By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A GoFundMe has been established for the family of the man killed in a semi-truck accident on Interstate 70 on Sunday.

Julio Caesar Villarreal, 37, WaKeeney, was killed when he was&nbsp;loading a disabled vehicle onto a trailer pulled by a 1996 Ford F250 on the north shoulder of Interstate 70 near the 183 Bypass. 

The pickup was legally parked and towing a 2014 Eagle trailer, which was hauling a 2009 Chevy Tahoe. One pedestrian was attempting to strap down the vehicle on the side of the trailer closest to the roadway.

A westbound 2026 Freightliner semi driven by Alejandro Fuentes-Castro, 53, Wilmington, Delaware, failed to maintain his lane and struck&nbsp;Villarreal, who was on the roadway side of the vehicle.

Villarreal's friend posted on the GoFundMe page, “As Casey’s boss and friend, I am starting a GoFundMe for Casey Villarreal!&nbsp;With heavy hearts, we share the tragic loss of Ceaser Villarreal, who was taken from us far too soon, leaving behind Casey. In this difficult time, I am asking for financial support to help ease the burden on her as she navigates the days ahead alone. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go toward helping her cover expenses so we can lessen her financial stress! We deeply appreciate your kindness, love and generosity."

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/easing-caseys-burden-after-ceasers-loss">Click HERE to donate.</a>

As of Wednesday morning, $1,655 of the requested $3,000 had been raised.

A GoFundMe has also been created for Villarreal's son, Jaxon, to help with expenses to attend his father's funeral.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lucy.g.71/posts/pfbid0bE99YZCMcD4WdHX9fYLT6TJCKYv14NLutg27DmPynd34x4FALdwNWpgfx4J8gqY3l?__cft__[0]=AZaHUGacNx3N_PSeFy0wBbEqfH3U93Nl49qnCuXiXYVyNyG3-AHQcTnIiSphBCPtVfcpZuga7JehxeGnvLHePCPQj84b0SyIF49cb62Yg5a2laCLodkT7iV2eT9-X3wtH8efIBH5ca8qE1B36-4rU-PSGHg3c2j6PKfHnME8qLw5eg&amp;__tn__=R]-R">https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BVzqqEPBM/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765983579050.png" alt="Photo courtesy of GoFundMe." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA GoFundMe has been established for the family of the man killed in a semi-truck accident on Interstate 70 on Sunday.Julio Caesar Villarreal, 37, WaKeeney, was killed when he was&nbsp;loading a disabled vehicle onto a trailer pulled by a 1996 Ford F250 on the north shoulder of Interstate 70 near the 183 Bypass. The pickup was legally parked and towing a 2014 Eagle trailer, which was hauling a 2009 Chevy Tahoe. One pedestrian was attempting to strap down the vehicle on the side of the trailer closest to the roadway.A westbound 2026 Freightliner semi driven by Alejandro Fuentes-Castro, 53, Wilmington, Delaware, failed to maintain his lane and struck&nbsp;Villarreal, who was on the roadway side of the vehicle.Villarreal's friend posted on the GoFundMe page, “As Casey’s boss and friend, I am starting a GoFundMe for Casey Villarreal!&nbsp;With heavy hearts, we share the tragic loss of Ceaser Villarreal, who was taken from us far too soon, leaving behind Casey. In this difficult time, I am asking for financial support to help ease the burden on her as she navigates the days ahead alone. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go toward helping her cover expenses so we can lessen her financial stress! We deeply appreciate your kindness, love and generosity."<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/easing-caseys-burden-after-ceasers-loss">Click HERE to donate.</a>As of Wednesday morning, $1,655 of the requested $3,000 had been raised.A GoFundMe has also been created for Villarreal's son, Jaxon, to help with expenses to attend his father's funeral.See the link below.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lucy.g.71/posts/pfbid0bE99YZCMcD4WdHX9fYLT6TJCKYv14NLutg27DmPynd34x4FALdwNWpgfx4J8gqY3l?__cft__[0]=AZaHUGacNx3N_PSeFy0wBbEqfH3U93Nl49qnCuXiXYVyNyG3-AHQcTnIiSphBCPtVfcpZuga7JehxeGnvLHePCPQj84b0SyIF49cb62Yg5a2laCLodkT7iV2eT9-X3wtH8efIBH5ca8qE1B36-4rU-PSGHg3c2j6PKfHnME8qLw5eg&amp;__tn__=R]-R">https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BVzqqEPBM/</a>

GoFundMe created for WaKeeney man struck, killed on I-70 Sunday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

That's how Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty sums up Monday's complicated legal arguments before the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;about whether Hays and Russell can transfer their water rights in Edwards County. 

WaterPACK, a group of agricultural irrigators, objects to the 90-mile pipeline project.

SEE RELATED STORY: <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/15/kansas-supreme-court-examines-roiling-water-dispute-between-crop-irrigators-and-hays-russell/?emci=8167aaad-45da-f011-8196-000d3a1d5afe&amp;emdi=4a57ce00-66da-f011-8196-000d3a1d5afe&amp;ceid=115039">Kanas Supreme Court examines roiling water dispute between crop irrigators and Hays, Russell</a>

The R9 Ranch southwest of Kinsley was purchased in 1995 by Hays. The city of Russell bought an 18% interest in the R9 in 1996.

"We were very happy with the proceedings," Dougherty said. "We had prepared extensively for the oral argument and potential questions from the judges.

"I think Dan Buller (attorney for Hays and Russell) and Stephanie Kramer (Kansas Department of Agriculture attorney) were very adept in illustrating the key points in a very simplistic manner and reminding the justices that not only does WaterPACK lose on the merits of the case, but because of that, they don't even have standings to be bringing thise case forward."

Now it's just a waiting game until the Supreme Court issues its ruling, which Dougherty expects to be in a few months.&nbsp;

About 10 years ago, Hays and Rusell filed application to change their 32 water rights from irrigation to municipal use. The request was approved by Kansas Department of Agriculture chief engineer Earl Lewis.

Legal wrangling between WaterPACK (Water Protection Association of Central Kansas), the Edwards County Commission and the Edwards County Planning Commission, which&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72cef8d3-79bf-4085-b070-bccbdc589f9d">oppose the pipeline</a>,&nbsp; and Hays and Russell, has been underway for almost 11 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We see no reason why the Supreme Court would overturn what a&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d8e87f6-e3c9-4950-bcea-9cac40e269bd">judge has already resoundingly upheld</a>," Dougherty said <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/92c6bbf2-25be-47de-ad1c-a2e44e17e420">when the oral argument date was first announced</a>.&nbsp;

WaterPACK's attorney, Charles Lee, argued Monday the cities would take too much water from Edwards County, ultimately lowering the aquifer level.

But, said Dougherty, "what they conveniently forget to bring up in their briefs...is they're causing way more lowering of the aquifer than we are."

The southwest corner of the R9 Ranch abuts some WaterPACK members.

