Award recognizes Rooks County Health Center’s dedication to improving health in Plainville and Rooks County

PLAINVILLE—Rooks County Health Center has been recognized as a Health Quality Innovator for 2023. The Health Quality Innovator Awards is the annual awards program created by Health Quality Innovators (HQI) that recognizes and celebrates organizations that are using successful, evidence-based approaches to improve health care quality and outcomes.

Rooks County Health Center was selected as a runner-up in the Workforce Resiliency category for their collaborative work with USD #270 and the Plainville Wellness Coalition in building the Nest Daycare at USD #270 with a second Nest Daycare being constructed on the RCH Campus. This award category recognizes the efforts of organizations committed to implementing initiatives or programs within their organization aimed at reducing burnout, increasing workforce wellness, improving retention and reducing turnover.

Rooks County Health Center is a 22-bed Critical Access Hospital located in Plainville, KS. With 170 employees, the hospital is the largest employer in Plainville (population 1,746) and Rooks County (population 4,937).

“We’re incredibly proud for the Nest Daycare Projects to be recognized as a Health Quality Innovator of the Year,” said Stephanie Bjornstad, CEO at Rooks County Health Center. “This is truly a collaborative effort among an incredible team of people working to improve the health of this community. We were honored to be the only healthcare facility in Kansas to be recognized by HQI as a Health Quality Innovator of the Year.”

USD #270, the Plainville Wellness Coalition and Rooks County Health Center have worked together on grant opportunities to construct a Nest Daycare and Preschool that is currently operating on the USD #270 campus. The Nest Daycare provides daycare for up to 12 children. The preschool runs 2 classes for 3- and 4-year-olds in both the mornings and afternoons. The next Nest Daycare is currently being constructed on the RCH campus and will also provide daycare for up to 12 children and will be staffed and managed by USD #270.

Bjornstad stated, “We are excited to be a partner with USD #270 and the Plainville Wellness Coalition to provide a daycare facility for our employees and the community at large at this time when daycare is such a need in our community.”

Learn more about the 2023 Health Quality Innovators of the Year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690470068667.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Award recognizes Rooks County Health Center’s dedication to improving health in Plainville and Rooks County</h2>SubmittedPLAINVILLE—Rooks County Health Center has been recognized as a Health Quality Innovator for 2023. The Health Quality Innovator Awards is the annual awards program created by Health Quality Innovators (HQI) that recognizes and celebrates organizations that are using successful, evidence-based approaches to improve health care quality and outcomes.Rooks County Health Center was selected as a runner-up in the Workforce Resiliency category for their collaborative work with USD #270 and the Plainville Wellness Coalition in building the Nest Daycare at USD #270 with a second Nest Daycare being constructed on the RCH Campus. This award category recognizes the efforts of organizations committed to implementing initiatives or programs within their organization aimed at reducing burnout, increasing workforce wellness, improving retention and reducing turnover.Rooks County Health Center is a 22-bed Critical Access Hospital located in Plainville, KS. With 170 employees, the hospital is the largest employer in Plainville (population 1,746) and Rooks County (population 4,937).“We’re incredibly proud for the Nest Daycare Projects to be recognized as a Health Quality Innovator of the Year,” said Stephanie Bjornstad, CEO at Rooks County Health Center. “This is truly a collaborative effort among an incredible team of people working to improve the health of this community. We were honored to be the only healthcare facility in Kansas to be recognized by HQI as a Health Quality Innovator of the Year.”USD #270, the Plainville Wellness Coalition and Rooks County Health Center have worked together on grant opportunities to construct a Nest Daycare and Preschool that is currently operating on the USD #270 campus. The Nest Daycare provides daycare for up to 12 children. The preschool runs 2 classes for 3- and 4-year-olds in both the mornings and afternoons. The next Nest Daycare is currently being constructed on the RCH campus and will also provide daycare for up to 12 children and will be staffed and managed by USD #270.Bjornstad stated, “We are excited to be a partner with USD #270 and the Plainville Wellness Coalition to provide a daycare facility for our employees and the community at large at this time when daycare is such a need in our community.”Learn more about the 2023 Health Quality Innovators of the Year.

Rooks County Health Center selected as 2023 Health Quality Innovator of Year

The Kiwanis Club of Hays is pleased to announce it’s Legion of Honor recipients for the 2023-2024 membership year.

This year’s Legion of Honor recipients were joined by fellow members serving 25 years or more at the luncheon. Pictured left to right: Lou Tinkel, 46 years of service, Dennis Zimmerman, 44 years of service, Connie Mermis, 29 years of service, Mary Hammond, 25 years of service, Tisa Mason, 28 years of service, Rex Ball, 25 years of service, and Marion Dreher, longest serving Kiwanis Club of Hays member with 52 years of service.

Legion of Honor is a Kiwanis program that recognizes dedicated service from its members who have given 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65 years of service to the service organization.

These Kiwanis Club of Hays members were recognized at the February 29th membership meeting luncheon. To date, Kiwanis Club of Hays has 18 current members who have achieved this distinguished level of service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709583588559.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Kiwanis Club of Hays is pleased to announce it’s Legion of Honor recipients for the 2023-2024 membership year.This year’s Legion of Honor recipients were joined by fellow members serving 25 years or more at the luncheon. Pictured left to right: Lou Tinkel, 46 years of service, Dennis Zimmerman, 44 years of service, Connie Mermis, 29 years of service, Mary Hammond, 25 years of service, Tisa Mason, 28 years of service, Rex Ball, 25 years of service, and Marion Dreher, longest serving Kiwanis Club of Hays member with 52 years of service.Legion of Honor is a Kiwanis program that recognizes dedicated service from its members who have given 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65 years of service to the service organization.These Kiwanis Club of Hays members were recognized at the February 29th membership meeting luncheon. To date, Kiwanis Club of Hays has 18 current members who have achieved this distinguished level of service.

Kiwanis Club of Hays celebrates Legion of Honor recipients

<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/2024/3/1709668502243.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 7a.m. Tuesday in Sherman County.

The Kansas State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer driven by Joshua Ness&nbsp;Funderburk, 48, Denver, Colorado, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of County Road 10.

The car traveled off the the roadway to the south and into the median, struck a tree and rolled.

