By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Get ready for eight days of carnival fun with Moo'in &amp; Groovin' at the Ellis County Fair in Hays.

From today through July 20, visit the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Road, to enjoy car races, rodeos, barrel races, monster trucks, and exhibits and livestock shows from 4-Hers and open-class entries.

"This year, we're building on family fun activities," Ellis County Fair Association President Jill Pfannenstiel said. "We do have a petting zoo, and it's going to be bigger than last year with camel and horse rides."

Moo'in &amp; Groovin' kicks off with RPM Speedway Car Races at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and the carnival and food vendors set up on Tuesday.

The KPRA Rodeo will feature cowboys and cowgirls riding, roping, wrestling and racing for 'Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night' on Tuesday and 'Patriotic Night' on Wednesday. Both events start at 6:30 p.m.

After the rodeo, the competition continues with cowgirls in barrel racing at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18, which is free to the public.

Wrapping up with a bang, the monster truck thrill show will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, with a free pit party at 6 p.m.

"<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollingplainsmotor.speedway/">RPM Speedway</a> is a great partner. We pay them to put the races on, and they let us host the monster truck show at the grandstands,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said.

<a href="https://thorniridgeexotics.com/">Thorni Ridge Exotics</a>&nbsp;petting zoo will return with a variety of animals, including zebras, kangaroos, ostriches and lemurs, from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday through July 20.

The Ellis County Fair offers a range of ticket options, including week passes, single-night tickets, family packs and carnival armbands priced from $12 to $140. Admission is free for children 5 years and younger.

You can find more information on tickets and ticket outlets in Hays <a href="https://ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">here</a>.

The fair is made possible by volunteers. Pfannenstiel said the fair board met throughout the year to discuss improvements for this year's fair.

"We are putting buildings up, fixing water leaks and maintaining the fairgrounds," she said. "A lot of us are parents. We're spouses. We have full-time jobs already, and we are running this event on our own time."

The Ellis County Fair is supported by 4-H members, the Ellis County Commission, sponsors and superintendents but continues to face challenges this year.

Although the fair offers free entertainment like barrel races and petting zoos, these services still need to be paid for. Sponsorship money is essential for this but has become increasingly difficult to secure.

"We're out there pounding the pavement asking for sponsorships. Some years we gain a couple more, but then we lose some,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said.

Assistance is still needed for parking cars and directing traffic during the busy hours of each night's main event. Shifts vary from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and offer pay.

Anyone interested in volunteering or sponsorship information can contact the Ellis County Fair on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>&nbsp;or reach out to a board member through the Ellis County Fair <a href="https://ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">website</a>.

<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/">4-H Youth Development-Ellis County</a> will also host events that teach youth to serve their communities, make decisions and prepare for careers.

"4-H teaches these kids life skills that they need for the rest of their lives,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said.

The development club is exclusive to members ages 5 to 18, while the open classes are available to the public.

Entry categories include photography, food preservation, livestock, visual arts, and arts and crafts. A full list of events and rules for <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/5444/2024-4H-Division-ECFBookDRAFT">4-H</a> and <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/5446/2024-open-class-fair-book">open class</a> can be found in their handbooks.

Anyone wishing to enter an open-class exhibit can do so on Monday before the week of competitions.

"We hope the public checks out the fair, support our local youth and consider entering projects next year if they are not able to this year,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said.

Additional activities to look forward to include laser tag, bounce houses, face painting, obstacle courses, axe throwing and mutton busting.

Some of the food to go along with the fun includes burgers, funnel cakes, cheesecake and snow cones.

For more information, you can follow Ellis County Fair on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Ellis-County-Fair-100063657276403/">Facebook</a> and visit its <a href="https://ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">website</a>.

By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostGet ready for eight days of carnival fun with Moo'in &amp; Groovin' at the Ellis County Fair in Hays.From today through July 20, visit the Ellis County Fairgrounds, 1344 Fairground Road, to enjoy car races, rodeos, barrel races, monster trucks, and exhibits and livestock shows from 4-Hers and open-class entries."This year, we're building on family fun activities," Ellis County Fair Association President Jill Pfannenstiel said. "We do have a petting zoo, and it's going to be bigger than last year with camel and horse rides."Moo'in &amp; Groovin' kicks off with RPM Speedway Car Races at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and the carnival and food vendors set up on Tuesday.The KPRA Rodeo will feature cowboys and cowgirls riding, roping, wrestling and racing for 'Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night' on Tuesday and 'Patriotic Night' on Wednesday. Both events start at 6:30 p.m.After the rodeo, the competition continues with cowgirls in barrel racing at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18, which is free to the public.Wrapping up with a bang, the monster truck thrill show will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, with a free pit party at 6 p.m."<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rollingplainsmotor.speedway/">RPM Speedway</a> is a great partner. We pay them to put the races on, and they let us host the monster truck show at the grandstands,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said.<a href="https://thorniridgeexotics.com/">Thorni Ridge Exotics</a>&nbsp;petting zoo will return with a variety of animals, including zebras, kangaroos, ostriches and lemurs, from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday through July 20.The Ellis County Fair offers a range of ticket options, including week passes, single-night tickets, family packs and carnival armbands priced from $12 to $140. Admission is free for children 5 years and younger.You can find more information on tickets and ticket outlets in Hays <a href="https://ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">here</a>.The fair is made possible by volunteers. Pfannenstiel said the fair board met throughout the year to discuss improvements for this year's fair."We are putting buildings up, fixing water leaks and maintaining the fairgrounds," she said. "A lot of us are parents. We're spouses. We have full-time jobs already, and we are running this event on our own time."The Ellis County Fair is supported by 4-H members, the Ellis County Commission, sponsors and superintendents but continues to face challenges this year.Although the fair offers free entertainment like barrel races and petting zoos, these services still need to be paid for. Sponsorship money is essential for this but has become increasingly difficult to secure."We're out there pounding the pavement asking for sponsorships. Some years we gain a couple more, but then we lose some,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said.Assistance is still needed for parking cars and directing traffic during the busy hours of each night's main event. Shifts vary from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and offer pay.Anyone interested in volunteering or sponsorship information can contact the Ellis County Fair on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063657276403">Facebook</a>&nbsp;or reach out to a board member through the Ellis County Fair <a href="https://ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">website</a>.<a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/ellis-county4h/">4-H Youth Development-Ellis County</a> will also host events that teach youth to serve their communities, make decisions and prepare for careers."4-H teaches these kids life skills that they need for the rest of their lives,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said.The development club is exclusive to members ages 5 to 18, while the open classes are available to the public.Entry categories include photography, food preservation, livestock, visual arts, and arts and crafts. A full list of events and rules for <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/5444/2024-4H-Division-ECFBookDRAFT">4-H</a> and <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/DocumentCenter/View/5446/2024-open-class-fair-book">open class</a> can be found in their handbooks.Anyone wishing to enter an open-class exhibit can do so on Monday before the week of competitions."We hope the public checks out the fair, support our local youth and consider entering projects next year if they are not able to this year,"&nbsp;Pfannenstiel said.Additional activities to look forward to include laser tag, bounce houses, face painting, obstacle courses, axe throwing and mutton busting.Some of the food to go along with the fun includes burgers, funnel cakes, cheesecake and snow cones.For more information, you can follow Ellis County Fair on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Ellis-County-Fair-100063657276403/">Facebook</a> and visit its <a href="https://ellisco.net/681/Ellis-County-Fair">website</a>.

