Conservationists and cattle ranchers are working together to restore grassland for the lesser prairie chicken. The bird used to roam Kansas, but has lost most of its habitat to crop production

By CALEN MOORE <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/kansasnewsservice">Kansas News Service</a>

ASHLAND, Kansas —&nbsp;In the remaining grasslands in Kansas lives the lesser prairie chicken, a stocky, quail-like bird that used to roam the Great Plains. They once fed, nested, danced and mated in the vast grasslands that covered the middle of the country.

There used to be many birds making their unique cackling boom noises. That was before people transformed the prairie to produce food and make energy. Now the remaining prairie chickens are dispersed and disconnected.

The prairie chicken doesn’t have the historical prominence connecting it to the Plains that buffalo and pronghorn enjoy. It’s a less-visible animal that relies on the dwindling grasslands.

A conservation bank company and ranchers in southern Kansas are working to reverse that. They are combining business and conservation to create prairie chicken conservation credits that pay for restoring habitat and benefit the cattle ranchers that own the land.

Conservation group Common Ground Capital has made deals with ranchers across several southern Plains states, including Kansas. As part of one of those deals, Gardiner Ranch near Ashland has started the process of clearing out invasive salt cedars to restore the natural prairie.

The program is using something similar to the system of buying and selling carbon credits, but they’re chicken habitat credits. Companies pay for the lesser prairie chicken credits so they continue developing in other prairie chicken habitats. Common Ground Capital makes a profit selling these credits, and uses that money to pay ranchers to restore and maintain the habitat the prairie chickens need.

Afterward, Common Ground Capital is responsible for the long-term management plan to fund the conservation of the prairie chickens. The conservation plan is approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

These long-term agreements with cattle ranchers are a way to not only conserve the prairie chicken, but also the grassland the ranchers need for cattle.

Wayne Walker, founder of Common Ground Capital, looks out on hundreds of acres of restored prairie.

“That’s what it all used to look like,” he said looking at acres of repaired grasslands where invasive trees had been removed. “These are some of the last remaining native grasslands in Kansas.”

The lesser prairie chicken used to populate the Plains in the hundreds of thousands. But due to habitat loss, invasive species like the salt cedars in western Kansas and grassland converted to cropland, their&nbsp;<a href="https://wafwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LPC_RangeWidePopSize2012-2022.pdf" target="_blank">population has dwindled</a>&nbsp;to about 26,000. That’s about the same as the number of people in Dodge City but scattered across the entire southern Plains.

A critical piece of this program is trying to reconnect the scattered bird populations.

“We’ve got to reconnect habitat to bring back prairies in strategic ways, so that prairie chickens can have more habitat to populate on,” Walker said.

The strategy of Walker’s company is to pay ranchers to restore grassland, then sell conservation credits to companies who are causing damage to lesser prairie chicken habitat elsewhere.

It’s a way for companies to offset their impact on a threatened species or ecosystem, while continuing development in parts of the bird’s range.

Prairie birds like the lesser prairie chicken have an aversion to anything vertical. It’s their natural instinct to avoid predators like hawks that hide in trees.

That means the birds don’t really like wind turbines, and the conservation credits are appealing to companies building wind turbines in other parts of the prairie chicken's habitat.

Walker said this process may not be the most popular with environmentalists because there is compromise, but it’s a way to jumpstart conservation by combining industry and business with conservation efforts.

<a href="https://commongroundcapital.com/process/" target="_blank">Common Ground Capital sells conservation credits</a>&nbsp;to mostly renewable energy companies in Kansas and Colorado, for $2,500 per acre. That is how they are able to pay ranchers for conservation efforts like removing invasive trees to make habitat better for the birds.

On the Gardiner Ranch, Dillon Hilton stood on a bridge, one side covered with salt cedars, the other expansive grassland. This land was burned by&nbsp;<a href="https://media.kansas.com/static/interactive/wildfire/index.html" target="_blank">the Starbuck wildfire in 2017</a>, which cleared out a lot of invasive species and stopped at the bridge.

Hilton, who also works as a volunteer firefighter, said he remembers driving down the bridge on the ranch going 60 miles per hour, and the fire keeping up with him.

“It was devastating,” Hilton said. “We lost cattle, fences, structures.”

But if there was a bright side, he said it would be how much prairie the fire restored. The invasive trees were wiped out by the fire, but the grassland easily recovered.

Grasslands are disappearing fast,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.nwf.org/2024/08/grasslands-a-disappearing-ecosystem/" target="_blank">over half have already been lost</a>&nbsp;to crop production according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

And the grassland ecosystem is shriveling up with it. Grasslands also benefit the climate by sucking up the carbon in the air and storing it underground.

But the grasslands that remain are owned by ranchers like Mark Gardiner, owner of the Gardiner Ranch, which supplies cattle to National beef in Dodge City and Liberal.

“When I was first approached by Wayne, I told him, ‘you do know (the prairie chickens) are because of us not in spite of us,’” Gardiner said.

His 46,000 acres not only support the conservation of the lesser prairie chicken, but also his cattle, which supports his ranching lifestyle.

“If we don’t feed the world the ecosystem won’t make it, and any ecosystem you lose you don’t get it back,” Gardiner said.

Biologist and grassland conservationist Stephanie Manes said that to keep both humans and the birds thriving together, the prairies need to be maintained.

Invasive species like salt cedars have overtaken the grassland and have pushed out the prairie chicken, along with native grasses. It’s not good for the ecosystem or the soil. She said they came from Europe, most likely brought by white settlers to use as windbreaks and landscape decoration.

It’s a tough plant that is perennial and can come back from a lot of damage

“That is why the roller chopping and herbicide treatment to actually kill the plant is so essential,” Manes said. “But that's very expensive.”

That’s where a program like this one is helpful. It provides financial power to ranchers to get rid of trees they already wanted out of their ranchland.

The roller chopper with Hilton and his team mows down the salt cedars. They then spray with herbicide and routinely use prescribed burns.

So far, the program has been able to conserve 75,000 acres of grassland for the lesser prairie chicken. The goal is to continue the program and in ten years conserve 1 million acres, and hopefully see the lesser prairie chicken population bounce back from 26,000 to 67,000.

Last year, something that would help the conservation group was the federal relisting of the lesser prairie chicken as endangered. This gave the bird extra protection,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-ranchers-county-commissioners-take-federal-action-against-lesser-prairie-chicken-protections/" target="_blank">but was met with a lot of pushback</a>.

The oil and gas industry, cattle industry and state attorneys general from Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas filed lawsuits against the listing.

Common Ground Capital’s lawyers predict the court case should wrap up early in 2025.

Holding his horse, Mark Gardiner said that he’s grown up with the lesser prairie chickens all his life. They represent a healthy prairie that he has made a life and career out of.

“We are thankful to keep this ecosystem, because humans are part of that system too,” Gardiner said.

Calen Moore covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can email him at&nbsp;cmoore@hppr.org.