"When WaterPack's own members looked at what would happen if we pumped every drop of available water from our property for 51 years, ... we would contribute 2.4 feet of decline in a 140-foot of saturated thickness,"&nbsp;Dougherty said.

"But their expert conveniently forgot to include that WaterPACK's members and the irrigators around us, would drop that aquifer by about 20 feet because of their utilization."

To protect the declining aquifer, Hays and Russell's regulatory consumptive use of their water rights in Edwards County is 83.7%, and the towns voluntarily agreed to drop their use another 30%.

"We cannot pump every drop of water available from the property from day one," Dougherty said. "It's not physically possible. We don't have the legal right to do it, and we're only building seven wells to start with."&nbsp;

Even taking all of WaterPACK's claims at face value, it does not demonstrate harm, Dougherty says, and he believes that's what the Supreme Court justices came away with.

"There is no harm that would result in impairment in the future. It just boils down to they don't like the project," he said.

Ellis County is the only county in Kansas with a population of more than 15,000 without an adequate local water supply.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765912549805.jpeg" alt="Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post"They just don't like this project."That's how Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty sums up Monday's complicated legal arguments before the Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;about whether Hays and Russell can transfer their water rights in Edwards County. WaterPACK, a group of agricultural irrigators, objects to the 90-mile pipeline project.SEE RELATED STORY: <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/15/kansas-supreme-court-examines-roiling-water-dispute-between-crop-irrigators-and-hays-russell/?emci=8167aaad-45da-f011-8196-000d3a1d5afe&amp;emdi=4a57ce00-66da-f011-8196-000d3a1d5afe&amp;ceid=115039">Kanas Supreme Court examines roiling water dispute between crop irrigators and Hays, Russell</a>The R9 Ranch southwest of Kinsley was purchased in 1995 by Hays. The city of Russell bought an 18% interest in the R9 in 1996."We were very happy with the proceedings," Dougherty said. "We had prepared extensively for the oral argument and potential questions from the judges."I think Dan Buller (attorney for Hays and Russell) and Stephanie Kramer (Kansas Department of Agriculture attorney) were very adept in illustrating the key points in a very simplistic manner and reminding the justices that not only does WaterPACK lose on the merits of the case, but because of that, they don't even have standings to be bringing thise case forward."Now it's just a waiting game until the Supreme Court issues its ruling, which Dougherty expects to be in a few months.&nbsp;About 10 years ago, Hays and Rusell filed application to change their 32 water rights from irrigation to municipal use. The request was approved by Kansas Department of Agriculture chief engineer Earl Lewis.Legal wrangling between WaterPACK (Water Protection Association of Central Kansas), the Edwards County Commission and the Edwards County Planning Commission, which&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/72cef8d3-79bf-4085-b070-bccbdc589f9d">oppose the pipeline</a>,&nbsp; and Hays and Russell, has been underway for almost 11 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We see no reason why the Supreme Court would overturn what a&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d8e87f6-e3c9-4950-bcea-9cac40e269bd">judge has already resoundingly upheld</a>," Dougherty said <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/92c6bbf2-25be-47de-ad1c-a2e44e17e420">when the oral argument date was first announced</a>.&nbsp;WaterPACK's attorney, Charles Lee, argued Monday the cities would take too much water from Edwards County, ultimately lowering the aquifer level.But, said Dougherty, "what they conveniently forget to bring up in their briefs...is they're causing way more lowering of the aquifer than we are."The southwest corner of the R9 Ranch abuts some WaterPACK members."When WaterPack's own members looked at what would happen if we pumped every drop of available water from our property for 51 years, ... we would contribute 2.4 feet of decline in a 140-foot of saturated thickness,"&nbsp;Dougherty said."But their expert conveniently forgot to include that WaterPACK's members and the irrigators around us, would drop that aquifer by about 20 feet because of their utilization."To protect the declining aquifer, Hays and Russell's regulatory consumptive use of their water rights in Edwards County is 83.7%, and the towns voluntarily agreed to drop their use another 30%."We cannot pump every drop of water available from the property from day one," Dougherty said. "It's not physically possible. We don't have the legal right to do it, and we're only building seven wells to start with."&nbsp;Even taking all of WaterPACK's claims at face value, it does not demonstrate harm, Dougherty says, and he believes that's what the Supreme Court justices came away with."There is no harm that would result in impairment in the future. It just boils down to they don't like the project," he said.Ellis County is the only county in Kansas with a population of more than 15,000 without an adequate local water supply.&nbsp;

Hays City Manager happy with R9 Ranch state supreme court water proceedings

Conflict pits cities seeking reliable water source against farmers clinging to supply

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/15/kansas-supreme-court-examines-roiling-water-dispute-between-crop-irrigators-and-hays-russell/?emci=8167aaad-45da-f011-8196-000d3a1d5afe&amp;emdi=4a57ce00-66da-f011-8196-000d3a1d5afe&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court endured a crossfire of claims and counterclaims Monday about whether an association of Edwards County irrigators can try to thwart plans by Hays and Russell to make use of water rights acquired decades ago to pipe water drawn from a rural aquifer to the cities.

Attorney Daniel Buller, representing the two cities, urged members of the Supreme Court to view the protracted legal battle through the lens of state law. He said transferring a large amount of water from an aquifer by pipeline to the cities rather than using the resource to grow crops was acceptable under the black-and-white text of Kansas statute.

He made the point by delving into a section of law declaring “nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the granting of applications because the proposed diversion may cause the water level to be lowered at the point of diversion.”

Kansas Department of Agriculture lawyer Stephanie Kramer, as well as attorney Charles Lee, who represented the group of crop irrigators who filed a lawsuit to challenge the project, added their own insights to a case tied to the holy-grail subject of individual water rights in Kansas.

The litigation recognized the growing risk in Kansas, amid evidence of climate change, of relying heavily on slow-to-recharge aquifers to run crop irrigation systems to artificially inflate corn, wheat and soybean yields. The case highlighted the challenge of cities with less-reliable rainfall that want to anchor economic expansion to the availability of water. It demonstrated the difficulty of state regulators striving to harmonize statute, regulation and court precedent.

Buller said common sense, as well as state law, recognized the use of a water right would lower the level in an aquifer. In a lower court proceeding, he said, opponents of the water infrastructure project sought by his clients in Hays and Russell offered testimony that indicated the cost of the cities’ withdrawal of water was unlikely to raise operating costs of agriculture users in the county for at least 50 years.

“In this case, they’ve not alleged that another water right cannot be satisfied,” Buller said. “Without that, there is no impairment.”

Lee, representing irrigators who formed the Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, said the so-called WaterPACK opposed the project contemplated by Hays and Russell. The Edwards County Commission took specific action to block diversion of water to the two cities.

Lee said existing law and regulation was sufficient rationale for the Supreme Court to dismiss the Department of Agriculture water resource chief engineer’s “master order” allowing Hays and Russell to begin work to funnel water to both cities from their 7,000-acre R9 Ranch in Edwards County.

He argued the net result of the cities’ plan to consume water about 80 miles from wells in Edwards County would reduce recharge of the aquifer. The conversion of the ranch from crop to grassland use would cut the volume of moisture redeposited in the aquifer, he said.