Ellis County Fair Moo'in & Groovin set to kickoff this week in Hays

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place June 20, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Douglas ‑&nbsp;40‑23 KA‑3634‑03 – U.S. 40, from the K‑10/U.S. 40 junction southeast to the K‑10/U.S. 59/U.S. 40/Iowa Street interchange; K‑10, from 1.21 miles south of the I‑70/KTA/K‑10 junction south to the K‑10/U.S. 40 junction; grading, bridge and surfacing, 7.4 miles, Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $170,597,911.20.

Jefferson ‑&nbsp;59‑44 KA‑7333‑01 – U.S. 59, from the U.S. 59/98th Street junction north to the Jefferson/Atchison county line, crack repair, 13.6 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $116,836.82.

Jefferson ‑&nbsp;92‑44 KA‑7353‑01 ‑ K‑92, from the K‑92/Lovers Lane intersection in the city of McLouth northeast to the Jefferson/Leavenworth county line, crack repair, 5.5 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $57,185.71.

Jefferson ‑&nbsp;4‑44 KA‑7354‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the K‑4/K‑92 junction northeast to the K‑4/U.S. 59 junction, crack repair, 18.3 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $108,288.49.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;7‑46 KA‑6797‑01 ‑ K‑7, bridge #332 over the BNSF Railroad located 0.59 mile east of the K‑7/Old U.S. 56 west junction, bridge repair, Pyramid Contractors Inc. And Pyramid Properties Inc., Olathe, Kansas, $647,140.60.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;70‑89 KA‑7350‑01 ‑ I‑70, beginning 0.22 mile west of SW Valencia Road east to 0.31 mile east of SW Eagle Ridge Lane, pavement marking, 5.0 miles, Cillessen and Sons Inc., Kechi, Kansas, $302,397.36.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;24‑89 KA‑7340‑01 – U.S. 24, beginning at the Pottawatomie/Shawnee county line east to the west city limits of Silver Lake, beginning 0.39 mile east of Northwest Menoken Road east to 0.11 mile west of Northwest Rochester Road, crack repair, 14.2 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $119,091.64.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7335‑01 – U.S. 75 in Shawnee County, beginning at the 2-lane/4-lane split north to the Osage/Shawnee county line, beginning at the Osage/Shawnee county line north to the south edge wearing surface of the Topeka Boulevard bridge, beginning at the north edge wearing surface of the Topeka Boulevard bridge north to end of hot mix asphalt surface; and K‑4 in Shawnee County, beginning at the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line northeast to the K‑4/Auburn Road junction, crack repair, 25.1 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $257,063.21.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;32‑106 KA‑7355‑01 ‑ K‑32 in Douglas County, from the K‑32/U.S. 24 junction east to the Leavenworth/Douglas county line; and K‑32 in Leavenworth County, from the Leavenworth/Douglas county line east to the Leavenworth/Wyandotte county line, crack repair, 17.2 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $185,208.62.

Ellsworth ‑&nbsp;70‑27 KA‑7231‑01 ‑ Light tower #1, located westbound I‑70, center of the rest area. Light tower #2, located eastbound I‑70, center of the rest area, lighting, 0.7 mile, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $113,216.00.

Marion ‑&nbsp;56‑57 KA‑7349‑01 – U.S. 56, from 6th Street in Lincolnville north to 0.15 mile south of 340th Road, 4-inch overlay, 4.8 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $1,334,751.46.

Rooks ‑&nbsp;24‑82 KA‑5754‑01 – U.S. 24, bridge #012 over South Fork Solomon River Drainage located 0.26 mile west of the U.S. 183/U.S. 24 junction, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $2,310,818.48.

Sheridan ‑&nbsp;23‑90 KA‑6019‑01 ‑ K‑23, from 0.25 mile south of County Road 70 north to Walnut Avenue in Hoxie - includes bridges #016 over the South Fork Solomon River and #017 over the Sand Creek Bridge, grading, bridge and surfacing, 6.2 miles, Sporer Land Development Inc., Oakley, Kansas, $19,012,746.87.

Cherokee ‑&nbsp;69‑11 KA‑7308‑01 – U.S. 69A, beginning at the U.S. 69A/U.S. 400/K‑66 junction north 0.33 mile, pavement marking, 0.3 mile, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $35,322.00.

Greenwood ‑&nbsp;54‑37 KA‑7068‑01 – U.S. 54. bridge #068 over the Verdigris River located 0.3 mile west of the Woodson/Greenwood county line, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $178,849.29.

Labette ‑&nbsp;59‑50 KA‑7307‑01 – U.S. 59, beginning at the U.S. 59/U.S. 160 junction north 0.41 mile, pavement marking, 0.4 mile, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $38,580.25.

Linn ‑&nbsp;69‑54 KA‑6735‑01 – U.S. 69, bridge #057 over the Marias Des Cygnes River located 0.88 mile south of the K‑52/U.S. 69 north junction, bridge repair, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $477,049.80.

Miami ‑&nbsp;68‑61 KA‑7306‑01 ‑ K‑68, beginning 0.86 mile west of the K‑68/U.S. 169/K‑7 junction, east 0.4 mile, pavement marking, 0.4 mile, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $26,762.75.

Wilson ‑&nbsp;400‑103 KA‑7309‑01 – U.S. 400: beginning 3.02 miles northwest of the U.S. 400/K‑47 junction, northwest 0.6 mile, pavement marking, 0.6 mile, Cillessen and Sons Inc., Kechi, Kansas, $47,503.75.

Wilson ‑&nbsp;39‑103 KA‑6728‑01 ‑ K‑39, bridge #021 over Snake Creek located 7.12 miles east of the U.S. 400/K‑39 junction, and bridge #022 over the Verdigris River located 8.48 miles east of the U.S. 400/K‑39 junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $1,243,678.64.

Barton ‑&nbsp;4‑5 KA‑7320‑01 ‑ K‑4, beginning 0.57 mile east of the U.S. 281/K‑4 junction east to the Rice/Barton county line, pavement marking, 16.1 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $147,348.22.

Barton ‑&nbsp;281‑5 KA‑7319‑01 – U.S. 281, beginning at the west city limits of Hoisington northwest to the Russell/Barton county line, pavement marking, 15.3 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $223,566.78.

Harvey ‑&nbsp;135‑40 KA‑0052‑01 ‑ I‑135/36th Street interchange, 2 miles south of the I‑135/U.S. 50 south junction, grading, bridge and surfacing, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $16,534,022.31.

Rice ‑&nbsp;14‑80 KA‑7322‑01 ‑ K‑14, beginning 3.77 miles north of the U.S. 56/K‑96/K‑14 junction north to the Rice/Ellsworth county line, pavement marking, 8.3 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $230,360.50.

Barton ‑&nbsp;4‑5 KA‑7321‑01 ‑ K‑4, beginning at the Barton/Rush county line east to the U.S. 281/K‑4 west junction, pavement marking, 10.0 miles, Cillessen and Sons Inc., Kechi, Kansas, $207,551.70.

Rush ‑&nbsp;4‑83 KA‑7318‑01 ‑ K‑4, beginning at the K‑4/U.S. 183 junction east to the Rush/Barton county line, pavement marking, 15.1 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $231,760.51

Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑6941‑01 – U.S. 160, bridge #142 over the Union Pacific Railroad located 0.23 mile southwest of the U.S. 81/U.S. 160 west junction in Wellington, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $523,379.99.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6863‑01 ‑ K‑96, U.S. 54 and K‑15 in Sedgwick, Butler and Sumner counties, signing, Cooper Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $2,605,955.08.

Stevens ‑&nbsp;95 TE‑9605‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, between South Polk Street and South Main Street in Hugoton, pedestrian and bicycle paths, Multicon Inc., Park City, Kansas, $580,671.01.

The following project was approved from the April 17, 2024, letting.

