TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp; has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Kensington public water supply system located in Smith County. 

The advisory was issued because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Kensington indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-476-2668 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019566f7fa28-b9e64427-4f1a-41d1-aea5-1de2c7bd5678-000000/NZ1ruiX0RWEGMdPKjq5EkJhwK9ybFcycauYdVov_x-Q=395">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706371129693.jpeg" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment&nbsp; has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Kensington public water supply system located in Smith County. The advisory was issued because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Kensington indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-476-2668 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019566f7fa28-b9e64427-4f1a-41d1-aea5-1de2c7bd5678-000000/NZ1ruiX0RWEGMdPKjq5EkJhwK9ybFcycauYdVov_x-Q=395">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Kensington

FHSU crime log: Feb. 28-March 6, 2025

In the past several years the legislature has focused on adding additional funding to our water agencies. 

Over 270 communities applied for the 2024 funding period, requesting a total of $237 million. Thirty-nine technical assistance grants and 24 water projects grants were awarded to 70 communities and special districts related to water. A total of $26,287,103 was awarded for Technical Assistance Grant Funds, Water Project Grant Funds and Loan Assistance. 

The communities awarded funding in the 40th Senate District and western Kansas in this round of grants are:&nbsp; • Technical Assistance Grants: Wallace, Ellis, Bunker Hill, Norcatur, Quinter • Loan Assistance Grants: Liebenthal, Gorham, Hill City, Gove, Plainville, Ellis County • Water Projects: Palco, Collyer.

Additional bills passed by the Senate which have been sent to the House include:

Greeley County contacted the Kansas Attorney General after local voters passed a bond proposal for specified improvements for Tribune school district USD200. The county did not meet compliance verification, and the Attorney General refused to approve the funds. SB2 will remedy the situation and will allow Greeley County to proceed with their improvements.

SB64 would amend Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) statutes. The bill would extend the timeline for a KPERS member to request an administrative hearing to appeal a decision made by the KPERS Board of Trustees without a hearing. The bill would also update KPERS statues to align with federal Internal Revenue Code regulations relating to the applicable age for required minimum distribution of pension benefits, recalculation of life expectancy for determining benefits distributions from a defined contribution or deferred contribution plan, and the addition of a SIMPLE IRA that meets specific rollover requirements to the list of eligible retirement plans. Last year KPERS return on investments returned $1.6B.

SB126 would enact the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. The compacts would facilitate the interstate practice of physician assistants (PAs) with the goal of improving public access to medical services and achieve several objectives that reduce administrative burden while increasing availability of licensed PAs as well as cooperation among member state licensing bodies.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA March 4, 2025In the past several years the legislature has focused on adding additional funding to our water agencies. Over 270 communities applied for the 2024 funding period, requesting a total of $237 million. Thirty-nine technical assistance grants and 24 water projects grants were awarded to 70 communities and special districts related to water. A total of $26,287,103 was awarded for Technical Assistance Grant Funds, Water Project Grant Funds and Loan Assistance. The communities awarded funding in the 40th Senate District and western Kansas in this round of grants are:&nbsp; • Technical Assistance Grants: Wallace, Ellis, Bunker Hill, Norcatur, Quinter • Loan Assistance Grants: Liebenthal, Gorham, Hill City, Gove, Plainville, Ellis County • Water Projects: Palco, Collyer.Additional bills passed by the Senate which have been sent to the House include: Greeley County contacted the Kansas Attorney General after local voters passed a bond proposal for specified improvements for Tribune school district USD200. The county did not meet compliance verification, and the Attorney General refused to approve the funds. SB2 will remedy the situation and will allow Greeley County to proceed with their improvements.SB64 would amend Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) statutes. The bill would extend the timeline for a KPERS member to request an administrative hearing to appeal a decision made by the KPERS Board of Trustees without a hearing. The bill would also update KPERS statues to align with federal Internal Revenue Code regulations relating to the applicable age for required minimum distribution of pension benefits, recalculation of life expectancy for determining benefits distributions from a defined contribution or deferred contribution plan, and the addition of a SIMPLE IRA that meets specific rollover requirements to the list of eligible retirement plans. Last year KPERS return on investments returned $1.6B.SB126 would enact the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. The compacts would facilitate the interstate practice of physician assistants (PAs) with the goal of improving public access to medical services and achieve several objectives that reduce administrative burden while increasing availability of licensed PAs as well as cooperation among member state licensing bodies.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate Update March 4, 2025

WASHINGTON —Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation are sharing their thoughts on President Trump's address to Congress.

Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann wrote on social media, "America is back! President Trump’s address laid out a clear vision for our country as we work to secure the border, reduce federal spending, cut taxes, and restore America’s role on the world stage.

 I am eager to work with him to make it happen. Promises made, promises kept. 

Kansas 4th District Rep. Ron Estes wrote, "In his first address to Congress in his second term, President Trump highlighted his America First policies that Americans overwhelmingly voted for in November and that congressional Republicans are working hard to advance," said Rep. Estes. 

"We are renewing the American Dream, and the president’s victories have been evident through record-low illegal border crossings, the reduction of governmental waste and fraud with the help of DOGE, and new investments in our country. I support President Trump’s efforts to restore America’s economy and make our nation secure and competitive once again, and I look forward to continuing to deliver on his bold agenda that will benefit all Kansans."

Kansas 2nd District Rep. Derek Schmidt wrote,&nbsp;“After four years of weakness, strength is back in the White House and President Trump is already delivering on his promise of a safe and prosperous nation for the American people. House Republicans are moving quickly and decisively to implement the President’s America First agenda by passing legislation to secure the border, restore energy independence, shrink the size of government, and curb the runaway federal spending that has fueled inflation. We’re slashing red tape, taking power back from unelected bureaucrats, and working hard every day to make the changes Kansans expect us to make.”

