The Center for Health Improvement at HaysMed invites you to "Walk with a Doc," a health initiative aimed at promoting community wellness and fostering connections between healthcare providers and residents.

Scheduled for Saturday, April 20 from 8 to 9 a.m., this event invites Hays and local area residents to join Dr. Erin Hemphill, hospitalist and The Transplant Network &amp; Saving Sight for an invigorating walk at Big Creek Crossing, across from Gliks. 

Participants will have the chance to learn about organ, eye, and tissue donations, as well as connect with Dr. Hemphill from HaysMed.

"Walk with a Doc" offers a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in physical activity while interacting with healthcare professionals in a relaxed and informal setting. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk at your own pace and distance.

The "Walk with a Doc" event in Hays is open to all community members, and participation is free of charge. Pre-registration is not required, and individuals of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to attend.

Stephanie Howie, fitness director of The Center for Health Improvement, emphasized the importance of consistent physical activity for sustaining optimal health and wellness. According to Howie, dedicating just 30 minutes a day to walking can notably enhance one's well-being and quality of life.

The benefits of walking, as highlighted by the American Heart Association, include improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, maintenance of a healthy body weight, enhancement of mental well-being, and reduction of the risk of osteoporosis.

"Walk with a Doc" is an international non-profit organization founded by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist based in Columbus, OH. Since its inception in 2005, the program has expanded to numerous communities worldwide, inspiring individuals to prioritize their health through movement and conversation.

Don't miss this opportunity to take a step toward better health and connect with healthcare professionals in your community. Join the "Walk with a Doc" program the third Saturday of every month at&nbsp;8 a.m. at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine Street, Hays.

For local Walk with a Doc information visit <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/services/center-for-health-improvement/">https://www.haysmed.com/services/center-for-health-improvement/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711749908194.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedThe Center for Health Improvement at HaysMed invites you to "Walk with a Doc," a health initiative aimed at promoting community wellness and fostering connections between healthcare providers and residents.Scheduled for Saturday, April 20 from 8 to 9 a.m., this event invites Hays and local area residents to join Dr. Erin Hemphill, hospitalist and The Transplant Network &amp; Saving Sight for an invigorating walk at Big Creek Crossing, across from Gliks. Participants will have the chance to learn about organ, eye, and tissue donations, as well as connect with Dr. Hemphill from HaysMed."Walk with a Doc" offers a unique opportunity for individuals to engage in physical activity while interacting with healthcare professionals in a relaxed and informal setting. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk at your own pace and distance.The "Walk with a Doc" event in Hays is open to all community members, and participation is free of charge. Pre-registration is not required, and individuals of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to attend.Stephanie Howie, fitness director of The Center for Health Improvement, emphasized the importance of consistent physical activity for sustaining optimal health and wellness. According to Howie, dedicating just 30 minutes a day to walking can notably enhance one's well-being and quality of life.The benefits of walking, as highlighted by the American Heart Association, include improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, maintenance of a healthy body weight, enhancement of mental well-being, and reduction of the risk of osteoporosis."Walk with a Doc" is an international non-profit organization founded by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist based in Columbus, OH. Since its inception in 2005, the program has expanded to numerous communities worldwide, inspiring individuals to prioritize their health through movement and conversation.Don't miss this opportunity to take a step toward better health and connect with healthcare professionals in your community. Join the "Walk with a Doc" program the third Saturday of every month at&nbsp;8 a.m. at Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine Street, Hays.For local Walk with a Doc information visit <a href="https://www.haysmed.com/services/center-for-health-improvement/">https://www.haysmed.com/services/center-for-health-improvement/</a>.

HaysMed 'Walk with a Doc' offers new date, location

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced seven appointments and nine reappointments to the following state boards and commissions.&nbsp;

Kansas Board of Cosmetology&nbsp; Purpose: This Board is charged with regulation of the cosmetology profession and its educational institutions to protect the health and safety of the public.&nbsp;

KS Animal Health Board Purpose: To act as an advisory board to the KS Department of Agriculture and the KS Livestock Commission.&nbsp;

Council on Travel and Tourism Purpose: To advise Kansas Tourism in the development and implementation of the state’s tourism marketing and business development programs.&nbsp;

• Susie Santo, Wichita • Kimberlee Anspach,&nbsp;Lawrence • Rob Bergquist, Topeka • Donna Price, Goodland (reappointment) • Karen Hibbard, Manhattan (reappointment) • Janet McRae, Paola (reappointment) • Rosa Cavazos, Topeka (reappointment) • Chuck Magerl, Lawrence (reappointment) • Suzan Barnes, Cottonwood Falls (reappointment)&nbsp;

KS State Fair Board Purpose: To serve as an advisory board for the planning and promotion of the Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;

• Paula Landoll-Smith, Marysville (reappointment) • Holly Lofton, Lindsborg (reappointment) • John Leslie, Lawrence (reappointment)&nbsp;

State Civil Service Board Purpose: To hear appeals from classified state employees with permanent status under the Kansas civil service act as well as applicants for classified positions who are entitled by law and regulation to appeal to the Board.&nbsp;

KS Wildlife and Parks Commission Purpose: To conserve and enhance Kansas’ wildlife and to provide the public with opportunities for use and appreciation of Kansas’ natural resources.&nbsp;

Office of the Governor TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced seven appointments and nine reappointments to the following state boards and commissions.&nbsp;Kansas Board of Cosmetology&nbsp; Purpose: This Board is charged with regulation of the cosmetology profession and its educational institutions to protect the health and safety of the public.&nbsp;• Bryan Parsons, Wichita&nbsp;KS Animal Health Board Purpose: To act as an advisory board to the KS Department of Agriculture and the KS Livestock Commission.&nbsp;• Neil Bouray, Webber&nbsp;Council on Travel and Tourism Purpose: To advise Kansas Tourism in the development and implementation of the state’s tourism marketing and business development programs.&nbsp;• Susie Santo, Wichita • Kimberlee Anspach,&nbsp;Lawrence • Rob Bergquist, Topeka • Donna Price, Goodland (reappointment) • Karen Hibbard, Manhattan (reappointment) • Janet McRae, Paola (reappointment) • Rosa Cavazos, Topeka (reappointment) • Chuck Magerl, Lawrence (reappointment) • Suzan Barnes, Cottonwood Falls (reappointment)&nbsp; KS State Fair Board Purpose: To serve as an advisory board for the planning and promotion of the Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;• Paula Landoll-Smith, Marysville (reappointment) • Holly Lofton, Lindsborg (reappointment) • John Leslie, Lawrence (reappointment)&nbsp;State Civil Service Board Purpose: To hear appeals from classified state employees with permanent status under the Kansas civil service act as well as applicants for classified positions who are entitled by law and regulation to appeal to the Board.&nbsp;• Jordan Massey, Wichita&nbsp;KS Wildlife and Parks Commission Purpose: To conserve and enhance Kansas’ wildlife and to provide the public with opportunities for use and appreciation of Kansas’ natural resources.&nbsp;• Whitney Damron, Topeka&nbsp;

Goodland resident reappointed to state Council on Travel and Tourism

<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/2024/4/1712079890489.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

GOVE COUNTY—A teen was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Tuesday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol a 2018 Polaris Ranger XP driven by&nbsp; Tracy&nbsp;Beckner, 16, Wirtz, Vermont,&nbsp;&nbsp;was northbound on County Road 78 approximately one half mile south of Old Highway 4o.

The driver made a several point turn to go southbound and accelerated at a high rate of speed with a very strong wind pushing from behind.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the vehicle and rolled into the east ditch.

EMS transported Wirz to Gove County Medical Center Four juvenile passengers present in the vehicle; juvenile record protected data, according to the KHP.

GOVE COUNTY—A teen was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Tuesday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol a 2018 Polaris Ranger XP driven by&nbsp; Tracy&nbsp;Beckner, 16, Wirtz, Vermont,&nbsp;&nbsp;was northbound on County Road 78 approximately one half mile south of Old Highway 4o.The driver made a several point turn to go southbound and accelerated at a high rate of speed with a very strong wind pushing from behind.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the vehicle and rolled into the east ditch.EMS transported Wirz to Gove County Medical Center Four juvenile passengers present in the vehicle; juvenile record protected data, according to the KHP.

Teen hospitalized after UTV rolls into NW Kansas ditch

Hays High vs Dodge City Tuesday, April 2 Hays, Kan. - Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex

Radio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/1041433">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians softball team returns to the diamond Tuesday afternoon for a Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Dodge City Red Demons.

