COLBY - Author and former Kansas Magistrate Judge Tommy Webb is the featured speaker on Sept. 10 as part of Colby Community College's Dr. Max Pickerill Lectures Series. Judge Webb’s presentation begins at 7 p.m. on campus at the H.F. Davis Memorial Library.

Born in South Korea during the Korean War in 1952, Judge Webb lived in an orphanage and moved to the United States when he was adopted in 1959.

He tells his story of hope after rising from squalor, spending nights in trash dumpsters, and eating garbage before running away from the crippling chaos. He received acts of kindness from many people and experienced mercy and grace, allowing him to find a safe place in a suffering world. 

In his book "Running Away and Finding Home," he writes, “This is my story. I share it to inspire others. You, too, can make a difference.”

His dynamic message to value and appreciate the qualities of other people is delivered with a sense of humor that will be inspiring, thought-provoking, and entertaining.

Judge Webb served four years in the United States Marine Corps from 1970 to 1974 and was first elected in 1988. He served consecutive terms before retiring in 2016 with the distinction of being the first Asian judge for Kansas. 

Today, he speaks throughout the United States, sharing his inspirational message.

There is no charge to attend the presentation. The Dr. Max Pickerill Lecture Series is funded annually by anonymous donors. 

For more information, contact Dr. Linda Davis-Stephens at (785) 460-5528.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724428365130.jpeg" alt="Author and former Kansas Magistrate Judge Tommy Webb. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Author and former Kansas Magistrate Judge Tommy Webb. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Colby Community CollegeCOLBY - Author and former Kansas Magistrate Judge Tommy Webb is the featured speaker on Sept. 10 as part of Colby Community College's Dr. Max Pickerill Lectures Series. Judge Webb’s presentation begins at 7 p.m. on campus at the H.F. Davis Memorial Library.Born in South Korea during the Korean War in 1952, Judge Webb lived in an orphanage and moved to the United States when he was adopted in 1959.He tells his story of hope after rising from squalor, spending nights in trash dumpsters, and eating garbage before running away from the crippling chaos. He received acts of kindness from many people and experienced mercy and grace, allowing him to find a safe place in a suffering world. In his book "Running Away and Finding Home," he writes, “This is my story. I share it to inspire others. You, too, can make a difference.”His dynamic message to value and appreciate the qualities of other people is delivered with a sense of humor that will be inspiring, thought-provoking, and entertaining.Judge Webb served four years in the United States Marine Corps from 1970 to 1974 and was first elected in 1988. He served consecutive terms before retiring in 2016 with the distinction of being the first Asian judge for Kansas. Today, he speaks throughout the United States, sharing his inspirational message.There is no charge to attend the presentation. The Dr. Max Pickerill Lecture Series is funded annually by anonymous donors. For more information, contact Dr. Linda Davis-Stephens at (785) 460-5528.

CCC lecture series opens with Judge Tommy Webb

The annual Dog Swim was hosted over the weekend at the Hays Aquatic Park. 

Take a look at this annual tradition that wraps up the summer swimming season in Hays below.

Hays Post The annual Dog Swim was hosted over the weekend at the Hays Aquatic Park. Take a look at this annual tradition that wraps up the summer swimming season in Hays below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724523620057.jpeg" alt="Photos by James Bell/Hays Post" />
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Stop, Sit, Swim: A look at Hays Aquatic Park's annual dog swim

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

As we hurtle toward our fall time change, it makes me consider how the length-of-days and the increased or decreased amount of sunlight affects all life on this rock. Every living thing has an internal clock of some sort that helps regulate its life. It’s what tells butterflies and birds when to migrate and sea turtles when to lumber ashore to lay their eggs. My internal clock is very reliable as it relates to getting me up in the morning. I have an alarm clock by my bed like most everyone does, but I rarely have to use it. It seems I can just decide in my mind when I want to awaken and when that time rolls around, I awaken. We put our two little dogs to bed about ten PM every night and they also get a treat then. Their internal clock often tells them when it’s time for a snack, as they begin to stir and whine about that time every night, and you can nearly set your watch by it.

Wildlife has different worries in life which are all about survival, like when to begin growing their heavy winter coats or when to begin breeding to sustain their species. All studies and research say that those things are dictated by the amount of daylight in a day, technically known as photo-period. So as the days get shorter and thus the amount of daylight becomes less, it triggers changes in wildlife.

In deer, shortening days and reduced amount of daylight triggers the breeding season known to us as “the rut.” I spoke with now retired Big Game Coordinator for the state of Kansas, who explained to me how increased amount of darkness each day causes increased production of certain hormones in a deer’s body and thus the bodies of both male and female deer prepare for the breeding season. He also pointed out that moon signs and other factors may bring about increased deer activity and changes of behavior, but it is all ultimately controlled by the length of days (photo-period.) As a side note here, have you ever wondered why deer and all wildlife for that matter have their young in the spring and not fall, early winter or even year-round like some domestic livestock? God has programmed their bodies to react the way they do so all wildlife young are born in spring when everything in nature gives them the absolute best chance of survival.

Furbearers are also affected by decreased amount of daylight. Matt Peek, Furbearer Biologist for the state of Kansas explained to me how the photo period dictates when a fur bearer’s pelt becomes “prime.” Fur bearing animals grow an extra-thick, heavy coat to protect them from winter blasts, and when that coat is at its absolute fullest and best for fur harvesting it is called “prime.” Decreasing amounts of daylight initiates that growth. It could be sixty-five degrees clear into December, but the animals’ fur still grows and becomes prime in anticipation of the cold, no matter when it comes, so that the critters are prepared. Fur from different parts of the country varies vastly in quality, as fur from Idaho for example will always be thicker and more luxurious than fur from Florida. But no matter where a fur bearing animal lives, their fur still becomes prime and the timing of that is dictated by the amount of daylight.

I hate the bi-annual time changes; I wish we would just choose one or the other (I really don’t care which one) and then just leave it alone! But twice each year as I scurry around resetting the clocks on the microwave, etc. knowing full well I’ll have to do it again in 6 months, I stop for a moment and consider how the wild critters clocks just kinda’ reset themselves thanks to the wisdom of our Creator. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsAs we hurtle toward our fall time change, it makes me consider how the length-of-days and the increased or decreased amount of sunlight affects all life on this rock. Every living thing has an internal clock of some sort that helps regulate its life. It’s what tells butterflies and birds when to migrate and sea turtles when to lumber ashore to lay their eggs. My internal clock is very reliable as it relates to getting me up in the morning. I have an alarm clock by my bed like most everyone does, but I rarely have to use it. It seems I can just decide in my mind when I want to awaken and when that time rolls around, I awaken. We put our two little dogs to bed about ten PM every night and they also get a treat then. Their internal clock often tells them when it’s time for a snack, as they begin to stir and whine about that time every night, and you can nearly set your watch by it.Wildlife has different worries in life which are all about survival, like when to begin growing their heavy winter coats or when to begin breeding to sustain their species. All studies and research say that those things are dictated by the amount of daylight in a day, technically known as photo-period. So as the days get shorter and thus the amount of daylight becomes less, it triggers changes in wildlife.In deer, shortening days and reduced amount of daylight triggers the breeding season known to us as “the rut.” I spoke with now retired Big Game Coordinator for the state of Kansas, who explained to me how increased amount of darkness each day causes increased production of certain hormones in a deer’s body and thus the bodies of both male and female deer prepare for the breeding season. He also pointed out that moon signs and other factors may bring about increased deer activity and changes of behavior, but it is all ultimately controlled by the length of days (photo-period.) As a side note here, have you ever wondered why deer and all wildlife for that matter have their young in the spring and not fall, early winter or even year-round like some domestic livestock? God has programmed their bodies to react the way they do so all wildlife young are born in spring when everything in nature gives them the absolute best chance of survival.Furbearers are also affected by decreased amount of daylight. Matt Peek, Furbearer Biologist for the state of Kansas explained to me how the photo period dictates when a fur bearer’s pelt becomes “prime.” Fur bearing animals grow an extra-thick, heavy coat to protect them from winter blasts, and when that coat is at its absolute fullest and best for fur harvesting it is called “prime.” Decreasing amounts of daylight initiates that growth. It could be sixty-five degrees clear into December, but the animals’ fur still grows and becomes prime in anticipation of the cold, no matter when it comes, so that the critters are prepared. Fur from different parts of the country varies vastly in quality, as fur from Idaho for example will always be thicker and more luxurious than fur from Florida. But no matter where a fur bearing animal lives, their fur still becomes prime and the timing of that is dictated by the amount of daylight.I hate the bi-annual time changes; I wish we would just choose one or the other (I really don’t care which one) and then just leave it alone! But twice each year as I scurry around resetting the clocks on the microwave, etc. knowing full well I’ll have to do it again in 6 months, I stop for a moment and consider how the wild critters clocks just kinda’ reset themselves thanks to the wisdom of our Creator. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Does the length of the day cause your body to obey?