WASHINGTON —Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation are sharing their thoughts on President Trump's address to Congress.Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann wrote on social media, "America is back! President Trump’s address laid out a clear vision for our country as we work to secure the border, reduce federal spending, cut taxes, and restore America’s role on the world stage.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">America is back! President Trump’s address laid out a clear vision for our country as we work to secure the border, reduce federal spending, cut taxes, and restore America’s role on the world stage. I am eager to work with him to make it happen. Promises made, promises kept.… <a href="https://t.co/bBWCxBsiH5">pic.twitter.com/bBWCxBsiH5</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1897152308666097785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> I am eager to work with him to make it happen. Promises made, promises kept. Thank you, President Trump!Kansas 4th District Rep. Ron Estes wrote, "In his first address to Congress in his second term, President Trump highlighted his America First policies that Americans overwhelmingly voted for in November and that congressional Republicans are working hard to advance," said Rep. Estes. "We are renewing the American Dream, and the president’s victories have been evident through record-low illegal border crossings, the reduction of governmental waste and fraud with the help of DOGE, and new investments in our country. I support President Trump’s efforts to restore America’s economy and make our nation secure and competitive once again, and I look forward to continuing to deliver on his bold agenda that will benefit all Kansans."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> has brought common sense back to the White House.&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1897114382225826239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">America is the strongest country in the world. After four years of weakness, we once again have a President who acts like it.&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1897125228536643778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas 2nd District Rep. Derek Schmidt wrote,&nbsp;“After four years of weakness, strength is back in the White House and President Trump is already delivering on his promise of a safe and prosperous nation for the American people. House Republicans are moving quickly and decisively to implement the President’s America First agenda by passing legislation to secure the border, restore energy independence, shrink the size of government, and curb the runaway federal spending that has fueled inflation. We’re slashing red tape, taking power back from unelected bureaucrats, and working hard every day to make the changes Kansans expect us to make.”

🎥Kansas First District Rep. on Trump's address to Congress

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

During a stop in Hays last week, Gov. Kelly visited the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob&nbsp;and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a> construction site.

The $6 million, 14,000-square-foot community center near 27th and Canterbury is scheduled to be completed in July.

It will house a child care center, Hays Senior Center and community rooms for public use.

James Robben,&nbsp;director of business development and special projects, said the seniors want to attract a square dancing competition to Hays. They would use the community room for this purpose.

Mayor Sandy Jacobs said the community needs more meeting space.

"There is so much about this that is for the whole community," she said. "It just makes you smile when you tell the story. It was the right thing to do at the right time."

The facility is being billed as an opportunity for intergenerational interaction between seniors and children in the child care center.

The center includes a storm shelter that can be used by senior center, child care and surrounding Grove housing development residents.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, which has spearheaded the development, said the shelter added to the center's price tag. Still, the development group felt it was a priority for the project.

The senior center will have a patio and a three-season room off the playground so seniors can watch the children play.

The child care center, which Bright Minds Academy will run, will open in August. It will have a capacity for 77 children.&nbsp;

Bright Minds is now taking names for a waiting list for the facility.

Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children's Cabinet, said the Children's Cabinet has been able to add more than 3,600 child care slots. Once all the slots in the works are added, including those at the community center in Hays, the cabinet will have helped add about 6,300 child care slots in Kansas.

Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund granted the project $3.5 million. The center was also supported through private funding, including a Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation donation.

The state funds came from a tobacco settlement to the states and were designated for early childhood education by the Kansas Legislature in 1999.

Kelly said child care is needed for businesses to attract and retain employees.

Kelly said the center was a good example of a public-private partnership.

The community center is part of a larger housing project, The Grove, which is being marketed toward seniors.

Work has begun on infrastructure for The Grove housing addition. Most recently, work was being done to lay a sewer for the addition.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a9010c42-afe6-43c7-8310-fa044f54b847">SEE RELATED STORY: Grow Hays year in review: Housing still key to growth</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741120949851.jpeg" alt="James Robben, director of business development and special projects for Grow Hays, far left, speaks with&nbsp;Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children's Cabinet, middle, and Gov. Laura Kelly, right, as they tour the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob&nbsp;and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a>&nbsp;in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>James Robben, director of business development and special projects for Grow Hays, far left, speaks with&nbsp;Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children's Cabinet, middle, and Gov. Laura Kelly, right, as they tour the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob&nbsp;and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a>&nbsp;in Hays. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostDuring a stop in Hays last week, Gov. Kelly visited the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob&nbsp;and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a> construction site.The $6 million, 14,000-square-foot community center near 27th and Canterbury is scheduled to be completed in July.It will house a child care center, Hays Senior Center and community rooms for public use.James Robben,&nbsp;director of business development and special projects, said the seniors want to attract a square dancing competition to Hays. They would use the community room for this purpose.Mayor Sandy Jacobs said the community needs more meeting space."There is so much about this that is for the whole community," she said. "It just makes you smile when you tell the story. It was the right thing to do at the right time."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741121073079.jpeg" alt="A community room in the new&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob&nbsp;and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a>&nbsp;in The Grove housing addition. The Hays Senior Center's new space is to the left. The building is set to be completed in July.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A community room in the new&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob&nbsp;and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a>&nbsp;in The Grove housing addition. The Hays Senior Center's new space is to the left. The building is set to be completed in July.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741121010236.jpeg" alt="The child care wing in the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob&nbsp;and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a>. The center will have space for 77 children. The secure entrance can be seen at the far left. The office is in the center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The child care wing in the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/52b97519-b934-46eb-bdf3-8bd246bf2675">Bob&nbsp;and Pat Schmidt Community Center</a>. The center will have space for 77 children. The secure entrance can be seen at the far left. The office is in the center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The facility is being billed as an opportunity for intergenerational interaction between seniors and children in the child care center.The center includes a storm shelter that can be used by senior center, child care and surrounding Grove housing development residents.Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, which has spearheaded the development, said the shelter added to the center's price tag. Still, the development group felt it was a priority for the project.The senior center will have a patio and a three-season room off the playground so seniors can watch the children play.The child care center, which Bright Minds Academy will run, will open in August. It will have a capacity for 77 children.&nbsp;Bright Minds is now taking names for a waiting list for the facility.Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children's Cabinet, said the Children's Cabinet has been able to add more than 3,600 child care slots. Once all the slots in the works are added, including those at the community center in Hays, the cabinet will have helped add about 6,300 child care slots in Kansas.Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund granted the project $3.5 million. The center was also supported through private funding, including a Robert and Patricia Schmidt Foundation donation.The state funds came from a tobacco settlement to the states and were designated for early childhood education by the Kansas Legislature in 1999.Kelly said child care is needed for businesses to attract and retain employees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741121109384.jpeg" alt="The exterior of the $6 million, 14,000-square-foot community center, which is near 27th and Canterbury.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The exterior of the $6 million, 14,000-square-foot community center, which is near 27th and Canterbury.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741121039561.jpeg" alt="Excavators were working last week on the infrastructure for The Grove housing addition. The addition, which is adjacent to HaysMed, will be geared toward seniors.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Excavators were working last week on the infrastructure for The Grove housing addition. The addition, which is adjacent to HaysMed, will be geared toward seniors.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Kelly said the center was a good example of a public-private partnership.The community center is part of a larger housing project, The Grove, which is being marketed toward seniors. Work has begun on infrastructure for The Grove housing addition. Most recently, work was being done to lay a sewer for the addition.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a9010c42-afe6-43c7-8310-fa044f54b847">SEE RELATED STORY: Grow Hays year in review: Housing still key to growth</a>

Gov. visits Hays community center; building set for completion in July

&nbsp;Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) will host various free daily hands-on activities each afternoon of spring break, March 17-21, allowing people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.