Funderburk was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Koons Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 7a.m. Tuesday in Sherman County.The Kansas State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer driven by Joshua Ness&nbsp;Funderburk, 48, Denver, Colorado, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of County Road 10.The car traveled off the the roadway to the south and into the median, struck a tree and rolled.Funderburk was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Koons Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Man dies after car strikes a tree in median along I-70

TOPEKA–The 2024 Rally for Medicaid Expansion will take place at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka on Wednesday, March 6. Kansans from all over the state are invited to attend.&nbsp;

Governor Laura Kelly will be the headline speaker at the rally, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse. Attendance is open to anyone, and attendees are also encouraged to meet with their elected representatives while at the Statehouse. Attendees are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-rally/">RSVP on the Alliance website</a>&nbsp;to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

Free buses will be available to take people to the Statehouse, with one&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-kc-rally-bus/">bus coming from Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and another from&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-wichita-rally-bus/">Wichita, with stops in North Newton and Emporia</a>. Those interested in riding the bus should reserve their spot online or by calling (785) 861-7891. Space is limited.

The Kansas House has not held a public hearing on KanCare expansion since 2017; the Kansas Senate since 2020. Legislative leaders have said that they will hold public hearings in both Chambers this year, though no dates have yet been announced.

<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">A poll released by the Sunflower Foundation last week&nbsp;</a>confirmed that a majority of Kansans support Medicaid expansion, including 78% of informed voters and 83% of small business owners.

For more information, visit the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas website at <a href="http://ExpandKanCare.com">ExpandKanCare.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672834016116.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA–The 2024 Rally for Medicaid Expansion will take place at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka on Wednesday, March 6. Kansans from all over the state are invited to attend.&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly will be the headline speaker at the rally, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse. Attendance is open to anyone, and attendees are also encouraged to meet with their elected representatives while at the Statehouse. Attendees are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-rally/">RSVP on the Alliance website</a>&nbsp;to stay up-to-date with the latest information.Free buses will be available to take people to the Statehouse, with one&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-kc-rally-bus/">bus coming from Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and another from&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-wichita-rally-bus/">Wichita, with stops in North Newton and Emporia</a>. Those interested in riding the bus should reserve their spot online or by calling (785) 861-7891. Space is limited.The Kansas House has not held a public hearing on KanCare expansion since 2017; the Kansas Senate since 2020. Legislative leaders have said that they will hold public hearings in both Chambers this year, though no dates have yet been announced.<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">A poll released by the Sunflower Foundation last week&nbsp;</a>confirmed that a majority of Kansans support Medicaid expansion, including 78% of informed voters and 83% of small business owners.For more information, visit the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas website at <a href="http://ExpandKanCare.com">ExpandKanCare.com</a>.&nbsp;

2024 Rally for Medicaid Expansion set for March 6 at Kansas Statehouse 

For the month of February 2024, the Ellis Police Department responded to 107 calls for service, conducted 49 traffic stops, and issued three traffic citations. Two of the three citations were for speeding, with the highest alleged speed to be 19 mph over the posted limit. The third citation was issued to a driver for operating a semi on a non-truck route and leaving the scene of an accident.

The Ellis Police Department also investigated a dangerous dog incident in which two dogs left their owner's property and attacked another community member's dog in its own yard. The owner of the dogs that were responsible for the attack was issued a citation for dog at large (x2), no city pet tag (x2), as well as no proof of rabies vaccination (x2). There will also be a hearing before the municipal court on at 8 a.m. March 15 to determine if the dogs are to be deemed dangerous.

The Ellis Police Department encourages you to register your dog with the Ellis City Clerk's Office. Registering your dog ensures we can get your dog home to you in a timely manner, as well as providing us with a way to contact you to retrieve your dog or a way to contact you in an emergency if your dog has been injured while being at large. 

The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in two adult arrests.

The following adults were arrested in February by the Ellis Police Department:

On Feb. 11, Nathan Schuckman was arrested on suspicion of possession of THC and drug paraphernalia. He was cited and released.

On Feb. 14, William Sullins, was arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident. He was cited and released.

The Ellis Police Department is providing this information to assist the public in being informed on what is occurring in their community. All persons listed in this release are considered innocent until proven guilty. 

During the month of February, the Ellis Police Department fielded numerous scam calls. I encourage you to read the Town Crier that was sent out with your water bill in March. In it, you will find some examples of scam calls that the Ellis Police Department fielded.

In one instance, one of our community members divulged their entire Social Security number and banking login information. Luckily, no money was lost, and the community member was able to close their accounts and contact the Social Security Administration. You will also find examples of common schemes that scammers use to steal your information and money.

Did you know the Ellis Police Department offers free fingerprinting services? From child care, real estate, and teacher licensing to applications for suppressors — we can handle it. We don't take appointments, but we can certainly try to make sure an officer is available to help if you call ahead. To inquire about fingerprinting, please call Ellis County Communications at&nbsp;785-625-1011&nbsp; and ask to speak to an Ellis Police Officer about fingerprinting services.

Finally, I am running out of photos to post alongside these releases. If you have taken a cool photo, send it to us and I'll pick my favorite to use in next month's department activity report. Naturally, if you send the photo to us, you are granting us permission to use it in the post and make edits to it, including adding wording and an EPD watermark to it. We can also credit you if you wish!

Thank you all for your support! Spring is around the corner!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651646652.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For the month of February 2024, the Ellis Police Department responded to 107 calls for service, conducted 49 traffic stops, and issued three traffic citations. Two of the three citations were for speeding, with the highest alleged speed to be 19 mph over the posted limit. The third citation was issued to a driver for operating a semi on a non-truck route and leaving the scene of an accident.The Ellis Police Department also investigated a dangerous dog incident in which two dogs left their owner's property and attacked another community member's dog in its own yard. The owner of the dogs that were responsible for the attack was issued a citation for dog at large (x2), no city pet tag (x2), as well as no proof of rabies vaccination (x2). There will also be a hearing before the municipal court on at 8 a.m. March 15 to determine if the dogs are to be deemed dangerous.The Ellis Police Department encourages you to register your dog with the Ellis City Clerk's Office. Registering your dog ensures we can get your dog home to you in a timely manner, as well as providing us with a way to contact you to retrieve your dog or a way to contact you in an emergency if your dog has been injured while being at large. The Ellis Police Department also conducted several felony and misdemeanor investigations, resulting in two adult arrests.The following adults were arrested in February by the Ellis Police Department:On Feb. 11, Nathan Schuckman was arrested on suspicion of possession of THC and drug paraphernalia. He was cited and released.On Feb. 14, William Sullins, was arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident. He was cited and released.The Ellis Police Department is providing this information to assist the public in being informed on what is occurring in their community. All persons listed in this release are considered innocent until proven guilty. During the month of February, the Ellis Police Department fielded numerous scam calls. I encourage you to read the Town Crier that was sent out with your water bill in March. In it, you will find some examples of scam calls that the Ellis Police Department fielded.In one instance, one of our community members divulged their entire Social Security number and banking login information. Luckily, no money was lost, and the community member was able to close their accounts and contact the Social Security Administration. You will also find examples of common schemes that scammers use to steal your information and money.Did you know the Ellis Police Department offers free fingerprinting services? From child care, real estate, and teacher licensing to applications for suppressors — we can handle it. We don't take appointments, but we can certainly try to make sure an officer is available to help if you call ahead. To inquire about fingerprinting, please call Ellis County Communications at&nbsp;785-625-1011&nbsp; and ask to speak to an Ellis Police Officer about fingerprinting services.Finally, I am running out of photos to post alongside these releases. If you have taken a cool photo, send it to us and I'll pick my favorite to use in next month's department activity report. Naturally, if you send the photo to us, you are granting us permission to use it in the post and make edits to it, including adding wording and an EPD watermark to it. We can also credit you if you wish!Thank you all for your support! Spring is around the corner!-Chief Smith