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

A lot of customers know him by his first name. And while he sells a large variety of produce, many know Randy Evans as the peach guy.

The “peach king” has been bringing fresh fruit and vegetables from Colorado’s Palisade Peach Shack to communities in western Kansas for several decades.

One popular – and profitable – stop for Evans is Hays, America.

For six weeks every summer, people flock to the mall parking lot at Big Creek Crossing in Hays on Wednesday to purchase fresh Colorado peaches, and they often leave with more than peaches.

While waiting in line, customers can check out large boxes of fruit along with tables of vegetables that include beets, corn-on-the-cob, tomatoes, cucumbers and green beans.

Prospective buyers can be seen smelling cantaloupe and tapping watermelons in choosing what they believe is the best pick of the lot.

A venture that started with selling peaches and pears back in the 1970s has turned into a full-fledged vegetable/fruit operation for Evans.

After getting a taste of a good thing, people informed Evans they wanted more.

“I started adding on a little bit as people kept asking,” Evans said. “So I added other fruits and vegetables. I just wanted to pay for my fuel. And then …”

And then he started his business called Out of the Box Biz which now features a full-time market in Dighton.

He watched some peach-seeking customers one Wednesday in Hays as they picked up peaches from the display, turning them over and over before deciding which one to buy.

Others request a flat of a dozen peaches. But one of the most popular items are entire boxes of the scrumptious fruit, many to freeze for the winter.

Just like the produce, customers come in all shapes and sizes and ages – and in a variety of modes of transportation.

Some stand in line with babies in strollers or on their shoulder.

Several show up early to make sure they are the first in line. Others are determined to go home with what they came for, no matter what it takes to get to the end of the line.

Judith Case had a friend of hers drive her to the mall parking lot one Wednesday morning this summer, then used her wheelchair to check out the boxes and tables of goodies herself.

Case said she has been coming to the market for years. She is not only pleased with the quality of the produce but the service as well.

“It’s fresh, and it’s good,” Case said simply when asked exactly what keeps her coming back time after time. “I used to freeze them.”

She smiled at two grade-school age boys helping customers deliver their purchase to their vehicles.

“The kids are so polite and helpful,” Case said.

“It’s nice to see the younger generation helping out like this,” added Case’s friend, Diana Ficken.

Youngsters have learned both good service and hard work from the master of both.

Evans and his entire crew are polite and helpful&nbsp;with their customers no matter what their age.

Even the youngsters are good at chatting up customers.

“This is my last day working, because school starts tomorrow,” Braydon Pollock said as he carried a box of peaches to a customer’s vehicle in mid-August.

Braydon, a fifth-grader at Dighton Grade School, is one of several youngsters who Evans brings along with him.

As far as advertising arrival times each summer, Evans puts out notices through Facebook on his business website at <a href="https://outoftheboxbiz.com/">www.outoftheboxbiz.com</a>.

But the best advertisement is the quality of the produce itself and someone telling their neighbor or friend about them.

Evans said he has enjoyed getting to know a lot of people over the years. And he welcomes first-time customers with the same enthusiasm as he does his regulars.

He smiled while talking about a recent customer who made the hour-long trip from Grinnell to Dighton to pick up $750 dollars worth of produce.

“I think that was the largest purchase ever,” he said.

“Customers are very faithful,” Evans added. “We really appreciate that.”

The business actually began as a request from his own family members about 50 years ago.

Evans was living in the western Colorado town of Delta at the time, and his family from western Kansas asked him to bring back Palisade peaches when he came to visit.

“I started filling the back seat of the car, then the trunk and then a trailer,” said Evans, who ended up buying a semi trailer and a motor&nbsp;coach.

After his late wife, Marsha, fell ill, Evans moved the family to Kansas in 2005. After Marsha passed away in 2008, Evans decided to make his hometown of Dighton his new permanent home.

He remarried in 2010, and his current wife, Marla, and her family are now a big part of the experience.

As this year’s tour winds down for the last trip this week – in Hays on Wednesday, Scott City on Friday and Garden City, Saturday – he sometimes fields the question when he will retire.

He usually replies he isn’t sure because he enjoys meeting – and serving – people.

“I just really like the people,” he said. “It’s really rewarding in that way.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724433296083.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724532704208.jpeg" alt="Although the tents say “fruit,” customers visiting this stand in Hays on six Wednesdays each summer also enjoy a selection of a wide variety of vegetables for purchase. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Although the tents say “fruit,” customers visiting this stand in Hays on six Wednesdays each summer also enjoy a selection of a wide variety of vegetables for purchase. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostA lot of customers know him by his first name. And while he sells a large variety of produce, many know Randy Evans as the peach guy.The “peach king” has been bringing fresh fruit and vegetables from Colorado’s Palisade Peach Shack to communities in western Kansas for several decades.One popular – and profitable – stop for Evans is Hays, America.For six weeks every summer, people flock to the mall parking lot at Big Creek Crossing in Hays on Wednesday to purchase fresh Colorado peaches, and they often leave with more than peaches.While waiting in line, customers can check out large boxes of fruit along with tables of vegetables that include beets, corn-on-the-cob, tomatoes, cucumbers and green beans.Prospective buyers can be seen smelling cantaloupe and tapping watermelons in choosing what they believe is the best pick of the lot.A venture that started with selling peaches and pears back in the 1970s has turned into a full-fledged vegetable/fruit operation for Evans.After getting a taste of a good thing, people informed Evans they wanted more.“I started adding on a little bit as people kept asking,” Evans said. “So I added other fruits and vegetables. I just wanted to pay for my fuel. And then …”And then he started his business called Out of the Box Biz which now features a full-time market in Dighton.<h2>‘Picking’ their own</h2>He watched some peach-seeking customers one Wednesday in Hays as they picked up peaches from the display, turning them over and over before deciding which one to buy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724533462825.png" alt="Open a box at this fruit and vegetable stand and one finds peaches as large as, and sometimes larger than, baseballs. Photo courtesy Out of the Box Biz" />
 <figcaption>Open a box at this fruit and vegetable stand and one finds peaches as large as, and sometimes larger than, baseballs. Photo courtesy Out of the Box Biz</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724533910596.jpeg" alt="Randy Evans, trying to keep up with the demand on this day, unloads another pallet of boxed peaches from his refrigerated truck. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Randy Evans, trying to keep up with the demand on this day, unloads another pallet of boxed peaches from his refrigerated truck. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Others request a flat of a dozen peaches. But one of the most popular items are entire boxes of the scrumptious fruit, many to freeze for the winter.Just like the produce, customers come in all shapes and sizes and ages – and in a variety of modes of transportation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724533982965.jpeg" alt="Barry Miller, Hays, a long-time friend of Randy Evans, counts out a dozen ears of corn for customers. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Barry Miller, Hays, a long-time friend of Randy Evans, counts out a dozen ears of corn for customers. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Some stand in line with babies in strollers or on their shoulder.Several show up early to make sure they are the first in line. Others are determined to go home with what they came for, no matter what it takes to get to the end of the line.Judith Case had a friend of hers drive her to the mall parking lot one Wednesday morning this summer, then used her wheelchair to check out the boxes and tables of goodies herself.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724533677070.jpeg" alt="It’s a family affair for the Dighton business as Randy Evans’ stepson, Luke Williams, right, helps out on his summer break from high school. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>It’s a family affair for the Dighton business as Randy Evans’ stepson, Luke Williams, right, helps out on his summer break from high school. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Case said she has been coming to the market for years. She is not only pleased with the quality of the produce but the service as well.“It’s fresh, and it’s good,” Case said simply when asked exactly what keeps her coming back time after time. “I used to freeze them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724532861948.jpeg" alt="Workers of all ages help deliver produce to customers’ vehicles. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Workers of all ages help deliver produce to customers’ vehicles. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>She smiled at two grade-school age boys helping customers deliver their purchase to their vehicles.“The kids are so polite and helpful,” Case said.“It’s nice to see the younger generation helping out like this,” added Case’s friend, Diana Ficken.Youngsters have learned both good service and hard work from the master of both.Evans and his entire crew are polite and helpful&nbsp;with their customers no matter what their age.Even the youngsters are good at chatting up customers.“This is my last day working, because school starts tomorrow,” Braydon Pollock said as he carried a box of peaches to a customer’s vehicle in mid-August.Braydon, a fifth-grader at Dighton Grade School, is one of several youngsters who Evans brings along with him.<h2>Getting the word out</h2>As far as advertising arrival times each summer, Evans puts out notices through Facebook on his business website at <a href="https://outoftheboxbiz.com/">www.outoftheboxbiz.com</a>.But the best advertisement is the quality of the produce itself and someone telling their neighbor or friend about them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724533572064.jpeg" alt="Some customers even bring wagons to load up their purchases. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Some customers even bring wagons to load up their purchases. Photo by Diane Gasper-O’Brien, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Evans said he has enjoyed getting to know a lot of people over the years. And he welcomes first-time customers with the same enthusiasm as he does his regulars.He smiled while talking about a recent customer who made the hour-long trip from Grinnell to Dighton to pick up $750 dollars worth of produce.“I think that was the largest purchase ever,” he said.“Customers are very faithful,” Evans added. “We really appreciate that.”The business actually began as a request from his own family members about 50 years ago.Evans was living in the western Colorado town of Delta at the time, and his family from western Kansas asked him to bring back Palisade peaches when he came to visit.“I started filling the back seat of the car, then the trunk and then a trailer,” said Evans, who ended up buying a semi trailer and a motor&nbsp;coach.After his late wife, Marsha, fell ill, Evans moved the family to Kansas in 2005. After Marsha passed away in 2008, Evans decided to make his hometown of Dighton his new permanent home.He remarried in 2010, and his current wife, Marla, and her family are now a big part of the experience.As this year’s tour winds down for the last trip this week – in Hays on Wednesday, Scott City on Friday and Garden City, Saturday – he sometimes fields the question when he will retire.He usually replies he isn’t sure because he enjoys meeting – and serving – people.“I just really like the people,” he said. “It’s really rewarding in that way.”