A different activity will take place from 1-4 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go, and no registration is required. 

Activities are geared toward school-aged children. 

After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can also grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the wetlands.

Following is a synopsis of each day’s activities.

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, let’s talk about green plants and where they come from: seeds! Unlock the mystery of seeds by dissecting a seed, studying how they move, making seeds move with a fun experiment, and planting your own seed to take home and care for.

Tuesday, March 18 – Walking on Water

Water striders are insects that are built to walk on water. How do they do it? Find out more about these interesting aquatic invertebrates during this program. You’ll also get to make a water strider to see if you can get it to float like the real insect.

Wednesday, March 19 – Batty for Bats

Discover the incredible world of these night flyers with hands-on activities and a craft. Learn how scientists identify different bat species and how bats provide balance for our ecosystem. Create a paper bat hand puppet to take home with you.

Thursday, March 20 –Backbone Biology&nbsp;&nbsp;

Explore the world of invertebrates. Ninety-seven percent of animal species are invertebrates, but what is an invertebrate? It is an animal without a backbone, but there is much more than that. Learn all about what makes an invertebrate and even meet some of the Center’s own live critters. Then, create your own take-home insect carrier.

Friday, March 21 – Silly, Sleek, and Splendid: The Spectacular World of Salamanders

Crawl into the sensational world of salamanders - what they are, where they live, and more. Plus, meet our own live salamander ambassador, Ms. Pac-man. Get crafty with your very own salamander mask and make a salamander life cycle wheel.

Can't join us in person? Want a teaser of the activity? At 10 a.m. each day, tune in to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0d6l0qajQc2cNPx9eB-2BHhpm5IMZ-2B8g1sy0eqGIkhgPELV8VeFlGkoKFvhBqsB6fHoA-3D-3D5YS5_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOwv9WfPb7jVA2-2FqoCHqoFm7VhxrixvXsBv1ZNOnfmc2e6A3KNBgzVCKm5XqOxtY5d1NX2uo-2FT1T2H58WgYGEK1qE4iqwbHIbQ3DY-2BOU1hzegwuMKjuIGhWoxmACKvBC3n-2B-2BOBHPf6e2BgrN5yd9fDaDXNSQg7PVtRyU-2FHiHb1MwETEsxG0KVR-2Fl3gcd5yf-2FkJ2RvtqDk7wMPRP44i5aMpRNzhGjQIv8O60SDDIF3AuHDGWnEMHDZuvxrSGzq-2Fudtn">https://www.facebook.com/wetlandscenter</a>&nbsp;for a chance to meet the staff member presenting that day and a story that fits the theme of the afternoon activity.

Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. 

More information can be found at&nbsp;877-243-9268 or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OVwSKd_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOwv9WfPb7jVA2-2FqoCHqoFm7VhxrixvXsBv1ZNOnfmc2e6A3KNBgzVCKm5XqOxtY5d1NX2uo-2FT1T2H58WgYGEK1tjo-2F9tHtKS98buWaBakAy9BkRjNukdv3GjAL1sag7N4mzK9o0F17wjEPbflBNDDZTAQ3rtUbUTLfeqRboFfFtsyJZlpDKEUUmVgj76j1B96EnLe2EGCC2WZFh-2BWoELopthSle3w4cetQZvunoyMg3k2AC2qKIiMtZnkahUQxCIp">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740672325823.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wetlands&nbsp; Education Center" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wetlands&nbsp; Education Center</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Communications &nbsp;Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) will host various free daily hands-on activities each afternoon of spring break, March 17-21, allowing people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.A different activity will take place from 1-4 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go, and no registration is required. Activities are geared toward school-aged children. After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can also grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the wetlands.Following is a synopsis of each day’s activities.Monday, March 17 –Dancing SeedsJust in time for St. Patrick’s Day, let’s talk about green plants and where they come from: seeds! Unlock the mystery of seeds by dissecting a seed, studying how they move, making seeds move with a fun experiment, and planting your own seed to take home and care for.Tuesday, March 18 – Walking on WaterWater striders are insects that are built to walk on water. How do they do it? Find out more about these interesting aquatic invertebrates during this program. You’ll also get to make a water strider to see if you can get it to float like the real insect.Wednesday, March 19 – Batty for BatsDiscover the incredible world of these night flyers with hands-on activities and a craft. Learn how scientists identify different bat species and how bats provide balance for our ecosystem. Create a paper bat hand puppet to take home with you.Thursday, March 20 –Backbone Biology&nbsp;&nbsp;Explore the world of invertebrates. Ninety-seven percent of animal species are invertebrates, but what is an invertebrate? It is an animal without a backbone, but there is much more than that. Learn all about what makes an invertebrate and even meet some of the Center’s own live critters. Then, create your own take-home insect carrier.Friday, March 21 – Silly, Sleek, and Splendid: The Spectacular World of SalamandersCrawl into the sensational world of salamanders - what they are, where they live, and more. Plus, meet our own live salamander ambassador, Ms. Pac-man. Get crafty with your very own salamander mask and make a salamander life cycle wheel.Can't join us in person? Want a teaser of the activity? At 10 a.m. each day, tune in to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0d6l0qajQc2cNPx9eB-2BHhpm5IMZ-2B8g1sy0eqGIkhgPELV8VeFlGkoKFvhBqsB6fHoA-3D-3D5YS5_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOwv9WfPb7jVA2-2FqoCHqoFm7VhxrixvXsBv1ZNOnfmc2e6A3KNBgzVCKm5XqOxtY5d1NX2uo-2FT1T2H58WgYGEK1qE4iqwbHIbQ3DY-2BOU1hzegwuMKjuIGhWoxmACKvBC3n-2B-2BOBHPf6e2BgrN5yd9fDaDXNSQg7PVtRyU-2FHiHb1MwETEsxG0KVR-2Fl3gcd5yf-2FkJ2RvtqDk7wMPRP44i5aMpRNzhGjQIv8O60SDDIF3AuHDGWnEMHDZuvxrSGzq-2Fudtn">https://www.facebook.com/wetlandscenter</a>&nbsp;for a chance to meet the staff member presenting that day and a story that fits the theme of the afternoon activity.Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. More information can be found at&nbsp;877-243-9268 or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqiohrCVEzT-2Bu22yVklcaqOvmZGt05-2BeOL3r-2Flc3NH2OVwSKd_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOwv9WfPb7jVA2-2FqoCHqoFm7VhxrixvXsBv1ZNOnfmc2e6A3KNBgzVCKm5XqOxtY5d1NX2uo-2FT1T2H58WgYGEK1tjo-2F9tHtKS98buWaBakAy9BkRjNukdv3GjAL1sag7N4mzK9o0F17wjEPbflBNDDZTAQ3rtUbUTLfeqRboFfFtsyJZlpDKEUUmVgj76j1B96EnLe2EGCC2WZFh-2BWoELopthSle3w4cetQZvunoyMg3k2AC2qKIiMtZnkahUQxCIp">wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>.

