Beginning on Tuesday, contractors will be upgrading the signal light equipment and wiring for the intersections of 27th&nbsp;and Hall streets and Eighth&nbsp;and Elm streets. 

Throughout the project, the signal lights may be intermittently flashing red, indicating a four-way stop, or even turned off completely. Under these scenarios, the intersection may be controlled with temporary stop signs at some or all legs of the intersection. &nbsp;

Drivers are asked to use extra caution when approaching and entering the intersections. &nbsp;

Avoid these areas, if possible, as travel delays can be expected. &nbsp;

Repairs are expected to be completed on or before the end of the day on Friday.

The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704983204679.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning on Tuesday, contractors will be upgrading the signal light equipment and wiring for the intersections of 27th&nbsp;and Hall streets and Eighth&nbsp;and Elm streets. Throughout the project, the signal lights may be intermittently flashing red, indicating a four-way stop, or even turned off completely. Under these scenarios, the intersection may be controlled with temporary stop signs at some or all legs of the intersection. &nbsp;Drivers are asked to use extra caution when approaching and entering the intersections. &nbsp;Avoid these areas, if possible, as travel delays can be expected. &nbsp;Repairs are expected to be completed on or before the end of the day on Friday.The city of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Traffic signal lights to be upgraded in Hays this week at two intersections

Hays attorney Curtis Brown has filed for the
office of 23rd Judicial District Judge. He is seeking the Republican nomination
in the August primary.

A lifelong Midwesterner, Brown was born and raised in Norton.
 Brown attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney where he competed on the
Lopers wrestling team. In 2002, Brown graduated and received his Bachelor of
Science in Political Science. To further his education and obtain his
law degree, Brown moved to Tulsa to attend law school part-time while working
full-time at the Zurawik Law Firm.

In 2008, he obtained his Jurors Doctorate
from the University of Tulsa. Following his admittance to the Kansas Bar in
2009, Curtis moved to Hays to lay down roots in a town that has become his
forever home.

Brown worked as a staff attorney for Kansas Legal Services for his first three years in Hays. 

He then started as an associate attorney with the Glassman,
Bird, Braun, and Schwartz firm, while later becoming partner.&nbsp; 

In 2018,
Curtis followed his dream and branched off to start his own firm, The Law
Office of J. Curtis Brown. He has operated his firm since specializing in
criminal defense cases. 

In 2021, Brown became the Trego County attorney and
City of WaKeeney attorney. He holds those offices while also representing
clients at his private law firm.


Brown has been involved in the community and served on many boards while
practicing law in Hays. 

He has been on the USD 489 Foundation Board for 11
years, serving as their past president for six years. 

All while simultaneously
serving on the Northwest Kansas Community Corrections and Juvenile Services
Board. 

Some of his past accomplishments include serving as the Ellis County
Drug Court’s defense attorney for five years, serving six years on the Board for
Kansas Legal Services, member of the Board of Trustees of the Kansas Bar
Association and past president of the Ellis County Bar Association.


Brown is married to his wife, Jessica, and they have two daughters,
Kennedy and Alysa. 

Brown enjoys being with family and friends while at
sporting events, the lake or just backyard barbecues. 

Brown is also an avid
sports fan and has previously been a coach for the Hays Recreation Commission,
Hays Wrestling Club and Hays Soccer Club.


Brown thanks all his current and past patrons of the community who have helped
and supported him throughout the years. 

Brown said he would be honored to serve
the people of the 23rd Judicial District as their district judge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707072382495.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedHays attorney Curtis Brown has filed for the
office of 23rd Judicial District Judge. He is seeking the Republican nomination
in the August primary.

A lifelong Midwesterner, Brown was born and raised in Norton.
 Brown attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney where he competed on the
Lopers wrestling team. In 2002, Brown graduated and received his Bachelor of
Science in Political Science. To further his education and obtain his
law degree, Brown moved to Tulsa to attend law school part-time while working
full-time at the Zurawik Law Firm. In 2008, he obtained his Jurors Doctorate
from the University of Tulsa. Following his admittance to the Kansas Bar in
2009, Curtis moved to Hays to lay down roots in a town that has become his
forever home.Brown worked as a staff attorney for Kansas Legal Services for his first three years in Hays. He then started as an associate attorney with the Glassman,
Bird, Braun, and Schwartz firm, while later becoming partner.&nbsp; In 2018,
Curtis followed his dream and branched off to start his own firm, The Law
Office of J. Curtis Brown. He has operated his firm since specializing in
criminal defense cases. In 2021, Brown became the Trego County attorney and
City of WaKeeney attorney. He holds those offices while also representing
clients at his private law firm.
Brown has been involved in the community and served on many boards while
practicing law in Hays. He has been on the USD 489 Foundation Board for 11
years, serving as their past president for six years. All while simultaneously
serving on the Northwest Kansas Community Corrections and Juvenile Services
Board. Some of his past accomplishments include serving as the Ellis County
Drug Court’s defense attorney for five years, serving six years on the Board for
Kansas Legal Services, member of the Board of Trustees of the Kansas Bar
Association and past president of the Ellis County Bar Association.
Brown is married to his wife, Jessica, and they have two daughters,
Kennedy and Alysa. Brown enjoys being with family and friends while at
sporting events, the lake or just backyard barbecues. Brown is also an avid
sports fan and has previously been a coach for the Hays Recreation Commission,
Hays Wrestling Club and Hays Soccer Club.
Brown thanks all his current and past patrons of the community who have helped
and supported him throughout the years. Brown said he would be honored to serve
the people of the 23rd Judicial District as their district judge.

Brown announces candidacy for district judge

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

U.S. crude production is once again above 13 million barrels per day. For the week through January 26, U.S. operators pumped 13,033,000 barrels of crude per day, up more than 700,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reports four-week average production dropped below 13 million barrels per day the week for the first time in nearly four months. The last time four-week average production was below 13 million barrels per day was the week ending September 29, 2023.

U.S. operators pumped more than 13.3 million barrels of crude oil per day in November, the best monthly average ever.&nbsp; The latest government numbers show an increase of more than 84,000 per day from the month before.

Kansas ranks 11th among oil-producing states according to Energy Information Administration. The Sunflower State pumped 2.2 million barrels in November, or 73,900 barrels per day. That's up nearly a thousand barrels per day from the month before. Texas leads the way once again with 5.6 million barrels per day. Rounding out the top five are New Mexico, North Dakota, Colorado and Alaska.

The government reported crude inventories of more than 452 million barrels as of January 26, an increase of more than four million barrels. Stockpiles are about four percent above the five year-average for this time of year.

Energy Information Administration says crude exports dropped by more than half a million barrels per day last week to just under four million barrels per day. Four-week average exports are up more than 700,000 barrels per day over a year ago.

U.S. crude imports were up 25,000 barrels per day week-over-week to 5.6 million barrels per day. The average over the last four weeks is nearly six percent lower than a year ago, down a million barrels a day to 6.2 million barrels per day.

Kansas crude prices dropped nearly six dollars a barrel in the last week, but are a half dollar higher than at the start of the year.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $62.50 per barrel after dropping a dollar and a half on Friday. That price was over $68 a week ago.

The near-month contract for light sweet crude on the Nymex dropped more than a dollar to settle Friday at $72.28 per barrel, a weekly drop of $5.73 per barrel.&nbsp; Prices drifted lower on Monday, with the benchmark contract in New York dropping below $72 per barrel.