Ellis Police Department February report

ESU, PSU and FHSU make bold pitch for special $3 million bailouts

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/04/sparks-fly-when-kansas-house-budget-panel-explores-detail-of-university-budget-requests/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House’s budget committee delivered bipartisan condemnation Monday of unusual $3 million payouts to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University intended to stabilize campus operating budgets during a period of enrollment decline and rising costs.

The funding request, which had been previously rejected by Gov. Laura Kelly, was submitted by the Kansas Board of Regents’ three smaller-sized universities. Those campus leaders were emboldened by the 2023 Legislature’s decision to write ESU an extraordinary $9 million check amid a nearly 20% enrollment drop over five years. ESU had been in the spotlight for using a COVID-19-era emergency policy to jettison tenured faculty, slash core academic programs and impose a new business “model” of higher education.

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, proposed a budget amendment during the House Appropriations Committee meeting to delete the $3 million gratuities to ESU, FHSU and PSU. Landwehr’s motion failed along with a more modest “parachute” amendment from Rep. Henry Helgerson, a Wichita Democrat. He wanted to link $1.5 million payments to the three universities to a demand that administrators outline a plan for what was to be accomplished with the cash.

“We plugged a hole with Emporia State last year,” said Landwehr, referring to the $9 million presented to ESU. “Now, we’re back because all the others are like, ‘Hey, if Emporia State can get this, then we should get something too to help right-size us or stabilize us.’ It’s a slippery slope.”

Helgerson’s blunt inquiry: “How long do we subsidize them?”

Rep. Steven Howe, the Salina Republican who chaired the House’s Higher Education Budget Committee, said the state’s six public universities were working to find a balance between academic offerings, student enrollment and workplace demands. He said the state invested heavily over the generations to create quality public universities, but those institutions needed time to hit reorganizational targets.

“I would hate to just pull out the rug, per se, and not give them the fighting chance,” Howe said. “We have good leadership amongst our institutions and I feel like they’re willing to make the difficult decisions ahead.”

The House Appropriations Committee decided to leave in place — for now — another $9 million installment of the subsidy to ESU. The committee also — for now — chose not to derail the $3 million supplemental payments to ESU, FHSU and PSU.

The budget committee postponed until end of the 2024 legislative session a recommendation to devote $15 million for renovation of a FHSU building to accommodate more nursing students. Questions were raised about whether student demand for Kansas nursing degrees warranted the project.

The budget blueprint for higher education, which will continue to take shape Tuesday in the appropriations committee, included $75 million in state support for the University of Kansas Medical Center’s plan to build a cancer research and treatment building. The half-billion-dollar project on the KUMC campus in Kansas City, Kansas, previously received a $100 million private donation and $43 million in federal funding.

In addition, the committee voted to delete ESU’s request for $4.6 million to pay off an “internal” university loan made in 2015 for residence hall construction. In 2018, ESU issued bonds for more housing projects. The steep decline in student enrollment and shrinking demand for on-campus housing meant the loan obligation couldn’t be repaid unless housing rates were increased to unreasonable levels.

Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said it didn’t make sense ESU expected state taxpayers to pay a price for the university’s mistakes in the student housing market at the same time ESU asked the Legislature to approve $10.2 million in new bonds for energy efficiency projects in campus buildings.

His ire was directed at ESU’s assumption the Legislature would let the university dump bad debt on taxpayers.

“I found it somewhat hypocritical,” Waymaster said. “If this is an internal loan, why are we paying it off with state general fund? It’s a valid question. Why are we paying it off with state general fund dollars?”

In September 2022, the Kansas Board of Regents approved ESU’s “model” for restructuring the university and delivering stability to the university’s budget. The authority was relied upon by President Ken Hush when dismissing 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. The university gutted English, journalism, history and debate programs, but expanded from four academic schools to seven schools and invested in programs in nursing, computer science, art, music and cybersecurity.

The policy used by ESU to initiate the transformation didn’t speak to the necessity of multimillion-dollar bailouts by the Republican-controlled Legislature and the state’s Democratic governor. At conclusion of the 2023 session, however, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, lauded the Legislature’s decision to earmark $9 million for ESU. He said management changes at ESU were “the way forward for all higher education institutions in our state.”

Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, challenged the $3 million handouts to ESU, PSU and FHSU.

“I just don’t know that it’s our responsibility to stabilize these universities,” he said. “We like to have conversations around here, but sometimes we don’t like to have the really hard conversations that exist. Nobody wants to make the hard decisions to say, ‘Well, we have X amount of universities and maybe we need one less because of declining population.'”

He said there was no motivation for government-funded entities to find the sweet spot in terms of budgeting, because the system allowed each to simply demand more from taxpayers.

Landwehr, who unsuccessfully sought deletion of the $3 million tips, said she was perplexed that the $9 million earmark last year for ESU didn’t appear to have made a difference. Originally, ESU said it would need $9 million infusions of cash in three consecutive years.

“You can’t keep cherry picking different universities on what we’re going to come in and do special things for,” Landwehrs said.

The supplemental earmarks of $3 million, or at least half that amount, had defenders on both sides of the aisle during the House committee debate on higher education spending.

Rep. Ken Rahjes, a Republican from Agra, said regional universities had plans for working through budget challenges even if the full scope of those strategies weren’t presented to the House Higher Education Budget Committee chaired by Howe.

“Did they write it in Crayon? Did they print it out for us? There was a plan.” Rahjes said. “I trust the system. I trust the process. I trust my chairman.”

Democratic Rep. Barbara Ballard of Lawrence said larger universities, such as Kansas State University or University of Kansas, had substantial budgets and more wiggle room to reimagine themselves when money got tight. Ballard, currently the longest-serving House member, said she recalled a time when the Legislature provided nearly half of state university budgets, but that measure had fallen to about one-fourth.

“I don’t know what the answer is, but whenever we don’t like something or we can’t understand it, we just pull the funding,” Ballard said.

Rep. Bill Sutton, R-Gardner, said he found it somewhat amusing House legislators were castigating universities for not preparing for difficulties consistent with the anticipated decline in the college-age population.