WaterPACK claimed Hays and Russell would ultimately slash the aquifer level, increase well pumping costs, shrink crop yields and upset the county’s quality of life. An estimated 85% of water diverted from ground and surface water sources in Kansas was used for agriculture, including irrigation.

Lee said Department of Agriculture engineer Earl Lewis’ order would systematically replace statutory and regulatory requirements relative to water use with standards invented by the agency. He said the chief engineer’s order should be vacated by the Supreme Court.

“The master order authorizing the cities’ water transfer ignores reality and bypasses critical regulatory safeguards,” Lee said during oral argument Monday before the state Supreme Court. “By doing so, it threatens the long-term viability of the aquifer and the property rights of WaterPACK members.”

The legal triangle was completed by Kramer, who addressed the Supreme Court in defense of the order issued by Lewis. She said WaterPACK lacked standing as an association to challenge to state engineer’s order. She said WaterPACK failed to demonstrate harm in the sense Edwards County irrigators would not be able to fulfill their water rights if Hays and Russell began pumping from the R9 Ranch. WaterPACK’s claims were the stuff of fiction, she said.

“WaterPACK has failed to allege that harm to its members will be caused by the approval of these change applications because it seeks to impose impairment and consumptive use standards that simply don’t exist,” she said.

Six justices of the state Supreme Court — minus Chief Justice Marla Luckert still recovering from a stroke in October — were called upon to read a pile of district court records and appellate briefs and listen to oral argument in an attempt to sort out the tangled perspectives and issue an opinion.

In the mid-1990s, Hays and Russell purchased the R9 Ranch and 32 water rights in Edwards County for the purpose of eventually building a pipeline to supply the drought-prone cities adjacent to Interstate 70. City officials requested permission about 10 years ago to change the ranch’s water use designation from irrigation to municipal. At the Department of Agriculture, Lewis approved the request.

Irrigators in Edwards County filed suit because they were concerned Hays and Russell would take too much water from agricultural pursuits. In 2024, Edwards County revised zoning regulations to block the water transfer. Hays and Russell characterized the zoning adjustments were unconstitutional.

The dispute began in district court, bounced to the state Supreme Court, returned to district court and found its way back to the Supreme Court.

During oral argument on Monday, Justice Dan Biles raised questions of WaterPACK’s claim the city water project would impair irrigators in the association. Justice Melissa Taylor Standridge sought explanation of whether attorneys believed the association had standing to bring the lawsuit.

<h2>Conflict pits cities seeking reliable water source against farmers clinging to supply</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765906989277.jpeg" alt="The Kansas Supreme Court is considering complex legal arguments about whether Hays and Russell can divert aquifer water from Edwards County to supplement its own supply despite attempts by rural agricultural irrigators to block the pipeline project. The cities want to begin drawing on water rights purchased in the 1990s. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Supreme Court is considering complex legal arguments about whether Hays and Russell can divert aquifer water from Edwards County to supplement its own supply despite attempts by rural agricultural irrigators to block the pipeline project. The cities want to begin drawing on water rights purchased in the 1990s. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/15/kansas-supreme-court-examines-roiling-water-dispute-between-crop-irrigators-and-hays-russell/?emci=8167aaad-45da-f011-8196-000d3a1d5afe&amp;emdi=4a57ce00-66da-f011-8196-000d3a1d5afe&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Supreme Court endured a crossfire of claims and counterclaims Monday about whether an association of Edwards County irrigators can try to thwart plans by Hays and Russell to make use of water rights acquired decades ago to pipe water drawn from a rural aquifer to the cities.Attorney Daniel Buller, representing the two cities, urged members of the Supreme Court to view the protracted legal battle through the lens of state law. He said transferring a large amount of water from an aquifer by pipeline to the cities rather than using the resource to grow crops was acceptable under the black-and-white text of Kansas statute.He made the point by delving into a section of law declaring “nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the granting of applications because the proposed diversion may cause the water level to be lowered at the point of diversion.”Kansas Department of Agriculture lawyer Stephanie Kramer, as well as attorney Charles Lee, who represented the group of crop irrigators who filed a lawsuit to challenge the project, added their own insights to a case tied to the holy-grail subject of individual water rights in Kansas.The litigation recognized the growing risk in Kansas, amid evidence of climate change, of relying heavily on slow-to-recharge aquifers to run crop irrigation systems to artificially inflate corn, wheat and soybean yields. The case highlighted the challenge of cities with less-reliable rainfall that want to anchor economic expansion to the availability of water. It demonstrated the difficulty of state regulators striving to harmonize statute, regulation and court precedent.Buller said common sense, as well as state law, recognized the use of a water right would lower the level in an aquifer. In a lower court proceeding, he said, opponents of the water infrastructure project sought by his clients in Hays and Russell offered testimony that indicated the cost of the cities’ withdrawal of water was unlikely to raise operating costs of agriculture users in the county for at least 50 years.“In this case, they’ve not alleged that another water right cannot be satisfied,” Buller said. “Without that, there is no impairment.”Lee, representing irrigators who formed the Water Protection Association of Central Kansas, said the so-called WaterPACK opposed the project contemplated by Hays and Russell. The Edwards County Commission took specific action to block diversion of water to the two cities.Lee said existing law and regulation was sufficient rationale for the Supreme Court to dismiss the Department of Agriculture water resource chief engineer’s “master order” allowing Hays and Russell to begin work to funnel water to both cities from their 7,000-acre R9 Ranch in Edwards County.He argued the net result of the cities’ plan to consume water about 80 miles from wells in Edwards County would reduce recharge of the aquifer. The conversion of the ranch from crop to grassland use would cut the volume of moisture redeposited in the aquifer, he said.WaterPACK claimed Hays and Russell would ultimately slash the aquifer level, increase well pumping costs, shrink crop yields and upset the county’s quality of life. An estimated 85% of water diverted from ground and surface water sources in Kansas was used for agriculture, including irrigation.Lee said Department of Agriculture engineer Earl Lewis’ order would systematically replace statutory and regulatory requirements relative to water use with standards invented by the agency. He said the chief engineer’s order should be vacated by the Supreme Court.“The master order authorizing the cities’ water transfer ignores reality and bypasses critical regulatory safeguards,” Lee said during oral argument Monday before the state Supreme Court. “By doing so, it threatens the long-term viability of the aquifer and the property rights of WaterPACK members.”The legal triangle was completed by Kramer, who addressed the Supreme Court in defense of the order issued by Lewis. She said WaterPACK lacked standing as an association to challenge to state engineer’s order. She said WaterPACK failed to demonstrate harm in the sense Edwards County irrigators would not be able to fulfill their water rights if Hays and Russell began pumping from the R9 Ranch. WaterPACK’s claims were the stuff of fiction, she said.“WaterPACK has failed to allege that harm to its members will be caused by the approval of these change applications because it seeks to impose impairment and consumptive use standards that simply don’t exist,” she said.Six justices of the state Supreme Court — minus Chief Justice Marla Luckert still recovering from a stroke in October — were called upon to read a pile of district court records and appellate briefs and listen to oral argument in an attempt to sort out the tangled perspectives and issue an opinion.In the mid-1990s, Hays and Russell purchased the R9 Ranch and 32 water rights in Edwards County for the purpose of eventually building a pipeline to supply the drought-prone cities adjacent to Interstate 70. City officials requested permission about 10 years ago to change the ranch’s water use designation from irrigation to municipal. At the Department of Agriculture, Lewis approved the request.Irrigators in Edwards County filed suit because they were concerned Hays and Russell would take too much water from agricultural pursuits. In 2024, Edwards County revised zoning regulations to block the water transfer. Hays and Russell characterized the zoning adjustments were unconstitutional.The dispute began in district court, bounced to the state Supreme Court, returned to district court and found its way back to the Supreme Court.During oral argument on Monday, Justice Dan Biles raised questions of WaterPACK’s claim the city water project would impair irrigators in the association. Justice Melissa Taylor Standridge sought explanation of whether attorneys believed the association had standing to bring the lawsuit.