NWester: ‘Peach king’ gets sweet reception in Hays 

The Ellis County Board of Commissioners are requesting citizen interest in being apart of the new Ellis County Library Board. 

To be eligible for the appointment, the person must live within the new taxing district of the Ellis County Library, which is anyone who lives in Ellis County, but not within the city limits of Hays or Ellis.

 Initial appointment terms will vary, but appointments will have four-year terms after the initial appointment. 

This is an exciting time for the new board. Some examples of the initial work needing done for the new board are creating bylaws, board positions, meeting dates, times, and locations, budget, contractual work, and working with local public libraries. 

For anyone interested in serving on this board, please feel free to contact an Ellis County commissioner or the county administrator to gather more information. 

To be considered for the appointment, a Citizen Interest form must be filled out and turned in. It can be found on the Ellis County Clerks webpage at <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/494/Citizen-Interest---Volunteer">https://www.ellisco.net/494/Citizen-Interest---Volunteer</a>.

Forms need to be returned no later than October 1, 2024.

Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Board of Commissioners are requesting citizen interest in being apart of the new Ellis County Library Board. To be eligible for the appointment, the person must live within the new taxing district of the Ellis County Library, which is anyone who lives in Ellis County, but not within the city limits of Hays or Ellis. Initial appointment terms will vary, but appointments will have four-year terms after the initial appointment. This is an exciting time for the new board. Some examples of the initial work needing done for the new board are creating bylaws, board positions, meeting dates, times, and locations, budget, contractual work, and working with local public libraries. For anyone interested in serving on this board, please feel free to contact an Ellis County commissioner or the county administrator to gather more information. To be considered for the appointment, a Citizen Interest form must be filled out and turned in. It can be found on the Ellis County Clerks webpage at <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/494/Citizen-Interest---Volunteer">https://www.ellisco.net/494/Citizen-Interest---Volunteer</a>. Forms need to be returned no later than October 1, 2024.

Ellis County seeks members for new county library board

SHERMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Sherman County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by Domingo&nbsp; Perez, 79, Kanorado, was westbound on. Old U.S. Highway 24 at County Road 5. The van rear-ended a trailer pulled by 2016 Ford F550 driven by Taylor Thomas Scott, 23, Burlington, Colorado.

After impact the van traveled into the north ditch, then came back onto the road and rolled into the south ditch.&nbsp;

EMS transported Perez to the Goodland Regional Medical Center. Scott was not injured. Perez was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Sherman County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by Domingo&nbsp; Perez, 79, Kanorado, was westbound on. Old U.S. Highway 24 at County Road 5. The van rear-ended a trailer pulled by 2016 Ford F550 driven by Taylor Thomas Scott, 23, Burlington, Colorado.After impact the van traveled into the north ditch, then came back onto the road and rolled into the south ditch.&nbsp;EMS transported Perez to the Goodland Regional Medical Center. Scott was not injured. Perez was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after rear-end crash

By Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01)

Last week, I completed my fourth annual 60-county Mann Listening Tour. Each year that I have served in Congress, I have hosted at least one town hall in every county of the Big First District. If an issue matters to Kansan, it matters to me, and those of you who show up to my town halls give me valuable insights to best serve you in Congress.

Over the past eight months I have consistently heard Kansans’ concerns about passing a fiscally conservative Farm Bill, reining in the weaponization of our federal government, cutting our reckless government spending, protecting the integrity of our nation’s elections, and securing America’s wide-open borders. These concerns have been a guide to how I develop solutions in Congress, and they will continue to be my pilot light in Washington, D.C.

As I concluded my annual listening tour last week, I could not help but to think about how our nation’s capital could benefit from more Kansas values.

Senator Bob Dole once told me about the “Kansas approach”—honesty, hard work, respect for your roots, common sense, service, simplicity, and genuine, thoughtful care for people. That is the Kansas spirit that so many of our fellow Kansans want to see more of in the nation’s capital. Sadly, that approach has dwindled and been forgotten by too many over the years.

Since the Biden-Harris Administration was sworn in, more than 12 million illegal immigrants have illegally entered the country. America begged Congress to come up with a solution, so House Republicans drafted H.R. 2, the strongest border security legislation passed in decades. Rather than coming to the table and finding commonsense solutions, Senate Majority Leader Schumer buried the bill in his legislative graveyard and refused to work with House Republicans to develop a solution.

When Americans rightly expressed their concerns about illegal immigrants voting in our national elections, House Republicans passed the SAVE Act, which requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. 198 of my Democrat colleagues voted against this commonsense legislation, and President Biden and Vice President Harris came out against it.

The House Agriculture Committee heard the demands from farm country for a fiscally conservative Farm Bill that provides certainty as they work to feed, fuel, and clothe world. We passed the Food, Farm, and National Security Act of 2024 out of committee with bipartisan support, and again, our Senate Democrat colleagues have responded with silence and failed to develop their own Farm Bill.

When President Biden was sworn in, he inherited a strong economy from the Trump Administration. However, President Biden was hyper-focused on massive government spending and expansion. For the first two years, Washington Democrats shoved their partisan, reckless tax-and-spend packages through Congress, which ultimately led to skyrocketing inflation and a declining U.S. economy. They senselessly taxed hardworking Americans and spent those dollars in an irresponsible manner. They have ignored the financial burden this spending put on American families, all while implementing burdensome regulations that handcuff hardworking Americans and drive-up costs even further.