Linn ‑&nbsp;54 C‑5081‑01 ‑ Bridge, 1.0 mile north and 1.2 miles west of LaCygne over BNSF Railroad, bridge replacement, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita Kansas, $1,991,283.58.

The following projects were approved from the May 22, 2024, letting.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;89 TE‑0505‑02 – A total of 10 locations connecting to Landon, Shunga and North Levee Trails, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 3.5 miles, Julius Kaaz Construction Co. Inc., Leavenworth, Kansas, $598,598.00.

Sumner ‑&nbsp;96 TE‑0506‑01 ‑ North side of 16th Street, from A Street to Woodlawn Avenue, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.5 mile, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $420,521.65.

Sumner ‑&nbsp;96 TE‑0509‑01 ‑ 4th Avenue, from Merchant Street to Main Street; Logan Street from 4th Avenue to 7th Avenue; and around Watson Park, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.7 mile, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $610,649.40.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place June 20, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastDouglas ‑&nbsp;40‑23 KA‑3634‑03 – U.S. 40, from the K‑10/U.S. 40 junction southeast to the K‑10/U.S. 59/U.S. 40/Iowa Street interchange; K‑10, from 1.21 miles south of the I‑70/KTA/K‑10 junction south to the K‑10/U.S. 40 junction; grading, bridge and surfacing, 7.4 miles, Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $170,597,911.20.Jefferson ‑&nbsp;59‑44 KA‑7333‑01 – U.S. 59, from the U.S. 59/98th Street junction north to the Jefferson/Atchison county line, crack repair, 13.6 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $116,836.82.Jefferson ‑&nbsp;92‑44 KA‑7353‑01 ‑ K‑92, from the K‑92/Lovers Lane intersection in the city of McLouth northeast to the Jefferson/Leavenworth county line, crack repair, 5.5 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $57,185.71.Jefferson ‑&nbsp;4‑44 KA‑7354‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the K‑4/K‑92 junction northeast to the K‑4/U.S. 59 junction, crack repair, 18.3 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $108,288.49.Johnson ‑&nbsp;7‑46 KA‑6797‑01 ‑ K‑7, bridge #332 over the BNSF Railroad located 0.59 mile east of the K‑7/Old U.S. 56 west junction, bridge repair, Pyramid Contractors Inc. And Pyramid Properties Inc., Olathe, Kansas, $647,140.60.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;70‑89 KA‑7350‑01 ‑ I‑70, beginning 0.22 mile west of SW Valencia Road east to 0.31 mile east of SW Eagle Ridge Lane, pavement marking, 5.0 miles, Cillessen and Sons Inc., Kechi, Kansas, $302,397.36.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;24‑89 KA‑7340‑01 – U.S. 24, beginning at the Pottawatomie/Shawnee county line east to the west city limits of Silver Lake, beginning 0.39 mile east of Northwest Menoken Road east to 0.11 mile west of Northwest Rochester Road, crack repair, 14.2 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $119,091.64.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7335‑01 – U.S. 75 in Shawnee County, beginning at the 2-lane/4-lane split north to the Osage/Shawnee county line, beginning at the Osage/Shawnee county line north to the south edge wearing surface of the Topeka Boulevard bridge, beginning at the north edge wearing surface of the Topeka Boulevard bridge north to end of hot mix asphalt surface; and K‑4 in Shawnee County, beginning at the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line northeast to the K‑4/Auburn Road junction, crack repair, 25.1 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $257,063.21.Statewide ‑&nbsp;32‑106 KA‑7355‑01 ‑ K‑32 in Douglas County, from the K‑32/U.S. 24 junction east to the Leavenworth/Douglas county line; and K‑32 in Leavenworth County, from the Leavenworth/Douglas county line east to the Leavenworth/Wyandotte county line, crack repair, 17.2 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $185,208.62.District Two — North CentralEllsworth ‑&nbsp;70‑27 KA‑7231‑01 ‑ Light tower #1, located westbound I‑70, center of the rest area. Light tower #2, located eastbound I‑70, center of the rest area, lighting, 0.7 mile, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $113,216.00.Marion ‑&nbsp;56‑57 KA‑7349‑01 – U.S. 56, from 6th Street in Lincolnville north to 0.15 mile south of 340th Road, 4-inch overlay, 4.8 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $1,334,751.46.District Three — NorthwestRooks ‑&nbsp;24‑82 KA‑5754‑01 – U.S. 24, bridge #012 over South Fork Solomon River Drainage located 0.26 mile west of the U.S. 183/U.S. 24 junction, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $2,310,818.48.Sheridan ‑&nbsp;23‑90 KA‑6019‑01 ‑ K‑23, from 0.25 mile south of County Road 70 north to Walnut Avenue in Hoxie - includes bridges #016 over the South Fork Solomon River and #017 over the Sand Creek Bridge, grading, bridge and surfacing, 6.2 miles, Sporer Land Development Inc., Oakley, Kansas, $19,012,746.87.District Four — SoutheastCherokee ‑&nbsp;69‑11 KA‑7308‑01 – U.S. 69A, beginning at the U.S. 69A/U.S. 400/K‑66 junction north 0.33 mile, pavement marking, 0.3 mile, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $35,322.00.Greenwood ‑&nbsp;54‑37 KA‑7068‑01 – U.S. 54. bridge #068 over the Verdigris River located 0.3 mile west of the Woodson/Greenwood county line, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $178,849.29.Labette ‑&nbsp;59‑50 KA‑7307‑01 – U.S. 59, beginning at the U.S. 59/U.S. 160 junction north 0.41 mile, pavement marking, 0.4 mile, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $38,580.25.Linn ‑&nbsp;69‑54 KA‑6735‑01 – U.S. 69, bridge #057 over the Marias Des Cygnes River located 0.88 mile south of the K‑52/U.S. 69 north junction, bridge repair, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $477,049.80.Miami ‑&nbsp;68‑61 KA‑7306‑01 ‑ K‑68, beginning 0.86 mile west of the K‑68/U.S. 169/K‑7 junction, east 0.4 mile, pavement marking, 0.4 mile, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $26,762.75.Wilson ‑&nbsp;400‑103 KA‑7309‑01 – U.S. 400: beginning 3.02 miles northwest of the U.S. 400/K‑47 junction, northwest 0.6 mile, pavement marking, 0.6 mile, Cillessen and Sons Inc., Kechi, Kansas, $47,503.75.Wilson ‑&nbsp;39‑103 KA‑6728‑01 ‑ K‑39, bridge #021 over Snake Creek located 7.12 miles east of the U.S. 400/K‑39 junction, and bridge #022 over the Verdigris River located 8.48 miles east of the U.S. 400/K‑39 junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $1,243,678.64.District Five — South CentralBarton ‑&nbsp;4‑5 KA‑7320‑01 ‑ K‑4, beginning 0.57 mile east of the U.S. 281/K‑4 junction east to the Rice/Barton county line, pavement marking, 16.1 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $147,348.22.Barton ‑&nbsp;281‑5 KA‑7319‑01 – U.S. 281, beginning at the west city limits of Hoisington northwest to the Russell/Barton county line, pavement marking, 15.3 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $223,566.78.Harvey ‑&nbsp;135‑40 KA‑0052‑01 ‑ I‑135/36th Street interchange, 2 miles south of the I‑135/U.S. 50 south junction, grading, bridge and surfacing, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $16,534,022.31.Rice ‑&nbsp;14‑80 KA‑7322‑01 ‑ K‑14, beginning 3.77 miles north of the U.S. 56/K‑96/K‑14 junction north to the Rice/Ellsworth county line, pavement marking, 8.3 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $230,360.50.Barton ‑&nbsp;4‑5 KA‑7321‑01 ‑ K‑4, beginning at the Barton/Rush county line east to the U.S. 281/K‑4 west junction, pavement marking, 10.0 miles, Cillessen and Sons Inc., Kechi, Kansas, $207,551.70.Rush ‑&nbsp;4‑83 KA‑7318‑01 ‑ K‑4, beginning at the K‑4/U.S. 183 junction east to the Rush/Barton county line, pavement marking, 15.1 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $231,760.51Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑6941‑01 – U.S. 160, bridge #142 over the Union Pacific Railroad located 0.23 mile southwest of the U.S. 81/U.S. 160 west junction in Wellington, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $523,379.99.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6863‑01 ‑ K‑96, U.S. 54 and K‑15 in Sedgwick, Butler and Sumner counties, signing, Cooper Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $2,605,955.08.District Six — SouthwestStevens ‑&nbsp;95 TE‑9605‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, between South Polk Street and South Main Street in Hugoton, pedestrian and bicycle paths, Multicon Inc., Park City, Kansas, $580,671.01.The following project was approved from the April 17, 2024, letting.Linn ‑&nbsp;54 C‑5081‑01 ‑ Bridge, 1.0 mile north and 1.2 miles west of LaCygne over BNSF Railroad, bridge replacement, Dondlinger &amp; Sons Construction Co. Inc., Wichita Kansas, $1,991,283.58.The following projects were approved from the May 22, 2024, letting.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;89 TE‑0505‑02 – A total of 10 locations connecting to Landon, Shunga and North Levee Trails, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 3.5 miles, Julius Kaaz Construction Co. Inc., Leavenworth, Kansas, $598,598.00.Sumner ‑&nbsp;96 TE‑0506‑01 ‑ North side of 16th Street, from A Street to Woodlawn Avenue, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.5 mile, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $420,521.65.Sumner ‑&nbsp;96 TE‑0509‑01 ‑ 4th Avenue, from Merchant Street to Main Street; Logan Street from 4th Avenue to 7th Avenue; and around Watson Park, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 0.7 mile, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $610,649.40.