The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675290627669.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Conservationists and cattle ranchers are working together to restore grassland for the lesser prairie chicken. The bird used to roam Kansas, but has lost most of its habitat to crop production</h2>By CALEN MOORE <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/kansasnewsservice">Kansas News Service</a>ASHLAND, Kansas —&nbsp;In the remaining grasslands in Kansas lives the lesser prairie chicken, a stocky, quail-like bird that used to roam the Great Plains. They once fed, nested, danced and mated in the vast grasslands that covered the middle of the country.There used to be many birds making their unique cackling boom noises. That was before people transformed the prairie to produce food and make energy. Now the remaining prairie chickens are dispersed and disconnected.The prairie chicken doesn’t have the historical prominence connecting it to the Plains that buffalo and pronghorn enjoy. It’s a less-visible animal that relies on the dwindling grasslands.A conservation bank company and ranchers in southern Kansas are working to reverse that. They are combining business and conservation to create prairie chicken conservation credits that pay for restoring habitat and benefit the cattle ranchers that own the land.Conservation group Common Ground Capital has made deals with ranchers across several southern Plains states, including Kansas. As part of one of those deals, Gardiner Ranch near Ashland has started the process of clearing out invasive salt cedars to restore the natural prairie.The program is using something similar to the system of buying and selling carbon credits, but they’re chicken habitat credits. Companies pay for the lesser prairie chicken credits so they continue developing in other prairie chicken habitats. Common Ground Capital makes a profit selling these credits, and uses that money to pay ranchers to restore and maintain the habitat the prairie chickens need.Afterward, Common Ground Capital is responsible for the long-term management plan to fund the conservation of the prairie chickens. The conservation plan is approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.These long-term agreements with cattle ranchers are a way to not only conserve the prairie chicken, but also the grassland the ranchers need for cattle.Wayne Walker, founder of Common Ground Capital, looks out on hundreds of acres of restored prairie.“That’s what it all used to look like,” he said looking at acres of repaired grasslands where invasive trees had been removed. “These are some of the last remaining native grasslands in Kansas.”The lesser prairie chicken used to populate the Plains in the hundreds of thousands. But due to habitat loss, invasive species like the salt cedars in western Kansas and grassland converted to cropland, their&nbsp;<a href="https://wafwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LPC_RangeWidePopSize2012-2022.pdf" target="_blank">population has dwindled</a>&nbsp;to about 26,000. That’s about the same as the number of people in Dodge City but scattered across the entire southern Plains.A critical piece of this program is trying to reconnect the scattered bird populations.“We’ve got to reconnect habitat to bring back prairies in strategic ways, so that prairie chickens can have more habitat to populate on,” Walker said.The strategy of Walker’s company is to pay ranchers to restore grassland, then sell conservation credits to companies who are causing damage to lesser prairie chicken habitat elsewhere.It’s a way for companies to offset their impact on a threatened species or ecosystem, while continuing development in parts of the bird’s range.Prairie birds like the lesser prairie chicken have an aversion to anything vertical. It’s their natural instinct to avoid predators like hawks that hide in trees.That means the birds don’t really like wind turbines, and the conservation credits are appealing to companies building wind turbines in other parts of the prairie chicken's habitat.Walker said this process may not be the most popular with environmentalists because there is compromise, but it’s a way to jumpstart conservation by combining industry and business with conservation efforts.<a href="https://commongroundcapital.com/process/" target="_blank">Common Ground Capital sells conservation credits</a>&nbsp;to mostly renewable energy companies in Kansas and Colorado, for $2,500 per acre. That is how they are able to pay ranchers for conservation efforts like removing invasive trees to make habitat better for the birds.On the Gardiner Ranch, Dillon Hilton stood on a bridge, one side covered with salt cedars, the other expansive grassland. This land was burned by&nbsp;<a href="https://media.kansas.com/static/interactive/wildfire/index.html" target="_blank">the Starbuck wildfire in 2017</a>, which cleared out a lot of invasive species and stopped at the bridge.Hilton, who also works as a volunteer firefighter, said he remembers driving down the bridge on the ranch going 60 miles per hour, and the fire keeping up with him.“It was devastating,” Hilton said. “We lost cattle, fences, structures.”But if there was a bright side, he said it would be how much prairie the fire restored. The invasive trees were wiped out by the fire, but the grassland easily recovered.Grasslands disappearingGrasslands are disappearing fast,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.nwf.org/2024/08/grasslands-a-disappearing-ecosystem/" target="_blank">over half have already been lost</a>&nbsp;to crop production according to the U.S. Geological Survey.And the grassland ecosystem is shriveling up with it. Grasslands also benefit the climate by sucking up the carbon in the air and storing it underground.But the grasslands that remain are owned by ranchers like Mark Gardiner, owner of the Gardiner Ranch, which supplies cattle to National beef in Dodge City and Liberal.“When I was first approached by Wayne, I told him, ‘you do know (the prairie chickens) are because of us not in spite of us,’” Gardiner said.His 46,000 acres not only support the conservation of the lesser prairie chicken, but also his cattle, which supports his ranching lifestyle.“If we don’t feed the world the ecosystem won’t make it, and any ecosystem you lose you don’t get it back,” Gardiner said.Biologist and grassland conservationist Stephanie Manes said that to keep both humans and the birds thriving together, the prairies need to be maintained.Invasive species like salt cedars have overtaken the grassland and have pushed out the prairie chicken, along with native grasses. It’s not good for the ecosystem or the soil. She said they came from Europe, most likely brought by white settlers to use as windbreaks and landscape decoration.It’s a tough plant that is perennial and can come back from a lot of damage“That is why the roller chopping and herbicide treatment to actually kill the plant is so essential,” Manes said. “But that's very expensive.”That’s where a program like this one is helpful. It provides financial power to ranchers to get rid of trees they already wanted out of their ranchland.The roller chopper with Hilton and his team mows down the salt cedars. They then spray with herbicide and routinely use prescribed burns.So far, the program has been able to conserve 75,000 acres of grassland for the lesser prairie chicken. The goal is to continue the program and in ten years conserve 1 million acres, and hopefully see the lesser prairie chicken population bounce back from 26,000 to 67,000.Last year, something that would help the conservation group was the federal relisting of the lesser prairie chicken as endangered. This gave the bird extra protection,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-ranchers-county-commissioners-take-federal-action-against-lesser-prairie-chicken-protections/" target="_blank">but was met with a lot of pushback</a>.The oil and gas industry, cattle industry and state attorneys general from Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas filed lawsuits against the listing.Common Ground Capital’s lawyers predict the court case should wrap up early in 2025.Holding his horse, Mark Gardiner said that he’s grown up with the lesser prairie chickens all his life. They represent a healthy prairie that he has made a life and career out of.“We are thankful to keep this ecosystem, because humans are part of that system too,” Gardiner said.Calen Moore covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can email him at&nbsp;cmoore@hppr.org.The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public policy.

The lesser prairie chicken is disappearing in Kansas, can conservation credits save it?

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is
excited to present the "Enhancing Your Customer Service" seminar led
by national speaker and customer service expert Mike Henke. 

The seminar, aimed at local
businesses and professionals, will be hosted on October 24, at the Rose Garden
Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, located at 2350 E. 8th St., from 2 to 5 p.m.

Sponsored by Heartland Credit
Union, the event will combine a social networking opportunity from 2 p.m. to 4
p.m. with the informative seminar from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The session will address the
growing expectations of customers, and offer practical strategies for
delivering top-tier customer service that enhances satisfaction and loyalty.

Seminar
Focus: Rising Customer Expectations and Empowering Employees

During the seminar, Henke will
highlight key trends in customer service, including how customer expectations
have significantly risen in recent years.

He will explore how businesses
can tailor their services to meet the unique needs of individual customers and
ensure that employees are motivated to deliver exceptional experiences.