Spring break activities at Wetlands Education Center

TOPEKA - The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation announced the 40 Kansans chosen for 2025 Leadership Kansas class.

Area residents selected include Darin Myers, Ellis County administrator and fire chief, Hays, and&nbsp;Teryn Carmichael,&nbsp;Bird City Century II Development Foundation, Bird City.

As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas, or LK, is focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.

"Since 1979, LK has fostered greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues among the leaders of our state. LK alumni have gone on to key leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels," said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb (LK '21). "The Chamber and Foundation are excited to welcome the newest class and wish them the best during their eight-month journey learning more about our great state."&nbsp;

Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2025 program. After a thorough and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2025 class. The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.

The 2025 program runs from April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.&nbsp;

The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.

"Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said LK Executive Director Aaron Miller (LK '16). "Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state."

Leadership Kansas has more than 1,600 alumni.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://9slwjycab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CfXQwAE-f-VPuRx1PSkNy8i6AYQdX3Wa087okU9hfkVUQ_xDoka-_5zutYT1Al6zEaVKxQtTZ_EUSQerjNQOFyu5Qwmp_IkBSLJ1Fb_JeowXQiYaUUm-i9peg1zqTScl6C_p5Anc50QhNH3-3eaKFt2ogdRjrN7qPuT_UnyvhuCcrA6DvNydVEGQ9qJEHu6HgJ5PAC3ptWzZVhQIAcRaAdNsRL_JZLu4RwUiEfLeNVEjTAA_v0d2JIHo9IV7jZ3o&amp;c=rv2AG0SjT8oLqQKB5YoUtEsoXAT5ypLzSuwjS_fiKax8cP1-iY72IA==&amp;ch=-Qr0Q9XyVxNdUJM-Y7SDAtIn13rSFcNK_N6KjB-za2SC7xEXRzM8zQ==">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of the 2025 Leadership Kansas class.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583264003733.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas ChamberTOPEKA - The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation announced the 40 Kansans chosen for 2025 Leadership Kansas class.Area residents selected include Darin Myers, Ellis County administrator and fire chief, Hays, and&nbsp;Teryn Carmichael,&nbsp;Bird City Century II Development Foundation, Bird City.As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas, or LK, is focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state."Since 1979, LK has fostered greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues among the leaders of our state. LK alumni have gone on to key leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels," said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb (LK '21). "The Chamber and Foundation are excited to welcome the newest class and wish them the best during their eight-month journey learning more about our great state."&nbsp;Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2025 program. After a thorough and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2025 class. The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.The 2025 program runs from April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.&nbsp;The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government."Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said LK Executive Director Aaron Miller (LK '16). "Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state."Leadership Kansas has more than 1,600 alumni.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://9slwjycab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CfXQwAE-f-VPuRx1PSkNy8i6AYQdX3Wa087okU9hfkVUQ_xDoka-_5zutYT1Al6zEaVKxQtTZ_EUSQerjNQOFyu5Qwmp_IkBSLJ1Fb_JeowXQiYaUUm-i9peg1zqTScl6C_p5Anc50QhNH3-3eaKFt2ogdRjrN7qPuT_UnyvhuCcrA6DvNydVEGQ9qJEHu6HgJ5PAC3ptWzZVhQIAcRaAdNsRL_JZLu4RwUiEfLeNVEjTAA_v0d2JIHo9IV7jZ3o&amp;c=rv2AG0SjT8oLqQKB5YoUtEsoXAT5ypLzSuwjS_fiKax8cP1-iY72IA==&amp;ch=-Qr0Q9XyVxNdUJM-Y7SDAtIn13rSFcNK_N6KjB-za2SC7xEXRzM8zQ==">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of the 2025 Leadership Kansas class.

Hays, Bird City residents selected to 2025 Leadership Kansas class

By MICHELLE BEFRAN Cottonwood Extension District

Have you ever worked on a jigsaw puzzle and, initially, the pieces and colors seem to make no sense? 

We’ve had a puzzle set up in our back room for several weeks and it is a good brain break. It also made me think about how we approach problems.

I start a jigsaw puzzle by trying to find all of the border pieces. This helps me to have a framework for how to get started. 

Next, I will start with a small area to identify colors or details that seem to go together. There are times when everything just feels like a jumble but finding the right spot for one or two pieces can keep me engaged and encourage me to keep looking for the next small step.

The first H in the 4-H Pledge is “head” as in, I pledge my head to clearer thinking. 

This is all about helping our young people learn to evaluate options and practice good decision-making skills. We use a lot of different techniques to help youth learn about and develop good decision-making skills. 

Some of these are fun such as a judging contest. Some are more serious such as decisions to be voted on during a club or project meeting. Sometimes, the decision-making practice comes as a part of another activity – if you don’t agree with a judge’s decision, YOU have a decision to make, such as truly listening to the feedback and choosing to find parts of it to improve in some way. 

Additionally, parents can and should model this behavior by not bashing a judge (or referee or other official) when you don’t agree with their determination. Sometimes, we have to agree to disagree but I am a firm believer that there is always something that can be learned from each interaction; we just have to make a decision to be open to the lesson.

There are times when problems feel like a jigsaw puzzle and the solution is not clear, the details are confusing, and it is hard to know where to start.

 Stopping to find your border and then identifying one or two ways to get started is usually best. At some point – in puzzles and problem-solving – we can begin to see not only what is missing but what or WHO can fill that spot.

Just like I can’t quite get that puzzle piece in the right spot, youth aren’t always going to make the best decisions every time. But with guidance and support to evaluate and grow, they will make better decisions more often!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.

