TREGO COUNTY —Law enforcement in northwest Kansas captured a suspect wanted for a double-homicide in Wisconsin.

On Saturdau, the WaKeeney Police Department while working traffic, stopped a vehicle who did not stop for a stop sign, according to a media release from Police Chief Michael Romero.

Police learned vehicle was stolen out of Wisconsin.  The Trego County Sheriffs Office responded to back&nbsp; up police as well as another member from the WaKeeney Police Department.

  Information from the Wisconsin sheriffs office was that the person driving this vehicle could be armed with a handgun. The subject was taken into custody with no further incident. The subject was identified and found out to be a juvenile wanted out of Wisconsin in connection with a double homicide.

 The juvenile did have items in the vehicle that were consistent with the information police had received from the Wisconsin sheriffs office. 

All evidence was recovered by the WaKeeney Police Department and is being held for the Wisconsin sheriffs office. The subject is being held in a juvenile detention center, and is awaiting extradition.

TREGO COUNTY —Law enforcement in northwest Kansas captured a suspect wanted for a double-homicide in Wisconsin.On Saturdau, the WaKeeney Police Department while working traffic, stopped a vehicle who did not stop for a stop sign, according to a media release from Police Chief Michael Romero.Police learned vehicle was stolen out of Wisconsin. The Trego County Sheriffs Office responded to back&nbsp; up police as well as another member from the WaKeeney Police Department. Information from the Wisconsin sheriffs office was that the person driving this vehicle could be armed with a handgun. The subject was taken into custody with no further incident. The subject was identified and found out to be a juvenile wanted out of Wisconsin in connection with a double homicide. The juvenile did have items in the vehicle that were consistent with the information police had received from the Wisconsin sheriffs office. All evidence was recovered by the WaKeeney Police Department and is being held for the Wisconsin sheriffs office. The subject is being held in a juvenile detention center, and is awaiting extradition.

Juvenile wanted for double-homicide captured in NW Kansas

CHEYENNE COUNTY—A northwest Kansas man died in an accident just after 4a.m. Saturday in Cheyenne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Lane&nbsp;Hoffman, 28, St. Francis, was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of County Road 16.

The pickup crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound 1997 Peterbilt semi driven by James&nbsp;Hutchison, 61, Ralston, Oklahoma.

EMS transported Hoffman to a hospital in Denver where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Hutchison was not injured. Hoffman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CHEYENNE COUNTY—A northwest Kansas man died in an accident just after 4a.m. Saturday in Cheyenne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Lane&nbsp;Hoffman, 28, St. Francis, was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of County Road 16.The pickup crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound 1997 Peterbilt semi driven by James&nbsp;Hutchison, 61, Ralston, Oklahoma.EMS transported Hoffman to a hospital in Denver where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Hutchison was not injured. Hoffman was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man dies after pickup, semi crash

Jeff Leiker with Eagle Radio chats with Adam Conkey from Historic Fort Hays about The Buffalo Soldier and Nicodemus.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Fort Hays Historic Site - The Buffalo Soldier and Nicodemus" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=mb45n-1816c45-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Jeff Leiker with Eagle Radio chats with Adam Conkey from Historic Fort Hays about The Buffalo Soldier and Nicodemus.

🎙 Post Podcast: The Buffalo Soldiers, Nicodemus

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Jessica Normandin, a Hays native, wasn't sure she was going to make it as a child care provider as she was starting out.

"The first four months, I questioned myself," she said.

"I was a mom. I was a parent. When you add a whole bunch of other kids, it's different. You have to figure it out,"&nbsp;Normandin said.

However, the in-home provider has been in the business for more than 20 years.

Normandin, 44, was nominated for the February Child Care Champion Award by Dana Stanton, member of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County.

Normandin and her husband knew they wanted to have four children. Knowing what child care costs, opening her own child care was a way to stay home with her kids, be her own boss and make child care for her children affordable.

Her children have long since outgrown child care. They are 16 through 26. Her youngest is a Hays High School student.

"We were able to spend plenty of time with them," Normandin said. "They were able to play and make new friends. We had lots of fun stuff to do because of the day care."

