Per Ellis County
Resolution 2017-4, the Ellis County Fire Department is announcing the
implementation of a temporary burn ban in all the unincorporated areas of Ellis
County effective Monday, April 22. 

While in a burn ban, this limits the open
burning of garden/yard debris, pastures, ditches or other materials. However, normal household
trash can still be burnt in a barrel with a protected screened cover.

The burn ban is being implemented due to the increasing temperatures, lower levels of humidity, and a long spell without significant
measurable moisture throughout the entire county.

It is hopeful a significant amount of moisture
will blanket Ellis County in the coming weeks. If so, an
announcement will be made when the ban is lifted.

As always,
if anyone ever questions if a fire is about
to become out of control,
or may see a potential fire,
please call 911 immediately to get emergency personnel to respond as quickly as
possible.

Ellis County&nbsp;Per Ellis County
Resolution 2017-4, the Ellis County Fire Department is announcing the
implementation of a temporary burn ban in all the unincorporated areas of Ellis
County effective Monday, April 22. While in a burn ban, this limits the open
burning of garden/yard debris, pastures, ditches or other materials. However, normal household
trash can still be burnt in a barrel with a protected screened cover.The burn ban is being implemented due to the increasing temperatures, lower levels of humidity, and a long spell without significant
measurable moisture throughout the entire county.It is hopeful a significant amount of moisture
will blanket Ellis County in the coming weeks. If so, an
announcement will be made when the ban is lifted.As always,
if anyone ever questions if a fire is about
to become out of control,
or may see a potential fire,
please call 911 immediately to get emergency personnel to respond as quickly as
possible.

Ellis County burn ban in effect Monday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board will hear an update on the renovation/addition plans for O'Loughlin Elementary School at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.

This project is part of a $143 million bond that is ongoing in the district.

The board will also hear a report on asbestos abatement at Hays Middle School and O'Loughlin. That work is planned for this summer.

The board will again discuss the mascot for Hays Middle School. The school's current mascot is the Falcons. However, several board members said at their last meeting they favored making the HMS mascot the Indians to match the Hays High School mascot.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2094db0e-7cc3-4a04-bcfa-33b1348bce18">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD BOE discusses changing middle school mascot to Indians</a>

When the bond work is complete, Hays will have a new high school, and the current high school will be remodeled into a new middle school. Both schools will be on the current high school campus on 13th Street.

The board also will have a budget hearing to approve an amended budget.

The district unexpectedly received an increase in at-risk aid due to an increase in the number of full-time students receiving free lunches. The revised budget will allow the district to spend the additional funds it has received.

Additional funds will be transferred to and increase authority in K-12 at-risk and pre-K at-risk funds and will help offset costs associated with at-risk services and programming.

The board will consider business services restructuring. The reorganization will result in a reduction of one full-time position.

Board members will hear an update on the restructuring of student social-emotional supports and resources from Lindy McDaniel, special education co-op assistant director

The board also will consider approval of non-resident student capacity.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board will hear an update on the renovation/addition plans for O'Loughlin Elementary School at 6:30 tonight at the Rockwell Administration Center.This project is part of a $143 million bond that is ongoing in the district.The board will also hear a report on asbestos abatement at Hays Middle School and O'Loughlin. That work is planned for this summer.The board will again discuss the mascot for Hays Middle School. The school's current mascot is the Falcons. However, several board members said at their last meeting they favored making the HMS mascot the Indians to match the Hays High School mascot.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2094db0e-7cc3-4a04-bcfa-33b1348bce18">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays USD BOE discusses changing middle school mascot to Indians</a>When the bond work is complete, Hays will have a new high school, and the current high school will be remodeled into a new middle school. Both schools will be on the current high school campus on 13th Street.The board also will have a budget hearing to approve an amended budget.The district unexpectedly received an increase in at-risk aid due to an increase in the number of full-time students receiving free lunches. The revised budget will allow the district to spend the additional funds it has received.Additional funds will be transferred to and increase authority in K-12 at-risk and pre-K at-risk funds and will help offset costs associated with at-risk services and programming.The board will consider business services restructuring. The reorganization will result in a reduction of one full-time position.Board members will hear an update on the restructuring of student social-emotional supports and resources from Lindy McDaniel, special education co-op assistant directorThe board also will consider approval of non-resident student capacity.

Hays USD 489 BOE to discuss renovation plans for O'Loughlin Elementary

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

Common crude at CHS in McPherson rose half a dollar on Friday to $73.50 per barrel. That's down half a dollar from the first of the month, but more than ten dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year, and four dollars higher than a year ago. Futures prices in New York dropped to their lowest level since March last week, but were up slightly on Monday, trading over $83 a barrel by midday. London Brent was fetching $87 a barrel by lunchtime Monday.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up five oil rigs but down three gas rigs. The count in Texas was up two, Oklahoma was up one, and New Mexico was down one. The weekly total is down 136 rigs from a year ago.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up two rigs east of Wichita at 14 rigs either scheduled, moving to, or currently on site. The count in western Kansas is unchanged at 17 active drilling rigs. The tally is up seven percent from a month ago, but down nine percent from last year at this time.

Operators across Kansas completed 22 wells last week, with two in Barton County out of 15 in western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 354 completions so far this year across the state, compared to 546 a year ago at this time.

Regulators in Kansas approved 16 new drilling locations. Ten of those are west of Wichita including new permits in Russell and Stafford counties. That's 256 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 370 a year ago.

The government reported the fourth increase in domestic crude inventories in four weeks.&nbsp; A weekly report from the Energy Information Administration shows commercial inventories of 460 million barrels as of April 12th. Stockpiles remain about one percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Inventories in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve rose an additional 600,000 barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration  report. Commercial supplies are up nearly 15 million barrels since March 15.

Domestic crude production averaged 13,131,000 barrels per day last week, down 5,000 barrels per day from the week before, but up 800,000 barrels per day from a year ago. Four-week average production is down about 2,000 barrels per day for the week, but is more than a million barrels a day higher than a year ago.

The Biden Administration has raised royalty rates for oil-and-gas drilling on public lands for the first time in a century. The Interior Department raised royalty rates for oil drilling by more than one third, to 16.67%, in accordance with the sweeping 2022 climate law approved by Congress. The new rule also raises the minimum bond that drillers must pay to $150,000 from $10,000.

Oil patch drilling and business activity has contracted for the fifth straight quarter, and could drop more this year according to respondents to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Kansas is not alone in lackluster results of late: Oklahoma, Colorado and northern New Mexico showed declines in oil and gas activity. The survey included responses from 33 firms operating in the Midwest, the Rockies and parts of New Mexico. More than 75% of respondents agreed that consolidation will lead to more cautious production growth.