The first pitch is set for approximately 5:45p.m.&nbsp;

Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Dodge City Tuesday, April 2 Hays, Kan. - Bickle-Schmidt Sports ComplexRadio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/1041433">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians softball team returns to the diamond Tuesday afternoon for a Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Dodge City Red Demons.The first pitch is set for approximately 5:45p.m.&nbsp;Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

🥎🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High hosts Dodge City

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

BARTON COUNTY — There was a collective sigh of relief from members of the Barton County Planning Commission following a lengthy morning meeting March 14.

They had just approved the final draft of new zoning regulations and a revised zoning map governing the development of large-scale and commercial&nbsp;solar energy conversion systems, rules that were OK’d Friday by the Barton County Commission during a special meeting. These actions capped an arduous 10 months of meetings, hearings and heartfelt testimony as county residents came to grips with the idea of having a solar installation in their backyards.

In the works for years, Chicago-based Acciona Energy USA hopes to soon finalize and build what has become a hot-button multimillion-dollar commercial solar farm in northcentral Barton County. The project has pitted concerned opponents fearful of its proximity to Cheyenne Bottoms — the internationally recognized and largest wetland in the interior U.S. — against landowners who feel their land-use rights are threatened.

“This has been a heated, controversial and emotional issue,” said county environmental manager Judy Goreham, who oversees the planning commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The planning commission, a volunteer body, is charged with reviewing and recommending the zoning regulations that will ultimately impact Acciona’s endeavor. Members have spent a year drafting zoning guidelines for commercial solar, something not already on the county’s books.

“I’m glad to have that behind us,” said Russell Carson, a planning commission member.

While the draft received unanimous approval, it was the product of intense discussion and compromise as commissioners weighed the pros and cons of the project.

Goreham walked the commission through the revised guidelines page by page. The draft integrated the comments gleaned from the myriad public hearings and more than 600 edits submitted by Acciona.

The planning commission also considered several zoning map alternatives, factoring in the Cheyenne Bottoms and the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway that cuts through the region. The approved rules allow for a two-mile no-build zone around the wetland and the existing one-mile no-build zone along the byway.

This meant the draft was then subject to a 14-day public protest period. If no opposition were filed, the draft could go before the Barton County Commission.

Last May, the county commission approved a moratorium on all commercial-scale solar projects in the county to give the zoning group time to come up with the rules. That was set to expire Sunday, before the county commission was scheduled to meet again.

But commissioners set a special meeting for Friday, adopted the zoning changes and allowed the moratorium to expire.

Friday’s meeting was packed and included more emotional comments from those on both sides of the issue. But in the end, county commissioners gave the nod to large-scale solar installations while noting the toll the debate took on their constituents.

“This is pitting neighbors against neighbors. We have to end this divide,” said Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger. “Let us remember that we are all neighbors and friends.”

There were compromises made by both sides, she said, and now is the time to come back together.

“It’s frustrating,” Goreham said. “This is for all solar projects. This is not just for Acciona. All we are doing now is writing the rules,” something a lot of those close to the matter don’t understand.

“Everyone is so engaged in this,” she said. It has become a highly emotional issue, and that has clouded much of the public discourse.

Acciona, she said, still has to file its application. At that point, the rules will come into play and the county commission will have the final say after public notices, a public hearing and protest period.

The planning commission, which operates independently of the county commission, began work in early 2023 to stitch together existing rules developed for wind turbines in 2008 with solar regulations from other counties and cities.

“I mashed them all together and we went through line by line,” Goreham said.

Meanwhile, the county commission placed a moratorium on solar development.

Planning commissioners gathered input from the public, businesses, state agencies and conversation groups, including considerations for Cheyenne Bottoms.

A draft emerged by summer 2023 after meetings were held with Acciona, utility companies, state agencies and conservation groups. By December 2023, the first version of the guidelines was ready.

Two of the public hearings attracted large crowds, the first of which devolved into a raucous gathering filled with opponents voicing emotional opposition and conspiracy theories.

But “there was some constructive feedback,” Gorehan said.

With the advances in technology and the growth of renewable energy, counties across the state are scrambling to develop guidelines.

The plan in Barton County is for a 300-megawatt facility made up of two 150-MW installations, said Josh Svaty, a former state agriculture secretary and attorney working for Acciona who attended the March 14 meeting. There will also be two storage battery sites.

“We appreciate the work that planning and zoning and the county commission has done,” Svaty said. “We look forward to the end of the moratorium and potentially the opportunity to put in an application.”

Acciona, a subsidiary of Madrid, Spain-based Acciona Group, has leased several thousand acres with option to build. But the final installation will cover about 2,100 acres, Svaty said.

The final footprint of the solar arrays will be based on the zoning map requirements, he said.

They will have to “stitch together” locations to accommodate the needed acreage, but hope to keep them as contiguous as possible for efficiency.

The company plans on tapping into an existing substation at the northeast corner of Great Bend and a new one to be constructed further north and east. There is also a transmission line that crosses this area.

Beyond that, “it’s difficult to have a specific conversation on the project,” Svaty said.

There are still several steps to take, such as an environment impact study, before Acciona can file its application, he said. This will outline more details as to the scope and financial/economic impact of the effort.

Company officials have mentioned a workforce of around 300 in the area during the construction and around 30 long-term for project operation and maintenance. A $1.6 million figure in tax revenue for the county also has been discussed.

Once ground is broken, Svaty said, construction will take between 18 months and two years.

Acciona will receive a federally mandated 10-year property tax abatement starting when the project goes online. But, Svaty said, the company will have a donation agreement with the county in lieu of paying the taxes, the amount of which will be negotiated during the application process.

Svaty said the user of the generated electricity will depend on who purchases it. Some of the power may wind up being used by Barton County consumers.

It will be entirely outside Great Bend city limits, but portions of the proposed development area fall within the city’s three-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction. City officials have started discussions on zoning requirements but were waiting on the county so that both sets of regulations would align.

There isn’t much data available on how solar farms impact migrating wildlife, said Jerry Nye of Ducks Unlimited, a conservation group.

“My major objection is the location,” Nye said. “If they just moved this thing five miles in one direction or another, we wouldn’t be having all this discussion.”

He said birds fly low to the ground, particularly when headed into the wind, creating the chance for collisions with the panels. And there is a “lake affect,” where birds mistake the gleaming solar panels as a body of water, he said.

Cheyenne Bottoms is recognized as a wetland of international importance through the Ramsar Convention. It is an important stop along the Central Flyway, an aerial highway used by birds — some endangered, such as the whooping crane — migrating back and forth between Canada and South America.

Opponents fear this will negatively impact this migratory process.

There are also worries of possible toxic contamination from the materials in the panels if they are damaged

Other concerns include the chance of fires from the storage battery sites, negative effects of solar installations on property taxes, and the involvement of an international corporation.

“They will never understand nor respect the significance of Cheyenne Bottoms to Barton County and the world,” said outdoor enthusiast Dan Witt. “It could never be replaced and to put it at any risk for any amount of money to anyone is not logical or even imaginable.”

He has presented the county commission with a petition with more than 1,400 signatures opposing the plan.

The bottoms complex occupies&nbsp;approximately 41,000 acres in Barton County and is the largest wetland in the interior U.S. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks manages about 20,000 of those acres, and the Nature Conservancy owns and manages nearly 8,000 acres in the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve.

Chris Clasen, who has leased land to Acciona, said she has “kind of been the squeaky wheel for our lands rights.”

“I feel we do have the right to lease our land for this,” Clasen said.

She said she understands the concerns, but “there are no indications that birds will land on these.”

The panels don’t lie flat and are designed to absorb light, not reflect it.

Besides, she argued, the existing highways and power transmission lines likely kill more birds than any solar installation would.

Furthermore, thousands of hunters visit the bottoms each year and kill thousands of birds, she said.

“That is kind of hypocritical. I could have leased my land for hunting and no one would have a problem with it,” Clasen said.

“We have built towns out there,” she added. “We have built housing developments out there. And we’ve even built a dump (the Barton County Landfill) out there. The birds still migrate.”

She said there are already oil wells and private solar panels in the area. It was even used as a practice bombing range for B-29 bomber crews during World War II.

She said she is a sixth-generation farmer, and the homestead dates to 1871, when settlers were considered pioneers.

“Renewable energy is coming,” she said. “We are on the cusp of being pioneers for this now.”

Steve Neeland, of Great Bend, owns land within the two-mile no-build zone with his siblings.