Muddy field conditions slowed down drilling activity in some parts of Kansas, but activity was up in others. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up eight percent from a week ago, and five percent higher than a year ago. There are 15 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one, and 24 west of Wichita, which is up four rigs from last week.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 28 newly completed wells last week, with ten in western Kansas including one in Ellis County. That's 114 completions so far this year. Regulators in the Sunflower State okayed ten new drilling locations last week. Seven of those were west of Wichita, including one in Barton County. That's 73 permits for drilling at new locations so far this year.

Two of the biggest producers in the world plan big growth this year in the Permian Basin thanks to two big takeovers. Chevron forecasts ten percent growth this year. According to Bloomberg, that's more than twice the pace of publicly-traded independent oil companies. The company's takeover of Hess Corp puts it on course to pump one million barrels per day from the Permian by next year, almost topping the entire state of North Dakota. Exxon sees production growth of nearly seven percent, but is expected to double its overall output once it completes the $60 billion takeover of Pioneer Natural Resources later this year.

<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 U.S. crude production is once again above 13 million barrels per day. For the week through January 26, U.S. operators pumped 13,033,000 barrels of crude per day, up more than 700,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration reports four-week average production dropped below 13 million barrels per day the week for the first time in nearly four months. The last time four-week average production was below 13 million barrels per day was the week ending September 29, 2023.U.S. operators pumped more than 13.3 million barrels of crude oil per day in November, the best monthly average ever.&nbsp; The latest government numbers show an increase of more than 84,000 per day from the month before.Kansas ranks 11th among oil-producing states according to Energy Information Administration. The Sunflower State pumped 2.2 million barrels in November, or 73,900 barrels per day. That's up nearly a thousand barrels per day from the month before. Texas leads the way once again with 5.6 million barrels per day. Rounding out the top five are New Mexico, North Dakota, Colorado and Alaska.The government reported crude inventories of more than 452 million barrels as of January 26, an increase of more than four million barrels. Stockpiles are about four percent above the five year-average for this time of year.Energy Information Administration says crude exports dropped by more than half a million barrels per day last week to just under four million barrels per day. Four-week average exports are up more than 700,000 barrels per day over a year ago.U.S. crude imports were up 25,000 barrels per day week-over-week to 5.6 million barrels per day. The average over the last four weeks is nearly six percent lower than a year ago, down a million barrels a day to 6.2 million barrels per day.Kansas crude prices dropped nearly six dollars a barrel in the last week, but are a half dollar higher than at the start of the year.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $62.50 per barrel after dropping a dollar and a half on Friday. That price was over $68 a week ago.The near-month contract for light sweet crude on the Nymex dropped more than a dollar to settle Friday at $72.28 per barrel, a weekly drop of $5.73 per barrel.&nbsp; Prices drifted lower on Monday, with the benchmark contract in New York dropping below $72 per barrel.Muddy field conditions slowed down drilling activity in some parts of Kansas, but activity was up in others. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up eight percent from a week ago, and five percent higher than a year ago. There are 15 active drilling rigs in eastern Kansas, down one, and 24 west of Wichita, which is up four rigs from last week.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 28 newly completed wells last week, with ten in western Kansas including one in Ellis County. That's 114 completions so far this year. Regulators in the Sunflower State okayed ten new drilling locations last week. Seven of those were west of Wichita, including one in Barton County. That's 73 permits for drilling at new locations so far this year.Two of the biggest producers in the world plan big growth this year in the Permian Basin thanks to two big takeovers. Chevron forecasts ten percent growth this year. According to Bloomberg, that's more than twice the pace of publicly-traded independent oil companies. The company's takeover of Hess Corp puts it on course to pump one million barrels per day from the Permian by next year, almost topping the entire state of North Dakota. Exxon sees production growth of nearly seven percent, but is expected to double its overall output once it completes the $60 billion takeover of Pioneer Natural Resources later this year.

News from the Oil Patch: Operators post best monthly production average ever

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 238 incidents Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2024, according to the activity report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444921352.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 238 incidents Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activity report, Jan. 28-Feb. 3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703705750122.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
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Ellis County Jail bookings, Jan 29-Feb. 5

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It was a wet weekend with a total of 1.23 inches of rain falling in Hays, according to the official measurements at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.

Daily rainfall was: Friday-0.88" Saturday-0.30" Sunday-0.05"

So far this year, Hays has received 2.44 inches of moisture, more than an inch above normal. The average moisture by the end of the month is 1.19 inches.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680035375688.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt was a wet weekend with a total of 1.23 inches of rain falling in Hays, according to the official measurements at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town.Daily rainfall was: Friday-0.88" Saturday-0.30" Sunday-0.05"It was the first moisture in February. So far this year, Hays has received 2.44 inches of moisture, more than an inch above normal. The average moisture by the end of the month is 1.19 inches.&nbsp;

Rainy weekend yields more than an inch of rain in Hays

Property tax relief for Kansans is at the top of the priority list for this session for state legislators Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. and Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 109th Dist.

The pair were the featured speakers at Saturday morning's first legislative coffee in a series presented by The Chamber in Hays at the Hays Public Library.

"I continue to fight for property tax relief [but] there's not a lot we can do at the state level," Billinger said.&nbsp;

"Most of your property tax are local other than the 20 mills (at the state level] and in this proposed tax package there is cuts on the 20 mills. The first $100,000 (in state property taxes) in your homes comes off.&nbsp; There are small things being done in that package for property tax."&nbsp;

Billinger went on to discuss the Republicans' sweeping 5.25% flat income tax plan sent to the Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, where it was vetoed Jan. 26.

"We do have a governor and a legislature that is split," said Rahjes. "When I talked to constituents before the session, they were more excited about property tax relief than income tax relief.

"l think if we do any sort of tax reform, whether it be property tax, income tax, or so on, we don't need to do a one size for everything," he said. "We need to take this slowly, bits at a time."

Thirteen states have a single tax plan, including Nebraska and Colorado.&nbsp;

"We're not trying something new that's never happened," Billinger said.

Still, he remains more focused on property tax reduction. "It's my big push."

"Rep. Rahjes and I both have many elderly retired residents in our districts. ... They probably spent 30-40 years paying the mortgage on their home. Today, they're paying more in property tax than they ever did for a mortgage.

"I'm working to make sure these people can stay in their homes," Billinger said. "It's just unbelievable what we're doing to our seniors."

The proposed flat tax proposal would also have eliminated the state income tax on Social Security.

Billinger is concerned about inflation as well, saying people having to pay for groceries with credit cards is unsustainable.&nbsp;

Another split between the legislature and the governor has been Kelly's ongoing support of Medicaid expansion in Kansas.

Sen. Billinger supports expansion; Rep. Rahjes instead supports raising reimbursement rates back to hospitals.

"I know expanding Medicaid would help Hays Medical Center a lot, but we have some issues with it," he said. "Just become so many other states are doing it, is that the Kansas way?

He said both sides are yelling over each other, and nobody is listening.&nbsp;

"Let's put that to the side and let's talk about health care. Health care is an important part of our rural communities. ... We need to take a real look at it," Rahjes said.&nbsp;He acknowledged there are people "in the gap" and said that's unfortunate.

As chairman of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee, Rahjes said water - quantity and quality - is the most important issue he faces. He talked about the southeast Kansas town of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a6ad7c1d-a6cb-4c8c-aaf2-dfb140032932">Caney running out of water</a> late last year and the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a7f6464-4683-4496-b32d-82ab5a0b42c3">R9 long-term water project for Hays and Russell</a>.&nbsp;

Asked about concerns about foreign ownership of Kansas farmland, Rahjes and Billinger both said they don't anticipate any bill passing that would limit to whom farmland can be sold.