For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BEFRAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictHave you ever worked on a jigsaw puzzle and, initially, the pieces and colors seem to make no sense? We’ve had a puzzle set up in our back room for several weeks and it is a good brain break. It also made me think about how we approach problems.I start a jigsaw puzzle by trying to find all of the border pieces. This helps me to have a framework for how to get started. Next, I will start with a small area to identify colors or details that seem to go together. There are times when everything just feels like a jumble but finding the right spot for one or two pieces can keep me engaged and encourage me to keep looking for the next small step.The first H in the 4-H Pledge is “head” as in, I pledge my head to clearer thinking. This is all about helping our young people learn to evaluate options and practice good decision-making skills. We use a lot of different techniques to help youth learn about and develop good decision-making skills. Some of these are fun such as a judging contest. Some are more serious such as decisions to be voted on during a club or project meeting. Sometimes, the decision-making practice comes as a part of another activity – if you don’t agree with a judge’s decision, YOU have a decision to make, such as truly listening to the feedback and choosing to find parts of it to improve in some way. Additionally, parents can and should model this behavior by not bashing a judge (or referee or other official) when you don’t agree with their determination. Sometimes, we have to agree to disagree but I am a firm believer that there is always something that can be learned from each interaction; we just have to make a decision to be open to the lesson.There are times when problems feel like a jigsaw puzzle and the solution is not clear, the details are confusing, and it is hard to know where to start. Stopping to find your border and then identifying one or two ways to get started is usually best. At some point – in puzzles and problem-solving – we can begin to see not only what is missing but what or WHO can fill that spot.Just like I can’t quite get that puzzle piece in the right spot, youth aren’t always going to make the best decisions every time. But with guidance and support to evaluate and grow, they will make better decisions more often!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Puzzle pieces

<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/2025/3/1741185290239.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

SHERMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightliner driven by Raj&nbsp;Bharati, 47, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was westbound on Interstate 70 six miles west of the westbound rest area in the driving lane.

A large gust of wind caused the rear of the trailer to swing into the passing lane. The truck and trailer then flipped on its driver side. The truck and trailer came to rest blocking all westbound lanes.

EMS transported Raj&nbsp;Bharati to the hospital in Goodland. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741130148696.png" alt="KanDrive image of I-70 in Sherman County Tuesday afternoon" />
 <figcaption>KanDrive image of I-70 in Sherman County Tuesday afternoon</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERMAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Sherman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightliner driven by Raj&nbsp;Bharati, 47, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was westbound on Interstate 70 six miles west of the westbound rest area in the driving lane.A large gust of wind caused the rear of the trailer to swing into the passing lane. The truck and trailer then flipped on its driver side. The truck and trailer came to rest blocking all westbound lanes.EMS transported Raj&nbsp;Bharati to the hospital in Goodland. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after wind blows over semi on I-70

The Hays High girls sub-state game with the Great Bend Panthers, scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed.

The makeup date is set for Thursday at 7 p.m.

Check with Hays Post and Eagle Radio for a new date and time.

The Hays High girls sub-state game with the Great Bend Panthers, scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed.The makeup date is set for Thursday at 7 p.m.Check with Hays Post and Eagle Radio for a new date and time.

🏀HHS girls matchup with Great Bend postponed

Midwest Energy had as many as 500 customers out of power earlier today, but all but 30 have been restored in the area between Quinter and Park.&nbsp;

Other scattered indvidual outages were reported by Midwest between Goodland and Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741127699033.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Midwest Energy had as many as 500 customers out of power earlier today, but all but 30 have been restored in the area between Quinter and Park.&nbsp;Other scattered indvidual outages were reported by Midwest between Goodland and Hays.

Power outages reported west of Hays

I-70 closed past Goodland at mile marker 9 due to a crash. Detouring at Ruleton exit.&nbsp;

I-70 closed past Goodland at mile marker 9 due to a crash. Detouring at Ruleton exit.&nbsp;

I-70 Closed past Goodland due to crash

Garden City is reporting winds over 70 mph with blowing dust.

Mad Dog Metals, a business west of Garden City, lost its roof, and debris is in the roadway blocking the road to Holcomb.

Garden City is also reporting power outages.

Hays reported no power outages as of 1:30 p.m., but a handful of outages were reported as of that time across the Midwest Energy Service area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741117137172.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Garden City is reporting winds over 70 mph with blowing dust.Mad Dog Metals, a business west of Garden City, lost its roof, and debris is in the roadway blocking the road to Holcomb.Garden City is also reporting power outages.Hays reported no power outages as of 1:30 p.m., but a handful of outages were reported as of that time across the Midwest Energy Service area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741117343620.jpeg" alt="National Weather Service, Goodland" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>

Weather: Garden City hit by storm; blizzard conditions possible NW

The WaKeeney Police Department, while working traffic, stopped a vehicle that did not stop at a stop sign.

The vehicle came back stolen out of Wisconsin. The Trego County Sheriff's Office responded to back police officer up, as well as another member from the WaKeeney Police Department.

Information from the Wisconsin sheriff's office was that the person driving this vehicle could be armed with a handgun. The subject was taken into custody with no further incident.

The subject was identified and found to be a juvenile wanted out of Wisconsin. The juvenile did have items in the vehicle that were consistent with the information we had received from the Wisconsin sheriff's office. 

The subject is a person of interest in a double homicide that the Wisconsin sheriff's office is still investigating.

All evidence was recovered by the WaKeeney Police Department and is being held for the Wisconsin Sheriff's Office. The subject is being held in a juvenile detention center and is awaiting extradition for the laws of Kansas and the laws of Wisconsin.

Again, due to the hard work of the new officers at the WaKeeney Police Department, a possible dangerous subject was taken off the streets in our community, WaKeeney Police Chief Romero said. 

"I cannot comment further as this is still an active investigation, and we are working in conjunction with the Wisconsin sheriff's office," he said. "A big thank you to the Trego County Sheriff's Office for their unwavering support in this incident."

WaKeeney Police DepartmentThe WaKeeney Police Department, while working traffic, stopped a vehicle that did not stop at a stop sign.The vehicle came back stolen out of Wisconsin. The Trego County Sheriff's Office responded to back police officer up, as well as another member from the WaKeeney Police Department.Information from the Wisconsin sheriff's office was that the person driving this vehicle could be armed with a handgun. The subject was taken into custody with no further incident.The subject was identified and found to be a juvenile wanted out of Wisconsin. The juvenile did have items in the vehicle that were consistent with the information we had received from the Wisconsin sheriff's office. The subject is a person of interest in a double homicide that the Wisconsin sheriff's office is still investigating.All evidence was recovered by the WaKeeney Police Department and is being held for the Wisconsin Sheriff's Office. The subject is being held in a juvenile detention center and is awaiting extradition for the laws of Kansas and the laws of Wisconsin.Again, due to the hard work of the new officers at the WaKeeney Police Department, a possible dangerous subject was taken off the streets in our community, WaKeeney Police Chief Romero said. "I cannot comment further as this is still an active investigation, and we are working in conjunction with the Wisconsin sheriff's office," he said. "A big thank you to the Trego County Sheriff's Office for their unwavering support in this incident."