He said he understands the concerns over wildlife. But, he said, they have always practiced responsible stewardship of the land and feel they should be allowed to utilize their property as they see fit.

“I think we need to use some good common sense,” Neeland said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712009047224.png" alt="The Barton County Commission at a packed special meeting Friday approved new zoning regulations allowing large-scale solar energy installations in the county. The action followed nearly a year of often emotional debate over the matter and how such projects would impact Cheyenne Bottoms. Photo by Dale Hogg Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>The Barton County Commission at a packed special meeting Friday approved new zoning regulations allowing large-scale solar energy installations in the county. The action followed nearly a year of often emotional debate over the matter and how such projects would impact Cheyenne Bottoms. Photo by Dale Hogg Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> Kansas ReflectorBARTON COUNTY — There was a collective sigh of relief from members of the Barton County Planning Commission following a lengthy morning meeting March 14.They had just approved the final draft of new zoning regulations and a revised zoning map governing the development of large-scale and commercial&nbsp;solar energy conversion systems, rules that were OK’d Friday by the Barton County Commission during a special meeting. These actions capped an arduous 10 months of meetings, hearings and heartfelt testimony as county residents came to grips with the idea of having a solar installation in their backyards.In the works for years, Chicago-based Acciona Energy USA hopes to soon finalize and build what has become a hot-button multimillion-dollar commercial solar farm in northcentral Barton County. The project has pitted concerned opponents fearful of its proximity to Cheyenne Bottoms — the internationally recognized and largest wetland in the interior U.S. — against landowners who feel their land-use rights are threatened.“This has been a heated, controversial and emotional issue,” said county environmental manager Judy Goreham, who oversees the planning commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;The planning commission, a volunteer body, is charged with reviewing and recommending the zoning regulations that will ultimately impact Acciona’s endeavor. Members have spent a year drafting zoning guidelines for commercial solar, something not already on the county’s books.“I’m glad to have that behind us,” said Russell Carson, a planning commission member.While the draft received unanimous approval, it was the product of intense discussion and compromise as commissioners weighed the pros and cons of the project.Goreham walked the commission through the revised guidelines page by page. The draft integrated the comments gleaned from the myriad public hearings and more than 600 edits submitted by Acciona.The planning commission also considered several zoning map alternatives, factoring in the Cheyenne Bottoms and the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway that cuts through the region. The approved rules allow for a two-mile no-build zone around the wetland and the existing one-mile no-build zone along the byway.This meant the draft was then subject to a 14-day public protest period. If no opposition were filed, the draft could go before the Barton County Commission.And this created a problem.Last May, the county commission approved a moratorium on all commercial-scale solar projects in the county to give the zoning group time to come up with the rules. That was set to expire Sunday, before the county commission was scheduled to meet again.But commissioners set a special meeting for Friday, adopted the zoning changes and allowed the moratorium to expire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712008956911.png" alt="Barton County Planning Commission member Mary Anne Stoskopf, center, discusses new zoning maps incorporating changes for solar farms during a commission meeting March 14. Also pictured are commissioners James Welch and Billie Bonomo. Photo by Dale Hogg Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Barton County Planning Commission member Mary Anne Stoskopf, center, discusses new zoning maps incorporating changes for solar farms during a commission meeting March 14. Also pictured are commissioners James Welch and Billie Bonomo. Photo by Dale Hogg Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Neighbors and friends</h2>Friday’s meeting was packed and included more emotional comments from those on both sides of the issue. But in the end, county commissioners gave the nod to large-scale solar installations while noting the toll the debate took on their constituents.“This is pitting neighbors against neighbors. We have to end this divide,” said Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger. “Let us remember that we are all neighbors and friends.”There were compromises made by both sides, she said, and now is the time to come back together.There are more decisions to make.“It’s frustrating,” Goreham said. “This is for all solar projects. This is not just for Acciona. All we are doing now is writing the rules,” something a lot of those close to the matter don’t understand.“Everyone is so engaged in this,” she said. It has become a highly emotional issue, and that has clouded much of the public discourse.Acciona, she said, still has to file its application. At that point, the rules will come into play and the county commission will have the final say after public notices, a public hearing and protest period.<h2>Getting here</h2>The planning commission, which operates independently of the county commission, began work in early 2023 to stitch together existing rules developed for wind turbines in 2008 with solar regulations from other counties and cities.“I mashed them all together and we went through line by line,” Goreham said.Meanwhile, the county commission placed a moratorium on solar development.Planning commissioners gathered input from the public, businesses, state agencies and conversation groups, including considerations for Cheyenne Bottoms.A draft emerged by summer 2023 after meetings were held with Acciona, utility companies, state agencies and conservation groups. By December 2023, the first version of the guidelines was ready.Two of the public hearings attracted large crowds, the first of which devolved into a raucous gathering filled with opponents voicing emotional opposition and conspiracy theories.But “there was some constructive feedback,” Gorehan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712008806015.png" alt="The electrical substation on the eastern edge of Great Bend will be used by a proposed commercial solar farm in Barton County.&nbsp; (Photo by Dale Hogg/ Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>The electrical substation on the eastern edge of Great Bend will be used by a proposed commercial solar farm in Barton County.&nbsp; (Photo by Dale Hogg/ Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>About the project</h2>With the advances in technology and the growth of renewable energy, counties across the state are scrambling to develop guidelines.The plan in Barton County is for a 300-megawatt facility made up of two 150-MW installations, said Josh Svaty, a former state agriculture secretary and attorney working for Acciona who attended the March 14 meeting. There will also be two storage battery sites.“We appreciate the work that planning and zoning and the county commission has done,” Svaty said. “We look forward to the end of the moratorium and potentially the opportunity to put in an application.”Acciona, a subsidiary of Madrid, Spain-based Acciona Group, has leased several thousand acres with option to build. But the final installation will cover about 2,100 acres, Svaty said.The final footprint of the solar arrays will be based on the zoning map requirements, he said.They will have to “stitch together” locations to accommodate the needed acreage, but hope to keep them as contiguous as possible for efficiency.The company plans on tapping into an existing substation at the northeast corner of Great Bend and a new one to be constructed further north and east. There is also a transmission line that crosses this area.Beyond that, “it’s difficult to have a specific conversation on the project,” Svaty said.There are still several steps to take, such as an environment impact study, before Acciona can file its application, he said. This will outline more details as to the scope and financial/economic impact of the effort.Company officials have mentioned a workforce of around 300 in the area during the construction and around 30 long-term for project operation and maintenance. A $1.6 million figure in tax revenue for the county also has been discussed.Once ground is broken, Svaty said, construction will take between 18 months and two years.Acciona will receive a federally mandated 10-year property tax abatement starting when the project goes online. But, Svaty said, the company will have a donation agreement with the county in lieu of paying the taxes, the amount of which will be negotiated during the application process.Svaty said the user of the generated electricity will depend on who purchases it. Some of the power may wind up being used by Barton County consumers.It will be entirely outside Great Bend city limits, but portions of the proposed development area fall within the city’s three-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction. City officials have started discussions on zoning requirements but were waiting on the county so that both sets of regulations would align.<h2>Cheyenne Bottoms</h2>There isn’t much data available on how solar farms impact migrating wildlife, said Jerry Nye of Ducks Unlimited, a conservation group.“My major objection is the location,” Nye said. “If they just moved this thing five miles in one direction or another, we wouldn’t be having all this discussion.”He said birds fly low to the ground, particularly when headed into the wind, creating the chance for collisions with the panels. And there is a “lake affect,” where birds mistake the gleaming solar panels as a body of water, he said.Cheyenne Bottoms is recognized as a wetland of international importance through the Ramsar Convention. It is an important stop along the Central Flyway, an aerial highway used by birds — some endangered, such as the whooping crane — migrating back and forth between Canada and South America.Opponents fear this will negatively impact this migratory process.There are also worries of possible toxic contamination from the materials in the panels if they are damagedOther concerns include the chance of fires from the storage battery sites, negative effects of solar installations on property taxes, and the involvement of an international corporation.“They will never understand nor respect the significance of Cheyenne Bottoms to Barton County and the world,” said outdoor enthusiast Dan Witt. “It could never be replaced and to put it at any risk for any amount of money to anyone is not logical or even imaginable.”He has presented the county commission with a petition with more than 1,400 signatures opposing the plan.The bottoms complex occupies&nbsp;approximately 41,000 acres in Barton County and is the largest wetland in the interior U.S. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks manages about 20,000 of those acres, and the Nature Conservancy owns and manages nearly 8,000 acres in the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve.<h2>Landowner rights</h2>Chris Clasen, who has leased land to Acciona, said she has “kind of been the squeaky wheel for our lands rights.”“I feel we do have the right to lease our land for this,” Clasen said.She said she understands the concerns, but “there are no indications that birds will land on these.”The panels don’t lie flat and are designed to absorb light, not reflect it.Besides, she argued, the existing highways and power transmission lines likely kill more birds than any solar installation would.Furthermore, thousands of hunters visit the bottoms each year and kill thousands of birds, she said.“That is kind of hypocritical. I could have leased my land for hunting and no one would have a problem with it,” Clasen said.“We have built towns out there,” she added. “We have built housing developments out there. And we’ve even built a dump (the Barton County Landfill) out there. The birds still migrate.”She said there are already oil wells and private solar panels in the area. It was even used as a practice bombing range for B-29 bomber crews during World War II.She said she is a sixth-generation farmer, and the homestead dates to 1871, when settlers were considered pioneers.“Renewable energy is coming,” she said. “We are on the cusp of being pioneers for this now.”Steve Neeland, of Great Bend, owns land within the two-mile no-build zone with his siblings.He said he understands the concerns over wildlife. But, he said, they have always practiced responsible stewardship of the land and feel they should be allowed to utilize their property as they see fit.“I think we need to use some good common sense,” Neeland said.