KDOT announces approved June bids

Somewhere I read a quote stating, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” I follow this philosophy and add you’ll meet interesting creatures on the road through life. Sometimes those creatures look like characters hanging out in intergalactic space bars in Star Wars.

Long ago, our big yellow dog and I took our morning walk. Such journeys started the day right and occasionally offered strange sights. I’ve mentioned a few in past columns. That trek beat the heck out of every sight I experienced on that two-mile sandy Trego County road.

We’d observed the usual that morning—a killdeer racing ahead, a sparrow hawk proclaiming territorial rights, cows trying to figure out why that yellow dog kept bouncing straight up and down as a mouse ran under his paws, and a ribbon of robin egg blue horizon line looping above lush pastures and ripening wheat.

Then we crossed the section line into what I consider “wilderness.” The only reason humans drive here is to go elsewhere. No one lives on this road.

Once, I spotted a bobcat leaping above big blue stem and brome grasses waving in Walk-in-Hunting. On damp mornings, I often spotted doe and fawn prints crossing from WIHA to Big Creek. Occasionally, I spied a snake’s tracks wriggling from one grassy ditch to the other before a redtail dove for dinner.

Surprises in the “wilderness” kept me walking that direction often. One particular morning offered an amazing “stop and stash this in the memory bank” moment.

Our dog analyzed the scent of everything that occurred since he last sniffed the area. I trailed after, admiring early morning pastels, cool air rippling across skin, gravel rolling underfoot, while repeatedly sweeping eyes close--then far. Suddenly I thought I’d ended up at the intergalactic space bar mentioned earlier. Two semi-gloss black bugs rolled a shooter-sized ball of brown stuff from the north side of the road to the south.

My first thought was “dung beetle,” though dung beetles I watched on the Discovery Channel grew considerably larger than these. Recalling I’d watched African dung beetles deal with elephant-sized poo hadn’t occurred yet.

I search for the nearest pile of …. It lay distant in terms of the size and stride of these two beetles. Could it be? Could they have marched short insect legs into that pasture, collected, and formed a rollable ball of cow dung several hundred feet to the south? Obviously, I had to study such diligence. One stood atop the ball like a lumberman rolling logs down river. The other rose on hind legs, using its uppers to lever the ball forward.

Once home, I searched the Internet. Sure enough, dung beetles live in Kansas. In fact, they live everywhere except the Antarctic. If we didn’t have them, we’d be up to our eyeballs in…. Several varieties of these necessary but unappreciated creatures exist, and I spied “rollers.”

Ancient Egyptians deified them. That may have carried things too far until you consider one source’s claim they keep “the land livable by reducing flies, foul odors, and the ruination of pastureland.” Another noted more efficient use of beetles “could save farmers $2 billion a year by restoring grazing

land.” One beetle-rich farmer stated, “Once the cattle have vacated the paddock, within 48 hours, there is no manure left.”

Maybe odiferous livestock operations need to add more dung beetles to keep up with the stuff causing offensive odors to waft through windows. These beetles are good guys with whom to share life’s journey. I hope I see some again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720559629866.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINSomewhere I read a quote stating, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” I follow this philosophy and add you’ll meet interesting creatures on the road through life. Sometimes those creatures look like characters hanging out in intergalactic space bars in Star Wars.Long ago, our big yellow dog and I took our morning walk. Such journeys started the day right and occasionally offered strange sights. I’ve mentioned a few in past columns. That trek beat the heck out of every sight I experienced on that two-mile sandy Trego County road.We’d observed the usual that morning—a killdeer racing ahead, a sparrow hawk proclaiming territorial rights, cows trying to figure out why that yellow dog kept bouncing straight up and down as a mouse ran under his paws, and a ribbon of robin egg blue horizon line looping above lush pastures and ripening wheat.Then we crossed the section line into what I consider “wilderness.” The only reason humans drive here is to go elsewhere. No one lives on this road.Once, I spotted a bobcat leaping above big blue stem and brome grasses waving in Walk-in-Hunting. On damp mornings, I often spotted doe and fawn prints crossing from WIHA to Big Creek. Occasionally, I spied a snake’s tracks wriggling from one grassy ditch to the other before a redtail dove for dinner.Surprises in the “wilderness” kept me walking that direction often. One particular morning offered an amazing “stop and stash this in the memory bank” moment.Our dog analyzed the scent of everything that occurred since he last sniffed the area. I trailed after, admiring early morning pastels, cool air rippling across skin, gravel rolling underfoot, while repeatedly sweeping eyes close--then far. Suddenly I thought I’d ended up at the intergalactic space bar mentioned earlier. Two semi-gloss black bugs rolled a shooter-sized ball of brown stuff from the north side of the road to the south.My first thought was “dung beetle,” though dung beetles I watched on the Discovery Channel grew considerably larger than these. Recalling I’d watched African dung beetles deal with elephant-sized poo hadn’t occurred yet.I search for the nearest pile of …. It lay distant in terms of the size and stride of these two beetles. Could it be? Could they have marched short insect legs into that pasture, collected, and formed a rollable ball of cow dung several hundred feet to the south? Obviously, I had to study such diligence. One stood atop the ball like a lumberman rolling logs down river. The other rose on hind legs, using its uppers to lever the ball forward.Once home, I searched the Internet. Sure enough, dung beetles live in Kansas. In fact, they live everywhere except the Antarctic. If we didn’t have them, we’d be up to our eyeballs in…. Several varieties of these necessary but unappreciated creatures exist, and I spied “rollers.”Ancient Egyptians deified them. That may have carried things too far until you consider one source’s claim they keep “the land livable by reducing flies, foul odors, and the ruination of pastureland.” Another noted more efficient use of beetles “could save farmers $2 billion a year by restoring grazingland.” One beetle-rich farmer stated, “Once the cattle have vacated the paddock, within 48 hours, there is no manure left.”Maybe odiferous livestock operations need to add more dung beetles to keep up with the stuff causing offensive odors to waft through windows. These beetles are good guys with whom to share life’s journey. I hope I see some again.