"This seminar will help our
local businesses understand the importance of meeting and exceeding customer
expectations in today’s competitive market,” said Sarah Wasinger, President and
CEO of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas. “We are thrilled to welcome Mike Henke to
Hays. His expertise and dynamic approach will provide invaluable insights on
how to enhance customer satisfaction while empowering employees to act
independently.”

Henke’s presentation will focus
on best practices in communication, conflict resolution, and strategies for
delivering customer-first experiences. 

Attendees will leave with
actionable insights they can implement immediately to improve service quality
and customer retention.

The Chamber is offering early
bird registration for members at a discounted price of $40 per person if
registered by October 10. 

Members of the Hays Young
Professionals (HYP) and Chamber Ambassadors can attend for a special rate of
$35. Non-members are welcome to attend for $60 per person.

Registration is now open and can
be completed through the Chamber's website or by contacting the Chamber staff
directly. 

Due to high demand, attendees are
encouraged to register early to secure their spots. 

However, please note that
cancellations made within 48 hours of the event will incur a charge to cover
the costs associated with pre-submitted RSVPs.

The "Enhancing Your Customer
Service" seminar will equip businesses with tools to navigate the evolving
landscape of customer service. 

Wasinger noted that customer
service is more than just meeting basic needs — it’s about creating memorable
experiences that differentiate businesses from competitors.

“Customer service is one of the
most crucial elements for business success,” Wasinger said. “Providing
exceptional service not only keeps customers coming back, but also turns them
into advocates for your brand. This seminar is designed to give our businesses
the tools they need to stay competitive and deliver unforgettable customer
experiences.”

For more information about the
event or to register, visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com">hayschamber.com</a> or contact The Chamber office at (785)
628-8201.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634743366242.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is
excited to present the "Enhancing Your Customer Service" seminar led
by national speaker and customer service expert Mike Henke. The seminar, aimed at local
businesses and professionals, will be hosted on October 24, at the Rose Garden
Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, located at 2350 E. 8th St., from 2 to 5 p.m.Sponsored by Heartland Credit
Union, the event will combine a social networking opportunity from 2 p.m. to 4
p.m. with the informative seminar from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.The session will address the
growing expectations of customers, and offer practical strategies for
delivering top-tier customer service that enhances satisfaction and loyalty.Seminar
Focus: Rising Customer Expectations and Empowering EmployeesDuring the seminar, Henke will
highlight key trends in customer service, including how customer expectations
have significantly risen in recent years.He will explore how businesses
can tailor their services to meet the unique needs of individual customers and
ensure that employees are motivated to deliver exceptional experiences."This seminar will help our
local businesses understand the importance of meeting and exceeding customer
expectations in today’s competitive market,” said Sarah Wasinger, President and
CEO of The Chamber in Hays, Kansas. “We are thrilled to welcome Mike Henke to
Hays. His expertise and dynamic approach will provide invaluable insights on
how to enhance customer satisfaction while empowering employees to act
independently.”Henke’s presentation will focus
on best practices in communication, conflict resolution, and strategies for
delivering customer-first experiences. Attendees will leave with
actionable insights they can implement immediately to improve service quality
and customer retention.Registration
and PricingThe Chamber is offering early
bird registration for members at a discounted price of $40 per person if
registered by October 10. Members of the Hays Young
Professionals (HYP) and Chamber Ambassadors can attend for a special rate of
$35. Non-members are welcome to attend for $60 per person.Registration is now open and can
be completed through the Chamber's website or by contacting the Chamber staff
directly. Due to high demand, attendees are
encouraged to register early to secure their spots. However, please note that
cancellations made within 48 hours of the event will incur a charge to cover
the costs associated with pre-submitted RSVPs.Why Attend?The "Enhancing Your Customer
Service" seminar will equip businesses with tools to navigate the evolving
landscape of customer service. Participants will learn how to:<ul>
 <li>Recognize and respond to the rising
 expectations of today’s customers.</li><li>Customize services to accommodate the
 diverse needs of customers.</li><li>Empower employees with the motivation
 and independence to deliver top-tier service.</li><li>Improve communication skills and resolve
 conflicts effectively.</li><li>Create a customer-first culture that
 drives loyalty and repeat business.</li>
 </ul>Wasinger noted that customer
service is more than just meeting basic needs — it’s about creating memorable
experiences that differentiate businesses from competitors.“Customer service is one of the
most crucial elements for business success,” Wasinger said. “Providing
exceptional service not only keeps customers coming back, but also turns them
into advocates for your brand. This seminar is designed to give our businesses
the tools they need to stay competitive and deliver unforgettable customer
experiences.”Event
Details:<ul>
 <li>What: "Enhancing Your Customer Service" Seminar,
 featuring Mike Henke</li><li>When: Thursday, October 24, 2024</li><li>Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Social from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
 Seminar from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)</li><li>Where: Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350 E. 8th St.,
 Hays, Kansas</li><li>Cost: $40 for Chamber members (early bird by October 10); $35 for
 HYP and Chamber Ambassadors; $60 for non-members</li><li>Registration: Open now at <a href="https://hayschamber.com">hayschamber.com</a> or by
 contacting Chamber staff.</li>
 </ul>For more information about the
event or to register, visit <a href="https://hayschamber.com">hayschamber.com</a> or contact The Chamber office at (785)
628-8201.

The Chamber to host ‘Enhancing your Customer Service’ seminar with Mike Henke

As a gal who grew up bodysurfing every warm and sort of warm day of her teenage years, I love the ocean. Relocating to my birth state required readjusting until I realized I heard the reverberations of pounding waves when I stood atop windy Kansas hills. Adding sight to sound, high-ground overlooking windblown grainfields reveals that blowing wheat rolls like the Pacific waves of my childhood. After digging into Kansas geology, I realized an ancient seabed forms this landscape, offering OLD rocks and fossils to seekers of such.

The Western Inland Sea that split our land mass from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean during the late Cretaceous left treasures for the curious. During our early years of marriage, I’d find septarian nodules near Cedar Bluff. They were so common, I kept none. They’re harder to find now so I celebrated when a recent adventure delivered two weighty prizes to my house.

The first time I spotted a septarian nodule, I swore I’d found a petrified turtle. The segments of limestone and calcite or carbonate mineral look like turtle shell scutes. I’ve since learned no turtle created this stone. Anywhere from 144,000,000 to 65,000,000 years ago during the Cretaceous period, mud, limestone, or silt may or may not have compacted around a bit of organic matter, creating a round or oval conglomeration in that shallow seabed. Once dried, the orb cracked. Another wet cycle began and suspended minerals then collected in radiating fissures, creating eye-catching dividing lines to dazzle future collectors. Finding a septarian nodule is a journey across time. Listen for the sounds of lapping waves.

Speaking of dividing lines—that’s where these rocks got their name. That little flap of skin that divides nostrils is called a septum. Some Latin speaking scientist made the connection between his schnoz splitter and these rocks and named them septarian nodules. Tuck that tidbit into your trivia collection for future reference.

For those who love interesting looking rocks, these meet such criteria. Mixtures of colors, including hues of ochre, brown, yellow, orange, tan, white, and grey create geometric designs throughout the stone. Because the original mudstones split and filled with carbonates, calcites, or other minerals, these easily fracture which results in oddly shaped and sized stones. In fact, hounders often find parts instead of whole nodules. After millions of freeze and thaw cycles, it’s amazing we still discover intact specimens.