Kansas solar development sparks emotional debate over location near Cheyenne Bottoms

ATWOOD — Most of us have experienced the challenge of starting over at a new job, changing schools when we were younger, or possibly even moving to an entirely different town. But imagine leaving everything you’ve known - including your family, culture, and even native language - to begin a new life, a new career, and embrace the unknown in a new country. This is Narmina’s story.

Narmina&nbsp;Bergling, a bookkeeper for Vap&nbsp;Construction, Atwood, since June of 2023, was born and raised in Azerbaijan, a small nation located in the Caucasus region, straddling Europe and Asia. She graduated from the language department at her university, equipped with three new languages, and then began working at the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan.

Narmina&nbsp;met her&nbsp;husband, Jason, online and he soon joined her in Azerbaijan. They were married&nbsp;and resided there until April 2023, when they moved back to northwest Kansas. 

Narmina&nbsp;began working for Vap&nbsp;Construction shortly after that move. “I was working in government and a completely different industry. And, my language was different. I’ve never done bookkeeping before," she says. "The language barrier was challenging, but I like to prove to myself that I can face challenges and I can win.”

Narmina’s commitment to being a life-long learner has drawn the attention and respect of her co-workers.

 "She speaks four languages and is currently working to learn Spanish," says Barbara Steiner, payroll specialist and human resources manager for Vap Construction. "I am teaching her as much as possible about my department before she moves on."

As a highly motivated individual, Narmina&nbsp;draws inspiration from her grandfather. “I saw how he was successful all his life, and he’s an example for me. I just want to be like him," she says. "He worked for the government as a presidential advisor. I always looked to him and he always inspired me and told me I would be successful like him too.” 

Narmina will be leaving Vap Construction in June of this year, but her story and influence have had a lasting, profound impact on her co-workers and others as well. 

Owner Linda Young-Vap was quick to compliment Narmina's tenacity.

 “Narmina is such an incredible woman. Having moved from California to Kansas myself and working through that adjustment, I can only imagine how much courage it took for her to move from her close-knit family in Azerbaijan to rural, northwest Kansas," Young-Vap says. "She comes to work every day with a smile on her face and is ready to tackle even the most complicated projects. We can all benefit from the influence and inspiration of stories like Narmina's, and she's a great reminder that we can all 'face challenges... and WIN.'" 

About Vap Construction, Inc.

Vap Construction, Inc. was founded by Jeff and Linda Vap over 20 years ago as a general contractor offering new construction for homes and commercial properties, as well as remodeling services. The company expanded into post-frame and steel-frame buildings in 2004, and is now well-known across their 4-state territory for putting up the highest quality buildings available on the market. Learn more about Vap Construction, Inc. by visiting <a target="_blank" href="http://www.vapconstruction.com/">www.vapconstruction.com</a>, or by looking them up on social media.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711728491558.png" alt="Narmina Bergling (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Narmina Bergling (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedATWOOD — Most of us have experienced the challenge of starting over at a new job, changing schools when we were younger, or possibly even moving to an entirely different town. But imagine leaving everything you’ve known - including your family, culture, and even native language - to begin a new life, a new career, and embrace the unknown in a new country. This is Narmina’s story.Narmina&nbsp;Bergling, a bookkeeper for Vap&nbsp;Construction, Atwood, since June of 2023, was born and raised in Azerbaijan, a small nation located in the Caucasus region, straddling Europe and Asia. She graduated from the language department at her university, equipped with three new languages, and then began working at the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan.Narmina&nbsp;met her&nbsp;husband, Jason, online and he soon joined her in Azerbaijan. They were married&nbsp;and resided there until April 2023, when they moved back to northwest Kansas. Narmina&nbsp;began working for Vap&nbsp;Construction shortly after that move. “I was working in government and a completely different industry. And, my language was different. I’ve never done bookkeeping before," she says. "The language barrier was challenging, but I like to prove to myself that I can face challenges and I can win.”Narmina’s commitment to being a life-long learner has drawn the attention and respect of her co-workers. "She speaks four languages and is currently working to learn Spanish," says Barbara Steiner, payroll specialist and human resources manager for Vap Construction. "I am teaching her as much as possible about my department before she moves on."As a highly motivated individual, Narmina&nbsp;draws inspiration from her grandfather. “I saw how he was successful all his life, and he’s an example for me. I just want to be like him," she says. "He worked for the government as a presidential advisor. I always looked to him and he always inspired me and told me I would be successful like him too.” Narmina will be leaving Vap Construction in June of this year, but her story and influence have had a lasting, profound impact on her co-workers and others as well. Owner Linda Young-Vap was quick to compliment Narmina's tenacity. “Narmina is such an incredible woman. Having moved from California to Kansas myself and working through that adjustment, I can only imagine how much courage it took for her to move from her close-knit family in Azerbaijan to rural, northwest Kansas," Young-Vap says. "She comes to work every day with a smile on her face and is ready to tackle even the most complicated projects. We can all benefit from the influence and inspiration of stories like Narmina's, and she's a great reminder that we can all 'face challenges... and WIN.'" About Vap Construction, Inc.Vap Construction, Inc. was founded by Jeff and Linda Vap over 20 years ago as a general contractor offering new construction for homes and commercial properties, as well as remodeling services. The company expanded into post-frame and steel-frame buildings in 2004, and is now well-known across their 4-state territory for putting up the highest quality buildings available on the market. Learn more about Vap Construction, Inc. by visiting <a target="_blank" href="http://www.vapconstruction.com/">www.vapconstruction.com</a>, or by looking them up on social media.

From Azerbaijan to Atwood: A woman's journey of triumph and inspiration 

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Smiles, energy, and enthusiasm. As it turns out, those are the ingredients for "Wheel of Fortune" fans to become contestants. Doing just that has been a longtime dream for Great Bend native Kiley Klug, now an English teacher at Hoisington Middle School. Those dreams came true after one of Klug's many attempts to get on the show finally panned out. Her show will air on Friday, April 5 on NBC.

"I have been a 'Wheel of Fortune' nerd as far back as I can remember," she said. "I applied online in my 20s and never heard anything. Probably between a year and a half to two years ago, they started with post-COVID and they weren't traveling anymore, and they had video applications." 

Then the waiting game began. One day, Klug was teaching her class when an email from the show popped up. Unable to wait, Klug had her paraprofessional, Cassie Morales, check it out.

"I told her, 'I just got an email from "Wheel of Fortune,"' Klug said. "'There's no way. It has to be spam. It has to be a prank or a hoax.'"

Morales reported that everything seemed legitimate. Klug confirmed that she was moving on to the next stage of the audition process, which would be a meeting via Zoom.

"I was devastated the first time around," said Klug. "I was stalking my email and they never sent me the Zoom look. I thought that was it. My name would get lost and nothing would ever come of it. I tried to forget about it."

But a month later, another email popped up. "I tried not to get my hopes up," Klug said. "I had told everybody. I told my boss. I told everybody in the school, then nothing came of it. I looked kind of foolish."

This time, everything worked out. Klug was provided a link for a Zoom meeting the next day. She got permission from her principal to leave the classroom for a few minutes. In the five-minute meeting, a producer reminded Klug to bring her smile, energy, and enthusiasm. She immediately qualified for a second audition, but only if she promised to bring more of that personality.