"Who's to tell anyone you can't sell your farm to the highest guy, but I don't support foreign ownership of farmland," Billinger said. "Hopefully, farmers that own farmland would agree, and they can sell it to somebody that is not foreign owned."

The gap in special education funding and its impact particularly on smaller rural schools was addressed.

Billinger serves on two committees which work closely with the intellectual and developmental disability community.&nbsp;

"I've been for putting additional funding into special education since day one," said Billinger. 

"When this plan came in the federal government said they'd [fund] 40 percent. They're not doing their part and the state isn't either.

"Last year the state added about $8 million," he said. "It's just not enough. Like everything else, with inflation it just doesn't go as far."

"It won't be fully funded this year," Rahjes said flatly. "I think that's going to be the next lawsuit [against the state of Kansas] by a group of schools that will sue. And, that's probably how we'll get there."&nbsp;

Rahjes said "the feds are not a good partner in this. ... We may wish for this, but guess who's going to pay for it? You and your neighbor, probably three times over.

"We know there's a committee working on this to over time, fully fund the state's part."

Regarding the 2024 budget, it's in good shape, said Billinger, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

"We continue to pay off debt, look at opportunities to pay callable bonds, and started a rainy day fund.&nbsp; We have $1.7 billion in the rainy day fund," he said. "We're trying to put our state in the best position we can so that when the next downturn comes, we're not cutting services."

The event was sponsored by Midwest Energy and the Hays Daily News.

Two more legislative coffees are scheduled for March 2 and April 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707080114031.jpeg" alt="Sara Wasinger, CEO/exec. dir. of The Chamber in Hays, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, at Saturday's legislative coffee presented by The Chamber. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sara Wasinger, CEO/exec. dir. of The Chamber in Hays, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, at Saturday's legislative coffee presented by The Chamber. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostProperty tax relief for Kansans is at the top of the priority list for this session for state legislators Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. and Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 109th Dist.The pair were the featured speakers at Saturday morning's first legislative coffee in a series presented by The Chamber in Hays at the Hays Public Library."I continue to fight for property tax relief [but] there's not a lot we can do at the state level," Billinger said.&nbsp;"Most of your property tax are local other than the 20 mills (at the state level] and in this proposed tax package there is cuts on the 20 mills. The first $100,000 (in state property taxes) in your homes comes off.&nbsp; There are small things being done in that package for property tax."&nbsp;Billinger went on to discuss the Republicans' sweeping 5.25% flat income tax plan sent to the Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, where it was vetoed Jan. 26."We do have a governor and a legislature that is split," said Rahjes. "When I talked to constituents before the session, they were more excited about property tax relief than income tax relief."l think if we do any sort of tax reform, whether it be property tax, income tax, or so on, we don't need to do a one size for everything," he said. "We need to take this slowly, bits at a time." Thirteen states have a single tax plan, including Nebraska and Colorado.&nbsp;"We're not trying something new that's never happened," Billinger said.Still, he remains more focused on property tax reduction. "It's my big push.""Rep. Rahjes and I both have many elderly retired residents in our districts. ... They probably spent 30-40 years paying the mortgage on their home. Today, they're paying more in property tax than they ever did for a mortgage."I'm working to make sure these people can stay in their homes," Billinger said. "It's just unbelievable what we're doing to our seniors."The proposed flat tax proposal would also have eliminated the state income tax on Social Security.Billinger is concerned about inflation as well, saying people having to pay for groceries with credit cards is unsustainable.&nbsp;Another split between the legislature and the governor has been Kelly's ongoing support of Medicaid expansion in Kansas.Sen. Billinger supports expansion; Rep. Rahjes instead supports raising reimbursement rates back to hospitals."I know expanding Medicaid would help Hays Medical Center a lot, but we have some issues with it," he said. "Just become so many other states are doing it, is that the Kansas way?He said both sides are yelling over each other, and nobody is listening.&nbsp;"Let's put that to the side and let's talk about health care. Health care is an important part of our rural communities. ... We need to take a real look at it," Rahjes said.&nbsp;He acknowledged there are people "in the gap" and said that's unfortunate.As chairman of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee, Rahjes said water - quantity and quality - is the most important issue he faces. He talked about the southeast Kansas town of <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a6ad7c1d-a6cb-4c8c-aaf2-dfb140032932">Caney running out of water</a> late last year and the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1a7f6464-4683-4496-b32d-82ab5a0b42c3">R9 long-term water project for Hays and Russell</a>.&nbsp;Asked about concerns about foreign ownership of Kansas farmland, Rahjes and Billinger both said they don't anticipate any bill passing that would limit to whom farmland can be sold."Who's to tell anyone you can't sell your farm to the highest guy, but I don't support foreign ownership of farmland," Billinger said. "Hopefully, farmers that own farmland would agree, and they can sell it to somebody that is not foreign owned."The gap in special education funding and its impact particularly on smaller rural schools was addressed.Billinger serves on two committees which work closely with the intellectual and developmental disability community.&nbsp;"I've been for putting additional funding into special education since day one," said Billinger. "When this plan came in the federal government said they'd [fund] 40 percent. They're not doing their part and the state isn't either."Last year the state added about $8 million," he said. "It's just not enough. Like everything else, with inflation it just doesn't go as far.""It won't be fully funded this year," Rahjes said flatly. "I think that's going to be the next lawsuit [against the state of Kansas] by a group of schools that will sue. And, that's probably how we'll get there."&nbsp;Rahjes said "the feds are not a good partner in this. ... We may wish for this, but guess who's going to pay for it? You and your neighbor, probably three times over."We know there's a committee working on this to over time, fully fund the state's part."Regarding the 2024 budget, it's in good shape, said Billinger, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee."We continue to pay off debt, look at opportunities to pay callable bonds, and started a rainy day fund.&nbsp; We have $1.7 billion in the rainy day fund," he said. "We're trying to put our state in the best position we can so that when the next downturn comes, we're not cutting services."The event was sponsored by Midwest Energy and the Hays Daily News.Two more legislative coffees are scheduled for March 2 and April 6.

Property tax relief at top of local lawmakers' priorities in 2024 legislative session 

This week is the fourth week of the 2024 legislative session, and many more bills were introduced in the Kansas House of Representatives. Here is a look at some of those bills:

House Concurrent Resolution 5023 would amend the Kansas Constitution of the state of Kansas and lowers the minimum age for voting in elections from eighteen to sixteen. If passed by the Kansas Legislature with a supermajority vote, 84 votes in favor in the House, then the voters of Kansas would vote on this constitutional amendment.

House Bill 2607, which relates to agriculture in the state of Kansas, requires applicators of pesticides that are uncertified to be supervised, and requires applicants to file certificates of liability insurance, instead of bonds, letters of credit, or proof of escrow.

House Bill 2608 authorizes the Animal Health Commissioner to adopt rules and regulations to administer the Poultry Disease Control Act.

House Bill 2613 relates to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, most commonly referred to as “DARE.” It would create a position called the Statewide Drug Abuse Resistance Education Educator, establish the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Fund, and provide the funding for this fund by an annual transfer from the State General Fund.

House Bill 2006 relates to the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act by specifying that certain drug offenses do not warrant the forfeiture of property for those particular drug offenses.

House Bill 2600 would establish a grant program to award dollars to qualifying Title 1 schools and provide feminine hygiene products to students at no cost.

House Bill 2604 increases the dollar amount for small claims proceedings.