Rather than resolving these issues, the Biden-Harris Administration spent more time using the federal government as a weapon against its political opponents. From using federal agencies to register voters at official events to attacking former President Trump in our federal courts, President Biden and Vice President Harris have been more committed to abusing their power than serving the American people.

Meanwhile, Kansans are just asking for some sort of commonsense policy solutions that bring them a degree of relief from the hardships of the past four years.

Ad Astra per Aspera, “to the stars through difficulty”. This isn’t just our state motto – it’s our way of life. Since our state’s founding, Kansans have endured and embraced hardships as we reached for the stars. We work hard to solve difficult problems, we keep our word, and we take pride in being a loyal and dedicated people. Our government would be a lot more productive and efficient if our nation’s capital embraced these values.

When I laid out my Commitment to the Big First District at the beginning of the 118th&nbsp;Congress, I promised Kansans to fight for an economy that’s strong, a future that’s built on freedom, a nation that’s safe, and a government that is accountable. Throughout my town halls it was clear – Kansans want me to continue that fight and to get our nation back on track.

I do not serve in Congress to be a caretaker in the slow demise of America- I serve to fight and work to make it stronger. I will not give up on bringing our conservative Kansas values to our nation’s capital or believing our brightest days are yet to come.

Tracey Mann, R-Salina, is the Kansas First District Congressman.

By Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01)Last week, I completed my fourth annual 60-county Mann Listening Tour. Each year that I have served in Congress, I have hosted at least one town hall in every county of the Big First District. If an issue matters to Kansan, it matters to me, and those of you who show up to my town halls give me valuable insights to best serve you in Congress.Over the past eight months I have consistently heard Kansans’ concerns about passing a fiscally conservative Farm Bill, reining in the weaponization of our federal government, cutting our reckless government spending, protecting the integrity of our nation’s elections, and securing America’s wide-open borders. These concerns have been a guide to how I develop solutions in Congress, and they will continue to be my pilot light in Washington, D.C.As I concluded my annual listening tour last week, I could not help but to think about how our nation’s capital could benefit from more Kansas values.Senator Bob Dole once told me about the “Kansas approach”—honesty, hard work, respect for your roots, common sense, service, simplicity, and genuine, thoughtful care for people. That is the Kansas spirit that so many of our fellow Kansans want to see more of in the nation’s capital. Sadly, that approach has dwindled and been forgotten by too many over the years.Since the Biden-Harris Administration was sworn in, more than 12 million illegal immigrants have illegally entered the country. America begged Congress to come up with a solution, so House Republicans drafted H.R. 2, the strongest border security legislation passed in decades. Rather than coming to the table and finding commonsense solutions, Senate Majority Leader Schumer buried the bill in his legislative graveyard and refused to work with House Republicans to develop a solution.When Americans rightly expressed their concerns about illegal immigrants voting in our national elections, House Republicans passed the SAVE Act, which requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. 198 of my Democrat colleagues voted against this commonsense legislation, and President Biden and Vice President Harris came out against it.The House Agriculture Committee heard the demands from farm country for a fiscally conservative Farm Bill that provides certainty as they work to feed, fuel, and clothe world. We passed the Food, Farm, and National Security Act of 2024 out of committee with bipartisan support, and again, our Senate Democrat colleagues have responded with silence and failed to develop their own Farm Bill.When President Biden was sworn in, he inherited a strong economy from the Trump Administration. However, President Biden was hyper-focused on massive government spending and expansion. For the first two years, Washington Democrats shoved their partisan, reckless tax-and-spend packages through Congress, which ultimately led to skyrocketing inflation and a declining U.S. economy. They senselessly taxed hardworking Americans and spent those dollars in an irresponsible manner. They have ignored the financial burden this spending put on American families, all while implementing burdensome regulations that handcuff hardworking Americans and drive-up costs even further.Rather than resolving these issues, the Biden-Harris Administration spent more time using the federal government as a weapon against its political opponents. From using federal agencies to register voters at official events to attacking former President Trump in our federal courts, President Biden and Vice President Harris have been more committed to abusing their power than serving the American people.Meanwhile, Kansans are just asking for some sort of commonsense policy solutions that bring them a degree of relief from the hardships of the past four years.Ad Astra per Aspera, “to the stars through difficulty”. This isn’t just our state motto – it’s our way of life. Since our state’s founding, Kansans have endured and embraced hardships as we reached for the stars. We work hard to solve difficult problems, we keep our word, and we take pride in being a loyal and dedicated people. Our government would be a lot more productive and efficient if our nation’s capital embraced these values.When I laid out my Commitment to the Big First District at the beginning of the 118th&nbsp;Congress, I promised Kansans to fight for an economy that’s strong, a future that’s built on freedom, a nation that’s safe, and a government that is accountable. Throughout my town halls it was clear – Kansans want me to continue that fight and to get our nation back on track.I do not serve in Congress to be a caretaker in the slow demise of America- I serve to fight and work to make it stronger. I will not give up on bringing our conservative Kansas values to our nation’s capital or believing our brightest days are yet to come.Tracey Mann, R-Salina, is the Kansas First District Congressman.

MANN: More Kansas values in our nation’s capital

By MARK JOSLYN Insight Kansas

For over a century, Johnson County residents voted for Republican presidential candidates.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Even during periods of Democrat strength, including Franklin Roosevelt’s landslide victory in 1932 and Lyndon Johnson’s overwhelming triumph in 1964, the county stayed true to its Republican identity.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Woodward Wilson was the last Democrat to win Johnson County, achieving this feat way back in 1916.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

But in 2020 Joe Biden put an end to the extraordinary run.

Two years later, nearly 60 percent of Johnson County voters supported Governor Kelly’s reelection bid and the county’s state House and Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-01-03/kansas-is-becoming-more-divided-democrats-win-suburban-areas-and-the-gop-holds-rural-communities">Democrat delegations</a>&nbsp;increased considerably.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats in fact now consider Johnson County a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2024-08-04/how-johnson-county-kansas-became-a-crucial-battleground-in-the-2024-election">crucial battle ground</a>&nbsp;in the 2024 elections.&nbsp;So, we have arrived at an important crossroad.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Are Democrat gains in Johnson County a harbinger of things to come?&nbsp; Or are they a temporary break in an otherwise robust trend of Republican dominance?&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The answer can be attributed to changes in demographics.&nbsp; Johnson County’s population is increasingly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/geo/chart/johnsoncountykansas/POP060220">urban</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/geo/chart/johnsoncountykansas/EDU685222">college-educated</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/geo/chart/douglascountykansas,johnsoncountykansas/INC110222">wealthy</a>&nbsp;– trends that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/04/09/partisanship-by-family-income-home-ownership-union-membership-and-veteran-status/">favor</a>&nbsp;the Democratic Party.&nbsp;Moreover, Democrat-leaning industries – education, health care and scientific professionals – now account for roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://thinkkc.com/business/communities/johnson-county-kansas">40 percent</a>&nbsp;of the county’s employment base.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Accordingly, the proportion of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jocoelection.org/archive/registration-numbers">Johnson County voters</a>&nbsp;registered as Democrats has increased from 20 percent in 2000 to 32 percent today.&nbsp; &nbsp;

But these changes cannot fully account for the shifts in voting behavior.&nbsp;After all, the percentage of voters in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jocoelection.org/archive/registration-numbers">Johnson County&nbsp;</a>registered as Republican has remained above 40 percent.&nbsp;&nbsp;What has changed is the Republican party.&nbsp; It has failed to offer candidates that appeal to moderates and those unaffiliated with either party.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the 2018 gubernatorial race, for example, Laura Kelly prevailed over Kris Kobach by 5 points statewide.&nbsp; &nbsp;In Johnson County, Kelly thumped Kobach by a whopping 17 points.