China, the world’s largest buyer of foreign crude, imported 11.3 million barrels per day last year. According to customs data, that’s 10% more than the year before. A new government report notes refiners in China imported record volumes to support rising petrochemical and transportation-fuel needs. Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq were China’s main sources. Russia topped the list last year after offering steep discounts prompted by international sanctions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications Common crude at CHS in McPherson rose half a dollar on Friday to $73.50 per barrel. That's down half a dollar from the first of the month, but more than ten dollars a barrel higher than at the first of the year, and four dollars higher than a year ago. Futures prices in New York dropped to their lowest level since March last week, but were up slightly on Monday, trading over $83 a barrel by midday. London Brent was fetching $87 a barrel by lunchtime Monday.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up five oil rigs but down three gas rigs. The count in Texas was up two, Oklahoma was up one, and New Mexico was down one. The weekly total is down 136 rigs from a year ago.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up two rigs east of Wichita at 14 rigs either scheduled, moving to, or currently on site. The count in western Kansas is unchanged at 17 active drilling rigs. The tally is up seven percent from a month ago, but down nine percent from last year at this time.Operators across Kansas completed 22 wells last week, with two in Barton County out of 15 in western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 354 completions so far this year across the state, compared to 546 a year ago at this time.Regulators in Kansas approved 16 new drilling locations. Ten of those are west of Wichita including new permits in Russell and Stafford counties. That's 256 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 370 a year ago.The government reported the fourth increase in domestic crude inventories in four weeks.&nbsp; A weekly report from the Energy Information Administration shows commercial inventories of 460 million barrels as of April 12th. Stockpiles remain about one percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Inventories in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve rose an additional 600,000 barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration report. Commercial supplies are up nearly 15 million barrels since March 15.Domestic crude production averaged 13,131,000 barrels per day last week, down 5,000 barrels per day from the week before, but up 800,000 barrels per day from a year ago. Four-week average production is down about 2,000 barrels per day for the week, but is more than a million barrels a day higher than a year ago.The Biden Administration has raised royalty rates for oil-and-gas drilling on public lands for the first time in a century. The Interior Department raised royalty rates for oil drilling by more than one third, to 16.67%, in accordance with the sweeping 2022 climate law approved by Congress. The new rule also raises the minimum bond that drillers must pay to $150,000 from $10,000.Oil patch drilling and business activity has contracted for the fifth straight quarter, and could drop more this year according to respondents to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Kansas is not alone in lackluster results of late: Oklahoma, Colorado and northern New Mexico showed declines in oil and gas activity. The survey included responses from 33 firms operating in the Midwest, the Rockies and parts of New Mexico. More than 75% of respondents agreed that consolidation will lead to more cautious production growth.China, the world’s largest buyer of foreign crude, imported 11.3 million barrels per day last year. According to customs data, that’s 10% more than the year before. A new government report notes refiners in China imported record volumes to support rising petrochemical and transportation-fuel needs. Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq were China’s main sources. Russia topped the list last year after offering steep discounts prompted by international sanctions.

News from the Oil Patch: Royalty rates raised for drilling on public lands

A man accused of rape and criminal sodomy was found not guilty in Ellis County District Court on Friday.

The defendant, Michael “Mikey” Schmidt was originally charged with one count of rape and one count of aggravated criminal sodomy, which were filed by Robert A. Anderson Jr., Ellis County attorney, on Nov. 7, 2022.

Both charges alleged that Michael P. Schmidt committed sexual acts on or about March 17, 2021. The victim in the case alleged that she was incapable of giving consent due to the effects of alcoholic beverages or drugs.

She also alleged that her condition was known by or reasonably apparent to the defendant at the time.

An amended complaint was filed on April 8 in which the state alleged the same two charges but included alternative means under which count two was committed by the defendant. While only charged with two counts, because of the alternatives, the jury considered four counts.

A jury trial was conducted&nbsp;Tuesday through Friday in the Ellis County District Court in Hays.

The defendant, Michael “Mikey” Schmidt, was represented by Mark Hartman and Tricia Bath of Edmonds &amp; Bath, Leawood. The Ellis County Attorney Robert A. Anderson Jr represented the State of Kansas. The judge presiding over the case was Thomas J. Drees, district court judge of the 23rd Judicial District.

“The State was never alleging that the defendant had committed a violent or forcible sexual crime. Perhaps this is an oversimplification, but this case was a ‘too drunk to consent’ case," Anderson said.

One of the main issues in dispute was whether the victim was incapable of consenting due to the effects of alcoholic beverages or drugs, Anderson said.

For that reason, the jury was tasked with giving meaning to the phrase "incapable of giving consent due to the effect of alcoholic beverage or drug" and then applying the facts to the standard they set, Anderson said.

Additionally, the jury was permitted to consider the defendant’s level of intoxication, in particular as it related to whether the victim's condition was known to him or whether the condition was reasonably apparent to him, Anderson said.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA man accused of rape and criminal sodomy was found not guilty in Ellis County District Court on Friday.The defendant, Michael “Mikey” Schmidt was originally charged with one count of rape and one count of aggravated criminal sodomy, which were filed by Robert A. Anderson Jr., Ellis County attorney, on Nov. 7, 2022.Both charges alleged that Michael P. Schmidt committed sexual acts on or about March 17, 2021. The victim in the case alleged that she was incapable of giving consent due to the effects of alcoholic beverages or drugs.She also alleged that her condition was known by or reasonably apparent to the defendant at the time.An amended complaint was filed on April 8 in which the state alleged the same two charges but included alternative means under which count two was committed by the defendant. While only charged with two counts, because of the alternatives, the jury considered four counts.A jury trial was conducted&nbsp;Tuesday through Friday in the Ellis County District Court in Hays.The defendant, Michael “Mikey” Schmidt, was represented by Mark Hartman and Tricia Bath of Edmonds &amp; Bath, Leawood. The Ellis County Attorney Robert A. Anderson Jr represented the State of Kansas. The judge presiding over the case was Thomas J. Drees, district court judge of the 23rd Judicial District.“The State was never alleging that the defendant had committed a violent or forcible sexual crime. Perhaps this is an oversimplification, but this case was a ‘too drunk to consent’ case," Anderson said.One of the main issues in dispute was whether the victim was incapable of consenting due to the effects of alcoholic beverages or drugs, Anderson said.For that reason, the jury was tasked with giving meaning to the phrase "incapable of giving consent due to the effect of alcoholic beverage or drug" and then applying the facts to the standard they set, Anderson said.Additionally, the jury was permitted to consider the defendant’s level of intoxication, in particular as it related to whether the victim's condition was known to him or whether the condition was reasonably apparent to him, Anderson said.

Defendant found not guilty in rape case that involved alcohol

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas is
excited to announce an upcoming event aimed at child care providers to enhance
their professional development. 

The Child Care Provider
Professional Development Series: Enhancing Outdoor Learning Environments is
scheduled at 6 p.m., April 25 at The Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350
E. 8th St.

Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO
of The Chamber in Hays, said The Chamber is proud to offer professional
development for area child care providers.

"We are committed to
supporting the growth and development of child care providers in our community,”
Wasinger said. “This series offers valuable training and resources to enhance
the quality of care for our children."

Brenda Holopirek, a professional
development trainer and regional community consultant with Child Care Aware of
Kansas, is set to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to event, having
served in various roles within the early childhood education field for over
three decades. 

Attendees will have the
opportunity to learn about designing cost-effective outdoor learning
environments and receive two hours of KDHE health and safety-approved training.

In addition to the training
session, the event will offer free fingerprinting services from 5:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. Preference will be given to child care providers and their spouses
whose fingerprints expire within 45 - 60 days of each event. 

Fingerprinting services will also
be available during the remaining Child Care Task Force of Ellis County evening
meetings and the November 14 professional development event.

"We understand the
importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children, and
offering fingerprinting services is just one way we support our child care
providers in maintaining high standards of care," Wasinger said.

Attendees can register for the
event at a cost of $5 per person. RSVPs are requested by noon Tuesday to
ensure an adequate supply of materials and handouts for all participants.