These are a handful of bills introduced, and we will need to see if they will have a scheduled hearing in their committee. Many of these bills may not even have a hearing or make it out of committee.

The House Appropriations heard from the World Cup 2026 delegation on Tuesday morning. The delegation is advocating for $28-32 million for the World Cup that will be in the Kansas City region, both the Missouri and Kansas sides, in 2026. They explained that there are definitely three, possibly four, venues that will have base camps in Kansas. These base camps&nbsp;will generate a great economic impact to the state. They explained that in order for the selection of the World Cup, there needed to be enough hotel rooms within a 250-mile radius of the match, which would involve Lincoln and Ellsworth in House District 109. The Governor has proposed $20 million for the World Cup.

During the past couple of weeks, I have had meetings with both House and Senate leadership regarding the governor’s proposals for the state budget. Many items the governor has included in her budget do not need to be expended with dollars from the Kansas taxpayers. We are still discussing those items and will see if these happen to be funded in the final budget.

The House Appropriations Committee continued its discussions on the budgets for our state agencies and departments this week.

We heard the budget analysis for the Kansas Board of Hearing Aid Examiners, Kansas Lottery, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, and the Kansas Department of Revenue. The budget for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission was interesting due to the selection of the new historic horse racing facility to be opened in Sedgwick County by 2025.

Thursday, we continued our budget discussions with the Abstractor’s Board of Examiners, Board of Indigents’ Defense Services, and the Board of Technical Professions.

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill (File photo)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill (File photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>February 2, 2024 Topeka<h2>Bills Introduced</h2>This week is the fourth week of the 2024 legislative session, and many more bills were introduced in the Kansas House of Representatives. Here is a look at some of those bills:House Concurrent Resolution 5023 would amend the Kansas Constitution of the state of Kansas and lowers the minimum age for voting in elections from eighteen to sixteen. If passed by the Kansas Legislature with a supermajority vote, 84 votes in favor in the House, then the voters of Kansas would vote on this constitutional amendment.House Bill 2607, which relates to agriculture in the state of Kansas, requires applicators of pesticides that are uncertified to be supervised, and requires applicants to file certificates of liability insurance, instead of bonds, letters of credit, or proof of escrow.House Bill 2608 authorizes the Animal Health Commissioner to adopt rules and regulations to administer the Poultry Disease Control Act.House Bill 2613 relates to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, most commonly referred to as “DARE.” It would create a position called the Statewide Drug Abuse Resistance Education Educator, establish the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Fund, and provide the funding for this fund by an annual transfer from the State General Fund.House Bill 2006 relates to the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act by specifying that certain drug offenses do not warrant the forfeiture of property for those particular drug offenses.House Bill 2600 would establish a grant program to award dollars to qualifying Title 1 schools and provide feminine hygiene products to students at no cost.House Bill 2604 increases the dollar amount for small claims proceedings.These are a handful of bills introduced, and we will need to see if they will have a scheduled hearing in their committee. Many of these bills may not even have a hearing or make it out of committee.<h2>Appropriations Committee – World Cup</h2>The House Appropriations heard from the World Cup 2026 delegation on Tuesday morning. The delegation is advocating for $28-32 million for the World Cup that will be in the Kansas City region, both the Missouri and Kansas sides, in 2026. They explained that there are definitely three, possibly four, venues that will have base camps in Kansas. These base camps&nbsp;will generate a great economic impact to the state. They explained that in order for the selection of the World Cup, there needed to be enough hotel rooms within a 250-mile radius of the match, which would involve Lincoln and Ellsworth in House District 109. The Governor has proposed $20 million for the World Cup.Discussions on State BudgetDuring the past couple of weeks, I have had meetings with both House and Senate leadership regarding the governor’s proposals for the state budget. Many items the governor has included in her budget do not need to be expended with dollars from the Kansas taxpayers. We are still discussing those items and will see if these happen to be funded in the final budget.The House Appropriations Committee continued its discussions on the budgets for our state agencies and departments this week.We heard the budget analysis for the Kansas Board of Hearing Aid Examiners, Kansas Lottery, Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, and the Kansas Department of Revenue. The budget for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission was interesting due to the selection of the new historic horse racing facility to be opened in Sedgwick County by 2025.Thursday, we continued our budget discussions with the Abstractor’s Board of Examiners, Board of Indigents’ Defense Services, and the Board of Technical Professions.<h2>Contact Information</h2>Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.Rep. Troy Waymaster is the House Appropriations Committee chairman and representative of the Kansas House 109th District which includes Ellsworth, Lincoln, Osborne, Russell, and Smith counties.&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Feb. 2 — voting at 16, drug forfeiture law

FINNEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Sunday in Finney County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Yukon driven by Julie R. Edwards, 40, Scott City, was northbound&nbsp; at 9835 U.S. Highway 83.

The SUV&nbsp; left the roadway to the right continued northbound in the ditch, returned to the roadway and then left the road to the left and came to a stop in a field facing east.

EMS transported Edwards to&nbsp;St. Catherine's Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

FINNEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Sunday in Finney County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 GMC Yukon driven by Julie R. Edwards, 40, Scott City, was northbound&nbsp; at 9835 U.S. Highway 83.The SUV&nbsp; left the roadway to the right continued northbound in the ditch, returned to the roadway and then left the road to the left and came to a stop in a field facing east.EMS transported Edwards to&nbsp;St. Catherine's Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after SUV lands in field

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that John Godfrey is the new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the State of Kansas. In his role, he will lead the Kansas Information Security Office (KISO) in developing and implementing information security strategies, including cybersecurity strategies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Godfrey steps into the role following Jeff Maxon’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9nb3Zlcm5vci1rZWxseS1hcHBvaW50cy1qZWZmLW1heG9uLWFzLWNoaWVmLWluZm9ybWF0aW9uLXRlY2hub2xvZ3ktb2ZmaWNlci8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjAyLjg5NTU5MzUxIn0.jpeT63Gl10U6xmUxweOO9ZZiIdF6oGy_d_gPaJnM5u0/s/1303161001/br/236457026829-l">appointment</a>&nbsp;to Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) for the State of Kansas in October 2023.&nbsp;

“John Godfrey’s years of experience in information security give him the unique perspective of the challenges we face when providing secure and dependable digital services to Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “I look forward to working with him as he builds on our whole-of-state approach to cybersecurity.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Godfrey comes to the state after serving as the CISO-in-Residence and Founder of LionHeart Cybersecurity Advisors in Kansas City, KS. He also has extensive experience working with several of the State’s Regents universities. He spent more than 10 years with The University of Kansas Medical Center, six of which were as CISO and Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Security. Additionally, Godfrey spent more than five years as a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, and Systems Administrator and Information Security Analyst at Kansas State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This is an exciting time to join the KISO and advance the strategies put in place by my predecessor,”&nbsp;John Godfrey said. “Coordination and collaboration are critical to advancing the cybersecurity posture of Kansas, and the KISO has been active in building a statewide cyber community that includes all 105 counties. I look forward to working with this dedicated group of professionals on what’s next for the future of information security.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2021, Godfrey was a member of the Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force where he chaired the Statewide Communication &amp; Collaboration Subcommittee. The Task Force produced a final report to the Governor’s Office that included forty-one recommendations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Godfrey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from American InterContinental University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies and Information Networking and Telecommunications from Fort Hays State University. He has a Master of Science in Information Assurance from Capital Technology University and is currently working on a Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity at Capital Technology University. Additionally, he has multiple licenses and professional certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS), Security+ and Network+ certifications from CompTIA, and several National Security Agency (NSA)/Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) certifications.&nbsp;