Kansas Supreme Court examines roiling water dispute between crop irrigators and Hays, Russell

The Hays USD 489 school board approved a $110,315 contract with Integrated Solutions for the removal of asbestos floor tile, adhesive and window glazing from Felten Elementary at its meeting Monday night.

The funds will come from the capital outlay budget. The bid came in under the $175,000 estimate.

The former high school has been renovated into a new middle school. Staff will begin moving into the renovated space on Thursday.

The former middle school will be renovated into a four-section elementary school, scheduled to open in August.

Wilson Elementary School is set to close as an elementary school at the end of the school year, with administrative offices eventually relocating to that building.

The district plans to close the Rockwell Administration Center.

The asbestos in the former middle school poses no threat at this time, because it is not airborne, Superintendent Ron Wilson said.

However, when the tile is replaced with new flooring during the renovation, the asbestos will need to be abated.

Board member Allen Park moved to table the motion to the next meeting.&nbsp;

Park said he wanted more time to consider the bid.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district needed to move forward with the bid to keep to its construction timeline. He said delaying the bid award would "severely disrupt our schedule." He also said the item had been in the capital outlay budget for some time.

The flooring work needs to be completed before other construction can begin, he said, and further delays could push the completion date past the start of the school year.

Park said he wanted to walk through the building to determine if some of the tile replacement could be delayed.

He also complained that the bid was not being awarded to a Kansas company.&nbsp;

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district received three bids for the work after a public bidding process.

Jayme Goetz, whose husband works in construction, said there is an extreme labor shortage right now, and some Kansas companies are not bidding on projects because they don't have the workers.

Park argued that the asbestos did not have to be removed by a professional abatement company. 

Hipp said any outside company that the district would hire to work on the tile would be subject to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Occupational+Safety+and+Health+Administration&amp;oq=OSHA&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0i355i433i512j46i199i433i465i512j0i131i433i512l3j0i433i512l3j0i131i433i512j0i433i512.1467j0j15&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;mstk=AUtExfDNc4jZZ6p0JGclkC38nCTs7KP9B2rLRkBBz1Ydn4CwtZA-2LYYHxh08Z1K4gEV1vjqBXYHA9dEPlYdNni_yRnQhd4cISOCQXLFHayttyFTIsNMzgoIOI1UJ-PoVCcbNbjfblD1wmCKfkK3KTmlsVuC8Si89ylfo8IQERjj8Sk82u4&amp;csui=3&amp;ved=2ahUKEwicw_aMw8KRAxWtJUQIHccmM9wQgK4QegQIARAC">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>&nbsp;guidelines. Those guidelines require professional asbestos abatement.

Goetz said she did not think any local company would be willing to assume the liability for removing the asbestos.

Board member Derek Yarmer said he wanted bids to be brought to the board for a first reading before a vote.

"Everything has been something that we've had to move on," Yarmer said. ... "If everything is an emergency, then nothing is an emergency."

Wilson said now is the best time to replace the flooring and remove the asbestos because the building will be empty for six months.

Board member Ruth Ruder agreed that any future flooring work could disrupt students and teachers. She added that the cost of the work will only increase in the future.

The motion to table the bid approval failed on a vote of 4-2.

The motion to replace the flooring and abate the asbestos passed on a vote of 4-2, with Park and Yarmer voting against.&nbsp;

Park asked Wilson to bring a report to the board on any remaining asbestos in district schools.

Wilson said the district has been working for years to remove asbestos from its buildings and has made even more progress during the bond projects. He said very little asbestos remains. However, he said he would bring an asbestos report back to the board.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648763037215.jpeg" alt="Hays Middle School hallway. As the former middle school is renovated into an elementary school, the flooring will be replaced and asbestos tile and adhesive will be abated. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Middle School hallway. As the former middle school is renovated into an elementary school, the flooring will be replaced and asbestos tile and adhesive will be abated. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved a $110,315 contract with Integrated Solutions for the removal of asbestos floor tile, adhesive and window glazing from Felten Elementary at its meeting Monday night.The funds will come from the capital outlay budget. The bid came in under the $175,000 estimate.The former high school has been renovated into a new middle school. Staff will begin moving into the renovated space on Thursday.The former middle school will be renovated into a four-section elementary school, scheduled to open in August.Wilson Elementary School is set to close as an elementary school at the end of the school year, with administrative offices eventually relocating to that building.The district plans to close the Rockwell Administration Center.The asbestos in the former middle school poses no threat at this time, because it is not airborne, Superintendent Ron Wilson said.However, when the tile is replaced with new flooring during the renovation, the asbestos will need to be abated.Board member Allen Park moved to table the motion to the next meeting.&nbsp;Park said he wanted more time to consider the bid.Superintendent Ron Wilson said the district needed to move forward with the bid to keep to its construction timeline. He said delaying the bid award would "severely disrupt our schedule." He also said the item had been in the capital outlay budget for some time.The flooring work needs to be completed before other construction can begin, he said, and further delays could push the completion date past the start of the school year.Park said he wanted to walk through the building to determine if some of the tile replacement could be delayed.He also complained that the bid was not being awarded to a Kansas company.&nbsp;Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district received three bids for the work after a public bidding process.Jayme Goetz, whose husband works in construction, said there is an extreme labor shortage right now, and some Kansas companies are not bidding on projects because they don't have the workers.Park argued that the asbestos did not have to be removed by a professional abatement company. Hipp said any outside company that the district would hire to work on the tile would be subject to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Occupational+Safety+and+Health+Administration&amp;oq=OSHA&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0i355i433i512j46i199i433i465i512j0i131i433i512l3j0i433i512l3j0i131i433i512j0i433i512.1467j0j15&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;mstk=AUtExfDNc4jZZ6p0JGclkC38nCTs7KP9B2rLRkBBz1Ydn4CwtZA-2LYYHxh08Z1K4gEV1vjqBXYHA9dEPlYdNni_yRnQhd4cISOCQXLFHayttyFTIsNMzgoIOI1UJ-PoVCcbNbjfblD1wmCKfkK3KTmlsVuC8Si89ylfo8IQERjj8Sk82u4&amp;csui=3&amp;ved=2ahUKEwicw_aMw8KRAxWtJUQIHccmM9wQgK4QegQIARAC">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>&nbsp;guidelines. Those guidelines require professional asbestos abatement.Goetz said she did not think any local company would be willing to assume the liability for removing the asbestos.Board member Derek Yarmer said he wanted bids to be brought to the board for a first reading before a vote."Everything has been something that we've had to move on," Yarmer said. ... "If everything is an emergency, then nothing is an emergency."Wilson said now is the best time to replace the flooring and remove the asbestos because the building will be empty for six months.Board member Ruth Ruder agreed that any future flooring work could disrupt students and teachers. She added that the cost of the work will only increase in the future.The motion to table the bid approval failed on a vote of 4-2.The motion to replace the flooring and abate the asbestos passed on a vote of 4-2, with Park and Yarmer voting against.&nbsp;Park asked Wilson to bring a report to the board on any remaining asbestos in district schools.Wilson said the district has been working for years to remove asbestos from its buildings and has made even more progress during the bond projects. He said very little asbestos remains. However, he said he would bring an asbestos report back to the board.