Also, in 2018 Democrat Sharice Davids unseated incumbent Republican Kevin Yoder in the race for Kansas’ third congressional district –&nbsp; which includes Johnson County.&nbsp;Davids skillfully managed a centrist image and has been able to hold the seat comfortably even after the district’s boundaries were redrawn to eliminate Democrat advantages.&nbsp; &nbsp;In 2016, Trump resonated with centrist voters.&nbsp;

 He secured majority support from independents and suburban voters across the nation and extended the Republican streak in Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Four year later, Biden seized the ideological center winning 64 percent of moderates and 54 percent of Independents. &nbsp;He convincingly won Johnson County, garnering an unprecedented 53 percent of the vote.&nbsp;The meaning is clear:&nbsp; Centrism thrives in Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp;The county’s demographics do suggest a supportive environment for Democrats.&nbsp; &nbsp;

This alone implies Kamala Harris is poised to win Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 

However, a better explanation is that county residents like centrist candidates.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Neither Harris not Trump, at this point, are centrists.&nbsp;And their vice president picks merely energized core supporters, prioritizing base maximization strategies over appeals to on-the-fence moderates.

Despite centrism’s successful track record of winning elections, reaching out to moderate voters if often met with disapproval.&nbsp; Passionate partisans steer candidates away from the middle ground in favor of more extreme policy agendas.&nbsp; &nbsp;Should Harris resist progressive pressures and concentrate on moderate voters, she will be in a strong position to take Johnson County and may very well be the next president.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK JOSLYN Insight KansasFor over a century, Johnson County residents voted for Republican presidential candidates.&nbsp; &nbsp;Even during periods of Democrat strength, including Franklin Roosevelt’s landslide victory in 1932 and Lyndon Johnson’s overwhelming triumph in 1964, the county stayed true to its Republican identity.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Woodward Wilson was the last Democrat to win Johnson County, achieving this feat way back in 1916.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;But in 2020 Joe Biden put an end to the extraordinary run.Two years later, nearly 60 percent of Johnson County voters supported Governor Kelly’s reelection bid and the county’s state House and Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-01-03/kansas-is-becoming-more-divided-democrats-win-suburban-areas-and-the-gop-holds-rural-communities">Democrat delegations</a>&nbsp;increased considerably.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats in fact now consider Johnson County a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2024-08-04/how-johnson-county-kansas-became-a-crucial-battleground-in-the-2024-election">crucial battle ground</a>&nbsp;in the 2024 elections.&nbsp;So, we have arrived at an important crossroad.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Are Democrat gains in Johnson County a harbinger of things to come?&nbsp; Or are they a temporary break in an otherwise robust trend of Republican dominance?&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The answer can be attributed to changes in demographics.&nbsp; Johnson County’s population is increasingly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/geo/chart/johnsoncountykansas/POP060220">urban</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/geo/chart/johnsoncountykansas/EDU685222">college-educated</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/geo/chart/douglascountykansas,johnsoncountykansas/INC110222">wealthy</a>&nbsp;– trends that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/04/09/partisanship-by-family-income-home-ownership-union-membership-and-veteran-status/">favor</a>&nbsp;the Democratic Party.&nbsp;Moreover, Democrat-leaning industries – education, health care and scientific professionals – now account for roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://thinkkc.com/business/communities/johnson-county-kansas">40 percent</a>&nbsp;of the county’s employment base.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accordingly, the proportion of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jocoelection.org/archive/registration-numbers">Johnson County voters</a>&nbsp;registered as Democrats has increased from 20 percent in 2000 to 32 percent today.&nbsp; &nbsp;But these changes cannot fully account for the shifts in voting behavior.&nbsp;After all, the percentage of voters in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jocoelection.org/archive/registration-numbers">Johnson County&nbsp;</a>registered as Republican has remained above 40 percent.&nbsp;&nbsp;What has changed is the Republican party.&nbsp; It has failed to offer candidates that appeal to moderates and those unaffiliated with either party.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the 2018 gubernatorial race, for example, Laura Kelly prevailed over Kris Kobach by 5 points statewide.&nbsp; &nbsp;In Johnson County, Kelly thumped Kobach by a whopping 17 points.Also, in 2018 Democrat Sharice Davids unseated incumbent Republican Kevin Yoder in the race for Kansas’ third congressional district –&nbsp; which includes Johnson County.&nbsp;Davids skillfully managed a centrist image and has been able to hold the seat comfortably even after the district’s boundaries were redrawn to eliminate Democrat advantages.&nbsp; &nbsp;In 2016, Trump resonated with centrist voters.&nbsp; He secured majority support from independents and suburban voters across the nation and extended the Republican streak in Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Four year later, Biden seized the ideological center winning 64 percent of moderates and 54 percent of Independents. &nbsp;He convincingly won Johnson County, garnering an unprecedented 53 percent of the vote.&nbsp;The meaning is clear:&nbsp; Centrism thrives in Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp;The county’s demographics do suggest a supportive environment for Democrats.&nbsp; &nbsp;This alone implies Kamala Harris is poised to win Johnson County.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; However, a better explanation is that county residents like centrist candidates.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Neither Harris not Trump, at this point, are centrists.&nbsp;And their vice president picks merely energized core supporters, prioritizing base maximization strategies over appeals to on-the-fence moderates.Despite centrism’s successful track record of winning elections, reaching out to moderate voters if often met with disapproval.&nbsp; Passionate partisans steer candidates away from the middle ground in favor of more extreme policy agendas.&nbsp; &nbsp;Should Harris resist progressive pressures and concentrate on moderate voters, she will be in a strong position to take Johnson County and may very well be the next president.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Can Kamala Harris repeat Biden’s historic Johnson County performance?

<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/2024/8/1724525678850.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

NW Kanas KDOT employee celebrates service anniversary

HaysMed is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Anum Khan to our medical team. Dr. Khan is a board-certified physician with specialized training in internal and hospital medicine. 

Her dedication to excellence is further demonstrated through her extensive internal medicine residency in Chicago, IL, where she trained at the prestigious Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Ascension St. Mary Hospital, and Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dr. Khan’s strong dedication to patient-centered practice strengthens our hospitalist team, further advancing HaysMed’s commitment to excellence in patient care. With her extensive background, she is highly skilled in navigating the complexities of inpatient care, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care.

At HaysMed, our team of hospitalists plays a crucial role in coordinating every aspect of a patient’s care during their hospital stay. 

These dedicated physicians ensure seamless communication between the various doctors, nurse practitioners, and specialists involved in each patient’s treatment. By overseeing comprehensive care plans and acting as the central point of contact, our hospitalists provide regular updates and address any questions or concerns from other healthcare providers, ensuring that every patient’s care is well-coordinated and thorough.

For more information about Dr. Khan and the services provided by our hospitalist team, please visit our website or contact HaysMed at 785-623-5000.

Hays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center. In addition, HaysMed has earned advanced certification in Infection Prevention.

Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. 

HaysMed is proud to&nbsp;be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. 

In 2022, HaysMed was named as one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association.

Learn more at <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/">haysmed.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724426607815.png" alt="Dr. Anum Khan. Courtesy HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anum Khan. Courtesy HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Anum Khan to our medical team. Dr. Khan is a board-certified physician with specialized training in internal and hospital medicine. Her dedication to excellence is further demonstrated through her extensive internal medicine residency in Chicago, IL, where she trained at the prestigious Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Ascension St. Mary Hospital, and Mount Sinai Hospital.Dr. Khan’s strong dedication to patient-centered practice strengthens our hospitalist team, further advancing HaysMed’s commitment to excellence in patient care. With her extensive background, she is highly skilled in navigating the complexities of inpatient care, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of care.At HaysMed, our team of hospitalists plays a crucial role in coordinating every aspect of a patient’s care during their hospital stay. These dedicated physicians ensure seamless communication between the various doctors, nurse practitioners, and specialists involved in each patient’s treatment. By overseeing comprehensive care plans and acting as the central point of contact, our hospitalists provide regular updates and address any questions or concerns from other healthcare providers, ensuring that every patient’s care is well-coordinated and thorough.For more information about Dr. Khan and the services provided by our hospitalist team, please visit our website or contact HaysMed at 785-623-5000.About HaysMedHays Medical Center (HaysMed) is a private, not-for-profit, 200+ bed hospital providing the only tertiary-level services in the region. As the premier provider in western Kansas for specialized care, HaysMed offers a wide variety of specialty programs including cardiology, orthopedics, cancer, surgery (general, minimally invasive and robotic), ENT, pulmonology, critical care and women’s services. HaysMed is a Level III Trauma Center and a certified Primary Stroke Center. In addition, HaysMed has earned advanced certification in Infection Prevention.Other services include rehabilitation, hospice, neonatal, intensive care and diagnostic imaging, as well as a Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center and a Sleep and Neurodiagnostic Center. HaysMed is proud to&nbsp;be one of only 20 U.S. hospitals recognized by Vizient in 2023 as a Top Performer in the Complex Care Medical Center cohort. In 2022, HaysMed was named as one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association. Learn more at <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/">haysmed.com</a>.