Office of Governor Laura KellyTOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced that John Godfrey is the new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the State of Kansas. In his role, he will lead the Kansas Information Security Office (KISO) in developing and implementing information security strategies, including cybersecurity strategies.&nbsp;&nbsp;Godfrey steps into the role following Jeff Maxon’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iua2Fuc2FzLmdvdi9nb3Zlcm5vci1rZWxseS1hcHBvaW50cy1qZWZmLW1heG9uLWFzLWNoaWVmLWluZm9ybWF0aW9uLXRlY2hub2xvZ3ktb2ZmaWNlci8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjAyLjg5NTU5MzUxIn0.jpeT63Gl10U6xmUxweOO9ZZiIdF6oGy_d_gPaJnM5u0/s/1303161001/br/236457026829-l">appointment</a>&nbsp;to Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) for the State of Kansas in October 2023.&nbsp;“John Godfrey’s years of experience in information security give him the unique perspective of the challenges we face when providing secure and dependable digital services to Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “I look forward to working with him as he builds on our whole-of-state approach to cybersecurity.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Godfrey comes to the state after serving as the CISO-in-Residence and Founder of LionHeart Cybersecurity Advisors in Kansas City, KS. He also has extensive experience working with several of the State’s Regents universities. He spent more than 10 years with The University of Kansas Medical Center, six of which were as CISO and Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Security. Additionally, Godfrey spent more than five years as a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, and Systems Administrator and Information Security Analyst at Kansas State University.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is an exciting time to join the KISO and advance the strategies put in place by my predecessor,”&nbsp;John Godfrey said. “Coordination and collaboration are critical to advancing the cybersecurity posture of Kansas, and the KISO has been active in building a statewide cyber community that includes all 105 counties. I look forward to working with this dedicated group of professionals on what’s next for the future of information security.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2021, Godfrey was a member of the Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force where he chaired the Statewide Communication &amp; Collaboration Subcommittee. The Task Force produced a final report to the Governor’s Office that included forty-one recommendations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Godfrey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from American InterContinental University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies and Information Networking and Telecommunications from Fort Hays State University. He has a Master of Science in Information Assurance from Capital Technology University and is currently working on a Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity at Capital Technology University. Additionally, he has multiple licenses and professional certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS), Security+ and Network+ certifications from CompTIA, and several National Security Agency (NSA)/Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) certifications.&nbsp;

FHSU graduate named state chief information security officer

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

When you envision retirement, positive thoughts likely bubble to the surface. You may be excited to relax, enjoy your freedom, and spend time with loved ones. However, retirement may not be exactly as it is imagined. What do I mean by this?

Erin Martinez, K-State Research and Extension specialist and associate professor of Adult Development and Aging shares her expertise:

“When you have your eyes set on retirement without a plan about how you are going to spend the time, it can be a bit of a shock and can disrupt your life by bringing about emotions about a lack of purpose.” She advises folks to not only have a financial retirement plan but also to think about what they want to accomplish in retirement.

“You don’t have to know exactly what you are going to do day-to-day, but spend time reflecting on what you value and what you want your big priorities in retirement to be,” Martinez said.

Knowing your purpose will help you move through the stages of retirement: honeymoon, disenchantment, reorientation, retirement route, and termination.

While honeymoon refers to newfound freedom, Martinez said feelings of disenchantment can follow if you haven’t found a new purpose. During the reorientation phase, folks find new activities and form a plan for their retirement years along with settling into a new routine.

Termination can refer to ending the retirement plan by going back to work, but more commonly it means that the retiree needs to reduce their involvement due to declining health.

For some, shifting from full-time work to part-time work is a fantastic strategy that allows a person to slowly transition into retirement.

Martinez advises, “Talk with your employer to see if you can step into a part-time role or see what other options there might be even if it has never been done before.”

Looking for volunteer opportunities is another excellent way to find a purpose in retirement. “Volunteer Kansas is a great website to explore when looking for ideas,” Martinez suggests.

Serving others is one way that older adults can keep themselves physically and mentally healthy while maintaining social connections.

“As you shift in retirement, you can go from volunteering at school events to helping out at the senior center. This allows you to make different friends in new spaces,” Martinez said. “Socialization is incredibly important to healthy aging.”

As part of the retirement plan, it is important to communicate with family about your plan so that children and spouses don’t make assumptions about how you are going to spend time.

Sometimes family dynamics struggle in retirement because of uncommunicated plans. If ideas don’t align, friction can occur. Martinez advises couples to talk through their retirement goals and have a clear plan of what they hope to accomplish.

She added: “Mentally preparing for retirement involves a lot of internal processing about what is most meaningful to you and what you want your retirement legacy to be.”

Taking time now to understand your goals and purpose for retirement puts you on a rewarding path that allows you to get the most out of this stage of life.

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 DistrictWhen you envision retirement, positive thoughts likely bubble to the surface. You may be excited to relax, enjoy your freedom, and spend time with loved ones. However, retirement may not be exactly as it is imagined. What do I mean by this?Erin Martinez, K-State Research and Extension specialist and associate professor of Adult Development and Aging shares her expertise:“When you have your eyes set on retirement without a plan about how you are going to spend the time, it can be a bit of a shock and can disrupt your life by bringing about emotions about a lack of purpose.” She advises folks to not only have a financial retirement plan but also to think about what they want to accomplish in retirement.“You don’t have to know exactly what you are going to do day-to-day, but spend time reflecting on what you value and what you want your big priorities in retirement to be,” Martinez said.Knowing your purpose will help you move through the stages of retirement: honeymoon, disenchantment, reorientation, retirement route, and termination.While honeymoon refers to newfound freedom, Martinez said feelings of disenchantment can follow if you haven’t found a new purpose. During the reorientation phase, folks find new activities and form a plan for their retirement years along with settling into a new routine.Termination can refer to ending the retirement plan by going back to work, but more commonly it means that the retiree needs to reduce their involvement due to declining health.For some, shifting from full-time work to part-time work is a fantastic strategy that allows a person to slowly transition into retirement.Martinez advises, “Talk with your employer to see if you can step into a part-time role or see what other options there might be even if it has never been done before.”Looking for volunteer opportunities is another excellent way to find a purpose in retirement. “Volunteer Kansas is a great website to explore when looking for ideas,” Martinez suggests.Serving others is one way that older adults can keep themselves physically and mentally healthy while maintaining social connections.“As you shift in retirement, you can go from volunteering at school events to helping out at the senior center. This allows you to make different friends in new spaces,” Martinez said. “Socialization is incredibly important to healthy aging.”As part of the retirement plan, it is important to communicate with family about your plan so that children and spouses don’t make assumptions about how you are going to spend time.Sometimes family dynamics struggle in retirement because of uncommunicated plans. If ideas don’t align, friction can occur. Martinez advises couples to talk through their retirement goals and have a clear plan of what they hope to accomplish.She added: “Mentally preparing for retirement involves a lot of internal processing about what is most meaningful to you and what you want your retirement legacy to be.”Taking time now to understand your goals and purpose for retirement puts you on a rewarding path that allows you to get the most out of this stage of life.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: Plan for retirement today

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706906908083.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

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

A couple years ago after catching my last bobcat of the trapping season, I laid it on the pickup tailgate and marveled at the magnificent creature it was. First the eyes, eyes that could probably spot a scurrying mouse at a hundred yards. Then the ears, each tipped with a tiny tuft of fur, they’re wondrous little organs that would probably have heard the same mouse even farther away. I stroked its plush fur and wondered aloud how its creamy-white spotted belly could be so beautiful. I took one of its paws in my hand, paws that seemed much too big for its lanky body. I cradled the paw upside down in my palm, and with my thumb pressed down on the underside of one toe. Out came a curved, talon-shaped claw sharp as a fishhook. When I released the toe it immediately covered itself again with a sheath of skin as if it was not even there. “How does this all work?” I wondered.