He asked peers on the House committee whether the Legislature prepared for disruption of COVID-19, which he referred to as a flu, by setting aside significant cash reserves.

“We did not and we gladly accepted … $34 billion from the federal government to bail us out because we didn’t have a rainy-day fund,” Sutton said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651763578.jpeg" alt="Rep. Henry Helgerson, D-Wichita, failed to interest the House Appropriations Committee in a motion to slice in half the unusual $3 million budget bailout payments to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University due to declining enrollments. Despite the committee vote, there were strong reservations among Republicans to appropriate state tax dollars to "stabilize" these university budgets. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Henry Helgerson, D-Wichita, failed to interest the House Appropriations Committee in a motion to slice in half the unusual $3 million budget bailout payments to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University due to declining enrollments. Despite the committee vote, there were strong reservations among Republicans to appropriate state tax dollars to "stabilize" these university budgets. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>ESU, PSU and FHSU make bold pitch for special $3 million bailouts</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/04/sparks-fly-when-kansas-house-budget-panel-explores-detail-of-university-budget-requests/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House’s budget committee delivered bipartisan condemnation Monday of unusual $3 million payouts to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University intended to stabilize campus operating budgets during a period of enrollment decline and rising costs.The funding request, which had been previously rejected by Gov. Laura Kelly, was submitted by the Kansas Board of Regents’ three smaller-sized universities. Those campus leaders were emboldened by the 2023 Legislature’s decision to write ESU an extraordinary $9 million check amid a nearly 20% enrollment drop over five years. ESU had been in the spotlight for using a COVID-19-era emergency policy to jettison tenured faculty, slash core academic programs and impose a new business “model” of higher education.Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, proposed a budget amendment during the House Appropriations Committee meeting to delete the $3 million gratuities to ESU, FHSU and PSU. Landwehr’s motion failed along with a more modest “parachute” amendment from Rep. Henry Helgerson, a Wichita Democrat. He wanted to link $1.5 million payments to the three universities to a demand that administrators outline a plan for what was to be accomplished with the cash.“We plugged a hole with Emporia State last year,” said Landwehr, referring to the $9 million presented to ESU. “Now, we’re back because all the others are like, ‘Hey, if Emporia State can get this, then we should get something too to help right-size us or stabilize us.’ It’s a slippery slope.”Helgerson’s blunt inquiry: “How long do we subsidize them?”Rep. Steven Howe, the Salina Republican who chaired the House’s Higher Education Budget Committee, said the state’s six public universities were working to find a balance between academic offerings, student enrollment and workplace demands. He said the state invested heavily over the generations to create quality public universities, but those institutions needed time to hit reorganizational targets.“I would hate to just pull out the rug, per se, and not give them the fighting chance,” Howe said. “We have good leadership amongst our institutions and I feel like they’re willing to make the difficult decisions ahead.”The House Appropriations Committee decided to leave in place — for now — another $9 million installment of the subsidy to ESU. The committee also — for now — chose not to derail the $3 million supplemental payments to ESU, FHSU and PSU.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651878192.jpeg" alt="Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, proposed the House Appropriations Committee drop $3 million payments to three public universities struggling with enrollment declines. She argued the bailouts set a bad precedent and would lead to an avalanche of university demands for more tax dollars. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, proposed the House Appropriations Committee drop $3 million payments to three public universities struggling with enrollment declines. She argued the bailouts set a bad precedent and would lead to an avalanche of university demands for more tax dollars. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Somewhat hypocritical’</h2>The budget committee postponed until end of the 2024 legislative session a recommendation to devote $15 million for renovation of a FHSU building to accommodate more nursing students. Questions were raised about whether student demand for Kansas nursing degrees warranted the project.The budget blueprint for higher education, which will continue to take shape Tuesday in the appropriations committee, included $75 million in state support for the University of Kansas Medical Center’s plan to build a cancer research and treatment building. The half-billion-dollar project on the KUMC campus in Kansas City, Kansas, previously received a $100 million private donation and $43 million in federal funding.In addition, the committee voted to delete ESU’s request for $4.6 million to pay off an “internal” university loan made in 2015 for residence hall construction. In 2018, ESU issued bonds for more housing projects. The steep decline in student enrollment and shrinking demand for on-campus housing meant the loan obligation couldn’t be repaid unless housing rates were increased to unreasonable levels.Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said it didn’t make sense ESU expected state taxpayers to pay a price for the university’s mistakes in the student housing market at the same time ESU asked the Legislature to approve $10.2 million in new bonds for energy efficiency projects in campus buildings.His ire was directed at ESU’s assumption the Legislature would let the university dump bad debt on taxpayers.“I found it somewhat hypocritical,” Waymaster said. “If this is an internal loan, why are we paying it off with state general fund? It’s a valid question. Why are we paying it off with state general fund dollars?”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651958239.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said it would be improper for taxpayers to pay off a $5 million “internal” loan by Emporia State University for student housing construction. ESU requested financial relief amid an enrollment collapse. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said it would be improper for taxpayers to pay off a $5 million “internal” loan by Emporia State University for student housing construction. ESU requested financial relief amid an enrollment collapse. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The ESU bubble</h2>In September 2022, the Kansas Board of Regents approved ESU’s “model” for restructuring the university and delivering stability to the university’s budget. The authority was relied upon by President Ken Hush when dismissing 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. The university gutted English, journalism, history and debate programs, but expanded from four academic schools to seven schools and invested in programs in nursing, computer science, art, music and cybersecurity.The policy used by ESU to initiate the transformation didn’t speak to the necessity of multimillion-dollar bailouts by the Republican-controlled Legislature and the state’s Democratic governor. At conclusion of the 2023 session, however, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, lauded the Legislature’s decision to earmark $9 million for ESU. He said management changes at ESU were “the way forward for all higher education institutions in our state.”Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, challenged the $3 million handouts to ESU, PSU and FHSU.“I just don’t know that it’s our responsibility to stabilize these universities,” he said. “We like to have conversations around here, but sometimes we don’t like to have the really hard conversations that exist. Nobody wants to make the hard decisions to say, ‘Well, we have X amount of universities and maybe we need one less because of declining population.'”He said there was no motivation for government-funded entities to find the sweet spot in terms of budgeting, because the system allowed each to simply demand more from taxpayers.Landwehr, who unsuccessfully sought deletion of the $3 million tips, said she was perplexed that the $9 million earmark last year for ESU didn’t appear to have made a difference. Originally, ESU said it would need $9 million infusions of cash in three consecutive years.“You can’t keep cherry picking different universities on what we’re going to come in and do special things for,” Landwehrs said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709652057990.jpeg" alt="Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, said the state’s three smaller public universities might need supplemental funding because those campuses had less wiggle room to adjust expenditures when money got tight. She said FHSU, ESU and PSU were significant pieces of local economies. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, said the state’s three smaller public universities might need supplemental funding because those campuses had less wiggle room to adjust expenditures when money got tight. She said FHSU, ESU and PSU were significant pieces of local economies. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Crayons, and the amused</h2>The supplemental earmarks of $3 million, or at least half that amount, had defenders on both sides of the aisle during the House committee debate on higher education spending.Rep. Ken Rahjes, a Republican from Agra, said regional universities had plans for working through budget challenges even if the full scope of those strategies weren’t presented to the House Higher Education Budget Committee chaired by Howe.“Did they write it in Crayon? Did they print it out for us? There was a plan.” Rahjes said. “I trust the system. I trust the process. I trust my chairman.”Democratic Rep. Barbara Ballard of Lawrence said larger universities, such as Kansas State University or University of Kansas, had substantial budgets and more wiggle room to reimagine themselves when money got tight. Ballard, currently the longest-serving House member, said she recalled a time when the Legislature provided nearly half of state university budgets, but that measure had fallen to about one-fourth.“I don’t know what the answer is, but whenever we don’t like something or we can’t understand it, we just pull the funding,” Ballard said.Rep. Bill Sutton, R-Gardner, said he found it somewhat amusing House legislators were castigating universities for not preparing for difficulties consistent with the anticipated decline in the college-age population.He asked peers on the House committee whether the Legislature prepared for disruption of COVID-19, which he referred to as a flu, by setting aside significant cash reserves.“We did not and we gladly accepted … $34 billion from the federal government to bail us out because we didn’t have a rainy-day fund,” Sutton said.