HaysMed welcomes new hospitalist, Anum Khan, MD

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Various funding mechanisms for proposed new housing developments and business expansions were all approved at Thursday's Hay City Commission meeting.

The city’s first-ever Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) was established in the Tallgrass Addition in 2020 and is nearly fully occupied. 

Local economic development interest group, Heart of America (HOA), was the developer.

Realizing the continued need for new housing, HOA asked Hays to cash-out its position by assigning future RHID revenues to the city in exchange for a $2.5 million economic grant. The trade will allow HOA to continue developing additional housing of Tallgrass Phase 4 just north of the current project.&nbsp;

Bonds will be issued to finance the economic development grant as well as the new&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/292e6398-09de-4575-8f00-59772bbb0c0c">advanced water metering infrastructure.&nbsp;</a>

The city signed intents to issue industrial revenue bonds for rehabilitation of a vacant building at 11th and Main by local developer Adam Pray and expansion of Gella's Diner and Liquid Bread Brewing Company, LLC on East 11th.

Pray is developing a former bank building into Chestnut Suites, high-end hotel housing for short and long-term visitors to downtown Hays. Gella's will be adding an event space and an area for Fort Hays Tech-North Central culinary classes.

Also approved was a resolution to set a Sept. 26 public hearing for establishing an RHID for the Depot Addition housing at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays. The private developer is Hays resident Michael Graham.

Fees will be going up for most admissions to the golf course, resulting in an estimated $24,000 in additional annual revenue.&nbsp; The card shed fee will remain the same.

"This should close our revenue gap about half way," said Jeff Boyle, director of parks.

Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course 9-Hole — $17 18-Hole Weekday — $23 18-Hole Weekend/Holiday — $26 Annual Single Membership — $575 Annual Couple Membership — $720 Annual Family Membership — $740 Trail Fee&nbsp;— $220

Hays Aquatic Park Daily Fee&nbsp;— $5 Season Pass — $53

Commissioners also agreed to an increase in daily admission to the Hays Aquatic Park and for a season pass. The daily entrance fee to the neighborhood Wilson Pool will remain the same.

Additional estimated revenue is $15,000 a year, also narrowing the operating gap.&nbsp;

Both the aquatic park and golf course are considered quality-of-life amenities and not necessarily money-makers for the city. The commission will assess the fees again in 2027.

The low bid from T&amp;T Builders, Hays,&nbsp; of $16,500 for Hays Aquatic Park concrete repairs was also approved.&nbsp;

Monthly updates about city department projects and upcoming events were also presented.&nbsp;

Toby Dougherty, city manager, was absent from the meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> By BECKY KISER Hays Post<div><iframe title="New Hays housing, business developments okayed for economic development incentives" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=k242m-16af48f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Various funding mechanisms for proposed new housing developments and business expansions were all approved at Thursday's Hay City Commission meeting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724445286908.png" alt="Proposed Phase 4 of Tallgrass Housing Development 2nd Addition. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Proposed Phase 4 of Tallgrass Housing Development 2nd Addition. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>The city’s first-ever Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) was established in the Tallgrass Addition in 2020 and is nearly fully occupied. Local economic development interest group, Heart of America (HOA), was the developer.Realizing the continued need for new housing, HOA asked Hays to cash-out its position by assigning future RHID revenues to the city in exchange for a $2.5 million economic grant. The trade will allow HOA to continue developing additional housing of Tallgrass Phase 4 just north of the current project.&nbsp;Bonds will be issued to finance the economic development grant as well as the new&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/292e6398-09de-4575-8f00-59772bbb0c0c">advanced water metering infrastructure.&nbsp;</a>The city signed intents to issue industrial revenue bonds for rehabilitation of a vacant building at 11th and Main by local developer Adam Pray and expansion of Gella's Diner and Liquid Bread Brewing Company, LLC on East 11th.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724445387367.jpeg" alt="Chestnut Suites LLC is planned for 1108 N. Main. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Chestnut Suites LLC is planned for 1108 N. Main. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723839401844.png" alt="Proposed expansion of Gella's Diner at 121 E. 11th, immediately east of the restaurant and brewery. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Proposed expansion of Gella's Diner at 121 E. 11th, immediately east of the restaurant and brewery. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Pray is developing a former bank building into Chestnut Suites, high-end hotel housing for short and long-term visitors to downtown Hays. Gella's will be adding an event space and an area for Fort Hays Tech-North Central culinary classes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723838456647.png" alt="Artist's concept of Depot Addition, 10th and Walnut." />
 <figcaption>Artist's concept of Depot Addition, 10th and Walnut.</figcaption>
 </figure>Also approved was a resolution to set a Sept. 26 public hearing for establishing an RHID for the Depot Addition housing at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays. The private developer is Hays resident Michael Graham.Fees will be going up for most admissions to the golf course, resulting in an estimated $24,000 in additional annual revenue.&nbsp; The card shed fee will remain the same."This should close our revenue gap about half way," said Jeff Boyle, director of parks.Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course 9-Hole — $17 18-Hole Weekday — $23 18-Hole Weekend/Holiday — $26 Annual Single Membership — $575 Annual Couple Membership — $720 Annual Family Membership — $740 Trail Fee&nbsp;— $220Hays Aquatic Park Daily Fee&nbsp;— $5 Season Pass — $53Commissioners also agreed to an increase in daily admission to the Hays Aquatic Park and for a season pass. The daily entrance fee to the neighborhood Wilson Pool will remain the same.Additional estimated revenue is $15,000 a year, also narrowing the operating gap.&nbsp;Both the aquatic park and golf course are considered quality-of-life amenities and not necessarily money-makers for the city. The commission will assess the fees again in 2027.The low bid from T&amp;T Builders, Hays,&nbsp; of $16,500 for Hays Aquatic Park concrete repairs was also approved.&nbsp;Monthly updates about city department projects and upcoming events were also presented.&nbsp;Toby Dougherty, city manager, was absent from the meeting.

🎤New Hays housing, business developments okayed for economic development incentives

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Someone recently came into the Cottonwood Extension office with a tiny insect, asking what it is. Fortunately, it had a distinctive long snout. So that meant it was a weevil and I was able to narrow it down considerably and identify it as a rice weevil. I did get verification from J.P. Michaud, entomologist at the Ag Research Ct. in Hays, too.

It just so happened that was the same day my newspaper article is due. Therefore, I thought I would write about pantry or stored product pests. Some of the more common pantry or kitchen insect pests are probably the Indian meal moth, sawtoothed grain beetles, and flour beetles.

Several insects, commonly referred to as pantry or kitchen pests, infest dry or stored food products in the home. Most are either beetles or moths. In the case of beetles, both the adult and larval stages may be damaging while only the larvae of moths are destructive. Infestations may be noted when these insects are found in some products, but more commonly when the adults are seen crawling or flying about the kitchen or pantry.

Since most of these insects are of tropical or semi-tropical origin, they live and breed best under warm, humid conditions – conditions often found in kitchen cupboards. Since most do not hibernate, reproduction is continuous throughout the year and populations can build up rapidly if they are left undisturbed.

Inspection - Always keep in mind that many pantry pests are strong fliers and that their larvae can crawl some distance from a source of infestation. The source of infestation is usually limited to a small area such as the kitchen, or a single cabinet, or a single susceptible product. Before you attempt control, find out this source and eliminate it.