Given the “cancel culture” so prevalent in the US today, and the determination by many to completely eradicate God from every facet of our society, I hope today’s column doesn’t cause readers to turn the page without reading. I’m going to make a rather bold statement here, but stick with me… I believe in evolution. Yes, you read correctly, I believe in evolution… I believe in evolution as a process by which all wildlife adapts over years, generations or decades to changes in their environment, but I REFUSE to believe in anything other than God’s Creation as the vehicle by which the creature that lay on the pickup gate before me came to exist!

No matter how mundane or uneventful an outdoor adventure seems, I absolutely never leave nature’s presence without being fascinated by something. Maybe it just doesn’t take much to fascinate me anymore, but my wonderment with Creation starts pretty simply. For example, how does putting a kernel of corn into this stuff we call “soil” with a little water and sunshine cause a plant to grow? And furthermore, how does that seed know to grow a stalk of corn and not a soybean plant, a pigweed or a maple tree for that matter? And then there’s the part where it produces a big ol’ cob full of the exact seeds we started with, covered by several layers of heavy leaves to protect those seed till they ripen. Or how about the vibrant colors around a rooster pheasant’s face, the shimmering green of a mallard drake’s head, the stunning red hues of a male cardinal’s body or even the amazing palate of colors found on the tail of a pesky peacock? Then inversely, how do all the females of those same species end up totally dull and drab so they blend in with their surroundings as they sit on a nest filled with peculiar looking vessels called “eggs” that will hatch, and just like the corn plant, produce young that are exactly like their parents?

How do geese navigate to spots hundreds or even thousands of miles away, and yet find their way back home to nest? How do salmon end up where they were hatched to lay eggs of their own, which - you guessed it – will hatch into little salmon looking just like mom and dad. How do ducklings know how to swim when they are barely dry after hatching and how do hoards of baby turtles know to head straight for the ocean mere minutes after digging themselves free from their sand covered nests?

I’ve barely scratched the surface here, but I’ll tell you how I believe this all happens; it’s all Divinely designed to happen that way! Oh, I’ve heard all the other explanations; how we began as monkeys and “evolved” into humans. I have no doubt our ancestors looked nothing like us, (some people I still wonder about today) but trust me, we still began as humans. Then there’s the theory that life began as some sort of “stew” or “soup” and over a gazillion years “just happened” to develop into all we see today. As my wife would say, “It takes way more faith to believe that than it does to believe in Creation.”

Anyway, I’ve ranted enough for now, but the bottom line is that I believe deeply in evolution as the process by which all life adapts to its changing surroundings, but I believe deeply that all nature was created by God for us to enjoy and manage, and the day I stop believing that way, I’ll sell all my traps, fishing rods and guns and take up knitting, because I won’t deserve to Explore Kansas Outdoors anymore!

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 OutdoorsA couple years ago after catching my last bobcat of the trapping season, I laid it on the pickup tailgate and marveled at the magnificent creature it was. First the eyes, eyes that could probably spot a scurrying mouse at a hundred yards. Then the ears, each tipped with a tiny tuft of fur, they’re wondrous little organs that would probably have heard the same mouse even farther away. I stroked its plush fur and wondered aloud how its creamy-white spotted belly could be so beautiful. I took one of its paws in my hand, paws that seemed much too big for its lanky body. I cradled the paw upside down in my palm, and with my thumb pressed down on the underside of one toe. Out came a curved, talon-shaped claw sharp as a fishhook. When I released the toe it immediately covered itself again with a sheath of skin as if it was not even there. “How does this all work?” I wondered.Given the “cancel culture” so prevalent in the US today, and the determination by many to completely eradicate God from every facet of our society, I hope today’s column doesn’t cause readers to turn the page without reading. I’m going to make a rather bold statement here, but stick with me… I believe in evolution. Yes, you read correctly, I believe in evolution… I believe in evolution as a process by which all wildlife adapts over years, generations or decades to changes in their environment, but I REFUSE to believe in anything other than God’s Creation as the vehicle by which the creature that lay on the pickup gate before me came to exist!No matter how mundane or uneventful an outdoor adventure seems, I absolutely never leave nature’s presence without being fascinated by something. Maybe it just doesn’t take much to fascinate me anymore, but my wonderment with Creation starts pretty simply. For example, how does putting a kernel of corn into this stuff we call “soil” with a little water and sunshine cause a plant to grow? And furthermore, how does that seed know to grow a stalk of corn and not a soybean plant, a pigweed or a maple tree for that matter? And then there’s the part where it produces a big ol’ cob full of the exact seeds we started with, covered by several layers of heavy leaves to protect those seed till they ripen. Or how about the vibrant colors around a rooster pheasant’s face, the shimmering green of a mallard drake’s head, the stunning red hues of a male cardinal’s body or even the amazing palate of colors found on the tail of a pesky peacock? Then inversely, how do all the females of those same species end up totally dull and drab so they blend in with their surroundings as they sit on a nest filled with peculiar looking vessels called “eggs” that will hatch, and just like the corn plant, produce young that are exactly like their parents?How do geese navigate to spots hundreds or even thousands of miles away, and yet find their way back home to nest? How do salmon end up where they were hatched to lay eggs of their own, which - you guessed it – will hatch into little salmon looking just like mom and dad. How do ducklings know how to swim when they are barely dry after hatching and how do hoards of baby turtles know to head straight for the ocean mere minutes after digging themselves free from their sand covered nests?I’ve barely scratched the surface here, but I’ll tell you how I believe this all happens; it’s all Divinely designed to happen that way! Oh, I’ve heard all the other explanations; how we began as monkeys and “evolved” into humans. I have no doubt our ancestors looked nothing like us, (some people I still wonder about today) but trust me, we still began as humans. Then there’s the theory that life began as some sort of “stew” or “soup” and over a gazillion years “just happened” to develop into all we see today. As my wife would say, “It takes way more faith to believe that than it does to believe in Creation.”Anyway, I’ve ranted enough for now, but the bottom line is that I believe deeply in evolution as the process by which all life adapts to its changing surroundings, but I believe deeply that all nature was created by God for us to enjoy and manage, and the day I stop believing that way, I’ll sell all my traps, fishing rods and guns and take up knitting, because I won’t deserve to Explore Kansas Outdoors anymore!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Soup, Stew or Creation?

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

FHSU hosts a Times Talk presentation on the Israel-Hamas war and the conduct of fighting that has occurred since the start of the war.

The American Democracy Project presentation on Thursday, at the Forsyth Library, was about the ongoing war in Gaza.

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Peter Tramel brought attention to the conflict by discussing what qualifies as self-defense, collateral damage and terrorism.

Tramel said although he is not a historian or a political scientist, his expertise lies in the field of moral and just war theory.

"I've been watching public discourse about the war in media, I thought it was desperately bad and [people] needed help in understanding what the issues might be," he said.

Before obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at FHSU, Tramel served as a medic and surgical technician in the U.S. Army.

Just war theory is an ambiguous term that can be used to describe someone's position, specialization or commitment to a tradition, Tramel said.