MADORIN: Dung beetles–the ultimate clean up crew

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720639425307.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

Hays City Hall offices at 1507 Main Street will be closed on Thursday, July 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for staff training.&nbsp; They will reopen at 3:30 p.m.&nbsp;tomorrow. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695514423902.jpeg" alt="Hays City Hall file photo/ Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays City Hall file photo/ Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysHays City Hall offices at 1507 Main Street will be closed on Thursday, July 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for staff training.&nbsp; They will reopen at 3:30 p.m.&nbsp;tomorrow. &nbsp;

Hays City Hall offices on Main Street closed Thursday until 3:30 p.m.

The bridge carrying 150th&nbsp;Avenue over I-70 in Trego County was struck by an above-height load the evening of Tuesday, July 9.

Crews from the Kansas Department of Transportation were mobilized after the incident to direct traffic and clean up debris that had fallen onto the eastbound lanes of I-70.

The bridge has been hit multiple times and was closed to traffic in March 2024 because of safety concerns about structural deficiencies. For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer at 785-261-6132 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kevin.zimmer@ks.gov">kevin.zimmer@ks.gov</a>.

The bridge carrying 150th&nbsp;Avenue over I-70 in Trego County was struck by an above-height load the evening of Tuesday, July 9.Crews from the Kansas Department of Transportation were mobilized after the incident to direct traffic and clean up debris that had fallen onto the eastbound lanes of I-70.The bridge has been hit multiple times and was closed to traffic in March 2024 because of safety concerns about structural deficiencies. For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer at 785-261-6132 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kevin.zimmer@ks.gov">kevin.zimmer@ks.gov</a>.

Bridge over I-70 hit in Trego County

The abortion law took effect July 1 and has joined other efforts to limit abortion in Kansas in ongoing court battles about how far state lawmakers can regulate the procedure.

What’s the harm in asking? Abortion rights supporters say quite a bit. Republicans in the state Legislature are trying to gather more data about the practice.&nbsp;

Starting July 1, any medical professional performing an abortion is required by Kansas statute to ask patients their reasons for getting it.

<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2749_enrolled.pdf">The law</a>&nbsp;passed the Kansas Legislature this spring, and lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto. It’s already entangled in court fights, and the state agency that regulates medical care doesn’t plan immediate enforcement.

The Republicans who engineered the bill argued that a questionnaire — asking whether the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, if it threatens a patient’s health, if the parents don’t feel supported by family or if the baby would interfere with someone’s life goals — could give a better understanding of what leads to abortions.&nbsp;

Opponents see the questions as intrusive and intimidating to women at particularly vulnerable times.

“There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest,” Kelly said in her veto statement. “There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature why she is seeking an abortion.”&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2024-07-05/kansas-supreme-court-reaffirms-that-abortion-rights-are-protected-by-constitution-striking-down-2-laws">Kansas News Service reported</a>&nbsp;that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment told providers it will not enforce the law. The agency didn’t confirm those statements when asked by reporters.&nbsp;

Here is what else you need to know about the law.&nbsp;

Do patients have to tell doctors why they are seeking an abortion in Kansas?

Women seeking an abortion don’t need to respond to the questions.&nbsp;

Republicans say that should address Democrats’ concerns, but Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, said it’s “outrageous” that patients are asked.&nbsp;

Republicans say more information on abortion is helpful&nbsp;

The law passed through the Statehouse on party lines. Republicans said it would provide valuable information the state Legislature could use.&nbsp;

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, quoted an excerpt from a September 2005 report from the research group the Guttmacher Institute, which backs abortion rights, to support the bill.&nbsp;

“Understanding women’s reasons for having abortions can inform public debate and policy,” Landwher said during an April debate. “This does not restrict women from having their abortion.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto without any votes to spare in the House or Senate. Republicans have a veto-proof majority in the Statehouse.&nbsp;

Democrats say asking patients why they seek abortions is invasive

Democrats blasted the bill as government overreach and an attack on abortion access.&nbsp;

Ruiz said during an April debate that the Legislature wouldn’t use the results of the questionnaires in good faith.&nbsp;

“We are not known to pass legislation that actually really does benefit women,” she said. “We are not known for that.”&nbsp;

The Kansas abortion law can be included in a lawsuit. Will it get struck down?&nbsp;

Doctors are challenging the new law, saying it’s intrusive and unconstitutional.&nbsp;

In August 2022, voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have opened the way for the Legislature to ban abortion. But lawmakers can still regulate it. Attempts by the Legislature to impose strict regulations that threatened the ability to perform abortions in Kansas have been regularly rejected by the courts for going too far.&nbsp;

The new law doesn’t add new health or safety standards during the procedure. Rather, it adds things providers must do. Courts will ultimately decide if lawmakers imposed something that’s overly burdensome.&nbsp;

The Kansas Supreme Court recently struck down two abortion laws that were over a decade old. One ruling threw out a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/documents/summary_sb_95_2015.pdf">law banning a type of abortion procedure</a>. The second ruling said a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/measures/documents/summary_sb_36_2011.pdf">set of requirements for abortion providers</a>&nbsp;was unconstitutional because other providers weren’t subject to those same regulations.&nbsp;

Those decade-old laws were never enforced because courts set them aside while the legal issues played out.