Hays USD 489 votes to replace tile at former middle school, abate asbestos

HaysMed is excited to announce the addition of Christy Rothchild, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), to the HaysMed Pain Center team. Christy will work alongside Dr. Keith Green and Dr. Manoj Jagtiani, providing advanced care and support for patients seeking relief from chronic pain.

The HaysMed Pain Center specializes in a wide range of interventional pain management procedures designed to reduce or eliminate pain by addressing its source. Rothchild’s expertise will enhance the center’s commitment to personalized, patient-focused care.

Rothchild brings over 20 years of nursing experience and has served as a nurse practitioner for the past three years. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Practice from Fort Hays State University. Her background includes valuable experience at Larned State Hospital and Salina Regional Health Center, where she focused on chronic disease management, therapeutic communication with individuals facing mental health challenges, and medical management of psychiatric medications.

“I’m excited to join the HaysMed Pain Center and work alongside such a skilled team. My goal is to help patients find relief and improve their quality of life by addressing the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms. It’s rewarding to bring my experience and passion for patient care to a community-focused organization like HaysMed,” said Rothchild.

For more information about the HaysMed Pain Center or to schedule an appointment, visit<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/services/pain-center/"> haysmed.com/pain-center </a>or call 785-628-6014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765898130905.jpeg" alt="Christy Rothchild. Photo courtesy Hays Med" />
 <figcaption>Christy Rothchild. Photo courtesy Hays Med</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed is excited to announce the addition of Christy Rothchild, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), to the HaysMed Pain Center team. Christy will work alongside Dr. Keith Green and Dr. Manoj Jagtiani, providing advanced care and support for patients seeking relief from chronic pain.The HaysMed Pain Center specializes in a wide range of interventional pain management procedures designed to reduce or eliminate pain by addressing its source. Rothchild’s expertise will enhance the center’s commitment to personalized, patient-focused care.Rothchild brings over 20 years of nursing experience and has served as a nurse practitioner for the past three years. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Practice from Fort Hays State University. Her background includes valuable experience at Larned State Hospital and Salina Regional Health Center, where she focused on chronic disease management, therapeutic communication with individuals facing mental health challenges, and medical management of psychiatric medications.“I’m excited to join the HaysMed Pain Center and work alongside such a skilled team. My goal is to help patients find relief and improve their quality of life by addressing the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms. It’s rewarding to bring my experience and passion for patient care to a community-focused organization like HaysMed,” said Rothchild.For more information about the HaysMed Pain Center or to schedule an appointment, visit<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/services/pain-center/"> haysmed.com/pain-center </a>or call 785-628-6014.

HaysMed welcomes nurse practitioner to Pain Center

The Ellis County Joint Planning Commission will conduct a hearing on a permit for a $275 million commercial solar utility on Wednesday night.

IbV Energy Partners is proposing a 175MW commercial solar development at&nbsp;179th and Mount Pleasant. The Tallgrass project will be located across multiple parcels, about 7 miles southwest of Hays and 9 miles southeast of Ellis.

The project's total acreage is about 1,829 acres, according to the ibV report submitted to the planning commission.

The project will supply electricity to the Southwest Power Pool energy market, connecting via ITC Holdings’ 345-kilovolt Spearville-Post Rock transmission line, according to ibV.

The Project will generate enough electricity to power more than 30,000 Kansan homes emission-free, according to the IbV report.

Strategic Economic Research developed an economic impact study for ibV, estimating that 148 new jobs would be created locally during construction and 17 new jobs would be created in the long term.

The research firm estimated $10.2 million in local earnings would be created during construction, with almost $1 million in annual long-term local earnings in Ellis County.

The project could net as much as $25.9 million in property tax revenue across the taxing entities during the estimated 35-year life of the project, according to the research firm.

The U.S. headquarters of ibV Energy Partners is in Florida, but the company is part of a larger international group, ib vogt GmbH of Germany. That group is majority-owned by DIF Capital Partners, an international fund manager with about $18 billion in assets.

IbV works with power wholesalers and corporations on clean energy goals, according to its website. The company is active in 26 states.

The land on which the solar project would be built is zoned agricultural. IbV is seeking a conditional-use permit to proceed with the project.

Construction of the Tallgrass project is tentatively scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026 and last for 18 months.

However, Tallgrass is seeking a three-year conditional-use permit, with a one-time one-year extension in the event of supply-chain issues, according to its report.

IbV, in its request, also said it would develop a decommissioning and resurfacing plan before construction begins.

The Joint Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the county commission chambers in the basement of the administration center.

The meeting will be open to the public, and there will be an opportunity for public comment.

The commission will vote on a recommendation for the Ellis County Commission. That will be followed by a 14-day protest period.