Sparks fly when Kansas House budget panel explores detail of university budget requests, including from FHSU

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

Sometimes physical activity can be a chore. After a long day of work, running errands, and taking care of loved ones, it can seem like another “to-do” on the list. However, when we avoid movement, we feel guilt creep in. We know it’s important to improve the number on the scale, decrease cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and set ourselves up for healthy aging. Although these are all significant reasons to get active, they may not be enough.

Science indicates that the right “why” to be active is the motivator that makes you genuinely want to prioritize physical activity. This drive comes from within, and it is strongly related to what you value most in life. How can sitting less and moving more contribute to your values or to the roles you play in life?

Connecting movement and physical activity with your ability to fulfill your values can be a good starting place in finding your “why.”

For example, you may be someone who values relationships most in life. Do you strive to be an active grandparent, productive employee, or supportive friend? Regular stretching, going on a daily walk, or biking to work can strengthen your heart, build muscle, and defend against chronic illness. Physical activity can play an important part in your ability to serve others and fulfill your purpose in each role you play.

When you view physical activity this way, movement may feel more like a gift than a chore.

Think about physical activity you actually enjoy such as pickleball, dancing, biking, or gardening. When you take part in movement you find joy in, you might just have fun! These activities can be something you look forward to and result in immediate benefits. You will likely feel more energized, focused, flexible, and less stressed. When you exercise for these reasons, physical activity can be a hobby that fills your cup. This is why it is essential to schedule time for movement. When you prioritize your own health, you have more to pour into the things you value most in life.

Take time to analyze your current motivation for exercise. Is it sustainable, or will you burn out in the near future? When you find the right “why,” exercise can become a gift that you want to do. You will succeed and reap the immediate benefits of movement. This is the successful cycle of motivation. I encourage you to find your “why” and to see movement as a gift. After all, it is one that keeps on giving.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictSometimes physical activity can be a chore. After a long day of work, running errands, and taking care of loved ones, it can seem like another “to-do” on the list. However, when we avoid movement, we feel guilt creep in. We know it’s important to improve the number on the scale, decrease cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and set ourselves up for healthy aging. Although these are all significant reasons to get active, they may not be enough.Science indicates that the right “why” to be active is the motivator that makes you genuinely want to prioritize physical activity. This drive comes from within, and it is strongly related to what you value most in life. How can sitting less and moving more contribute to your values or to the roles you play in life?Connecting movement and physical activity with your ability to fulfill your values can be a good starting place in finding your “why.”For example, you may be someone who values relationships most in life. Do you strive to be an active grandparent, productive employee, or supportive friend? Regular stretching, going on a daily walk, or biking to work can strengthen your heart, build muscle, and defend against chronic illness. Physical activity can play an important part in your ability to serve others and fulfill your purpose in each role you play.When you view physical activity this way, movement may feel more like a gift than a chore.Think about physical activity you actually enjoy such as pickleball, dancing, biking, or gardening. When you take part in movement you find joy in, you might just have fun! These activities can be something you look forward to and result in immediate benefits. You will likely feel more energized, focused, flexible, and less stressed. When you exercise for these reasons, physical activity can be a hobby that fills your cup. This is why it is essential to schedule time for movement. When you prioritize your own health, you have more to pour into the things you value most in life.Take time to analyze your current motivation for exercise. Is it sustainable, or will you burn out in the near future? When you find the right “why,” exercise can become a gift that you want to do. You will succeed and reap the immediate benefits of movement. This is the successful cycle of motivation. I encourage you to find your “why” and to see movement as a gift. After all, it is one that keeps on giving.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Find your 'Why'

This week we finished the budget work and will have the budget ready to pass out of committee by Thursday and next week debated on the Senate floor.

These are additional bills passed out of the Senate prior to turnaround last week:

SB292 would create law to authorize the appointment of a State Judge Advocate by the Adjutant General; create and amend law related to death and disability benefits provided to Kansas Air and Army National Guard members; and amend law throughout Chapter 48 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated to modernize statutory language, remove outdated statutes, and remove references to trial by court-martial.

SB 384 would authorize the Emergency Medical Services Board to grant a permanent variance from a rule and regulation adopted to implement, enforce, or otherwise regulate provisions regarding minimal staffing on each vehicle providing emergency service.

SB 387 will modify a provision governing open enrollment in the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act to provide for the continued enrollment of nonresident students in a school district until the student graduates from high school. The bill would clarify that any student enrolled as a nonresident in a school district during the school year 2023-2024 will be permitted to continue their enrollment and attendance in that school district if the student is deemed in good standing. Such students would not be required to go through the lottery process to remain enrolled at the school district in the 2024-2025 school year. It would also specify that no school district shall be required to provide transportation to nonresident students unless otherwise required by applicable law and would add a deadline of July 30 of each year to a current notification requirement of school districts to notify the parent of the student’s denied enrollment and creates the ability for the parent to appeal the denial to the school district’s board of education. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the parent would be permitted to appeal to the Commissioner of Education, who will be required to conduct a hearing in accordance with the Kansas Administrative Procedure Act.

