrews said the board was first approached by Hays Public
Library Director Brandon Hines March 4, giving them roughly eight
weeks to gather all the information they could.

“We visited with the commissioners asking, you know, can we
have contracts, can we have this stuff, and things just weren’t in place yet,”
Andrews said. “I feel that if that was what would have been brought in sooner, we could
have maybe got some stuff in order, whether it be consults or agreements, or
maybe more of an understanding.”

Andrews said the board members liked the idea of a county library that did not consume the Ellis Library and thought it was worth more research.

“That was really a great thought, but it was a little too late
at that point. We couldn't explore that because we had to have an answer,” Andrews
said.

Andrews said the board has received a mixed reaction from
the public following its decision, but she said members are confident in their decision. While they are open to listening to proposals in the future, they will make sure they are doing what’s best for the Ellis Public Library.

"If we can figure out a way to make something work, I think
we'd be on board with it," Andrews said, "as long as it is a positive for our
community."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704732367210.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostWith so much uncertainty, the Ellis Public Library Board
recently decided to opt out of a vote on a proposed Ellis County Library.According to Ellis Public Library Board Chairperson Tracey
Andrews, the Ellis Public Library Board made the final decision, in a unanimous vote, to opt out of the
County Library at their April 29 meeting. The board informed the Ellis
City Council of its decision at the city's May 6 meeting.Andrews said the library board's goal was to ensure the library was in the best possible place. She said that after talking
with other libraries in Kansas that have gone through something similar, there
were just too many unanswered questions."The lack of guaranteed funding for our library (and) there
was no guaranteed representation for us in the future and just so many other
unknown factors," Andrews said. "We couldn't sign the dotted line without some sort
of contract or something on paper for us."Funding for all Ellis County libraries has been a driving factor in the push to put the Ellis County Library question on the ballot.The Hays and Ellis Public libraries are funded by taxes
collected by their respective cities, while taxes collected in rural Ellis
County and Victoria fund the Central Kansas Library System.In March, the Ellis County Commission voted to ask the rural residents
to vote on creating an Ellis County Library. If
approved, a taxing district would be created, and the county would leave the Central Kansas Library System.It was estimated Ellis County could collect almost $300,000 in local
tax revenue, which could be distributed to the three public libraries in Ellis
County and the three public school district libraries.Because the Ellis Library Board elected to opt out of the
vote, the Ellis community taxes will remain the same. The city collects the
taxes and then distributes the funds to the library. Andrews said if they had opted into the county library and it had been approved by the voters, their tax dollars would have been distributed across the county. While the Ellis Library Board members want to support Hays and the rest of the county, the current system keeps the
funds local to the Ellis community.“We felt that we wanted to keep money in Ellis versus going
to the county,” Andrews said. “The local money stays local, and it's guaranteed. If we would have opted in and the vote was yes, we would have been proposed
to get $90,000, but that wasn't guaranteed money.”According to the library board, the city collects
about $70,000, with a total library budget close to $87,000.Andrews said that even though the Ellis City Library elected not to
vote on the county library, it will lose services from the Central Kansas Library System if rural
voters approve the taxing district.&nbsp;That would then require the Ellis Public Library to contract
with the&nbsp;Central Kansas Library System for its services for $20,000, and it would also lose funding it receives from the Central Kansas Library System.“If the rural voters vote yes to this, the money will stay
local to our communities, which is great,” Andrews said. “But then they would
not provide services to us as a whole anymore. We will have to partner with
them individually to receive services.”Andrews said they wanted to stress to the residents of Ellis
and the surrounding communities that they really tried to “do their due diligence”
when they considered their decision. The board even brought in legal counsel to
help work through some of the issues and questions they had.She said conversations with counsel confirmed a lot of
the questions they had following the April 22 joint meeting with
the Ellis County Commission, Ellis City Council, Hays Library Board and USD 388
Board of Education."Our legal counsel, who worked with a library situation very
similar to ours, just basically confirmed all of our thoughts," Andrews said. "We
knew, 'OK, we're on the right track,' This is what we probably need to do."Many of the members present at the April 22 joint meeting said they had an issue with the timeline.The idea of a county library was presented to most of the
board early in March, and because of the August election, they were given an early May deadline to make a decision.Andrews said the board was first approached by Hays Public
Library Director Brandon Hines March 4, giving them roughly eight
weeks to gather all the information they could.“We visited with the commissioners asking, you know, can we
have contracts, can we have this stuff, and things just weren’t in place yet,”
Andrews said. “I feel that if that was what would have been brought in sooner, we could
have maybe got some stuff in order, whether it be consults or agreements, or
maybe more of an understanding.”Andrews said the board members liked the idea of a county library that did not consume the Ellis Library and thought it was worth more research.“That was really a great thought, but it was a little too late
at that point. We couldn't explore that because we had to have an answer,” Andrews
said.Andrews said the board has received a mixed reaction from
the public following its decision, but she said members are confident in their decision. While they are open to listening to proposals in the future, they will make sure they are doing what’s best for the Ellis Public Library."If we can figure out a way to make something work, I think
we'd be on board with it," Andrews said, "as long as it is a positive for our
community."