This is not always an easy job. Check all the materials mentioned as susceptible products. Do not overlook the fact that a sealed container may be infested because the lid may be loose enough to allow pantry pests.

Sterilization - It is possible to kill pantry pests by putting lightly infested packages in the refrigerator freezer compartment for a least two or three days.

Sanitation - Periodically clean all shelves in storage areas. Many pantry pests can breed in food particles that spill or sift from packages and accumulate in cracks and corners. The insects can then infest food packages on the shelves later.

Buy only small quantities of foods susceptible to infestation, especially in the summer. Carefully examine these foods when you get them to be sure they are free of pests.

Whenever possible, dry foods can be stored in clean glass or metal containers with tight fitting lids. (Empty coffee cans with plastic lids make excellent storage containers.) Clean containers thoroughly before placing fresh food in them. Never leave them undisturbed for long periods of time. Storing these food products in the refrigerator or freezer will prevent infestation.

Insecticides are not recommended for use against pantry pests.

This article is not intended to provoke panic, but just an FYI for folks to be aware of and keep in mind. If you have any questions give us a call at the Cottonwood Extension Office.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictSomeone recently came into the Cottonwood Extension office with a tiny insect, asking what it is. Fortunately, it had a distinctive long snout. So that meant it was a weevil and I was able to narrow it down considerably and identify it as a rice weevil. I did get verification from J.P. Michaud, entomologist at the Ag Research Ct. in Hays, too.It just so happened that was the same day my newspaper article is due. Therefore, I thought I would write about pantry or stored product pests. Some of the more common pantry or kitchen insect pests are probably the Indian meal moth, sawtoothed grain beetles, and flour beetles.Several insects, commonly referred to as pantry or kitchen pests, infest dry or stored food products in the home. Most are either beetles or moths. In the case of beetles, both the adult and larval stages may be damaging while only the larvae of moths are destructive. Infestations may be noted when these insects are found in some products, but more commonly when the adults are seen crawling or flying about the kitchen or pantry.Since most of these insects are of tropical or semi-tropical origin, they live and breed best under warm, humid conditions – conditions often found in kitchen cupboards. Since most do not hibernate, reproduction is continuous throughout the year and populations can build up rapidly if they are left undisturbed.Inspection - Always keep in mind that many pantry pests are strong fliers and that their larvae can crawl some distance from a source of infestation. The source of infestation is usually limited to a small area such as the kitchen, or a single cabinet, or a single susceptible product. Before you attempt control, find out this source and eliminate it.This is not always an easy job. Check all the materials mentioned as susceptible products. Do not overlook the fact that a sealed container may be infested because the lid may be loose enough to allow pantry pests.Sterilization - It is possible to kill pantry pests by putting lightly infested packages in the refrigerator freezer compartment for a least two or three days.Sanitation - Periodically clean all shelves in storage areas. Many pantry pests can breed in food particles that spill or sift from packages and accumulate in cracks and corners. The insects can then infest food packages on the shelves later.Buy only small quantities of foods susceptible to infestation, especially in the summer. Carefully examine these foods when you get them to be sure they are free of pests.Whenever possible, dry foods can be stored in clean glass or metal containers with tight fitting lids. (Empty coffee cans with plastic lids make excellent storage containers.) Clean containers thoroughly before placing fresh food in them. Never leave them undisturbed for long periods of time. Storing these food products in the refrigerator or freezer will prevent infestation.Insecticides are not recommended for use against pantry pests.This article is not intended to provoke panic, but just an FYI for folks to be aware of and keep in mind. If you have any questions give us a call at the Cottonwood Extension Office.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Pantry pest control measures

<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/08/13/kansas-foster-care-feels-like-the-only-options-for-some-parents/">By BLAISE MESA</a> The Beacon

An adoptive mother knew that caring for three children from the Kansas foster system meant nurturing those kids through some truly serious problems.&nbsp;

Yet the mother dramatically underestimated what she was taking on. Particularly the danger.

Two of the adopted children made shanks out of broken glass and damaged toys. They busted up the bedrooms where the walls were torn out from floor to ceiling. They even urinated on their toothbrushes.&nbsp;

The adoptive mother asked for help and applied for the state’s intensive services programs. That help never came.&nbsp;

That’s especially frustrating because adopting the children shifted the responsibility for the children’s care onto her. And foster care is sadly short on families willing to welcome children — who churn through the often-traumatic world of their biological families and the baked-in instability of foster care — into their forever homes.

“The state is not able to help these children anymore,” the mother said. (She asked The Beacon to leave her name out of this story to protect her privacy and that of the adoptive children.) “The state can’t find resources either. That’s the scary thing. We put them in state care to get them help and they’re not getting it.”&nbsp;

Eventually, she handed custody of two of the kids back to the state. The mom still talks to them. She’d consider taking them back — even as her family questions why she’d consider welcoming that chaos back into her life.&nbsp;

“I signed up to love them unconditionally,” she said.&nbsp;

That mother’s story, and the children’s fleeting experience with adoption, repeats itself in a sad routine across the state.

On average, 10 children a month are left at police stations or community treatment programs because their parents refuse to pick them up. These parents are told to pick up the kids, but they can’t handle the stress and don’t have the resources to help these children. So the parents leave them behind.

Once left behind, the Kansas Department for Children and Families is tasked with finding them the help and stable housing they need.&nbsp;

Unlike kids who land in state foster custody because their parents are sent to jail or social workers document abuse or neglect in their homes, these children come from stable homes that just can’t manage the enormity of the children’s mental illnesses or behavioral problems.

Families and social workers say that would happen less often if the state gave parents more help nurturing children who are battling mental illness or having profound difficulty controlling their behavior.

The Beacon talked with three families who had relinquished children to foster care. Each one said they asked for help and never got what they needed, and put their children in foster care after years of struggles.&nbsp;

That mother who gave two of her three adoptive kids to the state? On paper, she might have had all the options Kansas could offer between her private insurance and Medicaid. But she lives in western Kansas, far from the specialists who might have been able to corral their behavior.

“Even if we could drive clear across the state and spend months on end there — I don’t even know how easy&nbsp;it will be to even get them (helped) there because the system is so overwhelmed,” she said.&nbsp;

Families looking for help with troubled children

It’s hard to pinpoint the common reasons families voluntarily put their children in foster care. Each child has a different story.&nbsp;

Some land at psychiatric residential treatment facilities because of the dangers they pose to themselves or others.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-03-14/some-kansas-families-say-even-foster-care-isnt-equipped-for-their-high-needs-kids">2023 Kansas News Service article</a>&nbsp;found that 57 autistic children entered foster care in one year because families couldn’t find the help they needed.&nbsp;

Their families hoped foster care could do what they couldn’t on their own. Instead, they lost their kids to the system.&nbsp;

Sherry Lesher is the mother of AJ Iverson, a 17-year-old autistic child who died in 2017. AJ spent two months in a psychiatric residential treatment facility, or PRTF. Lesher, like the western Kansas mother whose adoptive children crafted homemade knives, was trying to find services to help manage her child’s needs.&nbsp;

Other families turn their children over to the state because they can’t deal with their mental health problems. For others, it’s behavioral health. It sometimes tangles together issues like depression or anxiety with substance use or criminal activities.&nbsp;

A 2023 Kansas Statehouse committee heard from dozens of parents who said their kids were violent and needed inpatient care at psychiatric residential treatment facilities they couldn’t find.&nbsp;