WaKeeney police take into custody person of interest in Wisconsin double homicide

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A new Ellis County Health Director was formally appointed during Tuesday's Ellis County Commission meeting.

Ellis County Health Director Melissa Miller was selected after a search process that involved reviewing multiple applicants. She began working with the health department on Feb. 24.

Miller is a Tribune native who launched her public health career as the office manager at the Greeley County Health Department.&nbsp;

“It’s been an easy transition, and I look forward to working with you in the future,” she said.

Kerry McCue has been serving as the part-time health director and assisting Miller. He will continue to provide support until March 13.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ac8d4d8-13de-4a17-bef9-88ee88a9f076">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Health Department welcomes new director</a>

The county commission approved road repairs and improvements for 48th Street, Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway.

The 48th Street repairs include milling down existing asphalt and applying new asphalt lifts. Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway will also receive asphalt lifts.

The total cost of both projects is $907,532. The city of Hays will contribute $377,000, approved at the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/edce592b-596e-4a0f-9d48-22bb7b6130cc">Feb. 27 City Commission meeting</a>.

Additional enhancements include installing culverts, reshaping ditches and applying a prime seal.

Northwest Homeland Security project update

Ellis County is receiving funding from the Northwest Home Security Council for multiple emergency response improvements.

Lyle Pantle, Ellis County emergency manager, discussed with commissioners the purchase of a pickup truck for a mobile water supply trailer and the replacement of an aging UTV for EMS operations.

In 2020, Ellis County acquired a mobile water supply trailer for wildfire response. Homeland Security funding was recently secured for a pickup truck to transport the trailer.

The pickup will have a radio, lights, siren, PA system, pull-out bed tray and a topper. The vehicle is expected to be delivered in 2026.

The Ellis County Road and Bridge Division requested approval to purchase a used 2021 Caterpillar, which is expected to be more effective than the county's current 2005 CAT excavator.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said local contractors use older equipment, and the Road and Bridge Division should be able to do the same.

“If they can make that equipment run, we should be able to make it run as well,” Leiker said.

The commissioners agreed to monitor their budget and explore alternatives, as the cost of the used 2021 Caterpillar amounts to $218,000.

The commission approved a bid from APAC Kansas Inc. to produce cold mix asphalt for the 2025 asphalt maintenance plan. The material will be used for road overlays and patching to maintain county roadways.

The commission also approved a 3.7-acre lot split request for land in Hays from Platinum Group owner Adam Pray.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA new Ellis County Health Director was formally appointed during Tuesday's Ellis County Commission meeting.Ellis County Health Director Melissa Miller was selected after a search process that involved reviewing multiple applicants. She began working with the health department on Feb. 24.Miller is a Tribune native who launched her public health career as the office manager at the Greeley County Health Department.&nbsp;“It’s been an easy transition, and I look forward to working with you in the future,” she said.Kerry McCue has been serving as the part-time health director and assisting Miller. He will continue to provide support until March 13.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8ac8d4d8-13de-4a17-bef9-88ee88a9f076">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Health Department welcomes new director</a><h2>Road repairs</h2>The county commission approved road repairs and improvements for 48th Street, Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway.The 48th Street repairs include milling down existing asphalt and applying new asphalt lifts. Vineyard Road and Commerce Parkway will also receive asphalt lifts.The total cost of both projects is $907,532. The city of Hays will contribute $377,000, approved at the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/edce592b-596e-4a0f-9d48-22bb7b6130cc">Feb. 27 City Commission meeting</a>.Additional enhancements include installing culverts, reshaping ditches and applying a prime seal.<h2>Northwest Homeland Security project update</h2>Ellis County is receiving funding from the Northwest Home Security Council for multiple emergency response improvements.Lyle Pantle, Ellis County emergency manager, discussed with commissioners the purchase of a pickup truck for a mobile water supply trailer and the replacement of an aging UTV for EMS operations.In 2020, Ellis County acquired a mobile water supply trailer for wildfire response. Homeland Security funding was recently secured for a pickup truck to transport the trailer.The pickup will have a radio, lights, siren, PA system, pull-out bed tray and a topper. The vehicle is expected to be delivered in 2026.<h2>Used excavator request</h2>The Ellis County Road and Bridge Division requested approval to purchase a used 2021 Caterpillar, which is expected to be more effective than the county's current 2005 CAT excavator.Commissioner Nathan Leiker said local contractors use older equipment, and the Road and Bridge Division should be able to do the same.“If they can make that equipment run, we should be able to make it run as well,” Leiker said.The commissioners agreed to monitor their budget and explore alternatives, as the cost of the used 2021 Caterpillar amounts to $218,000.<h2>Other business</h2>The commission approved a bid from APAC Kansas Inc. to produce cold mix asphalt for the 2025 asphalt maintenance plan. The material will be used for road overlays and patching to maintain county roadways.The commission also approved a 3.7-acre lot split request for land in Hays from Platinum Group owner Adam Pray.

Ellis County Commission appoints new health director

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

NYMEX crude futures prices dropped more than a dollar Monday, with the April contract for light sweet crude ending the day at sixty-eight thirty-seven ($68.37) per barrel, the lowest settlement price since early December. Prices were another dollar lower in morning trading Tuesday. WTI was trading below $67 a barrel while London Brent hovered a few cents over $70.

Crude production in the United States returned to the top ten last week. The Energy Information Administration reports output of 13,502,000 barrels per day, the best weekly report since early January and the ninth-highest tally ever.

The Energy Information Administration reports commercial crude inventories are down more than two million barrels to just over 430 million as of February 21. That's the first weekly decline in stockpiles in a month. Inventories are down about four percent from a year ago and about four percent below the five-year seasonal average.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 54 new intent-to-drill notices across Kansas in February, or 119 so far this year, compared to 144 through February last year. Regulators report four new intents in Stafford County, which makes six so far this year. Finney County adds three intents, or 12 so far this year.

Kansas regulators approved eight new drilling permits last week, all in western Kansas, including three in Stafford County and two in Finney County. Kansas operators completed 19 wells last week, with nine in eastern Kansas, and ten west of Wichita, including two in Barton County and one in Ellis County.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 15 active drilling rigs in Kansas, with four in the eastern half of the state, which is up one from a week ago, and eleven in western Kansas, a weekly increase of two rigs. That's a 25% increase for the week, but it's down nearly 12% from last month and more than 21% lower than a year ago. 

Drilling was underway on a lease in Barton County, and four new wells in Finney County.

The government reports crude oil imports of 5.9 million barrels a day last week, up 98,000 barrels a day from the week before. Crude imports are down about 3,000 barrels a day from the four-week average. Crude exports averaged nearly 4.2 million barrels a day last week, down more than a thousand barrels from the four week average. 