SB 318 would amend law in the Kansas Code of Procedure for Municipal Courts governing fingerprinting for municipal convictions and the prosecution of cases by the city attorney in municipal court.

SB 338 would amend provisions pertaining to certain financial reporting requirements on group- funded liability and group-funded workers compensation pools and would also remove a notification requirement relating to termination or cancellation of a member in a group-funded workers compensation pool.

SB 356 will amend provisions governing examination fees and compensation for examiners in the Insurance Code to establish a tiered-fee structure for financial examinations of insurance companies and societies based on the gross premiums received by such entities. The bill would also establish that certain examination costs be “reasonable.”

HB 2545 passed the House and the Senate which will make changes to the Self-Service Storage Act, specifically concerning sales of property after a notice of termination or non-renewal; non-delivery of rental agreements; and electronic signatures and delivery of rental agreements. The bill would permit a self-storage operator to sell personal property not retrieved by an occupant within 45 days of a notice of termination or non- renewal delivered by the operator pursuant to the rental agreement’s terms. It would also address party obligations when one party does not sign or deliver a rental agreement, but actions indicate the rental is to begin or continue.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.

Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is senator of the 40th District which includes:

* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties* Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka March 3, 2024This week we finished the budget work and will have the budget ready to pass out of committee by Thursday and next week debated on the Senate floor.These are additional bills passed out of the Senate prior to turnaround last week:SB292 would create law to authorize the appointment of a State Judge Advocate by the Adjutant General; create and amend law related to death and disability benefits provided to Kansas Air and Army National Guard members; and amend law throughout Chapter 48 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated to modernize statutory language, remove outdated statutes, and remove references to trial by court-martial.SB 384 would authorize the Emergency Medical Services Board to grant a permanent variance from a rule and regulation adopted to implement, enforce, or otherwise regulate provisions regarding minimal staffing on each vehicle providing emergency service.SB 387 will modify a provision governing open enrollment in the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act to provide for the continued enrollment of nonresident students in a school district until the student graduates from high school. The bill would clarify that any student enrolled as a nonresident in a school district during the school year 2023-2024 will be permitted to continue their enrollment and attendance in that school district if the student is deemed in good standing. Such students would not be required to go through the lottery process to remain enrolled at the school district in the 2024-2025 school year. It would also specify that no school district shall be required to provide transportation to nonresident students unless otherwise required by applicable law and would add a deadline of July 30 of each year to a current notification requirement of school districts to notify the parent of the student’s denied enrollment and creates the ability for the parent to appeal the denial to the school district’s board of education. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the parent would be permitted to appeal to the Commissioner of Education, who will be required to conduct a hearing in accordance with the Kansas Administrative Procedure Act.SB 318 would amend law in the Kansas Code of Procedure for Municipal Courts governing fingerprinting for municipal convictions and the prosecution of cases by the city attorney in municipal court.SB 338 would amend provisions pertaining to certain financial reporting requirements on group- funded liability and group-funded workers compensation pools and would also remove a notification requirement relating to termination or cancellation of a member in a group-funded workers compensation pool.SB 356 will amend provisions governing examination fees and compensation for examiners in the Insurance Code to establish a tiered-fee structure for financial examinations of insurance companies and societies based on the gross premiums received by such entities. The bill would also establish that certain examination costs be “reasonable.”HB 2545 passed the House and the Senate which will make changes to the Self-Service Storage Act, specifically concerning sales of property after a notice of termination or non-renewal; non-delivery of rental agreements; and electronic signatures and delivery of rental agreements. The bill would permit a self-storage operator to sell personal property not retrieved by an occupant within 45 days of a notice of termination or non- renewal delivered by the operator pursuant to the rental agreement’s terms. It would also address party obligations when one party does not sign or deliver a rental agreement, but actions indicate the rental is to begin or continue.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is senator of the 40th District which includes:* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties* Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update, March 3, 2024; Budget work finished; 3 more bills passed

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board approved the purchase of iPads for K-5 students and staff at its meeting on Monday.

The district will purchase&nbsp;1,630 iPads and cases at a cost of $604,695.

Scott Summers, director of technology, said the district is taking advantage of a special offer from Apple that will save the district $30,000 to $40,000.

The purchase is part of the district's regular technology purchasing rotation. The students' iPads were last replaced in FY2021. The staff's iPads were last replaced in FY2022.

Some of the staff iPads will be held back for spares. Summers said he hopes any remaining staff iPads will reap more in resale.

Summers said he would request bids from recycling companies to purchase the old iPads. In the past, the district has been able to sell the iPads for about $50 each.

The devices carry a one-year warranty. Summers said Apple Care costs about $100 per device, and the district had averaged much less than that in repair costs.

The board approved a contract with Midwest Energy for&nbsp;$214,120 to provide permanent power and electric meters to the new Hays High School site. Midwest Energy wrote off the first $100,000 and is not charging the district for a temporary transformer for construction.

The board accepted a low bid from Sunflower Restaurant Supply for $26,750 for an outside walk-in freezer at Hays Middle School. The old unit is original to the building.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff11c16e-4824-45c6-8303-be8f8ae5f7e2">The board had a second reading on policy revisions to match the new state graduation requirements</a>,&nbsp;but it was tabled because board member Curt Vajnar wanted a list of electives that would meet a new STEM requirement.

The board also accepted donations from Nex-Tech and Thirsty's for a new scoreboard at Hays High. The scoreboard will be retained when the current high school is remodeled into a middle school as part of the ongoing bond improvements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709602678485.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board approved the purchase of iPads for K-5 students and staff at its meeting on Monday.The district will purchase&nbsp;1,630 iPads and cases at a cost of $604,695.Scott Summers, director of technology, said the district is taking advantage of a special offer from Apple that will save the district $30,000 to $40,000.The purchase is part of the district's regular technology purchasing rotation. The students' iPads were last replaced in FY2021. The staff's iPads were last replaced in FY2022.Some of the staff iPads will be held back for spares. Summers said he hopes any remaining staff iPads will reap more in resale.Summers said he would request bids from recycling companies to purchase the old iPads. In the past, the district has been able to sell the iPads for about $50 each.The devices carry a one-year warranty. Summers said Apple Care costs about $100 per device, and the district had averaged much less than that in repair costs.The board approved a contract with Midwest Energy for&nbsp;$214,120 to provide permanent power and electric meters to the new Hays High School site. Midwest Energy wrote off the first $100,000 and is not charging the district for a temporary transformer for construction.The board accepted a low bid from Sunflower Restaurant Supply for $26,750 for an outside walk-in freezer at Hays Middle School. The old unit is original to the building.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ff11c16e-4824-45c6-8303-be8f8ae5f7e2">The board had a second reading on policy revisions to match the new state graduation requirements</a>,&nbsp;but it was tabled because board member Curt Vajnar wanted a list of electives that would meet a new STEM requirement.The board also accepted donations from Nex-Tech and Thirsty's for a new scoreboard at Hays High. The scoreboard will be retained when the current high school is remodeled into a middle school as part of the ongoing bond improvements.