For more information or to RSVP,
please visit The Chamber in Hays, Kansas website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588269644630.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Chamber in HaysThe Chamber in Hays, Kansas is
excited to announce an upcoming event aimed at child care providers to enhance
their professional development. The Child Care Provider
Professional Development Series: Enhancing Outdoor Learning Environments is
scheduled at 6 p.m., April 25 at The Rose Garden Banquet Hall &amp; Catering, 2350
E. 8th St.Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO
of The Chamber in Hays, said The Chamber is proud to offer professional
development for area child care providers."We are committed to
supporting the growth and development of child care providers in our community,”
Wasinger said. “This series offers valuable training and resources to enhance
the quality of care for our children."Brenda Holopirek, a professional
development trainer and regional community consultant with Child Care Aware of
Kansas, is set to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to event, having
served in various roles within the early childhood education field for over
three decades. Attendees will have the
opportunity to learn about designing cost-effective outdoor learning
environments and receive two hours of KDHE health and safety-approved training.In addition to the training
session, the event will offer free fingerprinting services from 5:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. Preference will be given to child care providers and their spouses
whose fingerprints expire within 45 - 60 days of each event. Fingerprinting services will also
be available during the remaining Child Care Task Force of Ellis County evening
meetings and the November 14 professional development event."We understand the
importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children, and
offering fingerprinting services is just one way we support our child care
providers in maintaining high standards of care," Wasinger said.Attendees can register for the
event at a cost of $5 per person. RSVPs are requested by noon Tuesday to
ensure an adequate supply of materials and handouts for all participants.For more information or to RSVP,
please visit The Chamber in Hays, Kansas website, <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">hayschamber.com</a>.

Child Care Provider Professional Development Series: Enhancing outdoor learning environments scheduled

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 338&nbsp; incidents April 14-20, 2024, according to the activity report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444921352.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 338&nbsp; incidents April 14-20, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798221988.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798292109.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798354225.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798411757.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798453551.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798505003.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798552175.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798604359.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798645099.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713798692488.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County Sheriff activity log, April 14-20, 2024

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708970452306.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713797808295.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713797861270.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713797903827.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County Jail bookings, April 15-22, 2024

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Amy Williams of Park!

Listen in at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. of 3 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX, 103.3 KJLS, 101.9 The Bull, 99.5 KZ Country, or 94.3 KAYS Monday through Friday during the month of April for your chance to win.

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Amy Williams of Park!Listen in at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. of 3 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX, 103.3 KJLS, 101.9 The Bull, 99.5 KZ Country, or 94.3 KAYS Monday through Friday during the month of April for your chance to win.<div><div data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="0291fec5-7a5a-4d1a-b546-dfde29b48995" data-routing="hash" data-script="5yp2mt"></div>
<script defer src="https://embed-1036378.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-script="5yp2mt">/**/</script></div>

Monday's Cash Grab winner is....

The Hays City Commission heard details of a design contract for the reconstruction of 32nd/33rd Street in Hays at its work session on Thursday.

In 2025, a section of 32nd/33rd Street from Willow to Vine will be reconstructed, and the intersection of Skyline and 33rd Street will be widened.

The low bid of&nbsp; $67,000 was received from Driggs Design Group of Hays.

Jesse Rohr, Public Works director, said the low bid was substantially lower than the $160,000 that the city had budgeted for the project's design.

The funds are set to come from the city's capital reserve fund.

Rohr said the goal was to keep at least one traffic lane open during the construction.

Once construction begins, he said it should take three to four months to complete.

In November 2021, the city of Hays and Ellis County reduced the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction by about 60%. The designated area is where the city’s zoning and subdivision regulations are enforceable.

The Hays Area Planning Commission approved changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map by resolution during a recent annual review and after a public hearing on Feb. 19, 2024.

The city commission discussed these proposed changes at its meeting Thursday. The proposed Future Land Use Map is below.

Rohr called the land use map a living document, which is subject to change. He said the map also helps the planning and city commissions make rezoning decisions.

City commissioners also discussed consolidating the duties of the Hays Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Hays has a separate Board of Zoning Appeals but has had difficulty filing the appeals board.

The Board of Zoning Appeals only meets when it has a case and met only three time last year.

The Unified Development Code also has resulted in fewer cases going to the appeals board, Rohr said.

Commissioner Sandy Jacobs asked if it would be better to have the decision making processes spread among more people.

Rohr said the consolidation should not be an issue, and it would integrate decision-making.

Ellis County already has a consolidated planning and appeals board.

The Planning Commission has seven members. All the seats on that commission are full. Its membership would stay the same under the proposal.

The Planning Commission voted on Feb. 19 to recommend consolidation of the boards.

If the Hays City Commission votes to accept the proposals, the consolidation could take effect immediately.

The design bid, Future Land Use Map and Board of Zoning Appeals consolidation will all likely be on the city commission's next regular meeting agenda on Thursday, April 25.&nbsp;

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays City Commission heard details of a design contract for the reconstruction of 32nd/33rd Street in Hays at its work session on Thursday.In 2025, a section of 32nd/33rd Street from Willow to Vine will be reconstructed, and the intersection of Skyline and 33rd Street will be widened.The low bid of&nbsp; $67,000 was received from Driggs Design Group of Hays.Jesse Rohr, Public Works director, said the low bid was substantially lower than the $160,000 that the city had budgeted for the project's design.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713382573142.png" alt="33rd Street reconstruction" />
 <figcaption>33rd Street reconstruction</figcaption>
 </figure>The funds are set to come from the city's capital reserve fund.Rohr said the goal was to keep at least one traffic lane open during the construction.Once construction begins, he said it should take three to four months to complete.<h2>Zoning</h2>In November 2021, the city of Hays and Ellis County reduced the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction by about 60%. The designated area is where the city’s zoning and subdivision regulations are enforceable.The Hays Area Planning Commission approved changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map by resolution during a recent annual review and after a public hearing on Feb. 19, 2024.The city commission discussed these proposed changes at its meeting Thursday. The proposed Future Land Use Map is below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713540052787.png" alt="Proposed Hays Future Land Use Map" />
 <figcaption>Proposed Hays Future Land Use Map</figcaption>
 </figure>Rohr called the land use map a living document, which is subject to change. He said the map also helps the planning and city commissions make rezoning decisions.City commissioners also discussed consolidating the duties of the Hays Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals.Hays has a separate Board of Zoning Appeals but has had difficulty filing the appeals board.The Board of Zoning Appeals only meets when it has a case and met only three time last year.The Unified Development Code also has resulted in fewer cases going to the appeals board, Rohr said.Commissioner Sandy Jacobs asked if it would be better to have the decision making processes spread among more people.Rohr said the consolidation should not be an issue, and it would integrate decision-making.Ellis County already has a consolidated planning and appeals board.The Planning Commission has seven members. All the seats on that commission are full. Its membership would stay the same under the proposal.The Planning Commission voted on Feb. 19 to recommend consolidation of the boards.If the Hays City Commission votes to accept the proposals, the consolidation could take effect immediately.The design bid, Future Land Use Map and Board of Zoning Appeals consolidation will all likely be on the city commission's next regular meeting agenda on Thursday, April 25.&nbsp;

Hays' 33rd St. reconstruction design bid comes in under budget

The Veterans Administration is looking at expanding an existing caregiving program to assist veterans who live in rural Kansas.

The Medical Foster Home Program serves veterans who require additional daily help, said Amy Adams, who serves as the coordinator of the program in this part of Kansas. Adams is a social worker with the Robert J. Dole VA Center in Wichita.

Medical foster homes are private residences where the approved caregivers live and provide continuous care and supervision to veterans who are medically fragile. Homes can be owned or rented.

Caregivers may open up their homes to up to three veterans and are paid by the veteran or the veteran’s family for the services provided. Caregivers provide meals, transportation, laundry, personal care and socialization to the veterans who live with them.

The veteran’s medical care plan is provided by the VA’s Home-Based Primary Care, Adams said.

Caregivers should have one to two approved relief caregivers who can provide a break for the primary caregiver.

Adams said the VA has been very successful in placing veterans in medical foster homes in the Wichita area. Now she is focusing on rural areas, such as Ellis County.