On that note, weathering takes its toll. Often times folks recognize septarian nodules because the outer crust or matrix covering the filled-in fractures erodes. I’m guessing more than one inexperienced nodule hunter walked right over a stone that recently emerged from protective soils and still has a limestone coating.

Because some nodules formed around organic matter, some collectors saw them in half to see what’s inside. It’s possible to find crystals or a small fossil. The ones I’ve found are just mudballs that cracked and filled with calcite or carbonate suspensions. When I want to see hidden treasure, I visit rock shops and museums.

When the day comes I can no longer find reminders that I live on an ancient seabed, I hope our daughters position my septarian nodules outside my window. I’ll see them and recall the thrill of finding rocks created millions of years ago by receding, shallow seas--a recollection that even beats body-surfing memories.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728330328251.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINAs a gal who grew up bodysurfing every warm and sort of warm day of her teenage years, I love the ocean. Relocating to my birth state required readjusting until I realized I heard the reverberations of pounding waves when I stood atop windy Kansas hills. Adding sight to sound, high-ground overlooking windblown grainfields reveals that blowing wheat rolls like the Pacific waves of my childhood. After digging into Kansas geology, I realized an ancient seabed forms this landscape, offering OLD rocks and fossils to seekers of such.The Western Inland Sea that split our land mass from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean during the late Cretaceous left treasures for the curious. During our early years of marriage, I’d find septarian nodules near Cedar Bluff. They were so common, I kept none. They’re harder to find now so I celebrated when a recent adventure delivered two weighty prizes to my house.The first time I spotted a septarian nodule, I swore I’d found a petrified turtle. The segments of limestone and calcite or carbonate mineral look like turtle shell scutes. I’ve since learned no turtle created this stone. Anywhere from 144,000,000 to 65,000,000 years ago during the Cretaceous period, mud, limestone, or silt may or may not have compacted around a bit of organic matter, creating a round or oval conglomeration in that shallow seabed. Once dried, the orb cracked. Another wet cycle began and suspended minerals then collected in radiating fissures, creating eye-catching dividing lines to dazzle future collectors. Finding a septarian nodule is a journey across time. Listen for the sounds of lapping waves.Speaking of dividing lines—that’s where these rocks got their name. That little flap of skin that divides nostrils is called a septum. Some Latin speaking scientist made the connection between his schnoz splitter and these rocks and named them septarian nodules. Tuck that tidbit into your trivia collection for future reference.For those who love interesting looking rocks, these meet such criteria. Mixtures of colors, including hues of ochre, brown, yellow, orange, tan, white, and grey create geometric designs throughout the stone. Because the original mudstones split and filled with carbonates, calcites, or other minerals, these easily fracture which results in oddly shaped and sized stones. In fact, hounders often find parts instead of whole nodules. After millions of freeze and thaw cycles, it’s amazing we still discover intact specimens.On that note, weathering takes its toll. Often times folks recognize septarian nodules because the outer crust or matrix covering the filled-in fractures erodes. I’m guessing more than one inexperienced nodule hunter walked right over a stone that recently emerged from protective soils and still has a limestone coating.Because some nodules formed around organic matter, some collectors saw them in half to see what’s inside. It’s possible to find crystals or a small fossil. The ones I’ve found are just mudballs that cracked and filled with calcite or carbonate suspensions. When I want to see hidden treasure, I visit rock shops and museums.When the day comes I can no longer find reminders that I live on an ancient seabed, I hope our daughters position my septarian nodules outside my window. I’ll see them and recall the thrill of finding rocks created millions of years ago by receding, shallow seas--a recollection that even beats body-surfing memories.

MADORIN: Don’t knock those nodules

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728494291021.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

LARNED—The grounds of the Santa Fe Trail Center Museum will soon be filled with the rumbling of the sounds of antique and vintage farm equipment.

Prepare for a carnival-like atmosphere, and join the crowd as everyone enjoys the weekend of farming, food and fun on October 12 and 13 for the 24th Annual Tired Iron Show.

This year’s event will highlight John Deere.

Upon arrival, visitors will enter through the Peddlers Market gateway to see the booths of various arts, crafts and collectibles. There will be several food concession trucks as well.

One of the many returning activities at this year’s event includes the ever-popular Anvil Shoot.

The Kansas Anvil Shooters will shoot the anvil three times each day.

On both Saturday and Sunday, there will be scheduled demonstrations of wheat threshing, corn shelling, and blacksmithing.There will also be a working miniature farm equipment display.The tractor pull will begin Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/santafetrailcenter/">A full schedule can be found on Facebook.</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/santafetrailcenter/"></a>Those interested in either a booth for the Peddlers Market or for exhibiting an antique tractor, gas engine, antique or classic vehicle may call (620) 285-2054 for more information.

The Santa Fe Trail Center is located 2 miles west of Larned on K-156.To reduce traffic, the main entrance is reserved for general admission, and all oversized vehicles are asked to use the new west entrance.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696962033604.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LARNED—The grounds of the Santa Fe Trail Center Museum will soon be filled with the rumbling of the sounds of antique and vintage farm equipment.Prepare for a carnival-like atmosphere, and join the crowd as everyone enjoys the weekend of farming, food and fun on October 12 and 13 for the 24th Annual Tired Iron Show.This year’s event will highlight John Deere.Upon arrival, visitors will enter through the Peddlers Market gateway to see the booths of various arts, crafts and collectibles. There will be several food concession trucks as well.One of the many returning activities at this year’s event includes the ever-popular Anvil Shoot.The Kansas Anvil Shooters will shoot the anvil three times each day.On both Saturday and Sunday, there will be scheduled demonstrations of wheat threshing, corn shelling, and blacksmithing.There will also be a working miniature farm equipment display.The tractor pull will begin Sunday at 10:00 a.m.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/santafetrailcenter/">A full schedule can be found on Facebook.</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/santafetrailcenter/"></a>Those interested in either a booth for the Peddlers Market or for exhibiting an antique tractor, gas engine, antique or classic vehicle may call (620) 285-2054 for more information.The Santa Fe Trail Center is located 2 miles west of Larned on K-156.To reduce traffic, the main entrance is reserved for general admission, and all oversized vehicles are asked to use the new west entrance.

Hays High makes counselors available for students after teen's death

Welcome to Cash Grab! It is your chance to win $250 on Friday's in October!

Keywords are given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!

Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.

Welcome to Cash Grab! It is your chance to win $250 on Friday's in October!Keywords are given out at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. You will have 20 minutes to enter the correct keyword that you heard on our radio stations. We will then draw out one winner on Friday morning!Thanks for playing and good luck!!Cash Grab is presented by Robert Brogden GMC in downtown Hays, Whitetail Properties Agents Adam Hahn and Mitch Keeley, Tri-Central Office Supply, and Vanderbilt’s of Hays.<div><script src="https://xp.audience.io/widget.js"></script>
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By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Hays City Commission will vote on Thursday on funding plans for a new police station and the redevelopment of a Cerv's location.

The city is proposing to design a new police station and municipal court facility, estimated to cost $8.9 million.

The city plans to issue about $1.39 million of the project cost through temporary notes.

The city will renovate the former Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort St., in downtown Hays.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3ba539d-c919-451e-ad16-591c7dd52e76">SEE RELATED STORY: City to locate new police station municipal court in downtown Hays</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/838fe958-24ab-4afe-a463-4daa732a1c4f">SEE RELATED STORY: Astra Bank breaks ground on new building at 27th, Main in Hays</a>

Cervs and the Russell J. Pfannenstiel Trust, the developer, submitted an application to replace the Vine Street Phillip's 66 store and gas station, 3701 W. 41st St., Hays, with a new facility.