Generally speaking, the tradition is the basis of international law, often applied more assertively to weaker nations through the prosecution of war criminals at the International Criminal Court, Tramel said.

"War companies from the United States, Russia and China won't face international law because there is no mechanism of support that's strong enough," he said.

The just war tradition entails three requirements: a rationale for engaging in conflict, moral objectives and honorable conduct in fighting.

Tramel focuses on behavior during combat and says that ethical warfare involves targeting solely enemy combatants while minimizing harm to noncombatants.

Considering these ethics, the significant challenge in modern warfare is the inherent difficulty of conducting wars without causing harm to those who aren't involved, especially in densely populated areas.

"They're not starting a war in a place like Ellis, they're starting a war in a place like Brooklyn or The Bronx in terms of population density," Tramel said.

Tramel presents a list of alleged flagrant violations of just war traditions and international law in the Gaza conflict that includes:

"If Hamas is reported to be somewhere and you bomb the you know what out of it, whether or not you ended up killing any Hamas, you definitely killed a lot," Tramel said.

"Just peace" refers to any essential measures taken to attain peace, while the "Principles of Discrimination" involve distinguishing enemy combatants and only targeting them, sparing noncombatants from harm.

The death toll for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 27,000 after Hamas's initial assault on southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of over 250 individuals, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-war-and-unrest-gaza-strip-israel-rafah-4e9790b31fa842e2838f52407f1aeb81">Associated Press</a>.

Tramel said the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas was inexcusable. He considered having photos from that day in the presentation before deciding not to.

Hamas has since stated that mistakes were made that day, but Tramel said that it was undeniably unjust.

"Mistakes is a pretty offensive word to use for what we saw," he said. "It was a horrible direct targeting of noncombatants and a clear violation of the rules of war."

Following the rules of just war can, to an extent, be impossible, according to Tramel, who said neither side believes the other would treat them justly if given the chance.

As the war in Gaza continues, Tramel said the future and long-term objectives appear uncertain for both Israel and Hamas.

"It's not clear that either side has a reasonable chance of success in what they're doing," he said. "It's not clear that this will make Israel safe, and it's not clear what Hamas will gain from what they do."

To watch previous Times Talk presentations, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@FHSULibrary/videos">here</a>.

You can also follow the American Democracy Project of Fort Hays State University on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/adpfhsu">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706825701345.jpeg" alt="Peter Tramel, assistant professor of philosophy, giving his presentation, "Self-Defense, Collateral Damage and Terrorism: The War in Gaza" at Fort Hays State University on Thursday. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Peter Tramel, assistant professor of philosophy, giving his presentation, "Self-Defense, Collateral Damage and Terrorism: The War in Gaza" at Fort Hays State University on Thursday. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFHSU hosts a Times Talk presentation on the Israel-Hamas war and the conduct of fighting that has occurred since the start of the war.The American Democracy Project presentation on Thursday, at the Forsyth Library, was about the ongoing war in Gaza.Assistant Professor of Philosophy Peter Tramel brought attention to the conflict by discussing what qualifies as self-defense, collateral damage and terrorism.Tramel said although he is not a historian or a political scientist, his expertise lies in the field of moral and just war theory."I've been watching public discourse about the war in media, I thought it was desperately bad and [people] needed help in understanding what the issues might be," he said.Before obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at FHSU, Tramel served as a medic and surgical technician in the U.S. Army.Just war theory is an ambiguous term that can be used to describe someone's position, specialization or commitment to a tradition, Tramel said.Generally speaking, the tradition is the basis of international law, often applied more assertively to weaker nations through the prosecution of war criminals at the International Criminal Court, Tramel said."War companies from the United States, Russia and China won't face international law because there is no mechanism of support that's strong enough," he said.The just war tradition entails three requirements: a rationale for engaging in conflict, moral objectives and honorable conduct in fighting.Tramel focuses on behavior during combat and says that ethical warfare involves targeting solely enemy combatants while minimizing harm to noncombatants.Considering these ethics, the significant challenge in modern warfare is the inherent difficulty of conducting wars without causing harm to those who aren't involved, especially in densely populated areas."They're not starting a war in a place like Ellis, they're starting a war in a place like Brooklyn or The Bronx in terms of population density," Tramel said.Tramel presents a list of alleged flagrant violations of just war traditions and international law in the Gaza conflict that includes:<ul>
 <li>Both Hamas and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, are ignoring the just peace requirement&nbsp;</li><li>Hamas's terrorist's attack on Oct. 7 is a violation of the Principles of Discrimination and Noncombatant Immunity</li><li>Hamas's strategy of fighting from civilian cover is a violation of the Principle of Discriminations (and the 4th Geneva Convention)</li><li>Israel's "whack-a-mole" rules of engagement in Gaza violates Principles of Necessity and&nbsp; Proportionality Due Care Requirements&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>"If Hamas is reported to be somewhere and you bomb the you know what out of it, whether or not you ended up killing any Hamas, you definitely killed a lot," Tramel said."Just peace" refers to any essential measures taken to attain peace, while the "Principles of Discrimination" involve distinguishing enemy combatants and only targeting them, sparing noncombatants from harm.The death toll for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 27,000 after Hamas's initial assault on southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of over 250 individuals, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-war-and-unrest-gaza-strip-israel-rafah-4e9790b31fa842e2838f52407f1aeb81">Associated Press</a>.Tramel said the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas was inexcusable. He considered having photos from that day in the presentation before deciding not to.Hamas has since stated that mistakes were made that day, but Tramel said that it was undeniably unjust."Mistakes is a pretty offensive word to use for what we saw," he said. "It was a horrible direct targeting of noncombatants and a clear violation of the rules of war."Following the rules of just war can, to an extent, be impossible, according to Tramel, who said neither side believes the other would treat them justly if given the chance.As the war in Gaza continues, Tramel said the future and long-term objectives appear uncertain for both Israel and Hamas."It's not clear that either side has a reasonable chance of success in what they're doing," he said. "It's not clear that this will make Israel safe, and it's not clear what Hamas will gain from what they do."To watch previous Times Talk presentations, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@FHSULibrary/videos">here</a>.You can also follow the American Democracy Project of Fort Hays State University on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/adpfhsu">Facebook</a>.

FHSU professor: Is the war in Gaza defense, collateral damage, terrorism?

Rehearsals began recently for the latest performance on the Hays Community Theatre stage for Ken Ludwig’s&nbsp;Moon Over Buffalo, a play that takes place backstage of a Buffalo, New York theatre in 1953.&nbsp;

The play highlights events of a small repertory company that features a pair of middle-aged married actors who are no longer in the limelight.&nbsp; When events transpire to provide a chance to get back in the public eye, hilarious misunderstandings pile on madcap misadventures, in this valentine to theatre hams everywhere.

Paul English, the show director said, “This has been one of the funniest shows I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of.&nbsp; The physical comedy and the pacing has been one of the challenges that this amazing ensemble of actors has taken on and embraced with such determination and effort.&nbsp; After weeks of rehearsal, we are all still laughing and having such fun.&nbsp; It’s a show that people will really have a great time watching and will laugh all night long!”