<h2>The abortion law took effect July 1 and has joined other efforts to limit abortion in Kansas in ongoing court battles about how far state lawmakers can regulate the procedure.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720628368995.png" alt="The Legislature passed a law requiring clinics to ask patients why they're seeking abortions. Credit: Niko Schmidt / The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>The Legislature passed a law requiring clinics to ask patients why they're seeking abortions. Credit: Niko Schmidt / The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>TAKEAWAYS<ul>
 <li>Republicans say asking patients why they want an abortion provides useful information that can inform future state laws.</li><li>Democrats say the law is intrusive and unnecessary.&nbsp;</li><li>Medical providers have to ask the question, but patients don’t have to answer it.</li>
 </ul>What’s the harm in asking? Abortion rights supporters say quite a bit. Republicans in the state Legislature are trying to gather more data about the practice.&nbsp;Starting July 1, any medical professional performing an abortion is required by Kansas statute to ask patients their reasons for getting it.<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/documents/hb2749_enrolled.pdf">The law</a>&nbsp;passed the Kansas Legislature this spring, and lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto. It’s already entangled in court fights, and the state agency that regulates medical care doesn’t plan immediate enforcement.The Republicans who engineered the bill argued that a questionnaire — asking whether the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, if it threatens a patient’s health, if the parents don’t feel supported by family or if the baby would interfere with someone’s life goals — could give a better understanding of what leads to abortions.&nbsp;Opponents see the questions as intrusive and intimidating to women at particularly vulnerable times.“There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest,” Kelly said in her veto statement. “There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the Legislature why she is seeking an abortion.”&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/2024-07-05/kansas-supreme-court-reaffirms-that-abortion-rights-are-protected-by-constitution-striking-down-2-laws">Kansas News Service reported</a>&nbsp;that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment told providers it will not enforce the law. The agency didn’t confirm those statements when asked by reporters.&nbsp;Here is what else you need to know about the law.&nbsp;<h2>Do patients have to tell doctors why they are seeking an abortion in Kansas?</h2>Women seeking an abortion don’t need to respond to the questions.&nbsp;Republicans say that should address Democrats’ concerns, but Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, said it’s “outrageous” that patients are asked.&nbsp;<h2>Republicans say more information on abortion is helpful&nbsp;</h2>The law passed through the Statehouse on party lines. Republicans said it would provide valuable information the state Legislature could use.&nbsp;Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, quoted an excerpt from a September 2005 report from the research group the Guttmacher Institute, which backs abortion rights, to support the bill.&nbsp;“Understanding women’s reasons for having abortions can inform public debate and policy,” Landwher said during an April debate. “This does not restrict women from having their abortion.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Legislature overrode Kelly’s veto without any votes to spare in the House or Senate. Republicans have a veto-proof majority in the Statehouse.&nbsp;<h2>Democrats say asking patients why they seek abortions is invasive</h2>Democrats blasted the bill as government overreach and an attack on abortion access.&nbsp;Ruiz said during an April debate that the Legislature wouldn’t use the results of the questionnaires in good faith.&nbsp;“We are not known to pass legislation that actually really does benefit women,” she said. “We are not known for that.”&nbsp;<h2>The Kansas abortion law can be included in a lawsuit. Will it get struck down?&nbsp;</h2>Doctors are challenging the new law, saying it’s intrusive and unconstitutional.&nbsp;In August 2022, voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have opened the way for the Legislature to ban abortion. But lawmakers can still regulate it. Attempts by the Legislature to impose strict regulations that threatened the ability to perform abortions in Kansas have been regularly rejected by the courts for going too far.&nbsp;The new law doesn’t add new health or safety standards during the procedure. Rather, it adds things providers must do. Courts will ultimately decide if lawmakers imposed something that’s overly burdensome.&nbsp;The Kansas Supreme Court recently struck down two abortion laws that were over a decade old. One ruling threw out a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/measures/documents/summary_sb_95_2015.pdf">law banning a type of abortion procedure</a>. The second ruling said a&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/measures/documents/summary_sb_36_2011.pdf">set of requirements for abortion providers</a>&nbsp;was unconstitutional because other providers weren’t subject to those same regulations.&nbsp;Those decade-old laws were never enforced because courts set them aside while the legal issues played out.

Newest abortion law in Kansas requires putting questions to patients. Here’s what that means

Operation 'Move and Groove' to repair a VFW auxiliary in western Kansas is underway, thanks to a new veteran-led organization.

The Forgotten Stewardship is undertaking its first project at the Ransom VFW Post 7972, 516 Vermont Ave., to support local veterans.

The founder of the nonprofit, Dylan Nuttle, is a United States Marine Corps veteran dedicated to fostering connections and creating spaces for others to thrive.

"We all have to work together," he said. "It's going to be communities that build this back."

The Forgotten Stewardship's mission is to reestablish the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors by empowering local stewards committed to helping their rural communities and country.

The Ransom VFW has been recognized as an all-state post 33 times, serving veterans and military members from active duty, the National Guard and reserve forces.

The auxiliary has hosted numerous community events, such as weddings and dances, but requires repairs. The estimated cost for the 'Move and Groove' operation, including rental equipment and supplies, is $5,502.

"I have fond memories of that place," Nuttle said. "The community is full of elderly that love to dance, so that's where I got the name."

Nuttle intends to update the 5,600-square-foot building's ceiling tiles, replace the carpet, add footers, apply concrete sealer and make other improvements.

The planning and moving phase of the operation began on July 4 with a meeting with <a href="https://rohrscarpetcleaningandsales.com/">Rohrs Carpet Cleaning</a>, preparing to cut the auxiliary floor using a cost-effective plan.

You can donate to The Forgotten Stewardship and its efforts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tfsusa.org/donate">here</a>.

Hoping for increased interest and donations, Nuttle said the Ransom project is feasible thanks to his experience in helping others.

Nuttle joined the Marine Corps after high school in 2007, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ireland and Cuba. After leaving the Marines in 2015, he attended carpentry school at NCK Tech in Hays.

"I wanted to do something that would be able to serve myself and everybody else around me with that skill," he said.

Nuttle was later accepted into the Clay Hunt Fellows Program with <a href="https://teamrubiconusa.org/">Team Rubicon</a>, a veteran-led humanitarian organization dedicated to helping communities affected by disasters.

With connections from the nonprofit, Nuttle said he has the necessary manpower to complete the 'Move and Groove' operation.

"As far as doing work, I've got friends from Team Rubicon that are going to come help," he said.

The estimated volunteer hours donated is 640 hours.

For the remainder of 2024, Nuttle aims to address other challenges faced in Ness County as The Forgotten Stewardship introduces new capabilities.

Assistance efforts being explored include auto mechanics, haircuts, and support for farming and ranching.

"At the end of the day, what I want to do is build communities back stronger than ever so they can continue to serve their people," he said.

For more information on The Forgotten Stewardship and Nuttle's story and efforts, visit the nonprofit's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tfsusa.org/">website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720471459434.jpeg" alt="Dylan Nuttles, along with the Kraft and Mishler families, working together. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Nuttles, along with the Kraft and Mishler families, working together. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostOperation 'Move and Groove' to repair a VFW auxiliary in western Kansas is underway, thanks to a new veteran-led organization.The Forgotten Stewardship is undertaking its first project at the Ransom VFW Post 7972, 516 Vermont Ave., to support local veterans.The founder of the nonprofit, Dylan Nuttle, is a United States Marine Corps veteran dedicated to fostering connections and creating spaces for others to thrive."We all have to work together," he said. "It's going to be communities that build this back."The Forgotten Stewardship's mission is to reestablish the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors by empowering local stewards committed to helping their rural communities and country.The Ransom VFW has been recognized as an all-state post 33 times, serving veterans and military members from active duty, the National Guard and reserve forces.The auxiliary has hosted numerous community events, such as weddings and dances, but requires repairs. The estimated cost for the 'Move and Groove' operation, including rental equipment and supplies, is $5,502."I have fond memories of that place," Nuttle said. "The community is full of elderly that love to dance, so that's where I got the name."Nuttle intends to update the 5,600-square-foot building's ceiling tiles, replace the carpet, add footers, apply concrete sealer and make other improvements.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720198101212.jpeg" alt="Sitting area at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>Sitting area at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720198147328.jpeg" alt="A community event room at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>A community event room at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720198068032.jpeg" alt="The bar area at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo" />
 <figcaption>The bar area at the Ransom VFW Post 7972. Courtesy Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The planning and moving phase of the operation began on July 4 with a meeting with <a href="https://rohrscarpetcleaningandsales.com/">Rohrs Carpet Cleaning</a>, preparing to cut the auxiliary floor using a cost-effective plan.You can donate to The Forgotten Stewardship and its efforts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tfsusa.org/donate">here</a>.Hoping for increased interest and donations, Nuttle said the Ransom project is feasible thanks to his experience in helping others.Nuttle joined the Marine Corps after high school in 2007, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ireland and Cuba. After leaving the Marines in 2015, he attended carpentry school at NCK Tech in Hays."I wanted to do something that would be able to serve myself and everybody else around me with that skill," he said.Nuttle was later accepted into the Clay Hunt Fellows Program with <a href="https://teamrubiconusa.org/">Team Rubicon</a>, a veteran-led humanitarian organization dedicated to helping communities affected by disasters.With connections from the nonprofit, Nuttle said he has the necessary manpower to complete the 'Move and Groove' operation."As far as doing work, I've got friends from Team Rubicon that are going to come help," he said.The estimated volunteer hours donated is 640 hours.For the remainder of 2024, Nuttle aims to address other challenges faced in Ness County as The Forgotten Stewardship introduces new capabilities.Assistance efforts being explored include auto mechanics, haircuts, and support for farming and ranching."At the end of the day, what I want to do is build communities back stronger than ever so they can continue to serve their people," he said.For more information on The Forgotten Stewardship and Nuttle's story and efforts, visit the nonprofit's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tfsusa.org/">website</a>.