The developer requests a 1.5% community investment District (CID) sales tax to help fund the $4.7 million project. The tax will only apply within the district and not the entire city.

The developer plans to replace the existing store with a new convenience store and gas station, enhancing the gas station's layout and providing increased amenities.

In the proposed redevelopment, the facility will be built on the north side of the lot, with its entrance facing south. The existing building faces east. The gas pumps will be relocated to the south side of the lot.

The developer estimates the CID sales tax will generate $895,000 during the district's maximum term of 22 years.

Construction will begin in December, contingent on city approval.

The city plans to issue general obligation bonds and temporary notes to fund two projects.

The city will issue general obligation bonds to provide a grant of $2,565,000 to Heart of American Development Corporation for the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bc26d31c-170f-4982-8534-088157e96e50">Tallgrass 2nd Addition</a> Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) project.

Bids for these bonds will be received on Thursday, with the winning bid authorizing the bond issuance to be approved.

The city will also issue temporary notes to upgrade the city's public water system, with bids to be received on Thursday.

The complete Oct. 10 agenda is available&nbsp;<a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10102024-1506">here</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584721067731.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Hays City Commission will vote on Thursday on funding plans for a new police station and the redevelopment of a Cerv's location.<h2>Police station</h2>The city is proposing to design a new police station and municipal court facility, estimated to cost $8.9 million.The city plans to issue about $1.39 million of the project cost through temporary notes.The city will renovate the former Astra Bank building, 1100 Fort St., in downtown Hays.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3ba539d-c919-451e-ad16-591c7dd52e76">SEE RELATED STORY: City to locate new police station municipal court in downtown Hays</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/838fe958-24ab-4afe-a463-4daa732a1c4f">SEE RELATED STORY: Astra Bank breaks ground on new building at 27th, Main in Hays</a><h2>Cervs</h2>Cervs and the Russell J. Pfannenstiel Trust, the developer, submitted an application to replace the Vine Street Phillip's 66 store and gas station, 3701 W. 41st St., Hays, with a new facility.The developer requests a 1.5% community investment District (CID) sales tax to help fund the $4.7 million project. The tax will only apply within the district and not the entire city.The developer plans to replace the existing store with a new convenience store and gas station, enhancing the gas station's layout and providing increased amenities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728059197398.png" alt="Cervs convenience store facility site plan. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Cervs convenience store facility site plan. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>In the proposed redevelopment, the facility will be built on the north side of the lot, with its entrance facing south. The existing building faces east. The gas pumps will be relocated to the south side of the lot.The developer estimates the CID sales tax will generate $895,000 during the district's maximum term of 22 years.Construction will begin in December, contingent on city approval.<h2>Tallgrass housing addition</h2>The city plans to issue general obligation bonds and temporary notes to fund two projects.The city will issue general obligation bonds to provide a grant of $2,565,000 to Heart of American Development Corporation for the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/bc26d31c-170f-4982-8534-088157e96e50">Tallgrass 2nd Addition</a> Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) project.Bids for these bonds will be received on Thursday, with the winning bid authorizing the bond issuance to be approved.The city will also issue temporary notes to upgrade the city's public water system, with bids to be received on Thursday.The complete Oct. 10 agenda is available&nbsp;<a href="https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10102024-1506">here</a>.The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Hays City Commission to vote on Cervs project, funding for police station

On Oct. 10, First Care Clinic and Heartland Dermatology Center will again team up to offer a free health screening and education event.

This event will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Express Care Clinic located at 1301 Main St.

The screenings are open to the public, are free of charge, and do not require an appointment.

Opportunities include skin cancer screenings, blood pressure checks, BMI checks, and glucose/A1C education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689877474110.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOn Oct. 10, First Care Clinic and Heartland Dermatology Center will again team up to offer a free health screening and education event.This event will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Express Care Clinic located at 1301 Main St.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704736976167.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The screenings are open to the public, are free of charge, and do not require an appointment.Opportunities include skin cancer screenings, blood pressure checks, BMI checks, and glucose/A1C education.

Ellis County brings back McCue on interim basis to lead health department

Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce a significant achievement in its ongoing commitment to student success. Thanks to the generous support of numerous donors, in collaboration with the Fort Hays Tech | North Central Foundation, a record-breaking 111 scholarships totaling $185,900 have been awarded across both the Beloit and Hays campuses during the 2024 academic year.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central hosted receptions for students and donors at the Hays Campus on Wednesday, September 25 and at the Beloit Campus on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The success of these scholarship programs would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of the donors who have made them a reality. Their belief in the potential of students and their dedication to education have set an inspiring example, encouraging the recipients to pay it forward and support future generations in their pursuit of knowledge.

These scholarships, created by dedicated benefactors, have been established to provide vital financial assistance to students pursuing a variety of programs at Fort Hays Tech | North Central. The enduring legacy of these donors is reflected in the annual scholarships they have created, ensuring that students receive support not only now but into the future.

Eric Burks, President of Fort Hays Tech | North Central, expressed his gratitude, "Honoring the legacy of our donors, their contributions, and their leadership in educating our future workforce is a pleasure, and we can't thank them enough for their generosity.”

"We are deeply grateful to these donors for establishing these important scholarship funds, of which we are honored to administer," said Mendi Anschutz, Director of Advancement for the Fort Hays Tech | North Central Foundation.

For more information about Fort Hays Tech | North Central and its scholarship programs, please visit fhtechnc.edu/foundation/ or contact Mendi Anschutz at 785.738.9090

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728330762651.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce a significant achievement in its ongoing commitment to student success. Thanks to the generous support of numerous donors, in collaboration with the Fort Hays Tech | North Central Foundation, a record-breaking 111 scholarships totaling $185,900 have been awarded across both the Beloit and Hays campuses during the 2024 academic year.Fort Hays Tech | North Central hosted receptions for students and donors at the Hays Campus on Wednesday, September 25 and at the Beloit Campus on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The success of these scholarship programs would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of the donors who have made them a reality. Their belief in the potential of students and their dedication to education have set an inspiring example, encouraging the recipients to pay it forward and support future generations in their pursuit of knowledge.These scholarships, created by dedicated benefactors, have been established to provide vital financial assistance to students pursuing a variety of programs at Fort Hays Tech | North Central. The enduring legacy of these donors is reflected in the annual scholarships they have created, ensuring that students receive support not only now but into the future.Eric Burks, President of Fort Hays Tech | North Central, expressed his gratitude, "Honoring the legacy of our donors, their contributions, and their leadership in educating our future workforce is a pleasure, and we can't thank them enough for their generosity.”"We are deeply grateful to these donors for establishing these important scholarship funds, of which we are honored to administer," said Mendi Anschutz, Director of Advancement for the Fort Hays Tech | North Central Foundation.For more information about Fort Hays Tech | North Central and its scholarship programs, please visit fhtechnc.edu/foundation/ or contact Mendi Anschutz at 785.738.9090

Fort Hays Tech | North Central celebrates record number of scholarships awarded

As part of the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Rush County, there will be a vintage baseball game on October 12, 2024 in La Crosse. The Historic Fort Hays Post Nine team will be traveling to La Crosse to take on the Next Generation Loretto Bluejays. The game will be played following the rules of 1869.