Hays USD 489 school board approves K-5 iPad purchase

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature&nbsp;Dr. Brandon Wiedenhaft from Big Creek Veterinary Service in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, March 5 at 7 PM&nbsp;and will focus on PET HEALTH.

Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;

The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.

Doctors on Call&nbsp;is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Dish Network, LocalNow, and HULU + LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the&nbsp;FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/">&nbsp;video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;More information on Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;and its programs and projects are available at<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">&nbsp;www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

SubmittedBUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature&nbsp;Dr. Brandon Wiedenhaft from Big Creek Veterinary Service in Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, March 5 at 7 PM&nbsp;and will focus on PET HEALTH.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.###Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Dish Network, LocalNow, and HULU + LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the&nbsp;FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/">&nbsp;video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;More information on Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;and its programs and projects are available at<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">&nbsp;www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

 This week’s 'Doctors on Call' features Big Creek Veterinary Service

Election Day is today for the Kansas presidential preference primary.

Voters will need to cast ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at their assigned polling locations.

It is just the third time that voters in Kansas will take part in a presidential preference primary.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, a preference primary is “an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.”

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has already passed, but voters who did receive one will have to return it to the election office or a polling site by the time polls close today.

Despite the results of the prior primaries, four candidates will still appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.

Democratic candidates Dean Phillips Joseph R. Biden Jr. Marianne Williamson Jason Michael Palmer Republican candidates Donald J. Trump Ryan L. Binkley Nikki R. Haley Ron DeSantis Voters also have the option to choose "None of the Names Shown."

Voters can find a sample ballot at&nbsp;<a href="http://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a>, and people with questions are encouraged to contact your local election office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699030405883.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostElection Day is today for the Kansas presidential preference primary.Voters will need to cast ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at their assigned polling locations.It is just the third time that voters in Kansas will take part in a presidential preference primary.According to the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, a preference primary is “an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.”The deadline to request a mail-in ballot has already passed, but voters who did receive one will have to return it to the election office or a polling site by the time polls close today.Despite the results of the prior primaries, four candidates will still appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.Democratic candidates Dean Phillips Joseph R. Biden Jr. Marianne Williamson Jason Michael Palmer Republican candidates Donald J. Trump Ryan L. Binkley Nikki R. Haley Ron DeSantis Voters also have the option to choose "None of the Names Shown."Voters can find a sample ballot at&nbsp;<a href="http://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/">myvoteinfo.voteks.org</a>, and people with questions are encouraged to contact your local election office.

Vote today in presidential preference primary

Kansas Department of Transportation

Work on a project that will close a portion of U.S. 281 in Russell County is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 18.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will close 11 miles of U.S. 281 north of Russell, starting near Land Road and ending at the west K-18 junction. Project work will include reconstruction of the roadway into a 30-foot paved surface with 3-foot turf shoulders.

During construction, motorists will be directed onto a signed detour using K-18, K-232 and I-70. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year, conditions permitting.

This 11-mile portion is the final part of the delayed T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct the U.S. 281 corridor between Russell and K-18. Reconstruction of the initial 4 miles from Russell and Land Road was completed in late 2021.

Sporer Land Development of Oakley is the primary contractor for the $36 million project. For more information, contact KDOT area construction engineer Mitchel Johnson at 785-261-6135 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mitchel.johnson@ks.gov">mitchel.johnson@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701368603184.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationWork on a project that will close a portion of U.S. 281 in Russell County is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 18.The Kansas Department of Transportation will close 11 miles of U.S. 281 north of Russell, starting near Land Road and ending at the west K-18 junction. Project work will include reconstruction of the roadway into a 30-foot paved surface with 3-foot turf shoulders.During construction, motorists will be directed onto a signed detour using K-18, K-232 and I-70. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year, conditions permitting.This 11-mile portion is the final part of the delayed T-WORKS project to rehabilitate and reconstruct the U.S. 281 corridor between Russell and K-18. Reconstruction of the initial 4 miles from Russell and Land Road was completed in late 2021.Sporer Land Development of Oakley is the primary contractor for the $36 million project. For more information, contact KDOT area construction engineer Mitchel Johnson at 785-261-6135 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mitchel.johnson@ks.gov">mitchel.johnson@ks.gov</a>.

U.S. 281 in Russell County closing for reconstruction

The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation Friday announced the 40 Kansans chosen for&nbsp;2024 Leadership Kansas&nbsp;class.

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

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

Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2024 program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2024 class.&nbsp;The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.&nbsp;

The 2024 program runs April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, Lawrence, Lenexa, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

Leadership Kansas has more than 1,600 alumni.&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LG3biaLWAUIHm55kRs6IIHH9SnLnpmpoA53zbC9gq1U782ud7zOGaQfBKUecqRHwThzV7EIlFUwYToMsIPpybXKWxTQujHpKmjDv3KRN7Oo-d1Ddi_8-ibjLSspo7TYEJOqL9gpUEd-ViGckXywP0vKvhwb0UrmdrnDFbN8QsfXkY4UcxHx8iy8K_i_nyEYmcSWcwcT4fTIOH7LF0k3pIorKozGdnlZcPobfXI5C0mg=&amp;c=zMeiFkGt_WVxWbKUSmdprJBkny0rsNiPjYgmLORYiUxGZNruaoSm-w==&amp;ch=E_JYCpMzX9jwCqBvA8g0NDjUOOjy9AkfulFnbzqp3CE9RHo4RGm54A==">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of the 2024 Leadership Kansas class.