Repairs for Ransom VFW by The Forgotten Stewardship begin

Sunrise and Sunflowers author event set for Thursday

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Whew! The Barton County Fair concluded on Sunday, June 30 and I have some thank you messages to share.

Let me start with a huge Thank You to the 4-H families who adjusted this year and who pitched in to help with set up, with clean up, and with supporting other 4-H families throughout the week!

My next Thank You is to the Barton County Fair Association. This dedicated group of volunteers works so hard – all year – to plan, organize, and fundraise to present a family-friendly community event with the goal of showcasing 4-H project learning and agriculture in Barton County.

In addition to the Barton County Fair Association, it takes a team and I cannot thank the educators and staff across the Cottonwood Extension District enough for their teamwork and steady support!

An important Thank You also goes to each vendor and sponsor – the fair couldn’t happen without your community involvement! No matter the size of sponsorship, your engagement is much appreciated.

An additional Thank You is due to community members who attend the Business Appreciation Breakfast and take a few minutes to check out exhibits; to the community members who bring Open Class entries; to the community members who walk through the displays and spend money with vendors and commercial exhibitors!

Another Thank You is due to Chambers of Commerce across Barton County, Great Bend Economic Development, and Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau for sharing information and schedules in ways that reach far beyond our county lines.

To round out two big Thank You messages: to everyone who attended the 4-H BBQ as this is the fundraiser for 4-H Council for events and activities as well as everyone who attended and bid on an item during the 4-H Premium Auction. Most 4-H members will reinvest those funds in a market animal project for next year or put the monies away for school in the future. Your support of these two events are invaluable!

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.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictWhew! The Barton County Fair concluded on Sunday, June 30 and I have some thank you messages to share.Let me start with a huge Thank You to the 4-H families who adjusted this year and who pitched in to help with set up, with clean up, and with supporting other 4-H families throughout the week!My next Thank You is to the Barton County Fair Association. This dedicated group of volunteers works so hard – all year – to plan, organize, and fundraise to present a family-friendly community event with the goal of showcasing 4-H project learning and agriculture in Barton County.In addition to the Barton County Fair Association, it takes a team and I cannot thank the educators and staff across the Cottonwood Extension District enough for their teamwork and steady support!An important Thank You also goes to each vendor and sponsor – the fair couldn’t happen without your community involvement! No matter the size of sponsorship, your engagement is much appreciated.An additional Thank You is due to community members who attend the Business Appreciation Breakfast and take a few minutes to check out exhibits; to the community members who bring Open Class entries; to the community members who walk through the displays and spend money with vendors and commercial exhibitors!Another Thank You is due to Chambers of Commerce across Barton County, Great Bend Economic Development, and Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau for sharing information and schedules in ways that reach far beyond our county lines.To round out two big Thank You messages: to everyone who attended the 4-H BBQ as this is the fundraiser for 4-H Council for events and activities as well as everyone who attended and bid on an item during the 4-H Premium Auction. Most 4-H members will reinvest those funds in a market animal project for next year or put the monies away for school in the future. Your support of these two events are invaluable!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: It’s Fair Time!

Hays, Kan.—June 25—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announced the promotion of Len Couture to manager of substation operations.In his new role, Couture will manage the construction, repair, and maintenance of Sunflower’s substation systems while ensuring proper planning and coordination with internal and external entities.

A native of Plainville, Kan., Couture obtained a technical degree in electronics from Wichita Automotive and Electronics Institute in Wichita, Kan. He began his career at Sunflower in 2007 as a senior substation technician and was promoted to substation supervisor in 2013. Couture has been instrumental in working with Sunflower’s member utilities to meet their business needs. 

Couture and his wife, Maryanne, live in Great Bend, Kan. They have two adult daughters, Jessica and Kelsey.

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 </figure>SubmittedHays, Kan.—June 25—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announced the promotion of Len Couture to manager of substation operations.In his new role, Couture will manage the construction, repair, and maintenance of Sunflower’s substation systems while ensuring proper planning and coordination with internal and external entities.A native of Plainville, Kan., Couture obtained a technical degree in electronics from Wichita Automotive and Electronics Institute in Wichita, Kan. He began his career at Sunflower in 2007 as a senior substation technician and was promoted to substation supervisor in 2013. Couture has been instrumental in working with Sunflower’s member utilities to meet their business needs. Couture and his wife, Maryanne, live in Great Bend, Kan. They have two adult daughters, Jessica and Kelsey.

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation promotes Len Couture

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720560274538.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

BATON ROUGE, LA — The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

William Brown of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University.

Lisa Karlin of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University.

They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization's notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards $1.3 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/u001.vR1Vq6W0XRZshLIchZFedQ8t4W5W-zT32bYPT3eBJOI/47l/VbUHMwKrRlKTWcEU_jEmUg/h0/h001.B_O79YwtwWeajQaq8iU2hiri2ELBlGgNimbYwE2Olec">www.phikappaphi.org</a>.

SubmittedBATON ROUGE, LA — The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.William Brown of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University.Lisa Karlin of Hays (67601) at Fort Hays State University.They are among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."More About Phi Kappa PhiSince its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization's notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards $1.3 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.readme.readmedia.com/ss/c/u001.vR1Vq6W0XRZshLIchZFedQ8t4W5W-zT32bYPT3eBJOI/47l/VbUHMwKrRlKTWcEU_jEmUg/h0/h001.B_O79YwtwWeajQaq8iU2hiri2ELBlGgNimbYwE2Olec">www.phikappaphi.org</a>.

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi inducts new members from FHSU

Ellis County Fair Rodeo will be delayed tonight by 1 hour

Kansas advocacy organization endorses higher standards, better staffing levels

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — A national coalition’s report says one-fourth of Kansas’ 300 nursing homes were categorized as problem facilities due to substandard care and persistent compliance issues.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://nursinghome411.org/data/ratings-info/" target="_blank">Long-Term Care Community Coalition’s latest summary</a>, based on the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services’ five-star quality rating system, showed 24.6% of nursing facilities in the United States were designated “problem facilities” after receiving a one-star rating. In Kansas, 25.2% of nursing homes had that lowly score based on inspection reports, staffing levels and other quality measures.

In Kansas, six of 10 nursing homes were owned by for-profit companies. Three-fourths of the state’s troubled nursing homes were of the for-profit variety, the coalition said.

“If we’re outperforming the nation, that’s a really bleak picture,” said Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care. “Particularly we’re concerned with the lack of staffing of these facilities. Kansas currently ranks 46th in the nation as far as staffing long-term care facilities compared to other states. The amount of staffing in those facilities directly impacts the overall care that residents receive.”

Goodman said on the Kansas Reflector podcast there was an unsettling correlation between low staffing levels and the frequency in use of medications to control nursing home residents. Those drugs could be detrimental to the health and quality of life for elderly people, he said.

He said staffing shortages in long-term care facilities also contributed to failure to deliver routine care, including basics of brushing teeth or using the restroom, and could extend to frequency of dangerous falls as well as premature death.

In April, the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services, also known as CMS, published a rule that would reform long-term nursing care facilities serving 1.2 million residents across the country. The agency order would increase the required staff-to-resident ratio, mandate a registered nurse be onsite 24 hours per day and expand regulations related to assessments of the facilities.