"I'm telling you, 'Wheel of Fortune,' yes there's a bit of puzzle solving and strategy, but No. 1, they are looking for smile, energy, enthusiasm, and they tell you that at every turn. They want somebody fun to watch."

The second audition included another potential contestant from Illinois. They solved three toss-up puzzles, with Klug winning two of the games. In a breakout session that followed, Klug was less confident after solving about half of the 16 puzzles presented.

"At the end, the producer comes on and says, 'Okay, we're done. Bye!'" Klug said. "That was it. I didn't get a good vibe from that at all."

The waiting game began anew. Klug Google searched information from others who have auditioned. She was checking her email two dozen times a day for good news or bad. Finally, five weeks later, a last-minute check of the email before going to bed revealed the best of news.

"I briefly saw my taping date was two weeks from that day," she said. "I started screaming. The second I started screaming, my husband knew exactly what happened."

The email informed Klug her taping date would be Feb. 22 at the Sony Picture Studios in Culver City, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles. She had to pay for her own accommodations to get there but if she was selected for a taping, the show would provide a $1,000 stipend.

There was a caveat: 21 potential contestants were invited to record six shows that day. With just three contestants on each show, that meant three would remain as alternates. Out-of-state alternates were given just a $750 travel stipend.

Klug traveled with her husband, Gavin, her sister, Rachel, and two of her three sons. She arrived at the studio at 6:15 a.m., 30 minutes early to demonstrate some enthusiasm. The contestants were ushered into the "Jeopardy" studio where Vanna White stopped in to introduce herself.

"She came in and told us all good morning and tried to hype us up a little bit," said Klug. "She's everything she is on TV. She's super-sweet and so kind."

While in the "Jeopardy" studio, the potential contestants watched a video on possible strategies and categories that may be included in a taping. All morning long, producers reminded the group to keep up their smiles, energy, and enthusiasm.

In a strange bit of fate, Klug had posted about her upcoming trip to Los Angeles on social media. One of her husband's friends sent her a message: one of his friends from Holton would also be making the trip. Klug was able to meet that contestant who also made the show.

From the "Jeopardy" set, the contestants moved to the "Wheel of Fortune" set where they practiced spinning the wheel. They were grouped and played a single round of the game. Contestants were then named three at a time and a ping pong ball was drawn to determine which taping those contestants would attend. Klug was one of the final contestants named and her group drew the fourth taping.

Klug had to give up her phone when she arrived at the studio. Her family was allowed into the "Wheel of Fortune" studio at 11 a.m., but contestants were sat on the opposite side of the studio and the two sides were to have no contact. 

"My husband, my sister, my kids, they're all trying to get my attention," Klug said. "I had to straight-up ignore them."

Just days before the group departed Kansas, Klug's husband had overheard a conversation with producers that three alternates would be selected. They anxiously awaited Klug to make her appearance on the stage with no knowledge she would be in the fourth taping. They sat through three tapings with no sign of Kiley, then had to break for lunch.

"They leave and they are beside themselves," Klug said. "They are down. They are depressed. They are thinking this isn't going to happen. She's going to be an alternate and we're going to stay here all day until 7 p.m. for nothing. They were so upset."

With everyone back in the studio after lunch, the family no longer saw Klug in her bright pink blazer sitting on the other side of the room. Sure enough, they exploded with excitement as she made her way onto the stage.

Then it was introduction time. Klug graduated from Great Bend High School but lives in Odin. "They were very, very interested in the fact that I was from a town with 100 people," she said.

Klug had promised her students she would give them a shoutout during the introduction. A producer told her she would have to leave that bit behind.

"It ended up being too confusing to include that I was both from a town of 100 people and that I had around 100 students at Hoisington Middle School," Klug said. "We had to nix the part of my introduction where I gave my school and kids a shoutout. I was really bummed about that."

Then it was showtime. "Wheel of Fortune" is 22 minutes of actual airtime on NBC. Klug estimated the average taping took approximately 40 minutes.

"On my show, for some reason or another, a puzzle was compromised and we were in the middle of a round," she said. "We all had to turn around and it took a while for them to get it all figured out."

Klug said the taping of the show otherwise resembled exactly what viewers see on TV. She never had the stage fright many gameshow players often describe.

"I was 100 percent shocked at how calm and collected I felt up there," she said. "It was so bizarre. I've always been so nervous; nervous about public speaking. Obviously, after so long, I've gotten better about it. I was not nervous at all. It was so surreal and bizarre. I really felt like I was solving puzzles at home. I know not a lot of people wouldn't agree with me on that. I know some other contestants were very nervous and froze."

Klug has proven she can keep a secret. Strict rules prohibit her from releasing any details about the outcome of the game prior to its air date. She thinks that actually adds to the fun. 

"My mother is not very excited that I can't tell her anything," she said. "But I don't want to cheat them out of seeing all this for the first time. I feel like it's just so entertaining. Whether I win or lose, I want them to experience this the first time when they watch it for the first time. I feel like it would ruin the whole experience if they learned anything about it."