“Existing caregivers tell me that this is a good option for people who want a work-at-home business who enjoy providing care to others,” Adams said. “Caregivers who participate in this program say being a caregiver is part of their path in life, and they find enjoyment in this type of work full-time.”&nbsp;

This program also provides a routine and normalcy to veterans facing medical issues or end-of-life, Adams said. Veterans live in a home with activities, socialization and a family unit.

“It can bring joy to both the caregivers and the veterans,” Adams said. “Many veterans are in need of caregiving because they often don’t have family or others in their lives who are able or willing to be caregivers.

“This will fill the gap in the current options available to veterans living in rural Kansas who need long-term care,” she added.

Interested caregivers in the Ellis County area are asked to call 316-814-1574.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712690474831.jpeg" alt="Employees from the Robert J. Dole Veterans Administration Center join veteran Isaac Sanders in celebrating the Fourth of July last year. Sanders, who served as an air trooper in the Army Airborne, has been living in his medical foster home in Wichita for about a year. (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Employees from the Robert J. Dole Veterans Administration Center join veteran Isaac Sanders in celebrating the Fourth of July last year. Sanders, who served as an air trooper in the Army Airborne, has been living in his medical foster home in Wichita for about a year. (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Dole VA CenterThe Veterans Administration is looking at expanding an existing caregiving program to assist veterans who live in rural Kansas.The Medical Foster Home Program serves veterans who require additional daily help, said Amy Adams, who serves as the coordinator of the program in this part of Kansas. Adams is a social worker with the Robert J. Dole VA Center in Wichita.Medical foster homes are private residences where the approved caregivers live and provide continuous care and supervision to veterans who are medically fragile. Homes can be owned or rented.Caregivers may open up their homes to up to three veterans and are paid by the veteran or the veteran’s family for the services provided. Caregivers provide meals, transportation, laundry, personal care and socialization to the veterans who live with them.The veteran’s medical care plan is provided by the VA’s Home-Based Primary Care, Adams said.Caregivers should have one to two approved relief caregivers who can provide a break for the primary caregiver.Adams said the VA has been very successful in placing veterans in medical foster homes in the Wichita area. Now she is focusing on rural areas, such as Ellis County.“Existing caregivers tell me that this is a good option for people who want a work-at-home business who enjoy providing care to others,” Adams said. “Caregivers who participate in this program say being a caregiver is part of their path in life, and they find enjoyment in this type of work full-time.”&nbsp;This program also provides a routine and normalcy to veterans facing medical issues or end-of-life, Adams said. Veterans live in a home with activities, socialization and a family unit.“It can bring joy to both the caregivers and the veterans,” Adams said. “Many veterans are in need of caregiving because they often don’t have family or others in their lives who are able or willing to be caregivers.“This will fill the gap in the current options available to veterans living in rural Kansas who need long-term care,” she added.Interested caregivers in the Ellis County area are asked to call 316-814-1574.

VA seeking caregivers for veterans in Ellis County, rural Kansas

On Saturday April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event allows for the public to anonymously dispose of old, unused, unwanted, or no longer needed medications. Theevent will be held in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th St, in Hays.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. 

Items that will be accepted are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. 

Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. 

Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713387751993.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOn Saturday April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event allows for the public to anonymously dispose of old, unused, unwanted, or no longer needed medications. Theevent will be held in the north parking lot of the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center, 105 W. 12th St, in Hays.The Ellis County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting. Items that will be accepted are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Prescription medications can be disposed of in the original container or placed in a Ziploc bag. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted.

Ellis County Sheriff teams with the DEA for drug take back event

Sunflower Audubon to present 'Cliff Swallows'

<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/2024/4/1713730521406.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

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants. These annual waste tire grants are awarded to local municipalities and public and private schools K-12 across the state. The grants totaled $529,600.88 and were awarded to 51 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.

• City of Altamont, Labette County, Grant Amount $4,222.00• City of Belleville, Republic County, Grant Amount $9,360.00• City of Beloit Parks and Recreation, Mitchell County, Grant Amount $808.50• City of Bentley, Sedgwick County, Grant Amount $4,294.50• City of Caney, Montgomery County, Grant Amount $11,922.21• City of Chetopa, Labette County, Grant Amount $7,842.00• City of Dodge City Parks &amp; Recreation, Ford County, Grant Amount $37,895.80• City of Edgerton, Johnson County, Grant Amount $24,791.36• City of Eudora, Douglas County, Grant Amount $875.00• City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Grant Amount $15,600.00• City of Garden Plain, Sedgwick County, Grant Amount $2,072.5• City of Garnett, Anderson County, Grant Amount $12,675.00• City of Greensburg, Kiowa County, Grant Amount $3,153.5• City of Harveyville, Wabaunsee County, Grant Amount $1,677.00• City of Havensville, Pottawatomie County, Grant Amount $2,747.00• City of Hays Parks Department, Ellis County, Grant Amount $8,142.00• City of Howard, Elk County, Grant Amount $11,949.45• City of Jewell, Jewell County, Grant Amount $3,120.00• City of Kingman, Kingman County, Grant Amount $7,343.12• City of Lebo, Coffey County, Grant Amount $14,175.45• City of Longton, Elk County, Grant Amount $567.00• City of McCune, Crawford County, Grant Amount $1,428.00• City of Melvern, Osage County, Grant Amount $7,505.66• City of Montezuma, Gray County, Grant Amount $3,328.00• City of Osage, Osage County, Grant Amount $4,416.00• City of Ottawa, Franklin County, Grant Amount $32,938.90• City of Overbrook, Osage County, Grant Amount $1,922.50• City of Prairie Village, Johnson County, Grant Amount $20,715.21• City of Randall, Jewell County, Grant Amount $880.00• City of Salina, Saline County, Grant Amount $13,502.50• City of Stockton, Rooks County, Grant Amount $34,951.00• City of Valley Falls, Jefferson County, Grant Amount $8,226.00• City of Washington, Washington County, Grant Amount $2,887.00• City of Wellington, Sumner County, Grant Amount $19,354.54• City of Whitting, Jackson County, Grant Amount $14,133.10• City of Williamsburg, Franklin County, Grant Amount $1,681.00• Gertrude Walker Elementary, Finney County, Grant Amount $2,188.00• Lakemary Center, Johnson County, Grant Amount $40,155.00• Most Pure Heart of Mary School, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $13,847.64• Shawnee County Parks &amp; Rec, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $12,431.59• USD #216 Deerfield, Kearney County, Grant Amount $8,048.50• USD #252, Southern Lyon County, Grant Amount $18,800.47• USD #327 United School District, Ellsworth County, Grant Amount $20,568.50• USD #330 Mission Valley School District, Wabaunsee County, Grant Amount $3,960.00• USD #345 Seaman School District, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $2,735.00• USD #385 Sunflower Elementary, Butler County, Grant Amount $994.00• USD #408 Recreation, Marion County, Grant Amount $3,282.00• USD #462 Central Elementary USD, Cowley County, Grant Amount $14,075.00• USD #469 Inclusive Playground Committee, Leavenworth County, Grant Amount $32,188.88• USD #479 Stephanie Edgerton, Anderson County, Grant Amount $766.50• USD #509 South Haven School, Sumner County, Grant Amount $2,457.00

Please visit our website for information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzcwMC9XYXN0ZS1SZWR1Y3Rpb24tUHVibGljLUVkdWNhdGlvbi1HcmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxNi45MzQyMTAwMSJ9.uRlH4DPI-6qnbZTF_YacSgQbAx5_MHTW3ko6BuGBGLE/s/1305913623/br/240814285388-l">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/700/Waste-Reduction-Public-Education-Grants</a>

SubmittedTOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants. These annual waste tire grants are awarded to local municipalities and public and private schools K-12 across the state. The grants totaled $529,600.88 and were awarded to 51 organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products, including playground surfacing and picnic tables. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the tire excise tax, a $0.25/vehicle tire fee.• City of Altamont, Labette County, Grant Amount $4,222.00• City of Belleville, Republic County, Grant Amount $9,360.00• City of Beloit Parks and Recreation, Mitchell County, Grant Amount $808.50• City of Bentley, Sedgwick County, Grant Amount $4,294.50• City of Caney, Montgomery County, Grant Amount $11,922.21• City of Chetopa, Labette County, Grant Amount $7,842.00• City of Dodge City Parks &amp; Recreation, Ford County, Grant Amount $37,895.80• City of Edgerton, Johnson County, Grant Amount $24,791.36• City of Eudora, Douglas County, Grant Amount $875.00• City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Grant Amount $15,600.00• City of Garden Plain, Sedgwick County, Grant Amount $2,072.5• City of Garnett, Anderson County, Grant Amount $12,675.00• City of Greensburg, Kiowa County, Grant Amount $3,153.5• City of Harveyville, Wabaunsee County, Grant Amount $1,677.00• City of Havensville, Pottawatomie County, Grant Amount $2,747.00• City of Hays Parks Department, Ellis County, Grant Amount $8,142.00• City of Howard, Elk County, Grant Amount $11,949.45• City of Jewell, Jewell County, Grant Amount $3,120.00• City of Kingman, Kingman County, Grant Amount $7,343.12• City of Lebo, Coffey County, Grant Amount $14,175.45• City of Longton, Elk County, Grant Amount $567.00• City of McCune, Crawford County, Grant Amount $1,428.00• City of Melvern, Osage County, Grant Amount $7,505.66• City of Montezuma, Gray County, Grant Amount $3,328.00• City of Osage, Osage County, Grant Amount $4,416.00• City of Ottawa, Franklin County, Grant Amount $32,938.90• City of Overbrook, Osage County, Grant Amount $1,922.50• City of Prairie Village, Johnson County, Grant Amount $20,715.21• City of Randall, Jewell County, Grant Amount $880.00• City of Salina, Saline County, Grant Amount $13,502.50• City of Stockton, Rooks County, Grant Amount $34,951.00• City of Valley Falls, Jefferson County, Grant Amount $8,226.00• City of Washington, Washington County, Grant Amount $2,887.00• City of Wellington, Sumner County, Grant Amount $19,354.54• City of Whitting, Jackson County, Grant Amount $14,133.10• City of Williamsburg, Franklin County, Grant Amount $1,681.00• Gertrude Walker Elementary, Finney County, Grant Amount $2,188.00• Lakemary Center, Johnson County, Grant Amount $40,155.00• Most Pure Heart of Mary School, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $13,847.64• Shawnee County Parks &amp; Rec, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $12,431.59• USD #216 Deerfield, Kearney County, Grant Amount $8,048.50• USD #252, Southern Lyon County, Grant Amount $18,800.47• USD #327 United School District, Ellsworth County, Grant Amount $20,568.50• USD #330 Mission Valley School District, Wabaunsee County, Grant Amount $3,960.00• USD #345 Seaman School District, Shawnee County, Grant Amount $2,735.00• USD #385 Sunflower Elementary, Butler County, Grant Amount $994.00• USD #408 Recreation, Marion County, Grant Amount $3,282.00• USD #462 Central Elementary USD, Cowley County, Grant Amount $14,075.00• USD #469 Inclusive Playground Committee, Leavenworth County, Grant Amount $32,188.88• USD #479 Stephanie Edgerton, Anderson County, Grant Amount $766.50• USD #509 South Haven School, Sumner County, Grant Amount $2,457.00Please visit our website for information about their projects and dollar amounts awarded.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzcwMC9XYXN0ZS1SZWR1Y3Rpb24tUHVibGljLUVkdWNhdGlvbi1HcmFudHM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxNi45MzQyMTAwMSJ9.uRlH4DPI-6qnbZTF_YacSgQbAx5_MHTW3ko6BuGBGLE/s/1305913623/br/240814285388-l">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/700/Waste-Reduction-Public-Education-Grants</a>

KDHE announces Hays, Stockton recipients of waste tire product grants

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the economic impact of Fort Hays State University.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses FHSU's economic impact" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:450px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3u4ea-15efa00-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=450" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the economic impact of Fort Hays State University.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses FHSU's economic impact

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

PLAINVILLE — House Speaker Dan Hawkins faced criticism from rural health officials and residents last week when he traveled to Plainville to speak in opposition of Medicaid expansion.

Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, addressed Rooks County Republicans during an April 11 gathering at Plainville’s Township Hall. The evening included a meal provided by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative lobbying group.

The GOP leader is fiercely opposed to Medicaid expansion, which would provide health care coverage to an estimated 152,000 low-income Kansans, and to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s efforts to promote the policy.

The town hall-style meeting was in part a response to local debates over the idea, a flurry of letters to the editor in the Plainville Times and vocal support for expansion by Mark Schaukowitch, a Plainville resident. The Rooks County Conservative Alliance invited Hawkins to speak.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/00c82adb-f823-4f4b-84e0-38fccb7bd846">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;LETTER: Speaker Hawkins’ 'truth' of Medicaid expansion</a>

Hawkins repeatedly made disputed claims about the impact of Medicaid expansion on Kansas taxpayers, struggling rural hospitals and employment.

“We don’t want to make a huge mistake,” Hawkins said, addressing the capacity crowd. “Medicaid expansion is a huge mistake.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/14/kansas-governor-unveils-revenue-neutral-medicaid-expansion-plan-with-work-requirement-2/">Kelly’s proposal for Medicaid expansion</a>&nbsp;includes a work requirement with exceptions for full-time students, veterans, caregivers, people with partial disabilities, and former foster kids. It includes a new surcharge for hospitals that would benefit from the influx of $700 million in federal cash. The Kansas Health Institute&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/22/new-estimate-predicts-medicaid-expansion-would-serve-152k-at-no-cost-to-state/">estimates the plan</a>&nbsp;would not cost the state anything for the first eight years.

But Hawkins said Kelly’s plan was “smoke and mirrors.” As he went through slides in a PowerPoint presentation, he fielded questions from audience members.

Beth Oller, a Plainville physician who runs a practice with her husband, Mike, took Hawkins to task for generalizing that doctors and those in the medical field oppose expansion. Oller said they are tired of turning patients away or having to base treatment on a patient’s ability to pay.

“I talk to doctors all the time,” Hawkins said.

“Not as many as I do,” Oller said, as the exchange grew heated.

“I didn’t come here for an argument,” Hawkins said.

Oller’s comments are consistent with more than 100 health professionals and administrators who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/16/100-kansas-hospital-and-clinic-executives-health-professionals-endorse-medicaid-expansion/">sent a letter in January</a>&nbsp;asking the Legislature to expand Medicaid.

Concerns over such confrontations prompted meeting organizers to ask for questions to be submitted.

Schaukowitch, the vocal supporter of Medicaid expansion from Plainville, asked Hawkins about his work as an insurance salesman.

“Can you address your conflict of interest?” Schaukowitch said.

“We have nothing to do with Medicaid,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://danhawkinskansas.com/about/">on his website</a>&nbsp;describes the Hawkins Group, which he owns, as “an employee benefits insurance agency.” His 2023 statement of substantial interests, which elected officials are required to file with the state, says he receives fees or commissions from United Healthcare, Vision Care Direct, Delta Dental of Kansas, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, among other insurance companies.

Members of the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature came to hear Hawkins speak. Members said expansion has long been important to them.

“It’s one of our top priorities,” said Steve Watts, the organization’s northwest Kansas chairman. “It is something we’ve supported since it was possible.”