Christina Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-01-31/kansas-might-tighten-criminal-penalties-for-kids-after-loosening-them-six-years-ago">told lawmakers</a>&nbsp;at that time that her son threatened to kill her.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724162743669.png" alt="Around 120 children a year risk entering foster care because the state lacks services to help them. Photo by Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>Around 120 children a year risk entering foster care because the state lacks services to help them. Photo by Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/08/13/kansas-foster-care-feels-like-the-only-options-for-some-parents/">By BLAISE MESA</a> The BeaconAn adoptive mother knew that caring for three children from the Kansas foster system meant nurturing those kids through some truly serious problems.&nbsp;Yet the mother dramatically underestimated what she was taking on. Particularly the danger.Two of the adopted children made shanks out of broken glass and damaged toys. They busted up the bedrooms where the walls were torn out from floor to ceiling. They even urinated on their toothbrushes.&nbsp;The adoptive mother asked for help and applied for the state’s intensive services programs. That help never came.&nbsp;That’s especially frustrating because adopting the children shifted the responsibility for the children’s care onto her. And foster care is sadly short on families willing to welcome children — who churn through the often-traumatic world of their biological families and the baked-in instability of foster care — into their forever homes.“The state is not able to help these children anymore,” the mother said. (She asked The Beacon to leave her name out of this story to protect her privacy and that of the adoptive children.) “The state can’t find resources either. That’s the scary thing. We put them in state care to get them help and they’re not getting it.”&nbsp;Eventually, she handed custody of two of the kids back to the state. The mom still talks to them. She’d consider taking them back — even as her family questions why she’d consider welcoming that chaos back into her life.&nbsp;“I signed up to love them unconditionally,” she said.&nbsp;That mother’s story, and the children’s fleeting experience with adoption, repeats itself in a sad routine across the state.On average, 10 children a month are left at police stations or community treatment programs because their parents refuse to pick them up. These parents are told to pick up the kids, but they can’t handle the stress and don’t have the resources to help these children. So the parents leave them behind.Once left behind, the Kansas Department for Children and Families is tasked with finding them the help and stable housing they need.&nbsp;Unlike kids who land in state foster custody because their parents are sent to jail or social workers document abuse or neglect in their homes, these children come from stable homes that just can’t manage the enormity of the children’s mental illnesses or behavioral problems.Families and social workers say that would happen less often if the state gave parents more help nurturing children who are battling mental illness or having profound difficulty controlling their behavior.The Beacon talked with three families who had relinquished children to foster care. Each one said they asked for help and never got what they needed, and put their children in foster care after years of struggles.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724162887887.png" alt="Hats from a child who was relinquished to the foster care system.&nbsp; Photo by Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>Hats from a child who was relinquished to the foster care system.&nbsp; Photo by Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>That mother who gave two of her three adoptive kids to the state? On paper, she might have had all the options Kansas could offer between her private insurance and Medicaid. But she lives in western Kansas, far from the specialists who might have been able to corral their behavior.“Even if we could drive clear across the state and spend months on end there — I don’t even know how easy&nbsp;it will be to even get them (helped) there because the system is so overwhelmed,” she said.&nbsp;<h2>Families looking for help with troubled children</h2>It’s hard to pinpoint the common reasons families voluntarily put their children in foster care. Each child has a different story.&nbsp;Some land at psychiatric residential treatment facilities because of the dangers they pose to themselves or others.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-03-14/some-kansas-families-say-even-foster-care-isnt-equipped-for-their-high-needs-kids">2023 Kansas News Service article</a>&nbsp;found that 57 autistic children entered foster care in one year because families couldn’t find the help they needed.&nbsp;Their families hoped foster care could do what they couldn’t on their own. Instead, they lost their kids to the system.&nbsp;Sherry Lesher is the mother of AJ Iverson, a 17-year-old autistic child who died in 2017. AJ spent two months in a psychiatric residential treatment facility, or PRTF. Lesher, like the western Kansas mother whose adoptive children crafted homemade knives, was trying to find services to help manage her child’s needs.&nbsp;Other families turn their children over to the state because they can’t deal with their mental health problems. For others, it’s behavioral health. It sometimes tangles together issues like depression or anxiety with substance use or criminal activities.&nbsp;A 2023 Kansas Statehouse committee heard from dozens of parents who said their kids were violent and needed inpatient care at psychiatric residential treatment facilities they couldn’t find.&nbsp;Christina Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-01-31/kansas-might-tighten-criminal-penalties-for-kids-after-loosening-them-six-years-ago">told lawmakers</a>&nbsp;at that time that her son threatened to kill her.&nbsp;Her child didn’t want to go back to a psychiatric facility and threw Smith against the wall. She tried to call 911 but the child took her phone.&nbsp;“We tried every service,” she said.<h2>Elusive waivers for help</h2>Smith’s and AJ Iverson’s families both applied for special waivers. In Kansas social services terms, “waiver” actually means a child qualifies for special services like intense treatment to deal with everything from autism and intellectual disabilities to “serious emotional disturbances.”&nbsp;Rocky Nichols, executive director of Disability Rights Center of Kansas, said long waitlists for the waivers essentially mean months or years of waiting for help.&nbsp;The state’s intellectual/developmental disability waiver has a 10-year-plus waitlist. Some families have been on it so long their children aged out. Another waiver for autism support to help kids from birth to age 5 has a yearslong waiting list.&nbsp;In addition to waitlists, the programs are narrowly focused, Nichols said.&nbsp;“As we walk through all seven of these doors (to the state’s waiver programs), most of them are locked,” he said. “If they’re open, they’re cracked open and only a few kids can get in.”Survive the waitlists, advocates say, and the help can prove life-changing. Pleas&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/07/kansas-lawmakers-proposing-million-cut-down-medical-waitlist/">to increase spending</a>&nbsp;and shorten the wait times haven’t won over the Legislature, though lawmakers do have plans to help Kansans.<h2>A shortage of help&nbsp;</h2>Helping these families isn’t as simple as building new programs or fixing the waiver system. That’ll help, but finding people to work these high-stress jobs is critical.&nbsp;For example, crisis teams that talk down suicidal Wichitans struggle to&nbsp;<a href="https://wichitabeacon.org/stories/2024/05/10/demand-for-wichita-mental-health-crisis-teams-rise/">staff evening shifts</a>. Also, mental health hospitals can’t find enough workers, so they can’t take every child. That could leave families on the hook.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724163206336.png" alt="A KVC Kansas office. Photo by Blaise Mesa/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>A KVC Kansas office. Photo by Blaise Mesa/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>So private agency KVC Kansas, one of the organizations hired by the state to manage foster care, has its own team of therapists to help children. Creating new programs isn’t always sustainable or easy.&nbsp;A team of around 20 therapists helps more than a third of the children the agency manages — around 1,500 kids. But covering just a portion of its cases costs KVC over $300,000 a year and cuts into the margins of the budget it has to look after children.&nbsp;“Even if every (therapist) hit their full caseload … we’re still going to be losing tens of thousands of dollars,” Matt Arnet, director of outpatient services for the nonprofit KVC Kansas,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2023/12/05/kansas-foster-kids-mental-health-care-expensive/">told The Beacon in 2023</a>.&nbsp;Other nonprofits, like community mental health centers, have similar struggles. Finding the money to build programming is hard enough. Finding workers to staff them is even harder.&nbsp;Psychiatric residential treatment facilities for kids with severe behavior problems can only find enough workers to look after two-thirds of the patients they’re licensed to handle.&nbsp;“Without the staffing crisis, we would have plenty of PRTF beds,” said Laura Howard, secretary for the Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724163318331.png" alt="Laura Howard talking to Kansas lawmakers.&nbsp; Photo courtesy the Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Laura Howard talking to Kansas lawmakers.&nbsp; Photo courtesy the Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>KDADS said 259 young people are in PRTF beds, as of early June. Another 138 were waiting for one to open up. That wait can run six months — an eternity for a family dealing with a psychiatric crisis.&nbsp;<h2>Kansas is adding more services for kids</h2>Howard continues to push for more prevention services that help kids before they ever enter foster care.&nbsp;She said the Legislature has made investments to the foster care system, but not enough in services that might deal with the mental and behavioral problems that land so many kids in the system.&nbsp;Lori Gonzales, president of EmberHope Youthville, is planning to open a new psychiatric residential treatment facility that treats kids at home with their families.&nbsp;That could fill two voids: the lack of high-needs beds and a lack of in-home services.&nbsp;Gonzales kept seeing readmissions after kids spend time in a PRTF. They can restore stability to a child’s life that might fall apart when they return home. When families see real progress, their guard might slip and they might skip follow-up appointments or medications — and the crisis returns. So, EmberHope Youthville puts extra effort into the time after a child goes home.“Kansas providers really are trying to do the best they can,” she said. “(It’s) just a resource issue.”