Klug will make her big television debut at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711984402375.jpeg" alt="Watch for the pink blazer on the April 5 airing of 'Wheel of Fortune.' Great Bend native Kiley Krug (right) will fulfill a longtime dream as a contestant on the show after taping in February. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Watch for the pink blazer on the April 5 airing of 'Wheel of Fortune.' Great Bend native Kiley Krug (right) will fulfill a longtime dream as a contestant on the show after taping in February. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSmiles, energy, and enthusiasm. As it turns out, those are the ingredients for "Wheel of Fortune" fans to become contestants. Doing just that has been a longtime dream for Great Bend native Kiley Klug, now an English teacher at Hoisington Middle School. Those dreams came true after one of Klug's many attempts to get on the show finally panned out. Her show will air on Friday, April 5 on NBC."I have been a 'Wheel of Fortune' nerd as far back as I can remember," she said. "I applied online in my 20s and never heard anything. Probably between a year and a half to two years ago, they started with post-COVID and they weren't traveling anymore, and they had video applications." Then the waiting game began. One day, Klug was teaching her class when an email from the show popped up. Unable to wait, Klug had her paraprofessional, Cassie Morales, check it out."I told her, 'I just got an email from "Wheel of Fortune,"' Klug said. "'There's no way. It has to be spam. It has to be a prank or a hoax.'"Morales reported that everything seemed legitimate. Klug confirmed that she was moving on to the next stage of the audition process, which would be a meeting via Zoom."I was devastated the first time around," said Klug. "I was stalking my email and they never sent me the Zoom look. I thought that was it. My name would get lost and nothing would ever come of it. I tried to forget about it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710422249917.jpeg" alt="Klug made the trip to California with her husband, Gavin, and two sons. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Klug made the trip to California with her husband, Gavin, and two sons. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>But a month later, another email popped up. "I tried not to get my hopes up," Klug said. "I had told everybody. I told my boss. I told everybody in the school, then nothing came of it. I looked kind of foolish."This time, everything worked out. Klug was provided a link for a Zoom meeting the next day. She got permission from her principal to leave the classroom for a few minutes. In the five-minute meeting, a producer reminded Klug to bring her smile, energy, and enthusiasm. She immediately qualified for a second audition, but only if she promised to bring more of that personality."I'm telling you, 'Wheel of Fortune,' yes there's a bit of puzzle solving and strategy, but No. 1, they are looking for smile, energy, enthusiasm, and they tell you that at every turn. They want somebody fun to watch."The second audition included another potential contestant from Illinois. They solved three toss-up puzzles, with Klug winning two of the games. In a breakout session that followed, Klug was less confident after solving about half of the 16 puzzles presented."At the end, the producer comes on and says, 'Okay, we're done. Bye!'" Klug said. "That was it. I didn't get a good vibe from that at all."The waiting game began anew. Klug Google searched information from others who have auditioned. She was checking her email two dozen times a day for good news or bad. Finally, five weeks later, a last-minute check of the email before going to bed revealed the best of news."I briefly saw my taping date was two weeks from that day," she said. "I started screaming. The second I started screaming, my husband knew exactly what happened."The email informed Klug her taping date would be Feb. 22 at the Sony Picture Studios in Culver City, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles. She had to pay for her own accommodations to get there but if she was selected for a taping, the show would provide a $1,000 stipend.There was a caveat: 21 potential contestants were invited to record six shows that day. With just three contestants on each show, that meant three would remain as alternates. Out-of-state alternates were given just a $750 travel stipend.Klug traveled with her husband, Gavin, her sister, Rachel, and two of her three sons. She arrived at the studio at 6:15 a.m., 30 minutes early to demonstrate some enthusiasm. The contestants were ushered into the "Jeopardy" studio where Vanna White stopped in to introduce herself."She came in and told us all good morning and tried to hype us up a little bit," said Klug. "She's everything she is on TV. She's super-sweet and so kind."While in the "Jeopardy" studio, the potential contestants watched a video on possible strategies and categories that may be included in a taping. All morning long, producers reminded the group to keep up their smiles, energy, and enthusiasm.In a strange bit of fate, Klug had posted about her upcoming trip to Los Angeles on social media. One of her husband's friends sent her a message: one of his friends from Holton would also be making the trip. Klug was able to meet that contestant who also made the show.From the "Jeopardy" set, the contestants moved to the "Wheel of Fortune" set where they practiced spinning the wheel. They were grouped and played a single round of the game. Contestants were then named three at a time and a ping pong ball was drawn to determine which taping those contestants would attend. Klug was one of the final contestants named and her group drew the fourth taping.Klug had to give up her phone when she arrived at the studio. Her family was allowed into the "Wheel of Fortune" studio at 11 a.m., but contestants were sat on the opposite side of the studio and the two sides were to have no contact. "My husband, my sister, my kids, they're all trying to get my attention," Klug said. "I had to straight-up ignore them."Just days before the group departed Kansas, Klug's husband had overheard a conversation with producers that three alternates would be selected. They anxiously awaited Klug to make her appearance on the stage with no knowledge she would be in the fourth taping. They sat through three tapings with no sign of Kiley, then had to break for lunch."They leave and they are beside themselves," Klug said. "They are down. They are depressed. They are thinking this isn't going to happen. She's going to be an alternate and we're going to stay here all day until 7 p.m. for nothing. They were so upset."With everyone back in the studio after lunch, the family no longer saw Klug in her bright pink blazer sitting on the other side of the room. Sure enough, they exploded with excitement as she made her way onto the stage.Then it was introduction time. Klug graduated from Great Bend High School but lives in Odin. "They were very, very interested in the fact that I was from a town with 100 people," she said.Klug had promised her students she would give them a shoutout during the introduction. A producer told her she would have to leave that bit behind."It ended up being too confusing to include that I was both from a town of 100 people and that I had around 100 students at Hoisington Middle School," Klug said. "We had to nix the part of my introduction where I gave my school and kids a shoutout. I was really bummed about that."Then it was showtime. "Wheel of Fortune" is 22 minutes of actual airtime on NBC. Klug estimated the average taping took approximately 40 minutes."On my show, for some reason or another, a puzzle was compromised and we were in the middle of a round," she said. "We all had to turn around and it took a while for them to get it all figured out."Klug said the taping of the show otherwise resembled exactly what viewers see on TV. She never had the stage fright many gameshow players often describe."I was 100 percent shocked at how calm and collected I felt up there," she said. "It was so bizarre. I've always been so nervous; nervous about public speaking. Obviously, after so long, I've gotten better about it. I was not nervous at all. It was so surreal and bizarre. I really felt like I was solving puzzles at home. I know not a lot of people wouldn't agree with me on that. I know some other contestants were very nervous and froze."Klug has proven she can keep a secret. Strict rules prohibit her from releasing any details about the outcome of the game prior to its air date. She thinks that actually adds to the fun. "My mother is not very excited that I can't tell her anything," she said. "But I don't want to cheat them out of seeing all this for the first time. I feel like it's just so entertaining. Whether I win or lose, I want them to experience this the first time when they watch it for the first time. I feel like it would ruin the whole experience if they learned anything about it."Klug will make her big television debut at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5.

Great Bend native appearing on April 5 'Wheel of Fortune'

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Bacteria usually gets a bad rap for causing infection, contaminating food, and weakening the immune system. However, some strains of these microorganisms are extremely beneficial to human health.

You might know these bugs as “good bacteria” that reside in the microbiome of the gut. These microbes break down foods and play an important role in nutrient absorption. They even generate vitamins B, B12, and K. 

Good gut bacteria play a part in defending against illness by developing immune cells and controlling the inflammatory response. Not only do they contribute to digestive and immune function, microbiota produce neurotransmitters and hormones which can impact mental and neurological health.

The human microbiome contains about 100 trillion microorganisms which is 10 times the number of cells in the body! At such a large number, these bacteria greatly influence the well-being of the entire body.

In fact, emerging research indicates that gut health is directly related to chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological disorders, and more. When the gut is unhealthy, overgrowth of harmful bacteria limits the capacity of good bacteria. 

Diversity of microbes may also be limited which causes imbalance. This is called dysbiosis, and symptoms may include nutrient malabsorption, permeability of the intestinal wall, reduced immune response, and increased inflammation throughout the body.

Gut health is influenced at birth and factors such as breastfeeding contribute to colonization of microbiota at an early age. Throughout life, gut health can be impacted by a variety of lifestyle choices like diet, stress management, and antibiotic use.

Diet can be one of the most effective ways to impact gut health. Studies show that eating a plant-based diet supports microbiota because fiber present in produce, beans, and grains feeds good bacteria. “Eating the rainbow” by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables also

supports the diversity of bacteria in the gut. Another way to support the microbiome is through fermented foods. A few examples include sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and sourdough bread containing probiotics. These are beneficial live bacteria that replenish the microbiome.

Stress is a multidimensional factor that can harm the gut. Research indicates that hormones and neurotransmitters have direct communication between the gut and the brain. When chronic stress is present, hormones such as cortisol can recompose the microbiome by supporting the growth of harmful bacteria. 

Therefore, managing stress is essential to promote a healthy microbiome. Regular exercise, meditation and prayer, and adequate sleep have been shown to reduce stress.

Throughout history, antibiotics have saved millions of lives and prevented the spread of mass disease. However, regular use of antibiotics can be harmful. This is because antibiotics destroy both bad and good bacteria, including microbiota. When overuse of antibiotics results in dysbiosis, the immune system can be compromised. This can lead to a vicious cycle of illness, antibiotic use, and impaired gut health among other health concerns.

Caring for the microbiome can make a tremendous impact on overall health. After all, it is an environment that contains over 100 trillion microorganisms. No wonder why it affects the whole body! Maintaining balance and increasing diversity of good bacteria through a plant-based diet, stress management, and proper use of antibiotics are just a few ways to build a healthy microbiome.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictBacteria usually gets a bad rap for causing infection, contaminating food, and weakening the immune system. However, some strains of these microorganisms are extremely beneficial to human health.You might know these bugs as “good bacteria” that reside in the microbiome of the gut. These microbes break down foods and play an important role in nutrient absorption. They even generate vitamins B, B12, and K. Good gut bacteria play a part in defending against illness by developing immune cells and controlling the inflammatory response. Not only do they contribute to digestive and immune function, microbiota produce neurotransmitters and hormones which can impact mental and neurological health.The human microbiome contains about 100 trillion microorganisms which is 10 times the number of cells in the body! At such a large number, these bacteria greatly influence the well-being of the entire body.In fact, emerging research indicates that gut health is directly related to chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, neurological disorders, and more. When the gut is unhealthy, overgrowth of harmful bacteria limits the capacity of good bacteria. Diversity of microbes may also be limited which causes imbalance. This is called dysbiosis, and symptoms may include nutrient malabsorption, permeability of the intestinal wall, reduced immune response, and increased inflammation throughout the body.Gut health is influenced at birth and factors such as breastfeeding contribute to colonization of microbiota at an early age. Throughout life, gut health can be impacted by a variety of lifestyle choices like diet, stress management, and antibiotic use.Diet can be one of the most effective ways to impact gut health. Studies show that eating a plant-based diet supports microbiota because fiber present in produce, beans, and grains feeds good bacteria. “Eating the rainbow” by including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables alsosupports the diversity of bacteria in the gut. Another way to support the microbiome is through fermented foods. A few examples include sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and sourdough bread containing probiotics. These are beneficial live bacteria that replenish the microbiome.Stress is a multidimensional factor that can harm the gut. Research indicates that hormones and neurotransmitters have direct communication between the gut and the brain. When chronic stress is present, hormones such as cortisol can recompose the microbiome by supporting the growth of harmful bacteria. Therefore, managing stress is essential to promote a healthy microbiome. Regular exercise, meditation and prayer, and adequate sleep have been shown to reduce stress.Throughout history, antibiotics have saved millions of lives and prevented the spread of mass disease. However, regular use of antibiotics can be harmful. This is because antibiotics destroy both bad and good bacteria, including microbiota. When overuse of antibiotics results in dysbiosis, the immune system can be compromised. This can lead to a vicious cycle of illness, antibiotic use, and impaired gut health among other health concerns.Caring for the microbiome can make a tremendous impact on overall health. After all, it is an environment that contains over 100 trillion microorganisms. No wonder why it affects the whole body! Maintaining balance and increasing diversity of good bacteria through a plant-based diet, stress management, and proper use of antibiotics are just a few ways to build a healthy microbiome.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Building a healthy microbiome

By Jonathan Zweygardt Hays Post

Hays Native and current Lincoln Elementary School teacher
Jay Sanders has been named the next principal at Bickerdyke Elementary School in
Russell.