According to Kelly, who scheduled a pro-expansion appearance at Hays Medical Center a few hours ahead of Hawkins’ speech 25 miles north of Hays, the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act would create 23,000 new jobs in Kansas.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/87dfa1c2-653b-462f-9be2-07f13b029fed">SEE RELATED STORY: Governor Kelly Tours HaysMed; relaunches 'Healthy Workers, Health Economy' Tour</a>

She included a work requirement in her proposal to address concerns raised by Hawkins and other opponents of Medicaid expansion, who say the program would serve “able-bodied adults.” In reality, most people who would benefit from Medicaid expansion are already working or suffer from chronic illness. They include small business owners and their employees, as well as students, cancer patients and those who need mental health treatment.

Hawkins said the governor’s work requirements are “a joke.”

Under Kelly’s proposal, people would have to prove they are employed in order to sign up for services and renew them each year. The state health secretary would develop exceptions to allow enrollment by full-time students, caretakers, veterans and those with medical conditions.

However, Hawkins said, an applicant who only has to reapply once a year only has to prove they had one paycheck.

“Nowhere in that work requirement does it say you have to work a certain number of hours,” he said.

He claimed that “workforce participation will decline” and that Medicaid expansion would be an incentive not to work. Those concerns have not been realized in the 40 states that have already expanded Medicaid. According to the Kansas Health Institute,&nbsp;68.9% of adults who would qualify are already working.

Hawkins said some of the people in the target group for Medicaid expansion are already eligible for coverage through their employer or the Affordable Care Act. Those individuals would be taken off of private plans and placed into the government program, he said.

Kansas’ version of Medicaid, known as KanCare, is available to children, their parents, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. Only those who earn less than 38% of the federal poverty level are eligible. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $11,400.

Under the ACA, the federal government covers 90% of the cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. The annual income threshold for a family of four would be $41,400.

Hospital administrators say Medicaid expansion will have a dramatic positive impact on their bottom line. But Hawkins claimed they won’t actually see a benefit by adding services at Medicaid reimbursement rates.

In Kansas, eight rural hospitals have closed since 2015. Another 27 have been operating at a loss for the past three years and are at immediate risk of closing,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Data1.html">according to data</a>&nbsp;from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.

Hawkins said the state has to set priorities: Does it want Medicaid expansion or good roads and quality schools?

“Once you have this, you’re not going to get rid of it,” he said, because there would be too much political fallout with trying to reverse course.

Kansas is losing population and federal COVID relief money will eventually dry up, Hawkins said. He also claimed there is no proof that expansion will do anything to improve health care outcomes.

“There’s no magic pot of money. We’re going to have to pay the piper,” he said. “You should say no because you are the ones who are going to have to pay for it.”

Mike McCorkle, a Democrat who is challenging Hawkins for his Wichita district seat, traveled 200 miles to hear Hawkins speak.

Hawkins introduced McCorkle to the crowd.

“We’re going to have a good campaign,” Hawkins said. “Some of you are going to agree with me and some of you are going to disagree, and that’s OK.”

Hawkins said he has been willing to “work across the aisle” and that divisions within the Legislature are not as bad as portrayed by news media.

“Don’t believe everything you hear about,” Hawkins said.

McCorkle didn’t offer any remarks. He just sat in the audience.

The Senate is scheduled to consider a motion to debate the governor’s proposal when lawmakers return next week.

Earlier this session, Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson allowed committee hearings on Medicaid expansion for the first time in four years.

According to testimony in those hearings, at least 70% of registered voters in Kansas support Medicaid expansion. That includes a slight majority of Republican primary voters and 83% of small business owners.

All of the states bordering Kansas have expanded Medicaid.

“We have left more than $7 billion in Washington, D.C., as one of the last 10 states to expand Medicaid,” Kelly said this week after a meeting on Medicaid expansion with law enforcement officials in Topeka. “This influx of funding would have an enormous impact by decreasing the financial burden on our jails and county taxpayers and increasing access to mental health care services for all Kansans. When the Legislature reconvenes next week, it is time for legislators to debate and vote on Medicaid expansion.”