Ellis Public Library opts out on county library vote

Wichita, Kan. – The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Tele-Emergency Care service. Tele-emergency care offers immediate access to medical assistance. Veteran patients can dial 888-878-6881, then press 3 to connect with a health care provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment is necessary, and&nbsp;there is no copayment for your visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our team of experienced nurses and emergency medicine providers will quickly assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate care for your condition. Sometimes, a quick phone or video appointment can get your health back on track! Best of all, we coordinate with your primary care physician and specialists to cover your follow-up needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Conditions that can be managed virtually:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Note: Tele Emergency Care supports but does not replace in-person care. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department if you believe your condition is life-threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As part of our ongoing efforts to support Veteran health and well-being, Dole VA encourages Veterans across the region to take advantage of the Tele Emergency Care service and access medical assistance anytime, day or night.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information about Tele Emergency Care and how to access our services, please visit Dole VA’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/wichita-health-care/health-services/#other-services">https://www.va.gov/wichita-health-care/health-services/#other-services</a>&nbsp;and click on the Telehealth tab, or call 316-685-2221, ext. 57875.

SubmittedWichita, Kan. – The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Tele-Emergency Care service. Tele-emergency care offers immediate access to medical assistance. Veteran patients can dial 888-878-6881, then press 3 to connect with a health care provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment is necessary, and&nbsp;there is no copayment for your visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our team of experienced nurses and emergency medicine providers will quickly assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate care for your condition. Sometimes, a quick phone or video appointment can get your health back on track! Best of all, we coordinate with your primary care physician and specialists to cover your follow-up needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Conditions that can be managed virtually:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Cough, cold, flu and COVID symptoms&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Sore throat&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>COPD and asthma flares&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Eye redness &amp; irritation&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Tick and other insect bites&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Rashes&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Skin infections&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Minor allergic reactions&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>GI illness&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Urinary tract infections&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Gout flares&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Muscle sprains/strains&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Note: Tele Emergency Care supports but does not replace in-person care. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department if you believe your condition is life-threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;As part of our ongoing efforts to support Veteran health and well-being, Dole VA encourages Veterans across the region to take advantage of the Tele Emergency Care service and access medical assistance anytime, day or night.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about Tele Emergency Care and how to access our services, please visit Dole VA’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/wichita-health-care/health-services/#other-services">https://www.va.gov/wichita-health-care/health-services/#other-services</a>&nbsp;and click on the Telehealth tab, or call 316-685-2221, ext. 57875.# # #

Dole VA Medical Center launches tele emergency care service 24/7 for veterans

The Hays Recreation Commission’s 13th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities is right around the corner. The fun run is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th at 8:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main). Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m. This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk.

There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before June 5th. Cost after June 5th is $12.

The run is for people of all abilities, will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the programs coordinated by the Hays Recreation Commission that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.

Dash 4 Disabilities is sponsored by Hess Services, Papa Murphys and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org or go to www.haysrec.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715622805803.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Recreation Commission’s 13th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities is right around the corner. The fun run is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th at 8:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main). Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m. This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk.There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before June 5th. Cost after June 5th is $12.The run is for people of all abilities, will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the programs coordinated by the Hays Recreation Commission that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.Dash 4 Disabilities is sponsored by Hess Services, Papa Murphys and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org or go to www.haysrec.org.

Dash 4 Disabilities fast approaching

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

Kansas policymakers are abuzz about the recent defeat of a sports stadium tax in Jackson County, MO.&nbsp; Unfortunately, they’re saying all the wrong things.&nbsp; To paraphrase James Carville, “it’s affordable housing, stupid.”

If the tax had been approved, the money would have gone to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs.&nbsp; The three eights cent sales tax extension would also have partially financed a new, downtown stadium for the Royals. Before the vote, nearly all publicity was on the Royals, who confused voters by&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/future-chiefs-royals-kc-could-124519748.html">repeatedly changing plans and venues</a>&nbsp;for months prior to the vote.&nbsp; The opposition was led by KC Tenants, who had a<a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2024-04-03/kc-tenants-leader-says-regressive-tax-ask-from-billionaire-owners-motivated-opposition">&nbsp;simple message</a>– why subsidize billionaire-owned, for-profit sports teams with a regressive sales tax that falls hardest on the poor, when Kansas Citians cannot find decent, affordable housing? This problem extends well into Kansas.