Justin Craig, Ellis County environmental services director, said he anticipates the conditional-use permit will come before the Ellis County Commission at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765919263065.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Ellis County Joint Planning Commission will conduct a hearing on a permit for a $275 million commercial solar utility on Wednesday night.IbV Energy Partners is proposing a 175MW commercial solar development at&nbsp;179th and Mount Pleasant. The Tallgrass project will be located across multiple parcels, about 7 miles southwest of Hays and 9 miles southeast of Ellis.The project's total acreage is about 1,829 acres, according to the ibV report submitted to the planning commission.The project will supply electricity to the Southwest Power Pool energy market, connecting via ITC Holdings’ 345-kilovolt Spearville-Post Rock transmission line, according to ibV.The Project will generate enough electricity to power more than 30,000 Kansan homes emission-free, according to the IbV report.Strategic Economic Research developed an economic impact study for ibV, estimating that 148 new jobs would be created locally during construction and 17 new jobs would be created in the long term.The research firm estimated $10.2 million in local earnings would be created during construction, with almost $1 million in annual long-term local earnings in Ellis County.The project could net as much as $25.9 million in property tax revenue across the taxing entities during the estimated 35-year life of the project, according to the research firm.The U.S. headquarters of ibV Energy Partners is in Florida, but the company is part of a larger international group, ib vogt GmbH of Germany. That group is majority-owned by DIF Capital Partners, an international fund manager with about $18 billion in assets.IbV works with power wholesalers and corporations on clean energy goals, according to its website. The company is active in 26 states.The land on which the solar project would be built is zoned agricultural. IbV is seeking a conditional-use permit to proceed with the project.Construction of the Tallgrass project is tentatively scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026 and last for 18 months.However, Tallgrass is seeking a three-year conditional-use permit, with a one-time one-year extension in the event of supply-chain issues, according to its report.IbV, in its request, also said it would develop a decommissioning and resurfacing plan before construction begins.The Joint Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the county commission chambers in the basement of the administration center.The meeting will be open to the public, and there will be an opportunity for public comment.The commission will vote on a recommendation for the Ellis County Commission. That will be followed by a 14-day protest period.Justin Craig, Ellis County environmental services director, said he anticipates the conditional-use permit will come before the Ellis County Commission at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Ellis Co. Joint Planning Com. to consider permit for $275 million commercial solar project

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Hays Police Department arrest log: Dec. 7-13, 2025

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Hays Police Department activity log: Dec. 7-13, 2025

The Hays USD 489 school board approved the sale of property adjacent to the current middle school at 201 W. 29th St. at its meeting Monday night.

The board approved the sale of 7.23 acres of land north of the Hays Middle School football field through a sealed-bid process.

The district will retain the right to refuse any bid.

A contract, including bid deadlines, as well as a plan to advertise the sale, will be brought back to the board at its January meeting.

Board member Ruth Ruder expressed concern that someone might purchase the land for a tax deduction, only to leave it vacant.

She urged the district to require the buyer to specify the property's intended use in their bid proposal.

Comparable lots have sold for between $1.72 and $2.41 per square foot. One of these lots of similar size sold for&nbsp;$577,500 in 2020.

Board member Allen Park made a motion to table the item for the next board meeting.&nbsp;

The motion to table failed on a vote of 4-2. Board Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp was absent.

The motion to approve the bid process passed on a vote of 5-1, with Park voting against.

Superintendent Ron Wilson gave the board an update on bond projects.

The last day for students at the current Hays Middle School will be Wednesday. T<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2648611b-eb67-4ef0-89ce-83d093bae602">he students will have two extra days off before Christmas and return one day later than the rest of the district to allow for staff to move to the new middle school building on 13th Street.</a>

Students' first day of classes in the renovated former high school building will be Jan. 7. There will be an open house for students and parents on Jan. 6.

Wilson said the two new additions at O'Loughlin Elementary School are almost completely enclosed now. This will allow work to continue through the winter. Interior framing has begun in both new additions.

The cafeteria service will be temporarily moved to the gym, as the current cafeteria is being renovated into office space.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4906798e-f3ac-4473-a4cb-4899a08613e3">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Middle School, O'Loughlin Elementary projects on schedule</a>

Fall concessions earned about $7,000, which was divided among four HHS extracurricular groups, Wilson said.

This is the first year Hays High football concessions have benefited Hays High groups. When the school played on the Fort Hays State University field, the college ran the concession and kept the revenue.

In addition, the district is saving $15,000 per year because it has a home field at the new school and no longer has to rent FHSU's Lewis Field.

The board also heard and approved an audit report, heard a first reading on recommended Kansas Association of School Boards policy changes, and approved the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school calendars.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762804711884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved the sale of property adjacent to the current middle school at 201 W. 29th St. at its meeting Monday night.The board approved the sale of 7.23 acres of land north of the Hays Middle School football field through a sealed-bid process.The district will retain the right to refuse any bid.A contract, including bid deadlines, as well as a plan to advertise the sale, will be brought back to the board at its January meeting.Board member Ruth Ruder expressed concern that someone might purchase the land for a tax deduction, only to leave it vacant.She urged the district to require the buyer to specify the property's intended use in their bid proposal.Comparable lots have sold for between $1.72 and $2.41 per square foot. One of these lots of similar size sold for&nbsp;$577,500 in 2020.Board member Allen Park made a motion to table the item for the next board meeting.&nbsp;"We're not in a rush," he said.&nbsp;The motion to table failed on a vote of 4-2. Board Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp was absent.The motion to approve the bid process passed on a vote of 5-1, with Park voting against.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765853909012.png" alt="An aerial view of the district land that will be offered for sale. The former Hays Middle School football field can be seen to the south of the 7.23-acre lot." />
 <figcaption>An aerial view of the district land that will be offered for sale. The former Hays Middle School football field can be seen to the south of the 7.23-acre lot.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bond updateSuperintendent Ron Wilson gave the board an update on bond projects.The last day for students at the current Hays Middle School will be Wednesday. T<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/2648611b-eb67-4ef0-89ce-83d093bae602">he students will have two extra days off before Christmas and return one day later than the rest of the district to allow for staff to move to the new middle school building on 13th Street.</a>Students' first day of classes in the renovated former high school building will be Jan. 7. There will be an open house for students and parents on Jan. 6.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765853659096.png" alt="O'Loughlin Elementary School south addition, which will include a new entrance, cafeteria and art room. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>O'Loughlin Elementary School south addition, which will include a new entrance, cafeteria and art room. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765853685944.png" alt="O'Loughlin Elementary School north addition, which will include classrooms that will double as a storm shelter. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>O'Loughlin Elementary School north addition, which will include classrooms that will double as a storm shelter. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765853712281.png" alt="Work on one of the additions at O'Loughlin Elementary School. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Work on one of the additions at O'Loughlin Elementary School. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Wilson said the two new additions at O'Loughlin Elementary School are almost completely enclosed now. This will allow work to continue through the winter. Interior framing has begun in both new additions.The cafeteria service will be temporarily moved to the gym, as the current cafeteria is being renovated into office space.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/4906798e-f3ac-4473-a4cb-4899a08613e3">SEE RELATED STORY: Hays Middle School, O'Loughlin Elementary projects on schedule</a>ConcessionsFall concessions earned about $7,000, which was divided among four HHS extracurricular groups, Wilson said.This is the first year Hays High football concessions have benefited Hays High groups. When the school played on the Fort Hays State University field, the college ran the concession and kept the revenue.In addition, the district is saving $15,000 per year because it has a home field at the new school and no longer has to rent FHSU's Lewis Field.Other businessThe board also heard and approved an audit report, heard a first reading on recommended Kansas Association of School Boards policy changes, and approved the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school calendars.

Hays USD 489 school board approves sale of land next to middle school

Western Cooperative Electric&nbsp;

WaKeeney&nbsp;– Western Cooperative Electric announced that District 2 Trustees Tim Stanton and Steve Hausler have successfully earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificate through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), marking a significant accomplishment in their ongoing commitment to cooperative leadership.