RELATED STORY: See the latest on what your legislators are saying about Medicaid expansion:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/77c80d94-0150-48fe-b50f-f2f6f7ab6e3e">No rest for local legislators between adjournment, upcoming veto session in Topeka</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713542737579.jpeg" alt="House Speaker Dan Hawkins chats with attendees of a town hall meeting April 11, 2024, in Plainville. Hawkins outlined his opposition to Medicaid expansion during the gathering organized by Rooks County Republicans. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Dan Hawkins chats with attendees of a town hall meeting April 11, 2024, in Plainville. Hawkins outlined his opposition to Medicaid expansion during the gathering organized by Rooks County Republicans. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>PLAINVILLE — House Speaker Dan Hawkins faced criticism from rural health officials and residents last week when he traveled to Plainville to speak in opposition of Medicaid expansion.Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, addressed Rooks County Republicans during an April 11 gathering at Plainville’s Township Hall. The evening included a meal provided by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative lobbying group.The GOP leader is fiercely opposed to Medicaid expansion, which would provide health care coverage to an estimated 152,000 low-income Kansans, and to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s efforts to promote the policy.The town hall-style meeting was in part a response to local debates over the idea, a flurry of letters to the editor in the Plainville Times and vocal support for expansion by Mark Schaukowitch, a Plainville resident. The Rooks County Conservative Alliance invited Hawkins to speak.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/00c82adb-f823-4f4b-84e0-38fccb7bd846">SEE RELATED STORY:&nbsp;LETTER: Speaker Hawkins’ 'truth' of Medicaid expansion</a>Hawkins repeatedly made disputed claims about the impact of Medicaid expansion on Kansas taxpayers, struggling rural hospitals and employment.“We don’t want to make a huge mistake,” Hawkins said, addressing the capacity crowd. “Medicaid expansion is a huge mistake.”<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/14/kansas-governor-unveils-revenue-neutral-medicaid-expansion-plan-with-work-requirement-2/">Kelly’s proposal for Medicaid expansion</a>&nbsp;includes a work requirement with exceptions for full-time students, veterans, caregivers, people with partial disabilities, and former foster kids. It includes a new surcharge for hospitals that would benefit from the influx of $700 million in federal cash. The Kansas Health Institute&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/22/new-estimate-predicts-medicaid-expansion-would-serve-152k-at-no-cost-to-state/">estimates the plan</a>&nbsp;would not cost the state anything for the first eight years.But Hawkins said Kelly’s plan was “smoke and mirrors.” As he went through slides in a PowerPoint presentation, he fielded questions from audience members.And audience members pushed back.Beth Oller, a Plainville physician who runs a practice with her husband, Mike, took Hawkins to task for generalizing that doctors and those in the medical field oppose expansion. Oller said they are tired of turning patients away or having to base treatment on a patient’s ability to pay.“I talk to doctors all the time,” Hawkins said.“Not as many as I do,” Oller said, as the exchange grew heated.“I didn’t come here for an argument,” Hawkins said.Oller’s comments are consistent with more than 100 health professionals and administrators who&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/16/100-kansas-hospital-and-clinic-executives-health-professionals-endorse-medicaid-expansion/">sent a letter in January</a>&nbsp;asking the Legislature to expand Medicaid.Concerns over such confrontations prompted meeting organizers to ask for questions to be submitted.Schaukowitch, the vocal supporter of Medicaid expansion from Plainville, asked Hawkins about his work as an insurance salesman.“Can you address your conflict of interest?” Schaukowitch said.“We have nothing to do with Medicaid,” Hawkins said.Hawkins&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://danhawkinskansas.com/about/">on his website</a>&nbsp;describes the Hawkins Group, which he owns, as “an employee benefits insurance agency.” His 2023 statement of substantial interests, which elected officials are required to file with the state, says he receives fees or commissions from United Healthcare, Vision Care Direct, Delta Dental of Kansas, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, among other insurance companies.Members of the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature came to hear Hawkins speak. Members said expansion has long been important to them.“It’s one of our top priorities,” said Steve Watts, the organization’s northwest Kansas chairman. “It is something we’ve supported since it was possible.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713542817611.jpeg" alt="A capacity crowd on April 11, 2024, filled the Plainville Township Hall to hear House Speaker Dan Hawkins talk about Medicaid expansion. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A capacity crowd on April 11, 2024, filled the Plainville Township Hall to hear House Speaker Dan Hawkins talk about Medicaid expansion. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Making his case</h2>According to Kelly, who scheduled a pro-expansion appearance at Hays Medical Center a few hours ahead of Hawkins’ speech 25 miles north of Hays, the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act would create 23,000 new jobs in Kansas.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/87dfa1c2-653b-462f-9be2-07f13b029fed">SEE RELATED STORY: Governor Kelly Tours HaysMed; relaunches 'Healthy Workers, Health Economy' Tour</a>She included a work requirement in her proposal to address concerns raised by Hawkins and other opponents of Medicaid expansion, who say the program would serve “able-bodied adults.” In reality, most people who would benefit from Medicaid expansion are already working or suffer from chronic illness. They include small business owners and their employees, as well as students, cancer patients and those who need mental health treatment.Hawkins said the governor’s work requirements are “a joke.”Under Kelly’s proposal, people would have to prove they are employed in order to sign up for services and renew them each year. The state health secretary would develop exceptions to allow enrollment by full-time students, caretakers, veterans and those with medical conditions.However, Hawkins said, an applicant who only has to reapply once a year only has to prove they had one paycheck.“Nowhere in that work requirement does it say you have to work a certain number of hours,” he said.He claimed that “workforce participation will decline” and that Medicaid expansion would be an incentive not to work. Those concerns have not been realized in the 40 states that have already expanded Medicaid. According to the Kansas Health Institute,&nbsp;68.9% of adults who would qualify are already working.Hawkins said some of the people in the target group for Medicaid expansion are already eligible for coverage through their employer or the Affordable Care Act. Those individuals would be taken off of private plans and placed into the government program, he said.Kansas’ version of Medicaid, known as KanCare, is available to children, their parents, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. Only those who earn less than 38% of the federal poverty level are eligible. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $11,400.Under the ACA, the federal government covers 90% of the cost of Medicaid services in exchange for expanding eligibility to 138% of the federal poverty rate. The annual income threshold for a family of four would be $41,400.Hospital administrators say Medicaid expansion will have a dramatic positive impact on their bottom line. But Hawkins claimed they won’t actually see a benefit by adding services at Medicaid reimbursement rates.In Kansas, eight rural hospitals have closed since 2015. Another 27 have been operating at a loss for the past three years and are at immediate risk of closing,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Data1.html">according to data</a>&nbsp;from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.Hawkins said the state has to set priorities: Does it want Medicaid expansion or good roads and quality schools?“Once you have this, you’re not going to get rid of it,” he said, because there would be too much political fallout with trying to reverse course.Kansas is losing population and federal COVID relief money will eventually dry up, Hawkins said. He also claimed there is no proof that expansion will do anything to improve health care outcomes.“There’s no magic pot of money. We’re going to have to pay the piper,” he said. “You should say no because you are the ones who are going to have to pay for it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713542874199.jpeg" alt="Mike McCorkle, a Democratic challenger to GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins, speaks to Tonia Goertz, a reporter for the Plainville Times, before the presentation by Hawkins. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Mike McCorkle, a Democratic challenger to GOP House Speaker Dan Hawkins, speaks to Tonia Goertz, a reporter for the Plainville Times, before the presentation by Hawkins. (Dale Hogg for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Status of legislation</h2>Mike McCorkle, a Democrat who is challenging Hawkins for his Wichita district seat, traveled 200 miles to hear Hawkins speak.Hawkins introduced McCorkle to the crowd.“We’re going to have a good campaign,” Hawkins said. “Some of you are going to agree with me and some of you are going to disagree, and that’s OK.”Hawkins said he has been willing to “work across the aisle” and that divisions within the Legislature are not as bad as portrayed by news media.“Don’t believe everything you hear about,” Hawkins said.McCorkle didn’t offer any remarks. He just sat in the audience.The Senate is scheduled to consider a motion to debate the governor’s proposal when lawmakers return next week.Earlier this session, Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson allowed committee hearings on Medicaid expansion for the first time in four years.According to testimony in those hearings, at least 70% of registered voters in Kansas support Medicaid expansion. That includes a slight majority of Republican primary voters and 83% of small business owners.All of the states bordering Kansas have expanded Medicaid.“We have left more than $7 billion in Washington, D.C., as one of the last 10 states to expand Medicaid,” Kelly said this week after a meeting on Medicaid expansion with law enforcement officials in Topeka. “This influx of funding would have an enormous impact by decreasing the financial burden on our jails and county taxpayers and increasing access to mental health care services for all Kansans. When the Legislature reconvenes next week, it is time for legislators to debate and vote on Medicaid expansion.”RELATED STORY: See the latest on what your legislators are saying about Medicaid expansion:&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/77c80d94-0150-48fe-b50f-f2f6f7ab6e3e">No rest for local legislators between adjournment, upcoming veto session in Topeka</a>

Kansas House speaker meets opposition as he makes case against Medicaid expansion in Plainville

Speaker of the Kansas House, Dan Hawkins, visited Plainville this [April 11] to reveal the “truth” of Medicaid expansion. Either his presentation was outdated, or he was not truthful. Either way, Hawkins’ presentation proved he cannot speak the truth.

Hawkins claims over 150,000 able-bodied adults “who are not working” will receive taxpayer-financed health care if Medicaid expansion becomes law. Able-bodied adults should just “get a job” that either provides health care benefits or enough wages to purchase a subsidized plan on the federal insurance market.

However, there are not 150,000 able-bodied adults “not working” in Kansas. The current unemployment rate is 2.7%. Kansas is home to just under 2.9 million people. Subtract children, retirees and the disabled from that number, and you’ll arrive at about 1.9 million able-bodied adults. Multiply 1.9 million by 0.027. You get 51,300 unemployed. The unemployed have access to COBRA if they lose their job or are already on Medicaid if their COBRA extension has run out.

This means Hawkins stood in front of about 100 people and used faulty information or directly lied. I prefer to be generous and assume he used old information. Either way, I would expect the Speaker of the Kansas House to have heard Kari Bruffett’s testimony in favor of Medicaid expansion during the March 20 hearings. Bruffett, the CEO of the nonpartisan Kansas Health Institute, testified about 40,000 children and 110,000 adults would receive health insurance through Medicaid expansion. Only 20,000 of those adults are “not working.” Further testimony in the hearing revealed these adults cannot work because they did not receive consistent treatment for varying ailments like cancer. They literally are not healthy enough, but could have been, had they been on Medicaid.

Why would Hawkins continue to oppose Medicaid expansion if the target population is working? I believe he has a conflict of interest. Hawkins sells health insurance to employers for the Conrade Group in Wichita. According to a study by KU, Kansas health insurance premiums went up 77% between 2012 and 2020, whereas states that have expanded Medicaid only saw an increase of 25%. Frankly, Medicaid expansion could decrease the yearly growth in Kansas’ health insurance premiums.