According to the USD 407 district newsletter from Superintendent
Jordan Perez, Sanders will begin working in the Russell district on July 1.

Sanders serves as a physical education teacher and
behavior interventionalist at Lincoln Elementary School in Hays.

Sanders began working at Roosevelt Elementary School in Hays
and worked as a PE teacher and coached football, wrestling and baseball at Hays
High School.

He also previously coached baseball at Fort Hays State
University.

Sanders is an FHSU graduate who also played
baseball at FHSU.

Sanders and his wife, Sophia, have a daughter, Sylvie.

By Jonathan Zweygardt Hays PostHays Native and current Lincoln Elementary School teacher
Jay Sanders has been named the next principal at Bickerdyke Elementary School in
Russell.According to the USD 407 district newsletter from Superintendent
Jordan Perez, Sanders will begin working in the Russell district on July 1.Sanders serves as a physical education teacher and
behavior interventionalist at Lincoln Elementary School in Hays.Sanders began working at Roosevelt Elementary School in Hays
and worked as a PE teacher and coached football, wrestling and baseball at Hays
High School.He also previously coached baseball at Fort Hays State
University.Sanders is an FHSU graduate who also played
baseball at FHSU.Sanders and his wife, Sophia, have a daughter, Sylvie.

Hays teacher named Russell's Bickerdyke principal 

RE/MAX Pro, Hays, has announced that Realtor® Nicole Morton is the latest addition to the growing real estate franchise. She brings to the office her attention to detail and love for real estate.

“I’m excited to join the most productive real estate network in the U.S. and heighten the buying and selling experience for my clients,” Morton said. “With the economy improving, it’s a great time to buy real estate. Ellis is in high demand, homes are selling quickly, and I’m here to help guide members of Ellis County and the surrounding communities through the exciting and sometimes overwhelming process.”

For more information about Nicole, visit her at nicole.morton@remax.net or call her at 785-259-5696, or visit RE/MAX Pro at homesinhays.com, or call 785-621-5400.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711749509298.png" alt="Nicole Morton (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Nicole Morton (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedRE/MAX Pro, Hays, has announced that Realtor® Nicole Morton is the latest addition to the growing real estate franchise. She brings to the office her attention to detail and love for real estate.“I’m excited to join the most productive real estate network in the U.S. and heighten the buying and selling experience for my clients,” Morton said. “With the economy improving, it’s a great time to buy real estate. Ellis is in high demand, homes are selling quickly, and I’m here to help guide members of Ellis County and the surrounding communities through the exciting and sometimes overwhelming process.”For more information about Nicole, visit her at nicole.morton@remax.net or call her at 785-259-5696, or visit RE/MAX Pro at homesinhays.com, or call 785-621-5400.

Nicole Morton joins RE/MAX Pro as new sales associate in Hays

SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEW

The Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor action debating more than 40 bills ending after 5 p.m. last Wednesday. 

Monday will start a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2024 legislative session and head us towards first adjournment on Friday. There are more than 40 bills in conference committees and this week’s work will primarily consist of voting on these conference committee reports. 

In this process, the committee chair, vice-chair, and ranking member will gather from the House and Senate committees and hammer out the differences in bills. Conference committees will have until Friday, April 5, to meet. 

A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill. Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk. 

After the conclusion of the regular session this week, the legislature is scheduled to take a three-week break before returning for the veto session in late April.

HB 2144 would create the crime of organized retail crime, providing criminal penalties for violation thereof increasing the criminal penalties for theft of property, including organized retail crime in the definition of racketeering activity under the Kansas racketeer influenced and corrupt organization act and authorizing the attorney general to prosecute crimes concurrently with county or district attorneys. HB 2144 passed 30-10. I voted yes.

HB 2583 would amend the crime of inflicting harm, disability, or death to law enforcement animals to include police dogs and horses and increasing penalties for inflicting harm that results in disability or death to these animals including restitution. HB 2583 passed 25-15. I voted yes.

SB 367 would amend the Transparency in Revenues Underwriting Elections Act regarding the designation of voter registration agencies and the acceptance and use of certain election-related funds. SB 367 passed 28-12. I voted yes.

HB 2577 would provide discretionary authority to the state treasurer to determine the amount of unclaimed property receipts available for long-term investment and to liquidate such investments by the Pooled Money Investment Board (PMIB) for necessary payments to owners of unclaimed property. HB 2577 passed 38-2. I voted yes.

HB 2560 would amend the State Banking Code and provisions pertaining to trust companies to address the abandonment or expiration of certain applications and allow an originating trustee to have its principal place of business outside of Kansas. HB 2560 passed 39-1. I voted yes.