The U.S. is a net petroleum exporter thanks to product exports of more than five million barrels a day.

Two energy providers in Oklahoma set the stage for a massive civil lawsuit over Winter Storm Uri. 

Two firms accused in Oklahoma of fraud and price fixing during the storm three years ago are denying the allegations. The filings set the stage for a massive discovery process and civil trial. Last month, an Osage County judge denied a motion to dismiss or move the case. Symmetry Energy and a group referred to as Enable Entities have now filed court documents denying wrongdoing. 

The Oklahoma Attorney General's lawsuit accuses the companies of manipulating natural gas supplies before and during the storm. They're accused of denying access in Oklahoma to natural gas supplies and instead selling those supplies for a huge markup on the spot market.

ConocoPhillips will sell its interests in the Gulf of Mexico Ursa and Europa fields to Shell for $735 million, both companies confirmed today. Analysts say ConocoPhillips continues to divest non-core assets, while Shell hopes to strengthen its deep-water portfolio.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685114004842.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media NYMEX crude futures prices dropped more than a dollar Monday, with the April contract for light sweet crude ending the day at sixty-eight thirty-seven ($68.37) per barrel, the lowest settlement price since early December. Prices were another dollar lower in morning trading Tuesday. WTI was trading below $67 a barrel while London Brent hovered a few cents over $70.Crude production in the United States returned to the top ten last week. The Energy Information Administration reports output of 13,502,000 barrels per day, the best weekly report since early January and the ninth-highest tally ever.The Energy Information Administration reports commercial crude inventories are down more than two million barrels to just over 430 million as of February 21. That's the first weekly decline in stockpiles in a month. Inventories are down about four percent from a year ago and about four percent below the five-year seasonal average.The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 54 new intent-to-drill notices across Kansas in February, or 119 so far this year, compared to 144 through February last year. Regulators report four new intents in Stafford County, which makes six so far this year. Finney County adds three intents, or 12 so far this year.Kansas regulators approved eight new drilling permits last week, all in western Kansas, including three in Stafford County and two in Finney County. Kansas operators completed 19 wells last week, with nine in eastern Kansas, and ten west of Wichita, including two in Barton County and one in Ellis County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 15 active drilling rigs in Kansas, with four in the eastern half of the state, which is up one from a week ago, and eleven in western Kansas, a weekly increase of two rigs. That's a 25% increase for the week, but it's down nearly 12% from last month and more than 21% lower than a year ago. Drilling was underway on a lease in Barton County, and four new wells in Finney County.The government reports crude oil imports of 5.9 million barrels a day last week, up 98,000 barrels a day from the week before. Crude imports are down about 3,000 barrels a day from the four-week average. Crude exports averaged nearly 4.2 million barrels a day last week, down more than a thousand barrels from the four week average. The U.S. is a net petroleum exporter thanks to product exports of more than five million barrels a day.Two energy providers in Oklahoma set the stage for a massive civil lawsuit over Winter Storm Uri. Two firms accused in Oklahoma of fraud and price fixing during the storm three years ago are denying the allegations. The filings set the stage for a massive discovery process and civil trial. Last month, an Osage County judge denied a motion to dismiss or move the case. Symmetry Energy and a group referred to as Enable Entities have now filed court documents denying wrongdoing. The Oklahoma Attorney General's lawsuit accuses the companies of manipulating natural gas supplies before and during the storm. They're accused of denying access in Oklahoma to natural gas supplies and instead selling those supplies for a huge markup on the spot market.ConocoPhillips will sell its interests in the Gulf of Mexico Ursa and Europa fields to Shell for $735 million, both companies confirmed today. Analysts say ConocoPhillips continues to divest non-core assets, while Shell hopes to strengthen its deep-water portfolio.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News From the Oil Patch: Crude prices In freefall

Two weeks ago, my wife was fired from her job with the federal government. We were playing a board game and having a beer when her phone rang. A colleague asked if she had “got the email.”

Having left her work phone at the office, she had no way of knowing. We bundled into the car and raced across town. After a few minutes inside, she emerged from her office and gave me a thumbs-down as she walked toward the car.

“Fired,” she said, clicking her seatbelt into place.

Unbeknownst to us, tens of thousands of probationary federal employees — those within their first one to two years of service — had received the same email that evening.

The message itself was blank, just a Word document attached with five short paragraphs. The fourth read:

“The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest.”

If the suddenness of the firing and its financial impact weren’t enough, the baseless claim of poor performance added insult to injury.

My wife was an archaeologist working out of Hays under the National Resource and Conservation Services wing of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was a dream job and one she had worked and studied for years to achieve. She engaged with Native American tribal groups, local communities, and farmers to ensure the preservation of cultural resources across the plains.

I suspect a lot of people might think that the federal government has no business employing archaeologists, but their work is vital. They document and protect irreplaceable cultural heritage — not just Indigenous histories but also the lives of the settlers and pioneers who shaped the landscape we live on today. They ensure that historical sites and artifacts, from ancient campsites to century-old homesteads, are not lost to development or neglect.

But it wasn’t just archaeologists who were fired. Biologists, soil scientists, water conservation specialists, public health workers and forest service employees were all swept away in the same mass termination. One commenter on a subreddit dedicated to the recently fired employees voiced his frustration with the new administration’s priorities :

“I know I’ll bounce back and land another job. I am grateful that I’m young and that I have support, and I’ll be OK. The thing I can’t get over is that the richest man in the world directed my firing. I make $50k a year and work to keep drinking water safe. The richest man in the world decided that was an expense too great for the American taxpayer.”

Compensation for the entire federal workforce made up just 4.3% of the federal budget in 2024. If the entire federal workforce was eliminated today it would barely put a dent in our national debt, which sits at $36 trillion. This comes alongside plans for further tax cuts from the Trump administration. Some analysts suggest these cuts could add as much as $4.8 trillion to the national debt in the next decade.

Given the relatively minor impact that these job cuts will have on U.S. spending, it is frustrating and vexing to see jubilant celebrations at the elimination of jobs that protect and preserve history, national parks, drinking water, soil health, forests, and environmental and public safety.

The fact that Elon Musk and DOGE chose to begin their scrutinization of government expenditures here rather than starting with the Defense Department and programs like the F-35 fighter jet — a decade behind schedule and $183 billion over budget — speaks volumes.

There is a naive belief that the private sector will absorb responsibility for these services. It is dubious. Many federal agencies exist to preserve and protect history, health, and nature. The private sector lacks sufficient incentive to care for these areas or, worse, has incentives to disregard them.