Editors note: <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays, Kansas</a> President/CEO Sarah Wasinger, and <a href="https://hess-services.com/">Hess Services</a> Vice President of Operations were among the selectees.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647007877661.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Leadership KansasThe Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation Friday announced the 40 Kansans chosen for&nbsp;2024 Leadership Kansas&nbsp;class.As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas, or LK, is focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state."Since 1979, LK&nbsp;has fostered greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues among the leaders of our state.&nbsp;LK alumni have gone on to key leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels," said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb (LK '21). "The Chamber and Foundation are excited to welcome the newest class and wish them the best during their eight month journey learning more about our great state."Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2024 program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2024 class.&nbsp;The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.&nbsp;The 2024 program runs April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, Lawrence, Lenexa, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.&nbsp;"Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,"&nbsp;said LK Executive Director Aaron Miller (LK '16).&nbsp;"Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state."Leadership Kansas has more than 1,600 alumni.&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001LG3biaLWAUIHm55kRs6IIHH9SnLnpmpoA53zbC9gq1U782ud7zOGaQfBKUecqRHwThzV7EIlFUwYToMsIPpybXKWxTQujHpKmjDv3KRN7Oo-d1Ddi_8-ibjLSspo7TYEJOqL9gpUEd-ViGckXywP0vKvhwb0UrmdrnDFbN8QsfXkY4UcxHx8iy8K_i_nyEYmcSWcwcT4fTIOH7LF0k3pIorKozGdnlZcPobfXI5C0mg=&amp;c=zMeiFkGt_WVxWbKUSmdprJBkny0rsNiPjYgmLORYiUxGZNruaoSm-w==&amp;ch=E_JYCpMzX9jwCqBvA8g0NDjUOOjy9AkfulFnbzqp3CE9RHo4RGm54A==">Click here</a>&nbsp;to see a complete list of the 2024 Leadership Kansas class.Editors note: <a href="https://hayschamber.com/">The Chamber in Hays, Kansas</a> President/CEO Sarah Wasinger, and <a href="https://hess-services.com/">Hess Services</a> Vice President of Operations were among the selectees.&nbsp;

Two Ellis County residents included in 2024 Leadership Kansas class

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709583023698.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>

We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.

Applicants should be able to work outdoors and have the ability to lift 75 pounds. Typical 40-hour work week with overtime in peak season. Some weekend work and occasional travel out of state is required. Light maintenance, cleaning and mechanical work of vehicles &amp; equipment is also involved. 24/7 on-call rotation is also a requirement of this position.

Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary/job bonus. This position is based out of Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;If interested, please contact our Operations Coordinator at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Christin.Olson@eliwireline.com">Christin.Olson@eliwireline.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691617551449.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We are hiring CDL Drivers (A or B) with a hazmat endorsement, or ability to acquire one, for our oilfield wireline company. ELI would also consider helping the right people obtain a CDL license. The job will require rigging for wireline operations.Applicants should be able to work outdoors and have the ability to lift 75 pounds. Typical 40-hour work week with overtime in peak season. Some weekend work and occasional travel out of state is required. Light maintenance, cleaning and mechanical work of vehicles &amp; equipment is also involved. 24/7 on-call rotation is also a requirement of this position.Benefits include 100% Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance paid by employer, 401K, and a competitive salary/job bonus. This position is based out of Hays, Kansas.&nbsp;If interested, please contact our Operations Coordinator at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Christin.Olson@eliwireline.com">Christin.Olson@eliwireline.com</a>.

News from the Oil Patch: Texas touts all-time best production in 2023

BY DEVNA BOSE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Health care providers across the country are reeling from a cyberattack on a massive U.S. health care technology company that has threatened the security of patients’ information and is delaying some prescriptions and paychecks for medical workers.

The hack could also disrupt discharging people from the hospital, a major hospital association said.

Change Healthcare announced Thursday that a ransomware group that had claimed responsibility for the attack was at fault. Change Healthcare also said it is assessing the impact of the attack, which it first acknowledged on Feb. 21 and has affected billing and care-authorization portals across the country.

“Patient care is our top priority, and we have multiple workarounds to ensure people have access to the medications and the care they need,” Change Healthcare said in a statement.

HaysMed issued a statement on the hack on Saturday, saying the local hospital was minimally affected.

"Upon being notified of the recent Change Healthcare/Optum cyberattack, HaysMed immediately disconnected from all Change Healthcare/Optum systems as a precautionary measure," Shae Veach, HaysMed vice president of regional operations, said in a statement.

"Hospital leadership also initiated emergency protocols, which included the implementation of some manual processes within the Miller Medical Pavilion Pharmacy. 

"As a result, HaysMed’s operations were minimally impacted by the Change Healthcare/Optum cyberattack, and patient care remained uninterrupted," Veach said.

Owned by UnitedHealth Group, Change Healthcare manages health care technology pipelines, processing 14 billion transactions a year. The company said its investigation determined that Change Healthcare, Optum, UnitedHealthcare and UnitedHealth Group systems have been affected. Change also confirmed that ransomware group ALPHV, or Blackcat, made the breach. The company didn’t respond to a question about whether it paid or negotiated a ransom.

One of the most immediate impacts is that people are seeing delays in getting prescriptions, American Hospital Association spokesperson Ben Teicher said. Change Healthcare said most affected pharmacies are using workarounds like writing things down.

BY DEVNA BOSE ASSOCIATED PRESS Health care providers across the country are reeling from a cyberattack on a massive U.S. health care technology company that has threatened the security of patients’ information and is delaying some prescriptions and paychecks for medical workers.The hack could also disrupt discharging people from the hospital, a major hospital association said.Change Healthcare announced Thursday that a ransomware group that had claimed responsibility for the attack was at fault. Change Healthcare also said it is assessing the impact of the attack, which it first acknowledged on Feb. 21 and has affected billing and care-authorization portals across the country.“Patient care is our top priority, and we have multiple workarounds to ensure people have access to the medications and the care they need,” Change Healthcare said in a statement.HaysMed issued a statement on the hack on Saturday, saying the local hospital was minimally affected."Upon being notified of the recent Change Healthcare/Optum cyberattack, HaysMed immediately disconnected from all Change Healthcare/Optum systems as a precautionary measure," Shae Veach, HaysMed vice president of regional operations, said in a statement."Hospital leadership also initiated emergency protocols, which included the implementation of some manual processes within the Miller Medical Pavilion Pharmacy. "As a result, HaysMed’s operations were minimally impacted by the Change Healthcare/Optum cyberattack, and patient care remained uninterrupted," Veach said.Owned by UnitedHealth Group, Change Healthcare manages health care technology pipelines, processing 14 billion transactions a year. The company said its investigation determined that Change Healthcare, Optum, UnitedHealthcare and UnitedHealth Group systems have been affected. Change also confirmed that ransomware group ALPHV, or Blackcat, made the breach. The company didn’t respond to a question about whether it paid or negotiated a ransom.One of the most immediate impacts is that people are seeing delays in getting prescriptions, American Hospital Association spokesperson Ben Teicher said. Change Healthcare said most affected pharmacies are using workarounds like writing things down.

HaysMed officials say local hospital minimally affected by national cyberattack

EDWARDS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Saturday in Edward County.

EDWARDS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Saturday in Edward County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Buick Century driven by Thierry F.&nbsp;Felkins, 61, Offerle, was westbound in the 200 Block of L Road. The car left the roadway, traveled in the south ditch for approximately 340 feet, crossed a fence line, continued into a field and struck an embankment.EMS transported&nbsp;Felkins and a passenger Lemro F.&nbsp;Felkins, 87, Offerle, to the Edwards County Hospital. The were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.