As the electric utility industry continues to evolve, board members face increasing demands for strategic knowledge, advanced governance skills, and a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model. Western Cooperative Electric encourages its board to participate in NRECA education programs to strengthen their ability to represent and serve the cooperative’s consumer-owners effectively.

The CCD credential requires trustees to complete five foundational courses covering essential cooperative competencies:

• Director Duties and Liabilities • Understanding the Electric Business • Board Operations and Process • Strategic Planning • Financial Decision Making

By completing this program, Trustees Stanton and Hausler have demonstrated their dedication to informed decision-making and responsible governance on behalf of Western’s membership.

NRECA represents nearly 900 private, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing power to more than 42 million people across 48 states. With more than 7,200 cooperative directors nationwide, the CCD program establishes a strong baseline for effective and educated co-op leadership.

Western Cooperative Electric congratulates Trustees Stanton and Hausler on this significant professional achievement. 

For additional information, contact Nolan Numrich via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nolann@westerncooperative.com">nolann@westerncooperative.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585584474023.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Western Cooperative Electric&nbsp;WaKeeney&nbsp;– Western Cooperative Electric announced that District 2 Trustees Tim Stanton and Steve Hausler have successfully earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificate through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), marking a significant accomplishment in their ongoing commitment to cooperative leadership.As the electric utility industry continues to evolve, board members face increasing demands for strategic knowledge, advanced governance skills, and a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model. Western Cooperative Electric encourages its board to participate in NRECA education programs to strengthen their ability to represent and serve the cooperative’s consumer-owners effectively.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765559022440.jpeg" alt="Tim Stanton and Nick Zerr, trustee board president. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Western Cooperative Electric&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Tim Stanton and Nick Zerr, trustee board president. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Western Cooperative Electric&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765559090479.jpeg" alt="Steve Hausler and Nick Zerr,&nbsp;trustee board president. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Western Cooperative Electric " />
 <figcaption>Steve Hausler and Nick Zerr,&nbsp;trustee board president. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Western Cooperative Electric </figcaption>
 </figure>The CCD credential requires trustees to complete five foundational courses covering essential cooperative competencies:• Director Duties and Liabilities • Understanding the Electric Business • Board Operations and Process • Strategic Planning • Financial Decision MakingBy completing this program, Trustees Stanton and Hausler have demonstrated their dedication to informed decision-making and responsible governance on behalf of Western’s membership.NRECA represents nearly 900 private, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing power to more than 42 million people across 48 states. With more than 7,200 cooperative directors nationwide, the CCD program establishes a strong baseline for effective and educated co-op leadership.Western Cooperative Electric congratulates Trustees Stanton and Hausler on this significant professional achievement. For additional information, contact Nolan Numrich via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nolann@westerncooperative.com">nolann@westerncooperative.com</a>.

Trustees earn Credentialed Cooperative Director certificates 

MANHATTAN — From weeknight ground beef to special-occasion steaks, consumers continue to see higher prices at the meat case. 

At its core, the beef market runs on supply and demand like everything else — but when you factor in production cycles, global trade uncertainty and a persistent U.S. taste for beef, that simple model gets complicated fast.

Supply and demand are ideally balanced when the available quantity aligns with consumer demand. Prices decrease when supply is abundant and demand is lower.

For consumers feeling the pinch, the reasons behind high beef prices are complex and shaped by rising costs, improved quality, changing eating habits and market uncertainty."

Beef prices are higher because demand is strong and supply is tight," said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/tonsor/">Glynn Tonsor</a>, professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. "You have to understand both sides of that equation."

Cattle supply: Where's the beef? The U.S. cattle herd is currently at historically low levels. Fewer cows typically means less beef, but improvements in breeding, animal health and feed quality mean that each animal now yields more and better-quality beef than in the past. Even so, Tonsor said the increased efficiency hasn't been enough to fully offset the decline in herd size."

Over the next couple of years, we expect less beef to be produced in the U.S. than in the past," Tonsor said. "That tightening supply supports higher prices." The cost to maintain a single cow has risen by at least $200 in just the last five years, driven by inflation in feed, labor, fuel and equipment. Labor availability in agriculture has also worsened, making herd expansion more difficult. 

Uncertainty adds another layer of pressure. Trade policy, export markets and long-term business conditions remain unpredictable, which can slow investments and limit herd growth.

"Anywhere you have elevated risk, most producers and&nbsp;<a>business people</a>&nbsp;more generally tend to get a little more conservative," said Tonsor. "If you add uncertainty and risk, the tendency is to hold the cards close to the chest and be less willing to make a 20-year investment in that arena."

Even when ranchers choose to increase their herd sizes, the beef industry's multiyear production cycle means that larger herds do not lead to an immediate increase in supply. When a rancher keeps a heifer instead of selling it for market, there is a short-term reduction in beef supply.

In 2024, Americans consumed more beef than the year before and spent more on it, even after adjusting for inflation. Tonsor said this combination signals growing demand. A significant driver of that demand is quality. During the past 10 to 20 years, the quality of beef produced has significantly improved. Higher-quality beef tastes better to consumers.

"Taste is the most important factor in deciding whether someone buys beef," Tonsor said. "More cattle are grading prime and choice, leading to a better eating experience and greater willingness among consumers to pay more."

Tonsor leads the K-State&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/monthly-meat-demand-monitor-survey-data">Meat Demand Monitor</a>, which tracks U.S. consumer preferences, views and demand for meat, providing the agricultural industry with vital consumer insights. The monthly survey is conducted online with more than 2,000 respondents reflecting the national population. This project is funded in part by the Beef Checkoff and the Pork Checkoff.

The meat demand project is finding that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksumeatdemandmonitor.shinyapps.io/MDMapp/">diet trends</a>&nbsp;are also playing a role. Protein-focused eating has gained momentum across age groups. The rise of GLP-1 medications has further accelerated this shift, as many users reduce their carbohydrate intake and increase their protein consumption.

Even outside that group, younger generations are placing greater emphasis on protein for fitness and health, which strengthens demand for beef.

Looking ahead, Tonsor expects beef prices to remain elevated through at least 2026, assuming consumer income and confidence remain stable. Tight supply combined with steady demand will continue to put upward pressure on prices.