My wife’s (former) agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, was established in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service in response to the Dust Bowl. Its primary goal was to help farmers and landowners implement practices that prevent soil erosion, improve land productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture. Over the years, the agency expanded its focus to include water conservation, wildlife habitat preservation, and more recently the preservation of cultural resources through archeology.

Small farms and ranches across the state of Kansas appear to be struggling to adapt to new changes in federal funding, while large corporate farms stand poised to absorb them. As the NRCS hemorrhages employees and funding, I wonder which private firm plans to step in to mitigate the effects of soil erosion, nutrient runoff and water contamination? Which start-up company will emerge to look after waterfowl and other wildlife?

My wife and three close friends are among those who were fired without notice and without severance. My wife and I will be OK. We have a strong support network, and while we may have to sell our house, we will find a way through this. Other friends of ours are single or have children and are far more reliant on this one job for their financial security. They will feel the impact of this shock for years to come.

As close friends tighten their belts, prepare to move back in with their families or sell their homes, Elon Musk appeared at the CPAC conference in Washington with a chrome-plated chainsaw, a celebratory talisman of the evisceration of the federal workforce.

The callous indifference to the struggles of fired civil servants and the history, nature, wildlife and people that they work to protect should be an affront to every reasonable American.

Sam Foglesong is a scholar of African Studies and a writer who lives in Hays.&nbsp;Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741102365726.png" alt="Elon Musk arrives on Jan. 20, 2025, in the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President Donald Trump. (Pool photo by Kenny Holston/Getty Images)" />
 <figcaption>Elon Musk arrives on Jan. 20, 2025, in the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President Donald Trump. (Pool photo by Kenny Holston/Getty Images)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas ReflectorTwo weeks ago, my wife was fired from her job with the federal government. We were playing a board game and having a beer when her phone rang. A colleague asked if she had “got the email.”Having left her work phone at the office, she had no way of knowing. We bundled into the car and raced across town. After a few minutes inside, she emerged from her office and gave me a thumbs-down as she walked toward the car.“Fired,” she said, clicking her seatbelt into place.Unbeknownst to us, tens of thousands of probationary federal employees — those within their first one to two years of service — had received the same email that evening.The message itself was blank, just a Word document attached with five short paragraphs. The fourth read:“The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest.”If the suddenness of the firing and its financial impact weren’t enough, the baseless claim of poor performance added insult to injury.My wife was an archaeologist working out of Hays under the National Resource and Conservation Services wing of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was a dream job and one she had worked and studied for years to achieve. She engaged with Native American tribal groups, local communities, and farmers to ensure the preservation of cultural resources across the plains.I suspect a lot of people might think that the federal government has no business employing archaeologists, but their work is vital. They document and protect irreplaceable cultural heritage — not just Indigenous histories but also the lives of the settlers and pioneers who shaped the landscape we live on today. They ensure that historical sites and artifacts, from ancient campsites to century-old homesteads, are not lost to development or neglect.But it wasn’t just archaeologists who were fired. Biologists, soil scientists, water conservation specialists, public health workers and forest service employees were all swept away in the same mass termination. One commenter on a subreddit dedicated to the recently fired employees voiced his frustration with the new administration’s priorities :“I know I’ll bounce back and land another job. I am grateful that I’m young and that I have support, and I’ll be OK. The thing I can’t get over is that the richest man in the world directed my firing. I make $50k a year and work to keep drinking water safe. The richest man in the world decided that was an expense too great for the American taxpayer.”Compensation for the entire federal workforce made up just 4.3% of the federal budget in 2024. If the entire federal workforce was eliminated today it would barely put a dent in our national debt, which sits at $36 trillion. This comes alongside plans for further tax cuts from the Trump administration. Some analysts suggest these cuts could add as much as $4.8 trillion to the national debt in the next decade.Given the relatively minor impact that these job cuts will have on U.S. spending, it is frustrating and vexing to see jubilant celebrations at the elimination of jobs that protect and preserve history, national parks, drinking water, soil health, forests, and environmental and public safety.The fact that Elon Musk and DOGE chose to begin their scrutinization of government expenditures here rather than starting with the Defense Department and programs like the F-35 fighter jet — a decade behind schedule and $183 billion over budget — speaks volumes.There is a naive belief that the private sector will absorb responsibility for these services. It is dubious. Many federal agencies exist to preserve and protect history, health, and nature. The private sector lacks sufficient incentive to care for these areas or, worse, has incentives to disregard them.My wife’s (former) agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, was established in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service in response to the Dust Bowl. Its primary goal was to help farmers and landowners implement practices that prevent soil erosion, improve land productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture. Over the years, the agency expanded its focus to include water conservation, wildlife habitat preservation, and more recently the preservation of cultural resources through archeology.Small farms and ranches across the state of Kansas appear to be struggling to adapt to new changes in federal funding, while large corporate farms stand poised to absorb them. As the NRCS hemorrhages employees and funding, I wonder which private firm plans to step in to mitigate the effects of soil erosion, nutrient runoff and water contamination? Which start-up company will emerge to look after waterfowl and other wildlife?My wife and three close friends are among those who were fired without notice and without severance. My wife and I will be OK. We have a strong support network, and while we may have to sell our house, we will find a way through this. Other friends of ours are single or have children and are far more reliant on this one job for their financial security. They will feel the impact of this shock for years to come.As close friends tighten their belts, prepare to move back in with their families or sell their homes, Elon Musk appeared at the CPAC conference in Washington with a chrome-plated chainsaw, a celebratory talisman of the evisceration of the federal workforce.The callous indifference to the struggles of fired civil servants and the history, nature, wildlife and people that they work to protect should be an affront to every reasonable American.Sam Foglesong is a scholar of African Studies and a writer who lives in Hays.&nbsp;Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.

Opinion: Here’s the latest from Hays: Elon Musk fired my wife

TREGO COUNTY —If you’re driving through Trego County Tuesday, you are going to encounter blowing dust, according to a social media report from KHP Trooper Tod Heilman. 

Slow down and turn your headlights on. Kansas law requires headlights if the visibility is less than 1,000 ft.&nbsp;

TREGO COUNTY —If you’re driving through Trego County Tuesday, you are going to encounter blowing dust, according to a social media report from KHP Trooper Tod Heilman. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">If you’re driving through Trego County this morning, you’re going to encounter blowing dust. Slow down and turn your headlights on. KS law requires headlights if the visibility is less than 1,000 ft. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/N3jDCS1US8">pic.twitter.com/N3jDCS1US8</a>&mdash; Trooper Tod (@TrooperTodKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperTodKHP/status/1896951067822404016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Slow down and turn your headlights on. Kansas law requires headlights if the visibility is less than 1,000 ft.&nbsp;

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