The Fort Hays Post Nine is a vintage baseball team of Historic Fort Hays. The club formed in 2017 and suits up with vintage style uniforms and equipment following the rules of 1869. The team has played games with vintage teams from Wichita, Topeka and Denver as well as the Hays Larks Alumni and the Hays City 9.

The Next Generation Loretto Bluejays team is composed of residents of Rush County including descendants of players’ families from the original Loretto Bluejays, an early 20th-century semi-professional baseball team from the town of Loretto in northeastern Rush County. In the 1920s, the team was simply known as the “Urban Team” because most of the team were descendants of the Urban family, one of the founding families of the Volga-German settlement. Later, the team became known as the Loretto Bluejays and played throughout the state of Kansas. The team won numerous championships and defeated teams from much larger communities including Fort Hays State Normal School (Fort Hays State University.)&nbsp;

Loretto was founded in 1912 as a breakaway settlement from the town of Pfeifer. Members of Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer, who lived just over the line in Rush County, petitioned the diocese to start their own church, St. Mary Help of Christians, four and one-half miles south of Pfeifer. Adam S. Urban and Stephen S. Urban each donated five acres of land for the townsite; Martin Urban gave one acre for a cemetery; and Joseph Urban donated land for a church, parsonage, and school. From this, the town of Illinois, renamed Loretto a year later, was born.

By the late 1950s, Loretto became well known for being the smallest community in the state to have a lighted baseball field. With a population of only around 40, attendance at local games could reach into the hundreds. As a result, Loretto was awarded district tournaments.&nbsp;

One of the most famous people to play for the Loretto team was Romanus “Monty” Basgall. Monty Basgall, a Bison High School graduate, went on to become a professional baseball player, manager, and scout. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1948-49 and 1951. After working in the Pirates organization in the 1950s, he moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers as a scout, minor league infield instructor, and eventually Double-A manager. He then became a coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers for 14 seasons from 1973 to 1986. Basgall helped lead the Dodgers to win the 1981 World Series.

This will be the first time a team has worn a Loretto Uniform in over 50 years. The game will be held Saturday, October 12, at the Rush County Fairgrounds Field on east Hwy 4 in La Crosse. The game will start at 1:00pm and there is no admission charge. Vintage concessions will also be available.

The game is sponsored by the Rush County Sesquicentennial, “The 150-Year Rush,” a year-long celebration of events commemorating the founding of Rush County on December 5, 1874. For more information visit <a href="http://rushcounty.org/celebrate150">rushcounty.org/celebrate150</a> or contact Rush County Economic Development at 785-222-2808.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728330196256.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAs part of the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Rush County, there will be a vintage baseball game on October 12, 2024 in La Crosse. The Historic Fort Hays Post Nine team will be traveling to La Crosse to take on the Next Generation Loretto Bluejays. The game will be played following the rules of 1869.The Fort Hays Post Nine is a vintage baseball team of Historic Fort Hays. The club formed in 2017 and suits up with vintage style uniforms and equipment following the rules of 1869. The team has played games with vintage teams from Wichita, Topeka and Denver as well as the Hays Larks Alumni and the Hays City 9.The Next Generation Loretto Bluejays team is composed of residents of Rush County including descendants of players’ families from the original Loretto Bluejays, an early 20th-century semi-professional baseball team from the town of Loretto in northeastern Rush County. In the 1920s, the team was simply known as the “Urban Team” because most of the team were descendants of the Urban family, one of the founding families of the Volga-German settlement. Later, the team became known as the Loretto Bluejays and played throughout the state of Kansas. The team won numerous championships and defeated teams from much larger communities including Fort Hays State Normal School (Fort Hays State University.)&nbsp;Loretto was founded in 1912 as a breakaway settlement from the town of Pfeifer. Members of Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer, who lived just over the line in Rush County, petitioned the diocese to start their own church, St. Mary Help of Christians, four and one-half miles south of Pfeifer. Adam S. Urban and Stephen S. Urban each donated five acres of land for the townsite; Martin Urban gave one acre for a cemetery; and Joseph Urban donated land for a church, parsonage, and school. From this, the town of Illinois, renamed Loretto a year later, was born.By the late 1950s, Loretto became well known for being the smallest community in the state to have a lighted baseball field. With a population of only around 40, attendance at local games could reach into the hundreds. As a result, Loretto was awarded district tournaments.&nbsp;One of the most famous people to play for the Loretto team was Romanus “Monty” Basgall. Monty Basgall, a Bison High School graduate, went on to become a professional baseball player, manager, and scout. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1948-49 and 1951. After working in the Pirates organization in the 1950s, he moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers as a scout, minor league infield instructor, and eventually Double-A manager. He then became a coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers for 14 seasons from 1973 to 1986. Basgall helped lead the Dodgers to win the 1981 World Series.This will be the first time a team has worn a Loretto Uniform in over 50 years. The game will be held Saturday, October 12, at the Rush County Fairgrounds Field on east Hwy 4 in La Crosse. The game will start at 1:00pm and there is no admission charge. Vintage concessions will also be available.The game is sponsored by the Rush County Sesquicentennial, “The 150-Year Rush,” a year-long celebration of events commemorating the founding of Rush County on December 5, 1874. For more information visit <a href="http://rushcounty.org/celebrate150">rushcounty.org/celebrate150</a> or contact Rush County Economic Development at 785-222-2808.&nbsp;

Vintage baseball coming to La Crosse 

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Medicare can be challenging to navigate. If you are eligible, you know that enrolling in hospital insurance, Part B, supplemental coverage, and a drug plan can be overwhelming. The good news is that if you aren’t pleased with your current coverage, open enrollment allows you to make some changes. For example, you can review your current drug plan and see if it will be your best option next year. Since Part D plans tend to change yearly, it’s smart to see what that means for your coverage and costs.

The Cottonwood Extension District is here to help. Certified Senior Health Insurance Counselors in Kansas (SHICK) offer free, unbiased, and confidential Part D assistance to help you find the best drug plan. If you want to compare drug plans, switch plans, or shop around, we are available to visit with you, and see what works best for your situation. Open Enrollment is from October 15 – December 7, and you can schedule an appointment today in the Great Bend or Hays office. Certified volunteers, Donna and John Krug, will also have limited availability in the Great Bend office.

Other resources in the Great Bend area include Volunteers in Action who are SHICK trained. They will be accepting appointments starting on Oct. 17 and you can call 620-792-1614 to make an appointment. Director Linn Hogg says, “Our goal is to help you find the lowest out-of-pocket plan available.”