The show will be performed on February 14, 16, 17, and 18, 2024 at the HCT venue at 121 E. 8th Street in Hays. A special Valentine’s Day performance on February 14 will include appetizers and desserts for the audience. Tickets for the Valentine show are $25 each. Tickets for the performances on February 16-18 are $10 each. All are available to purchase at HCT’s website -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hctks.com/">www.hctks.com</a>

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. - Ticket price - $25 each Includes variety of appetizers and desserts for audience

Friday, February 16, 2024 - 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. - $10 each

Saturday, February 17, 2024 - 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. - $10 each

Sunday, February 18, 2024 - 2 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. - $10 each

George Hay………………………Jerrett Leiker Charlotte Hay…………………….Dana Stanton Ethel……………………………….Michele English Rosalind Hay&nbsp;……………………..Claire Nickerson Howard……………………………Russell Heitmann Eileen……………………………..Vivian Leiker Paul……………………………….Adam Conkey Richard Maynard………………..Raymond Brent Director…………………………...Paul English Asst Director……………………..Everett Robert

SubmittedRehearsals began recently for the latest performance on the Hays Community Theatre stage for Ken Ludwig’s&nbsp;Moon Over Buffalo, a play that takes place backstage of a Buffalo, New York theatre in 1953.&nbsp;The play highlights events of a small repertory company that features a pair of middle-aged married actors who are no longer in the limelight.&nbsp; When events transpire to provide a chance to get back in the public eye, hilarious misunderstandings pile on madcap misadventures, in this valentine to theatre hams everywhere.Paul English, the show director said, “This has been one of the funniest shows I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of.&nbsp; The physical comedy and the pacing has been one of the challenges that this amazing ensemble of actors has taken on and embraced with such determination and effort.&nbsp; After weeks of rehearsal, we are all still laughing and having such fun.&nbsp; It’s a show that people will really have a great time watching and will laugh all night long!”The show will be performed on February 14, 16, 17, and 18, 2024 at the HCT venue at 121 E. 8th Street in Hays. A special Valentine’s Day performance on February 14 will include appetizers and desserts for the audience. Tickets for the Valentine show are $25 each. Tickets for the performances on February 16-18 are $10 each. All are available to purchase at HCT’s website -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hctks.com/">www.hctks.com</a><h2>Performance Dates and Times</h2>Valentine ShowWednesday, February 14, 2024 - 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. - Ticket price - $25 each Includes variety of appetizers and desserts for audienceRegular PerformancesFriday, February 16, 2024 - 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. - $10 eachSaturday, February 17, 2024 - 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. - $10 eachSunday, February 18, 2024 - 2 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. - $10 each<h2>Cast List</h2>George Hay………………………Jerrett Leiker Charlotte Hay…………………….Dana Stanton Ethel……………………………….Michele English Rosalind Hay&nbsp;……………………..Claire Nickerson Howard……………………………Russell Heitmann Eileen……………………………..Vivian Leiker Paul……………………………….Adam Conkey Richard Maynard………………..Raymond Brent Director…………………………...Paul English Asst Director……………………..Everett Robert

Hays Community Theatre presents 'Moon Over Buffalo'

The Kansas Department of Transportation’s I-70 asphalt improvement project in Gove County received the 2023 Sheldon G. Hayes Award – the top paving award from the National Asphalt Pavement Association.

The award was presented this week to the project’s contractor, APAC Kansas, Inc., Shears Division, of Hutchinson, at the NAPA annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.

“This award acknowledges what we Kansans have always known; Kansas contractors are second to none,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation.&nbsp; “It is the result of exceptional collaboration between Kansas-based industry partners and KDOT who completed the I-70 project with a high degree of skill and attention to detail.”

The Gove County project covered just over 9 miles of I-70 starting 4 miles east of Park and ending at the Trego County line. Nearly 76,000 tons of asphalt was used on the driving lanes and shoulders.

The winner and finalists are determined through a two-year evaluation process. To be eligible, projects must use more than 50,000 tons of asphalt and be selected for a NAPA Quality in Construction Award the previous year. Qualifying projects are then evaluated for smoothness and inspected in person by an independent pavement consultant.

This award is named for a founder of NAPA and the association’s first chairman. It has been presented annually since 1971.

SubmittedThe Kansas Department of Transportation’s I-70 asphalt improvement project in Gove County received the 2023 Sheldon G. Hayes Award – the top paving award from the National Asphalt Pavement Association.The award was presented this week to the project’s contractor, APAC Kansas, Inc., Shears Division, of Hutchinson, at the NAPA annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.“This award acknowledges what we Kansans have always known; Kansas contractors are second to none,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation.&nbsp; “It is the result of exceptional collaboration between Kansas-based industry partners and KDOT who completed the I-70 project with a high degree of skill and attention to detail.”The Gove County project covered just over 9 miles of I-70 starting 4 miles east of Park and ending at the Trego County line. Nearly 76,000 tons of asphalt was used on the driving lanes and shoulders.The winner and finalists are determined through a two-year evaluation process. To be eligible, projects must use more than 50,000 tons of asphalt and be selected for a NAPA Quality in Construction Award the previous year. Qualifying projects are then evaluated for smoothness and inspected in person by an independent pavement consultant.This award is named for a founder of NAPA and the association’s first chairman. It has been presented annually since 1971.

KDOT project in Gove County wins national award

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasKansas has some of the most permissive gun laws in the country, and last week the state house began debate on a bill that, if passed, would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to further enshrine gun rights in the state constitution.The proposed amendment would change the language of Section 4 of the Kansas Bill of Rights to include possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components as constitutionally protected rights. It would also add:The right to keep and bear arms is a natural and fundamental right. This shall not be infringed. Any restriction of such right shall be subject to the strict scrutiny standard.In 1905, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in Salina v. Blaksley that the current language in Section 4 does not protect an individual right to bear arms. In more recent cases, the Court has also rejected arguments that use Section 4 to challenge state and local statutes regulating firearms.Should the state constitution be amended, it would only allow the state legislature to regulate firearms if it furthered a “compelling governmental interest” and was narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.Not to mention, federal regulations would still supersede state law — a relationship currently being reinforced as Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act makes its way through the federal court system.Importantly, this proposed amendment contradicts Kansans’ public opinion on gun regulation.A vast majority of Kansans support restrictions beyond the state’s current regulations.In fall 2022, the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University asked Kansans about ten gun regulation policies in their annual Kansas Speaks public opinion survey.More than 70% of those surveyed favored six of the ten policies: requiring universal background checks; requiring a person to be 21 or older; mandatory three-day waiting period; preventing sales to people who have been reported as dangerous by mental health providers; preventing sales to people who have been convicted of violentmisdemeanors; and allowing family members to ask the court to temporarily remove guns from people at risk of harming themselves or others.64% of those surveyed favored authorizing law enforcement officers to temporarily remove guns from individuals who pose an immediate threat of harm to self or others.And more than 50% of those surveyed favored: banning assault-style weapons; banning high-capacity ammunition clips; and having teachers with appropriate training carry guns at school.Perhaps surprising to some, a majority of the state’s gun owners also favored nine of these ten policies. Banning assault style weapons was the only exception; supported by 45% of gun owners, opposed by 38%, and neither favored nor opposed by 17%. Note: nearly half (49%) of Kansans surveyed had a firearm in their home.As is often the case, proposed gun laws contradict public opinion on the issue, and Kansas is no exception.Political science research can help us understand why the state legislature has introduced an amendment that would make it harder to enact extremely popular gun regulations into law.For nearly two decades, research has shown that energy has ebbed and flowed among pro-regulation groups while pro-gun groups have been able to sustain political activism.However, new research found that gun policy has become a durable issue of public concern due to the increased mobilization among pro-regulation citizens in recent years; marking a fundamental shift in public engagement on the gun issue.The disconnect between public opinion and legislative action in Kansas underscores the complex relationship between policy decisions and popular sentiment, especially in a changing political environment.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

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