HB 2663 would permit title insurance agents to deposit escrow, settlement, and closing funds for real estate closings, including closings involving refinances of existing mortgage loans, which exceed $2,500 to be in the form of a real-time or instant payment systems. HB 2663 passed 40-0. I voted yes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644853578448.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka April 1, 2024SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEWThe Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor action debating more than 40 bills ending after 5 p.m. last Wednesday. Monday will start a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2024 legislative session and head us towards first adjournment on Friday. There are more than 40 bills in conference committees and this week’s work will primarily consist of voting on these conference committee reports. In this process, the committee chair, vice-chair, and ranking member will gather from the House and Senate committees and hammer out the differences in bills. Conference committees will have until Friday, April 5, to meet. A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill. Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk. After the conclusion of the regular session this week, the legislature is scheduled to take a three-week break before returning for the veto session in late April.SENATE FLOOR ACTION HB 2144 would create the crime of organized retail crime, providing criminal penalties for violation thereof increasing the criminal penalties for theft of property, including organized retail crime in the definition of racketeering activity under the Kansas racketeer influenced and corrupt organization act and authorizing the attorney general to prosecute crimes concurrently with county or district attorneys. HB 2144 passed 30-10. I voted yes. HB 2583 would amend the crime of inflicting harm, disability, or death to law enforcement animals to include police dogs and horses and increasing penalties for inflicting harm that results in disability or death to these animals including restitution. HB 2583 passed 25-15. I voted yes. SB 367 would amend the Transparency in Revenues Underwriting Elections Act regarding the designation of voter registration agencies and the acceptance and use of certain election-related funds. SB 367 passed 28-12. I voted yes. HB 2577 would provide discretionary authority to the state treasurer to determine the amount of unclaimed property receipts available for long-term investment and to liquidate such investments by the Pooled Money Investment Board (PMIB) for necessary payments to owners of unclaimed property. HB 2577 passed 38-2. I voted yes. HB 2560 would amend the State Banking Code and provisions pertaining to trust companies to address the abandonment or expiration of certain applications and allow an originating trustee to have its principal place of business outside of Kansas. HB 2560 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2663 would permit title insurance agents to deposit escrow, settlement, and closing funds for real estate closings, including closings involving refinances of existing mortgage loans, which exceed $2,500 to be in the form of a real-time or instant payment systems. HB 2663 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 524 would authorize mail ballot elections for certain irrigation district boards of directors, would change the definition of “dams” &amp; “water structures” as the terms relate to agriculture use, and add a civil penalty that could be assessed by the chief engineer at the Division of Water Resources. SB 524 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 488 would expand the scope of the inspector general within the Office of the Attorney General to include the audit, investigation, and performance review of all state cash, food, and health assistance programs. The bill would grant the inspector general the power to subpoena, administer oaths, and execute search warrants. SB 488 passed 22-18. I voted no. SB 427 would have required districts to publicly list the names and email addresses of current school board members, authorizing local school board members to add new items to board meeting discussions, ask questions or engage in discussion with members of the public and access school property, authorizing members of the public to address school boards at board meetings and authorizing payment of annual dues to any not-for-profit organization that provides services to member school districts. SB 427 failed 13-24. I voted no. SB 386 would amend certain enrollment determination criteria in the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act to require school district enrollment be determined using the current or preceding school year. The bill would also authorize an additional enrollment count determination for school year 2024-2025 only. SB 386 passed 33-6. I voted yes. HB 2501 would designate the official state steam locomotive and the official state heritage railroad. It names The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe #3415 Pacific class 4-6-2 as the official steam locomotive for the state. The Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad would be designated as the official state heritage railroad. HB 2501 passed 39-1. I voted yes. S Sub HB 2436 would create the crime of coercion to obtain an abortion and providing enhanced criminal penalties for offenses committed with the intent to coerce a woman to obtain an abortion. HB 2436 passed 27-11. I voted yes. HB 2703 would add students in the custody of the Secretary for Children and Families to the list of students identified as eligible to receive at-risk programs and services. HB 2703 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2590 would increase the maximum penalties that can be assessed for violation of Kansas pipeline safety regulations. HB 2590 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2665 would increase the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident when the driver knew or reasonably should have known the accident resulted in injury or death. The bill would be known as “Levi’s Law.” HB 2665 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2484 would establish the Social Work Licensure Compact to facilitate interstate practice of regulated social workers. The bill would also amend law to add the background check procedure for the Social Work Licensure Act and add a fee relating to the multistate licenses under the Compact. HB 2484 passed 35-5. I voted yes. HB 2353 would amend provisions in the Care and Treatment Act for Mentally Ill Persons to extend the time period a person may be held for treatment and to add conditions for which continued treatment may be ordered. HB 2353 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2661 would amend the process for filling county commission vacancies when the vacancies are created by an increase of commission districts. HB 2661 passed 40-0. HB 2477 as amended, would make changes to the Remediation Reimbursement Program that provides remediation funding from the Kansas Agricultural Remediation Fund. HB 2477 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2749 would require medical care facilities and providers to report the reasons for each abortion performed at such facility or providers to the secretary of health and environment. HB 2749 passed 27-13. I voted yes. HB 2483 would eliminate the requirement for the Legislative Division of Post Audit to conduct recurring audits of the implementation of the 911 system, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System audits, and the other economic development incentive audits. HB 2483 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2551 would authorize expenditures totaling $49,343 from existing resources in FY 2024 to pay claims against the State. HB 2551 passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2124 would amend law pertaining to microbreweries, including, but not limited to, permitting microbreweries to self-distribute beer and hard cider up to certain limits and lowering the number of barrels per year a microbrewery may manufacture and store. HB 2124 passed 38-2. I voted yes. HB 2690 would allow counties or governing bodies of cities to contract with another governing body of a Public Safety Answering Point for consolidation of the provision of 911 services, make changes to how 911 is governed within the state by replacing the current 911 Coordinating Council with a new State 911 Board, change how the 911 fees are allowed to be used, and require 911 fees collected from phone bills and prepaid wireless service to be transferred to the state treasury. HB 2690 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2715 would authorize the Commissioner of Insurance to set the amount of fees and fines for applications, licenses, license renewals, certificates of authority, and other required filings by certain insurance entities and public adjusters under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. HB 2715 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2787 would amend law relating to the Kansas Insurance Guaranty Association. HB 2787 passed 40-0. I voted yes.HB 2607 would amend and update the Kansas Pesticide Law and Kansas Chemigation Safety Law. HB 2607 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2547 as amended, would amend law regarding the stock, maintenance, and administration of emergency medication kits in schools, including epinephrine and albuterol. HB 2547 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2628 would modify the law governing access to confidential information regarding children alleged to be in need of care. HB 2628 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2618 would amend current law regarding the crime of false representation of an election official. HB 2618 passed 29-9. I voted yes. HB 2536 would establish a new legal permanency option for children 16 years of age or older who are in the custody of the Secretary for Children and Families. The bill would also amend various statutes contained in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children to reference this new form of permanency, which would be designated as “SOUL Family Legal Permanency.” HB 2536 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 553 would amend the Utilization Review Organization Act and the Electronic Notice and Document Act. HB 553 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2358 would modify the Uniform Vital Statistics Act provisions concerning who may certify a cause of death. HB 2358 passed 39-1. I voted yes. HB 2754 would allow counties to opt out of conducting school sanitary inspections pursuant to home rule powers granted to counties under the County Home Rule Act. HB 2754 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2614 would amend Rules and Regulations Filing Act provisions authorizing expedited revocation of certain rules and regulations to require certain notifications be made during the revocation process. HB 2614 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2675 would enact the Uniform Nonparent Visitation Act. HB 2675 passed 40-0. HB 2711 would amend the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System working-after-retirement. HB 2675 passed 38-2. I voted yes. HB 2453 would enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact to provide interstate practice privileges for dentists and dental hygienists. The bill contains uniform language that would enact the Compact in Kansas. HB 2453 passed 38-2. I voted yes. HB 2527 would create new definitions and modify definitions pertaining to cost recovery and rate making procedures before the Kansas Corporation Commission. The bill would establish new mechanisms for the recovery of costs associated with deferred depreciation &amp; new gas-fired generating units. HB 2527 passed 35-2. S Sub HB 2047 would make clarifying amendments to the Farm Animal and Field Crop and Research Facilities Protection Act. HB 2047 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2588 would amend the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act to further develop regulation and expand capacity for investor-owned utilities to connect customers’ renewable energy generation systems, such as rooftop solar panels systems, to the electric grid. HB 2588 passed 32-6. I voted yes. HB 2784 would transfer authority for certification of continuing care retirement communities from the Kansas Insurance Department to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. HB 2784 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 532 would establish the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy. The bill would create a Literacy Advisory Committee, create a Director of Literacy to be appointed and employed by the State Board of Regents, require the State Board of Education and the State Board of Regents to collaborate on a literacy micro-credential and professional development, authorize the oversight of postsecondary classes and provide an annual systemwide analysis of all literary postsecondary courses, and require a plan to create six regional centers of excellence in reading. SB 532 passed 35-3. I voted yes. HB 2570 would make various amendments to law related to unemployment compensation. HB 2570 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 426 would increase penalties for drivers who fail, upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, to proceed with due caution and to move into another lane away from the emergency vehicle or to slow the driver’s vehicle (move-over law). SB 426 passed 39-1. I voted yes. SB 544 would replace the Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship Program with the Kansas Education Opportunity Scholarship Program Act. SB 544 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2549 would amend law in the Kansas Adoption and Relinquishment Act governing petitions to terminate parental rights and notice required to be given in a hearing on a petition for adoption. HB 2549 passed 40-0. I voted yes. HB 2491 would shift deposits of fees previously credited to the Law Enforcement Training Center Fund to the State General Fund. HB 2491 passed 40-0. I voted yes. SB 457 would clarify the term “public utility” in statute, for the purposes of appropriation of property through eminent domain, to include solar powered electric generation equipment, including solar panels. The bill would prohibit public utilities from exercising eminent domain for the purpose of siting or placement of solar facilities. SB 457 passed 38-0. I voted yes. SB 552 would create the Kansas Campus Restoration Act authorizing the Kansas Board of Regents to adopt rules and regulations relating to deferred maintenance and demolition of facilities at postsecondary institutions. SB 552 passed 34-6. I voted yes.Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at <a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.Pages for the Senate - March 26 and 27On March 26, Avery Kueker and Tessa Breese, both of Concordia, served as pages for the Kansas Senate. On March 27, Izaak Robbins, Concordia; Noah Peterie, Eudora; and Wesley Swann, Lawrence, served as pages for the Kansas Senate. The pages spent their day with us at the Capitol running errands, working in my office, and taking a historical tour of the Capitol as well as the dome tour.Legislative TownhallsSeveral legislative townhalls have been conducted throughout the 36th Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks. On April 6, Senator Billinger, Representative Rahjes, and I will be in Stockton at 10:45 a.m. at the Stockton City Building. Next, we will be in Phillipsburg at 12:30 p.m. at the Huck Boyd Community Center. On April 13, there is a Legislative Coffee scheduled in Concordia at 8:00 a.m. at Jitters Coffee House with Representative Susan Concannon, Representative Bill Bloom, and I, sponsored by Farm Bureau. Representative Concannon and I are scheduled to be in Beloit on April 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine BowersKansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E300SW 10th St.Topeka, KS 66612elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov785-296-7389<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a><a href="http://www.elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">www.elainebowers.com</a>Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas, which includes:* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington Counties* Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville* Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

Local