When you schedule an appointment with the Cottonwood District, you will receive a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug -Coverage Worksheet. Medicare beneficiaries need to list all prescription drugs taken, dosage, and 30-day quantity on the worksheet. Bring the worksheet, your Medicare card, and recent letters from Social Security or Medicare to your appointment. To

schedule your appointment, please call (620) 793- 1910. If you have questions regarding Medicare, please contact Karissa at (620) 793- 1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictMedicare can be challenging to navigate. If you are eligible, you know that enrolling in hospital insurance, Part B, supplemental coverage, and a drug plan can be overwhelming. The good news is that if you aren’t pleased with your current coverage, open enrollment allows you to make some changes. For example, you can review your current drug plan and see if it will be your best option next year. Since Part D plans tend to change yearly, it’s smart to see what that means for your coverage and costs.The Cottonwood Extension District is here to help. Certified Senior Health Insurance Counselors in Kansas (SHICK) offer free, unbiased, and confidential Part D assistance to help you find the best drug plan. If you want to compare drug plans, switch plans, or shop around, we are available to visit with you, and see what works best for your situation. Open Enrollment is from October 15 – December 7, and you can schedule an appointment today in the Great Bend or Hays office. Certified volunteers, Donna and John Krug, will also have limited availability in the Great Bend office.Other resources in the Great Bend area include Volunteers in Action who are SHICK trained. They will be accepting appointments starting on Oct. 17 and you can call 620-792-1614 to make an appointment. Director Linn Hogg says, “Our goal is to help you find the lowest out-of-pocket plan available.”When you schedule an appointment with the Cottonwood District, you will receive a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug -Coverage Worksheet. Medicare beneficiaries need to list all prescription drugs taken, dosage, and 30-day quantity on the worksheet. Bring the worksheet, your Medicare card, and recent letters from Social Security or Medicare to your appointment. Toschedule your appointment, please call (620) 793- 1910. If you have questions regarding Medicare, please contact Karissa at (620) 793- 1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Medicare Part D open enrollment

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728408491705.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>

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Sept. 18, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7454‑01 ‑ Statewide, Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS), special, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $343,805.00.

&nbsp;Marshall ‑&nbsp;77‑58 KA‑3924‑01 – County road, bridge #019 over Deer Creek located 8.88 miles north of the U.S. 77/U.S. 36 west junction, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $2,708,367.10.

Marshall ‑&nbsp;99‑58 KA‑5764‑01 ‑ K‑99, bridge #035 over Jim Creek located 4.26 miles north of the Pottawatomie County line, bridge replacement, Ebert Construction Co Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $2,508,724.76.

Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 C‑5238‑01 – County road, bridge over Hendricks Creek located 1.0 mile north and 0.2 mile east of Alma, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $673,463.75.

Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 C‑5193‑01 – County road, RS 99 from K‑4 to Harveyville Road, grading and surfacing, 6.5 miles, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $360,113.00.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;69‑105 KA‑6964‑01 – U.S. 69, bridge #130 over Merriam Lane and Turkey Creek located at the junction of Merriam Lane and U.S. 69 in Kansas City, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $773,608.50

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7238‑01 ‑ City of Whiting in Jackson County, city of Leavenworth in Leavenworth County, city of Garnett in Anderson County, city of Edna in Labette County, city of Kinsley in Edwards County, special, Multicon Inc., Park City, Kansas, $201,228.58.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;16‑106 KA‑7469‑01 ‑ K‑16: in Jefferson County, from the K‑92/K‑16 junction in McLouth east to the Leavenworth/Jefferson county line; and in Leavenworth County, from the Leavenworth/Jefferson county line southeast to the U.S. 24/K‑16/U.S. 40 junction, milling and overlay, 10.2 miles, J M Fahey Construction Company, Grandview, Missouri, $4,095,096.00.

Clay ‑&nbsp;82‑14 KA‑6721‑01 ‑ K‑82, bridge #025 over Cane Creek 1 mile east of K‑15, bridge repair, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $793,520.47.

Jewell ‑&nbsp;45 C‑5232‑01 – County road, bridge over tributary to Limestone Creek located 1.3 miles south and 6.0 miles west of Mankato, bridge replacement, 0.3 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $710,551.00.

Lincoln ‑&nbsp;18‑53 KA‑5713‑01 ‑ K‑18, bridge #027 over Saline River drainage located approximately 1 mile east of K‑252, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,105,443.78.

Ellis ‑&nbsp;70‑26 KA‑6954‑01 ‑ I‑70: bridge #038 over Old Highway 40 and Union Pacific Railroad located 3.62 miles east of the I‑70/K‑255 junction; and bridge #39, over Old Highway 40/Union Pacific Railroad located 3.61 miles east of the I‑70/K‑255 junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $425,300.50.

Phillips ‑&nbsp;74 C‑5227‑01 – County road, bridge over West Cedar Creek located 6.5 miles north and 0.5 mile west of Agra, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $547,817.15.

Wallace ‑&nbsp;40‑100 KA‑7316‑01 – U.S. 40, from the east city limits of Sharon Springs east to Pebble Road, milling and overlay, 9.9 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,006,723.34

Wallace ‑&nbsp;40‑100 KA‑7313‑01 – U.S. 40, from the state line east to the east city limits of Sharon Springs, milling and overlay, 16.6 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $8,161,393.05.

Bourbon ‑&nbsp;3‑6 KA‑7449‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the Crawford/Bourbon county line north to the K‑39/K‑3 junction, milling and overlay, 3.0 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $344,452.90.

Crawford ‑&nbsp;7‑19 KA‑7451‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the U.S. 400/K‑7 junction north to the south city limits of Girard, overlay, 11.1 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,868,907.87.

Crawford ‑&nbsp;3‑19 KA‑7450‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the K‑47/K‑3 junction north to the Crawford/Bourbon county line, milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, 1,297,702.39.

Labette ‑&nbsp;50 C‑5222‑01 – County road, bridge over tributary to Neosho River located 4.0 miles east of Parsons, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $525,146.05.

Wilson ‑&nbsp;103 U‑2404‑02 – In Neodesha, Ohio Street, from 8th Street to 2nd Street; 8th Street, from Ohio Street to alleyway (252 South 8th Street), and also from City Hall (1407 North 8th Street) to Fir Street; Fir Street, from 8th Street to 4th Street; and 6th Street, from Tank Street to Granby Street, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.2 miles, pedestrian and bicycle paths, Heck &amp; Wicker Inc., Parsons, Kansas, $634,114.30.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6862‑01 – U.S. 69, U.S. 54, K‑7, K‑3, K‑65, K‑31 and K‑39 in Bourbon, Linn, Crawford and Allen counties, signing, Collins &amp; Hermann Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $2,100,000.00.

Barton ‑&nbsp;56‑5 KA‑6363‑01 ‑ U.S. 56/McKinley in Great Bend, traffic signals, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $899,021.50.

Butler ‑&nbsp;77‑8 KA‑7456‑01 – U.S. 77, from the four-lane to four-lane divided north to the Marion/Butler county line, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 15.7 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $2,365,085.02.

Cowley ‑&nbsp;15‑18 KA‑7432‑01 ‑ K‑15, from the U.S. 166/K‑15 junction north to the U.S. 160/K‑15 junction, sealing, 12.2 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $514,362.30.

Edwards ‑&nbsp;24 C‑5199‑01 ‑ 260th Avenue, from the Kiowa county line to South Road and 270th Avenue from South Road to U.S. 50, shoulders, 14.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $871,453.80.