The requirements, to be implemented over a three-year period, prioritized safety and health care quality, while taking into consideration workforce challenges some facilities may experience, especially those in rural areas. The rules on overall staffing would take effect in 2026 for urban facilities and in 2027 for rural facilities.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, has sought to reverse the new long-term care regulations embraced by the administration of President Joe Biden. Marshall, who is a physician, said the regulations were “unnecessary” and would lead to closure of nursing homes in Kansas.

“These overly burdensome rules will be devastating to nursing homes in Kansas, especially those in rural areas,” Marshall said. “The unfunded mandates will further increase operating costs and exacerbate the existing nursing shortage. There is no evidence that these regulations will improve the quality of patient care. It just doesn’t make sense.”

Marshall and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, endorsed a congressional resolution that would, if passed, nullify the nursing home rules adopted by CMS.

Marshall co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from implementing the minimum staffing rule in instances where imposition of the order diminished access to care. The bill was endorsed by LeadingAge Kansas, the Kansas Hospital Association and the Kansas Health Care Association/Kansas Center for Assisted Living.

“Our nursing homes are committed to providing the highest quality care in Kansas and stand ready to work on real solutions for the continuing workforce crisis in long term care,” said Rachel Monger, president and CEO of LeadingAge Kansas. “The federal government cannot mandate staff where none exist.”

Goodman, of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said the federal rating system indicated 77 of the 306 nursing homes in Kansas were “problem” facilities. The analysis indicated one-third of for-profit nursing facilities in Kansas had low scores. In other words, he said, 58 of 183 for-profit nursing homes were rated as problematic.

Goodman said investment companies, including real estate firms, were buying into the nursing home industry. Operators of those companies didn’t have a background in health care delivery and wouldn’t necessarily have a grasp of what it meant to provide compassionate assistance to residents, he said.

“Individuals are suffering, and probably dying sooner than they should be,” Goodman said.

A federal government report in November concluded for-profit nursing facilities tended to have lower quality ratings, fewer registered nurses and more safety violations. In 2021, the National Bureau of Economic Research said residents of nursing facilities owned by a private equity firm had a 10% greater chance of dying compared with residents living in another type of long-term care facility.

Libby Hastings, communications coordinator at Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said updated federal guidelines for long-term care facilities — opposed by Marshall and Moran — shouldn’t be viewed as burdensome if the objective was to provide quality care to these Kansans.

Hastings said the workforce situation in nursing homes would be improved if direct-care workers were viewed as skilled labor, and provided paid health insurance and opportunities to advance in the business organization.

She said families should consult the federal rating system for nursing homes before making personal decisions, but also consider who owned and operated the nursing homes.

“I think for consumers it’s important not to go just solely based off the five-star metric system,” Hastings said. “I think it’s important to look at your inspections. You should go visit the facilities unannounced.”

<h2>Kansas advocacy organization endorses higher standards, better staffing levels</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720550364676.png" alt="Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said state and federal lawmakers should intervene to address the 25% of Kansas nursing homes providing substandard care. He also expressed concern about the high number of for-profit long-term care facilities with low scores on federal ratings. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said state and federal lawmakers should intervene to address the 25% of Kansas nursing homes providing substandard care. He also expressed concern about the high number of for-profit long-term care facilities with low scores on federal ratings. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — A national coalition’s report says one-fourth of Kansas’ 300 nursing homes were categorized as problem facilities due to substandard care and persistent compliance issues.The&nbsp;<a href="https://nursinghome411.org/data/ratings-info/" target="_blank">Long-Term Care Community Coalition’s latest summary</a>, based on the federal Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services’ five-star quality rating system, showed 24.6% of nursing facilities in the United States were designated “problem facilities” after receiving a one-star rating. In Kansas, 25.2% of nursing homes had that lowly score based on inspection reports, staffing levels and other quality measures.In Kansas, six of 10 nursing homes were owned by for-profit companies. Three-fourths of the state’s troubled nursing homes were of the for-profit variety, the coalition said.“If we’re outperforming the nation, that’s a really bleak picture,” said Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care. “Particularly we’re concerned with the lack of staffing of these facilities. Kansas currently ranks 46th in the nation as far as staffing long-term care facilities compared to other states. The amount of staffing in those facilities directly impacts the overall care that residents receive.”Goodman said on the Kansas Reflector podcast there was an unsettling correlation between low staffing levels and the frequency in use of medications to control nursing home residents. Those drugs could be detrimental to the health and quality of life for elderly people, he said.He said staffing shortages in long-term care facilities also contributed to failure to deliver routine care, including basics of brushing teeth or using the restroom, and could extend to frequency of dangerous falls as well as premature death.<h2>Federal staffing mandate</h2>In April, the U.S. Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services, also known as CMS, published a rule that would reform long-term nursing care facilities serving 1.2 million residents across the country. The agency order would increase the required staff-to-resident ratio, mandate a registered nurse be onsite 24 hours per day and expand regulations related to assessments of the facilities.The requirements, to be implemented over a three-year period, prioritized safety and health care quality, while taking into consideration workforce challenges some facilities may experience, especially those in rural areas. The rules on overall staffing would take effect in 2026 for urban facilities and in 2027 for rural facilities.U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, has sought to reverse the new long-term care regulations embraced by the administration of President Joe Biden. Marshall, who is a physician, said the regulations were “unnecessary” and would lead to closure of nursing homes in Kansas.“These overly burdensome rules will be devastating to nursing homes in Kansas, especially those in rural areas,” Marshall said. “The unfunded mandates will further increase operating costs and exacerbate the existing nursing shortage. There is no evidence that these regulations will improve the quality of patient care. It just doesn’t make sense.”Marshall and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, endorsed a congressional resolution that would, if passed, nullify the nursing home rules adopted by CMS.Marshall co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from implementing the minimum staffing rule in instances where imposition of the order diminished access to care. The bill was endorsed by LeadingAge Kansas, the Kansas Hospital Association and the Kansas Health Care Association/Kansas Center for Assisted Living.“Our nursing homes are committed to providing the highest quality care in Kansas and stand ready to work on real solutions for the continuing workforce crisis in long term care,” said Rachel Monger, president and CEO of LeadingAge Kansas. “The federal government cannot mandate staff where none exist.”<h2>Inside the numbers</h2>Goodman, of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said the federal rating system indicated 77 of the 306 nursing homes in Kansas were “problem” facilities. The analysis indicated one-third of for-profit nursing facilities in Kansas had low scores. In other words, he said, 58 of 183 for-profit nursing homes were rated as problematic.Goodman said investment companies, including real estate firms, were buying into the nursing home industry. Operators of those companies didn’t have a background in health care delivery and wouldn’t necessarily have a grasp of what it meant to provide compassionate assistance to residents, he said.“Individuals are suffering, and probably dying sooner than they should be,” Goodman said.A federal government report in November concluded for-profit nursing facilities tended to have lower quality ratings, fewer registered nurses and more safety violations. In 2021, the National Bureau of Economic Research said residents of nursing facilities owned by a private equity firm had a 10% greater chance of dying compared with residents living in another type of long-term care facility.Libby Hastings, communications coordinator at Kansas Advocates for Better Care, said updated federal guidelines for long-term care facilities — opposed by Marshall and Moran — shouldn’t be viewed as burdensome if the objective was to provide quality care to these Kansans.Hastings said the workforce situation in nursing homes would be improved if direct-care workers were viewed as skilled labor, and provided paid health insurance and opportunities to advance in the business organization.She said families should consult the federal rating system for nursing homes before making personal decisions, but also consider who owned and operated the nursing homes.“I think for consumers it’s important not to go just solely based off the five-star metric system,” Hastings said. “I think it’s important to look at your inspections. You should go visit the facilities unannounced.”

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