"I think it's macroeconomic in nature," Tonsor said. "If consumer incomes, the job and market environment, and so forth stay the same or better, I'm confident we're going to have higher beef prices."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587239834149.png" alt="Photo by Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State News ServiceMANHATTAN — From weeknight ground beef to special-occasion steaks, consumers continue to see higher prices at the meat case. At its core, the beef market runs on supply and demand like everything else — but when you factor in production cycles, global trade uncertainty and a persistent U.S. taste for beef, that simple model gets complicated fast.Supply and demand are ideally balanced when the available quantity aligns with consumer demand. Prices decrease when supply is abundant and demand is lower.For consumers feeling the pinch, the reasons behind high beef prices are complex and shaped by rising costs, improved quality, changing eating habits and market uncertainty."Beef prices are higher because demand is strong and supply is tight," said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/tonsor/">Glynn Tonsor</a>, professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. "You have to understand both sides of that equation."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765553546338.jpeg" alt="K-State News Service&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>K-State News Service&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Cattle supply: Where's the beef? The U.S. cattle herd is currently at historically low levels. Fewer cows typically means less beef, but improvements in breeding, animal health and feed quality mean that each animal now yields more and better-quality beef than in the past. Even so, Tonsor said the increased efficiency hasn't been enough to fully offset the decline in herd size."Over the next couple of years, we expect less beef to be produced in the U.S. than in the past," Tonsor said. "That tightening supply supports higher prices." The cost to maintain a single cow has risen by at least $200 in just the last five years, driven by inflation in feed, labor, fuel and equipment. Labor availability in agriculture has also worsened, making herd expansion more difficult. Uncertainty adds another layer of pressure. Trade policy, export markets and long-term business conditions remain unpredictable, which can slow investments and limit herd growth."Anywhere you have elevated risk, most producers and&nbsp;<a>business people</a>&nbsp;more generally tend to get a little more conservative," said Tonsor. "If you add uncertainty and risk, the tendency is to hold the cards close to the chest and be less willing to make a 20-year investment in that arena."Even when ranchers choose to increase their herd sizes, the beef industry's multiyear production cycle means that larger herds do not lead to an immediate increase in supply. When a rancher keeps a heifer instead of selling it for market, there is a short-term reduction in beef supply.Beef demand: Craving the sizzleIn 2024, Americans consumed more beef than the year before and spent more on it, even after adjusting for inflation. Tonsor said this combination signals growing demand. A significant driver of that demand is quality. During the past 10 to 20 years, the quality of beef produced has significantly improved. Higher-quality beef tastes better to consumers."Taste is the most important factor in deciding whether someone buys beef," Tonsor said. "More cattle are grading prime and choice, leading to a better eating experience and greater willingness among consumers to pay more."Tonsor leads the K-State&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/monthly-meat-demand-monitor-survey-data">Meat Demand Monitor</a>, which tracks U.S. consumer preferences, views and demand for meat, providing the agricultural industry with vital consumer insights. The monthly survey is conducted online with more than 2,000 respondents reflecting the national population. This project is funded in part by the Beef Checkoff and the Pork Checkoff.The meat demand project is finding that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksumeatdemandmonitor.shinyapps.io/MDMapp/">diet trends</a>&nbsp;are also playing a role. Protein-focused eating has gained momentum across age groups. The rise of GLP-1 medications has further accelerated this shift, as many users reduce their carbohydrate intake and increase their protein consumption.Even outside that group, younger generations are placing greater emphasis on protein for fitness and health, which strengthens demand for beef.Looking ahead, Tonsor expects beef prices to remain elevated through at least 2026, assuming consumer income and confidence remain stable. Tight supply combined with steady demand will continue to put upward pressure on prices."I think it's macroeconomic in nature," Tonsor said. "If consumer incomes, the job and market environment, and so forth stay the same or better, I'm confident we're going to have higher beef prices."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite historic demand, beef supply remains low, and prices stay high. Here's why.

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

One of the best ways to keep your mind and body functioning at its best is to exercise. 

When I worked with small children we always used to say, “the best exercise for the brain is exercise!” The same holds true as we age. 

Exercise produces a wide range of benefits for not only our physical health, but also mental health. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density. It can also help relieve stress and reduce depression symptoms. 

The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program focuses on improving the health and well-being of older adults. The goal of the program is to provide safe, structured and effective strength training for adults. No one is too inactive, or too young to participate. Strength training promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over 60. 

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase strength, balance, and flexibility.

You might be asking yourself, “I wonder what we’ll do?” It is an eight-week program that meets twice a week for one-hour. We will do warm up exercises, easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights, based on your preference, and finish with cool-down stretches and breathing exercises. 

The best part is there are no membership fees like at a gym and there is no special clothes or equipment needed. We will have weights available if you want to use them. You will work at your own pace and progress as you are able. There are modifications to the exercises based on your own fitness level.

Regular classes will begin January 5, 2025, and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. for 16 sessions. All classes will be held at our office in Hays located at 601 Main Street. There will be a one-time fee of $20 to participate in the eight-week program. 

Please call the office if you have any questions or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu.

Please note that our office will be closed from December 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026. If you can’t register before the closure, don’t worry—we can complete your registration on January 5. Simply plan to attend the first class.

Cottonwood Extension District would like to extend a huge thank you to Heartland Community Foundation. This project was funded in part by a grant from the Ellis County Legacy Fund and the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund-Heartland of the Heartland

Community Foundation. Their funding allowed us to purchase our own weight set for our district so we will be able to offer classes on a regular basis.

Come join me for some fun and get healthier and stronger!

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691425639307.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: 'Stay Strong, Stay Healthy' program starts Jan. 5 in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=y49b6-19e8d23-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictOne of the best ways to keep your mind and body functioning at its best is to exercise. When I worked with small children we always used to say, “the best exercise for the brain is exercise!” The same holds true as we age. Exercise produces a wide range of benefits for not only our physical health, but also mental health. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density. It can also help relieve stress and reduce depression symptoms. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program focuses on improving the health and well-being of older adults. The goal of the program is to provide safe, structured and effective strength training for adults. No one is too inactive, or too young to participate. Strength training promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over 60. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase strength, balance, and flexibility.You might be asking yourself, “I wonder what we’ll do?” It is an eight-week program that meets twice a week for one-hour. We will do warm up exercises, easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights, based on your preference, and finish with cool-down stretches and breathing exercises. The best part is there are no membership fees like at a gym and there is no special clothes or equipment needed. We will have weights available if you want to use them. You will work at your own pace and progress as you are able. There are modifications to the exercises based on your own fitness level.Regular classes will begin January 5, 2025, and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. for 16 sessions. All classes will be held at our office in Hays located at 601 Main Street. There will be a one-time fee of $20 to participate in the eight-week program. Please call the office if you have any questions or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu.Please note that our office will be closed from December 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026. If you can’t register before the closure, don’t worry—we can complete your registration on January 5. Simply plan to attend the first class.Cottonwood Extension District would like to extend a huge thank you to Heartland Community Foundation. This project was funded in part by a grant from the Ellis County Legacy Fund and the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund-Heartland of the HeartlandCommunity Foundation. Their funding allowed us to purchase our own weight set for our district so we will be able to offer classes on a regular basis.Come join me for some fun and get healthier and stronger!Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

🎙 KOERNER: 'Stay Strong, Stay Healthy' program starts Jan. 5 in Hays 

<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/2025/12/1765812243630.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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765904897865.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>

The Alltex Gun and Knife Show will be in Hays on Dec. 27 and 28 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Road.

The hours of the show are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp; Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765828700251.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Alltex Gun and Knife Show will be in Hays on Dec. 27 and 28 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Road.The hours of the show are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.&nbsp; Sunday.There will be door prizes on both days.

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