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 </figure>SubmittedThe Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Sept. 18, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7454‑01 ‑ Statewide, Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS), special, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $343,805.00.District One — Northeast&nbsp;Marshall ‑&nbsp;77‑58 KA‑3924‑01 – County road, bridge #019 over Deer Creek located 8.88 miles north of the U.S. 77/U.S. 36 west junction, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $2,708,367.10.Marshall ‑&nbsp;99‑58 KA‑5764‑01 ‑ K‑99, bridge #035 over Jim Creek located 4.26 miles north of the Pottawatomie County line, bridge replacement, Ebert Construction Co Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $2,508,724.76.Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 C‑5238‑01 – County road, bridge over Hendricks Creek located 1.0 mile north and 0.2 mile east of Alma, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $673,463.75.Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 C‑5193‑01 – County road, RS 99 from K‑4 to Harveyville Road, grading and surfacing, 6.5 miles, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $360,113.00.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;69‑105 KA‑6964‑01 – U.S. 69, bridge #130 over Merriam Lane and Turkey Creek located at the junction of Merriam Lane and U.S. 69 in Kansas City, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $773,608.50Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7238‑01 ‑ City of Whiting in Jackson County, city of Leavenworth in Leavenworth County, city of Garnett in Anderson County, city of Edna in Labette County, city of Kinsley in Edwards County, special, Multicon Inc., Park City, Kansas, $201,228.58.Statewide ‑&nbsp;16‑106 KA‑7469‑01 ‑ K‑16: in Jefferson County, from the K‑92/K‑16 junction in McLouth east to the Leavenworth/Jefferson county line; and in Leavenworth County, from the Leavenworth/Jefferson county line southeast to the U.S. 24/K‑16/U.S. 40 junction, milling and overlay, 10.2 miles, J M Fahey Construction Company, Grandview, Missouri, $4,095,096.00.District Two — North CentralClay ‑&nbsp;82‑14 KA‑6721‑01 ‑ K‑82, bridge #025 over Cane Creek 1 mile east of K‑15, bridge repair, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $793,520.47.Jewell ‑&nbsp;45 C‑5232‑01 – County road, bridge over tributary to Limestone Creek located 1.3 miles south and 6.0 miles west of Mankato, bridge replacement, 0.3 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $710,551.00.Lincoln ‑&nbsp;18‑53 KA‑5713‑01 ‑ K‑18, bridge #027 over Saline River drainage located approximately 1 mile east of K‑252, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,105,443.78.District Three — NorthwestEllis ‑&nbsp;70‑26 KA‑6954‑01 ‑ I‑70: bridge #038 over Old Highway 40 and Union Pacific Railroad located 3.62 miles east of the I‑70/K‑255 junction; and bridge #39, over Old Highway 40/Union Pacific Railroad located 3.61 miles east of the I‑70/K‑255 junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $425,300.50.Phillips ‑&nbsp;74 C‑5227‑01 – County road, bridge over West Cedar Creek located 6.5 miles north and 0.5 mile west of Agra, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $547,817.15.Wallace ‑&nbsp;40‑100 KA‑7316‑01 – U.S. 40, from the east city limits of Sharon Springs east to Pebble Road, milling and overlay, 9.9 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,006,723.34Wallace ‑&nbsp;40‑100 KA‑7313‑01 – U.S. 40, from the state line east to the east city limits of Sharon Springs, milling and overlay, 16.6 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $8,161,393.05.District Four — SoutheastBourbon ‑&nbsp;3‑6 KA‑7449‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the Crawford/Bourbon county line north to the K‑39/K‑3 junction, milling and overlay, 3.0 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $344,452.90.Crawford ‑&nbsp;7‑19 KA‑7451‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the U.S. 400/K‑7 junction north to the south city limits of Girard, overlay, 11.1 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,868,907.87.Crawford ‑&nbsp;3‑19 KA‑7450‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the K‑47/K‑3 junction north to the Crawford/Bourbon county line, milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, 1,297,702.39.Labette ‑&nbsp;50 C‑5222‑01 – County road, bridge over tributary to Neosho River located 4.0 miles east of Parsons, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $525,146.05.Wilson ‑&nbsp;103 U‑2404‑02 – In Neodesha, Ohio Street, from 8th Street to 2nd Street; 8th Street, from Ohio Street to alleyway (252 South 8th Street), and also from City Hall (1407 North 8th Street) to Fir Street; Fir Street, from 8th Street to 4th Street; and 6th Street, from Tank Street to Granby Street, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.2 miles, pedestrian and bicycle paths, Heck &amp; Wicker Inc., Parsons, Kansas, $634,114.30.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6862‑01 – U.S. 69, U.S. 54, K‑7, K‑3, K‑65, K‑31 and K‑39 in Bourbon, Linn, Crawford and Allen counties, signing, Collins &amp; Hermann Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $2,100,000.00.District Five — South CentralBarton ‑&nbsp;56‑5 KA‑6363‑01 ‑ U.S. 56/McKinley in Great Bend, traffic signals, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $899,021.50.Butler ‑&nbsp;77‑8 KA‑7456‑01 – U.S. 77, from the four-lane to four-lane divided north to the Marion/Butler county line, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 15.7 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $2,365,085.02.Cowley ‑&nbsp;15‑18 KA‑7432‑01 ‑ K‑15, from the U.S. 166/K‑15 junction north to the U.S. 160/K‑15 junction, sealing, 12.2 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $514,362.30.Edwards ‑&nbsp;24 C‑5199‑01 ‑ 260th Avenue, from the Kiowa county line to South Road and 270th Avenue from South Road to U.S. 50, shoulders, 14.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $871,453.80.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;81‑87 KA‑7458‑01 – U.S. 81, from the Sumner/Sedgwick county line north to 59th Street at the south city limits of Wichita, pavement patching, 7.5 miles, Interstate Improvement Inc., Faribault, Minnesota, $939,539.50.Stafford ‑&nbsp;93 C‑5237‑01 – Local road, bridge over Rattlesnake Creek located 7.1 miles north and 13.5 miles east of Saint John, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $663,989.00.Sumner ‑&nbsp;81‑96 KA‑5772‑01 – U.S. 81, bridge #040 over Bluff Creek located 0.93 mile north of the Oklahoma state line, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $4,983,484.43.Statewide ‑&nbsp;55‑106 KA‑7048‑01 ‑ K‑55 in Sumner County, from the K‑55/U.S. 81 junction east to the Sumner/Cowley county line; and K‑55 in Cowley County, from the Sumner/Cowley county line east to the K‑15/K‑55 junction, recycle and overlay, 12.0 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,446,680.83.District Six — SouthwestFinney ‑&nbsp;156‑28 KA‑5759‑01 ‑ K‑156, bridge #008 over Pawnee River Drainage located 2.78 miles west of the K‑156/K‑23 west junction, bridge replacement, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $2,434,928.38.Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;156‑42 KA‑5802‑01 ‑ K‑156, from 4 miles west of Jetmore east 15 miles to 228 Road north of Hanston including Buckner Creek drainage bridges #005, 006, 007, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013 and 014 located within the project limits, shoulders, 15.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $21,508,140.12.Morton ‑&nbsp;27‑65 KA‑7467‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the U.S. 56/K‑27 junction north to the Morton/Stanton county line (excluding the section between the two K‑51 junctions), recycle and overlay, 18.9 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $3,148,159.20.Stanton ‑&nbsp;27‑94 KA‑7466‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the Morton/Stanton county line, north to railroad crossings south of the U.S. 160/K‑27 junction, recycle and overlay, 11.4 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,957,474.27.The following projects from the Aug. 21, 2024, letting have been approved.Barber ‑&nbsp;281‑4 TE‑0527‑01 ‑ U.S. 281, from U.S. 160 to El Dorado Avenue, and El Dorado Avenue from U.S. 281 to Oak Street in Medicine Lodge, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.3 miles, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $499,989.05.Reno ‑&nbsp;78 C‑5198‑01 ‑ Major and minor collectors, located west of K‑14, signing, 317.0 miles, KOMO Construction LLC/DBA A&amp;H Co., Elko New Market, Minnesota, $474,232.00.Rawlins ‑&nbsp;77 C‑5234‑01 – Bridge, located 0.8 mile south and 2.2 miles west of Blakeman over Little Beaver Creek, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $448,408.60.