I’m not saying a decrease in your premium will happen if Medicaid expansion is passed. Nor am I saying that increases will go away. I simply saying the increases will most likely not be as much after a few years. Being an insurance salesman, Hawkins no doubt knows this. However, he probably does not want his lucrative health insurance business to make less money than it does now. Either that, or he really does not care that the “truth” of Medicaid expansion is that Governor Kelly’s legislation would employ more people, help hospitals and decrease Kansans’ health care costs.

— Mark Schaukowitch of Plainville

1. Kari Bruffett, Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act: Hearings on HR 2556, March 20, 2024, <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf">https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf</a>

2. Davut Ayan et al. “Economic Costs to Kansas Due to State’s Failure to Expand Medicaid,” REACH Foundation, May 2022, <a href="https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851">https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851</a>

Speaker of the Kansas House, Dan Hawkins, visited Plainville this [April 11] to reveal the “truth” of Medicaid expansion. Either his presentation was outdated, or he was not truthful. Either way, Hawkins’ presentation proved he cannot speak the truth.Hawkins claims over 150,000 able-bodied adults “who are not working” will receive taxpayer-financed health care if Medicaid expansion becomes law. Able-bodied adults should just “get a job” that either provides health care benefits or enough wages to purchase a subsidized plan on the federal insurance market.However, there are not 150,000 able-bodied adults “not working” in Kansas. The current unemployment rate is 2.7%. Kansas is home to just under 2.9 million people. Subtract children, retirees and the disabled from that number, and you’ll arrive at about 1.9 million able-bodied adults. Multiply 1.9 million by 0.027. You get 51,300 unemployed. The unemployed have access to COBRA if they lose their job or are already on Medicaid if their COBRA extension has run out.This means Hawkins stood in front of about 100 people and used faulty information or directly lied. I prefer to be generous and assume he used old information. Either way, I would expect the Speaker of the Kansas House to have heard Kari Bruffett’s testimony in favor of Medicaid expansion during the March 20 hearings. Bruffett, the CEO of the nonpartisan Kansas Health Institute, testified about 40,000 children and 110,000 adults would receive health insurance through Medicaid expansion. Only 20,000 of those adults are “not working.” Further testimony in the hearing revealed these adults cannot work because they did not receive consistent treatment for varying ailments like cancer. They literally are not healthy enough, but could have been, had they been on Medicaid.Why would Hawkins continue to oppose Medicaid expansion if the target population is working? I believe he has a conflict of interest. Hawkins sells health insurance to employers for the Conrade Group in Wichita. According to a study by KU, Kansas health insurance premiums went up 77% between 2012 and 2020, whereas states that have expanded Medicaid only saw an increase of 25%. Frankly, Medicaid expansion could decrease the yearly growth in Kansas’ health insurance premiums.I’m not saying a decrease in your premium will happen if Medicaid expansion is passed. Nor am I saying that increases will go away. I simply saying the increases will most likely not be as much after a few years. Being an insurance salesman, Hawkins no doubt knows this. However, he probably does not want his lucrative health insurance business to make less money than it does now. Either that, or he really does not care that the “truth” of Medicaid expansion is that Governor Kelly’s legislation would employ more people, help hospitals and decrease Kansans’ health care costs.— Mark Schaukowitch of PlainvilleSources Cited:1. Kari Bruffett, Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act: Hearings on HR 2556, March 20, 2024, <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf">https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/committees/ctte_h_hhs_1/documents/testimony/20240320_22.pdf</a>2. Davut Ayan et al. “Economic Costs to Kansas Due to State’s Failure to Expand Medicaid,” REACH Foundation, May 2022, <a href="https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851">https://kuscholarworks.ku.edu/handle/1808/32851</a>

LETTER: Speaker Hawkins’ 'truth' of Medicaid expansion

Old Iron is back after a 15-year break! As part of the 150th Anniversary of Rush County, Kansas, the people of Otis have resurrected Old Iron Days for a one-time encore celebration. The celebration will be held on April 26-28, 2024 in downtown Otis.

Events begin on Friday the 26th at 6 pm with a Pancake Feed sponsored by the Otis Lions Club under the People’s Bank tent in the Otis City Park. Live music will be provided by “Off Duty.” A free will offering will be taken.

On Saturday morning, events kick off with a car and antique tractor show from 10 am - 2 pm. Military vehicles will also be on display. There will be live blacksmithing demonstrations, and the Mountain Man Rendezvous will feature historical reenactments from the early 1800s. Food and craft vendors, games for the kids, and more will be set up downtown. The Rush County Historical Society will exhibit historical displays in the Senior Center from 10 am - 2 pm and after the parade. Balloons from the Messer Helium Plant will be available for the kids from 10 am – 12:00 pm.

At 2:30 pm, the parade kicks off on Main Street featuring tractors, cars, and floats from the late 1800s to the present. On Sunday, April 28, the celebration will conclude with a community worship service under the People’s Bank tent at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome.

The Otis Old Iron Days celebration was founded in 1987 as a vision of Jim Funk, Harry Schneider, Ory Petersilie, and&nbsp;Jenny Landers, of Otis. Their idea was to give antique farm equipment collectors a chance to showcase and celebrate these historic artifacts of the past while providing a day of fun and entertainment. The last Old Iron Days celebration was held in April 2011. Old Iron Days 2024 is sponsored by the Otis Lions Club.

Throughout 2024, Rush County is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a year-long celebration,&nbsp;The 150-Year Rush. On December 5, 1874, Kansas Governor Thomas Osborn signed a proclamation formally establishing Rush County, Kansas. To commemorate, special sesquicentennial events are being held each month throughout the county. All events are open to the public.

For more information, or a complete schedule of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/">www.rushcounty.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Rush County Economic Development at 785-222-2808 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:celebrate150@rushcounty.org">celebrate150@rushcounty.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659716953388.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedOld Iron is back after a 15-year break! As part of the 150th Anniversary of Rush County, Kansas, the people of Otis have resurrected Old Iron Days for a one-time encore celebration. The celebration will be held on April 26-28, 2024 in downtown Otis.Events begin on Friday the 26th at 6 pm with a Pancake Feed sponsored by the Otis Lions Club under the People’s Bank tent in the Otis City Park. Live music will be provided by “Off Duty.” A free will offering will be taken.On Saturday morning, events kick off with a car and antique tractor show from 10 am - 2 pm. Military vehicles will also be on display. There will be live blacksmithing demonstrations, and the Mountain Man Rendezvous will feature historical reenactments from the early 1800s. Food and craft vendors, games for the kids, and more will be set up downtown. The Rush County Historical Society will exhibit historical displays in the Senior Center from 10 am - 2 pm and after the parade. Balloons from the Messer Helium Plant will be available for the kids from 10 am – 12:00 pm.At 2:30 pm, the parade kicks off on Main Street featuring tractors, cars, and floats from the late 1800s to the present. On Sunday, April 28, the celebration will conclude with a community worship service under the People’s Bank tent at 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome.The Otis Old Iron Days celebration was founded in 1987 as a vision of Jim Funk, Harry Schneider, Ory Petersilie, and&nbsp;Jenny Landers, of Otis. Their idea was to give antique farm equipment collectors a chance to showcase and celebrate these historic artifacts of the past while providing a day of fun and entertainment. The last Old Iron Days celebration was held in April 2011. Old Iron Days 2024 is sponsored by the Otis Lions Club.Throughout 2024, Rush County is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a year-long celebration,&nbsp;The 150-Year Rush. On December 5, 1874, Kansas Governor Thomas Osborn signed a proclamation formally establishing Rush County, Kansas. To commemorate, special sesquicentennial events are being held each month throughout the county. All events are open to the public.For more information, or a complete schedule of events, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rushcounty.org/">www.rushcounty.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Rush County Economic Development at 785-222-2808 or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:celebrate150@rushcounty.org">celebrate150@rushcounty.org</a>.

Local