Few observers believe the defeat had anything to do with Arrowhead Stadium, or the Chiefs. Arrowhead will already be the&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/sports/2026-world-cup/chiefs-sporting-execs-say-world-cup-stadium-updates-will-begin-soon/">site of renovations&nbsp;</a>in advance of the 2026 World Cup, which will feature games played there. For additional improvements, the Chiefs and Royals now plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffedotin/2024/04/28/why-the-chiefs-and-royals-will-go-their-separate-ways-on-future-stadium-plans/?sh=6f700328f0b7">seek support separately</a>. The Chiefs have a stronger case, and they wish to remain at Arrowhead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasKansas policymakers are abuzz about the recent defeat of a sports stadium tax in Jackson County, MO.&nbsp; Unfortunately, they’re saying all the wrong things.&nbsp; To paraphrase James Carville, “it’s affordable housing, stupid.”If the tax had been approved, the money would have gone to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs.&nbsp; The three eights cent sales tax extension would also have partially financed a new, downtown stadium for the Royals. Before the vote, nearly all publicity was on the Royals, who confused voters by&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/future-chiefs-royals-kc-could-124519748.html">repeatedly changing plans and venues</a>&nbsp;for months prior to the vote.&nbsp; The opposition was led by KC Tenants, who had a<a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2024-04-03/kc-tenants-leader-says-regressive-tax-ask-from-billionaire-owners-motivated-opposition">&nbsp;simple message</a>– why subsidize billionaire-owned, for-profit sports teams with a regressive sales tax that falls hardest on the poor, when Kansas Citians cannot find decent, affordable housing? This problem extends well into Kansas.Few observers believe the defeat had anything to do with Arrowhead Stadium, or the Chiefs. Arrowhead will already be the&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/sports/2026-world-cup/chiefs-sporting-execs-say-world-cup-stadium-updates-will-begin-soon/">site of renovations&nbsp;</a>in advance of the 2026 World Cup, which will feature games played there. For additional improvements, the Chiefs and Royals now plan to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffedotin/2024/04/28/why-the-chiefs-and-royals-will-go-their-separate-ways-on-future-stadium-plans/?sh=6f700328f0b7">seek support separately</a>. The Chiefs have a stronger case, and they wish to remain at Arrowhead.Of course, none of this kept the hype machine from springing into action.&nbsp; Proposals came from as far away as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/article/chiefs-consider-san-antonio-move-19454861.php">San Antonio</a>, suggesting that the Chiefs move (they have a fiercely loyal fan base here and no plans to move).&nbsp; Ignoring the caution of Governor Kelly, Kansas Legislators also leapt into the act, suggesting an&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-lawmakers-get-glimpse-of-chiefs-future-as-they-consider-star-bond-package/">extravagant new Chiefs stadium in Wyandotte County,</a>&nbsp;with a ludicrous plan to fund it with STAR bonds.&nbsp; Considering that the more modest Prairie Fire project in Overland Park recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/johnson-county-mega-development-defaults-123000389.html">defaulted&nbsp;on its STAR bonds</a>, the idea that a multibillion dollar football stadium could be entirely financed this way is outrageous. Granted, Sporting Kansas City’s Children's Mercy soccer stadium in Wyandotte County was a successful STAR bonds project–but it is much smaller and only a fraction the cost of a new football stadium.&nbsp; When STAR bonds default, Kansas and/or local taxpayers are on the hook, as with Prairie Fire.All this hype completely misses the point.&nbsp; The real story of that Jackson County vote is not about sports at all.&nbsp; It is about housing costs.KC Tenants is a&nbsp;<a href="https://kctenants.org/">new group</a>&nbsp;formed out of backlash against the KC area’s skyrocketing housing costs and substandard rental housing. Last year, they upset an establishment candidate to win a seat on the KCMO city council, and now this. The housing problem is also hitting hard in Kansas, and it is only a matter of time before KC Tenants or similar groups start popping up here. They secured a 58% “no” vote on the sports tax in Jackson County, despite being outspent by about 20 to 1.&nbsp;Housing costs are shooting up all over Kansas.&nbsp; In the last year, they rose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article288145480.html">6.9% in KC</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/32452/lawrence-ks/">5.5% in Lawrence</a>&nbsp;(where they were already high), and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/city/19878/KS/Wichita/housing-market">whopping 10.9% in Wichita</a>. In Topeka, a recent KSNT story found that housing costs have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/sell-incredibly-quickly-topekas-home-prices-continue-to-climb/#:~:text=The%20data%20shows%20that%20since,home%20in%20Topeka%20is%20%24183%2C992.">nearly doubled in the last two decades</a>.&nbsp; In many places where affordable housing can still be found, it is in poor condition.&nbsp; This includes&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/11/as-rural-homelessness-increases-hud-aims-money-at-helping-people-without-access-to-shelters/">large swaths of rural Kansas</a>.Nationally, housing costs are rising&nbsp;<a href="https://lbmjournal.com/home-prices-are-rising-2x-faster-than-income/">twice as fast as wages</a>.&nbsp; This drains money from other needs, lowers the quality of life, and worsens homelessness.&nbsp; Expect this new movement’s influence to keep spreading across both states, until policymakers start listening.