She said she continued as a child care provider after her children entered school because she said she enjoyed being home, being her own boss and working with small children.

Normandin usually does not take babies. Most of her children are 3 to 5. During the summer, she takes some school-age children.

 She is not a licensed preschool but follows a pre-K curriculum.

The walls of her child care, which is in a remodeled addition to her home, are covered with brightly colored cutouts and posters depicting numbers, letters, colors, shapes and days of the month.

Normandin said she thinks children greatly benefit from building skills like numbers and shapes before kindergarten.

"I think the more repetition they get going with the kids, the more they know and the more they retain once they get to kindergarten," she said. "It makes their job a little easier if they have a good baseline."

Normandin also has toys that help the children develop fine motor skills and playground equipment that helps them develop gross motor skills.

"We really enjoy going outside. I really encourage them to get creative on their own," she said. "All the fine motor stuff, I leave them open-ended so they can create what they want."

She said she appreciates having a section of her home dedicated to child care and separate from her family's living space.&nbsp;

The child care rooms are child-proofed and made for the children, Normandin said.

This helps her concentrate on the aspects she loves about being a child care provider.

"I love getting to watch how much they learn and how much they grow in the time that they come," Normandin said. "I make each of my kids a scrapbook. Typically, I have them for a two-year span. It's neat to see where they started with me and how much they grew and learned within that two years."

Normandin said her greatest challenge recently has been filing her openings. Last year, there was a shift in the local child care industry as new centers opened.

She said it's difficult for in-home child care providers to adjust to those changes when they depend on staying full to pay their bills.

However, Normandin said her child care is full at this time.

Her advice to new providers is not to give up.

"Kids can be challenging at times, but there's always better times coming. Once you get in the routine of how you are going to keep everything going, it's better," she said.

Someone needs a diaper change. Someone needs a drink. Someone needs a toy. The children are pulling you in all different directions, she said.

"Once you get a clear routine established, they know what to expect,"&nbsp;Normandin said. "They know what they can and they can't do. It just seems the day goes better when everyone knows the expectations, routine and what's going to happen next."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740695956869.jpeg" alt="Jessica Normandin, February's Child Care Champion, with one of her child care group's. Courtey photo" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Normandin, February's Child Care Champion, with one of her child care group's. Courtey photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostJessica Normandin, a Hays native, wasn't sure she was going to make it as a child care provider as she was starting out."The first four months, I questioned myself," she said."I was a mom. I was a parent. When you add a whole bunch of other kids, it's different. You have to figure it out,"&nbsp;Normandin said.However, the in-home provider has been in the business for more than 20 years.Normandin, 44, was nominated for the February Child Care Champion Award by Dana Stanton, member of the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County.Normandin and her husband knew they wanted to have four children. Knowing what child care costs, opening her own child care was a way to stay home with her kids, be her own boss and make child care for her children affordable.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740696038700.jpeg" alt="Jessica Normandin, February's Child Care Champion, with one of her child care groups. Courtey photo" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Normandin, February's Child Care Champion, with one of her child care groups. Courtey photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Her children have long since outgrown child care. They are 16 through 26. Her youngest is a Hays High School student."We were able to spend plenty of time with them," Normandin said. "They were able to play and make new friends. We had lots of fun stuff to do because of the day care."She said she continued as a child care provider after her children entered school because she said she enjoyed being home, being her own boss and working with small children.Normandin usually does not take babies. Most of her children are 3 to 5. During the summer, she takes some school-age children. She is not a licensed preschool but follows a pre-K curriculum.The walls of her child care, which is in a remodeled addition to her home, are covered with brightly colored cutouts and posters depicting numbers, letters, colors, shapes and days of the month.Normandin said she thinks children greatly benefit from building skills like numbers and shapes before kindergarten."I think the more repetition they get going with the kids, the more they know and the more they retain once they get to kindergarten," she said. "It makes their job a little easier if they have a good baseline."Normandin also has toys that help the children develop fine motor skills and playground equipment that helps them develop gross motor skills."We really enjoy going outside. I really encourage them to get creative on their own," she said. "All the fine motor stuff, I leave them open-ended so they can create what they want."She said she appreciates having a section of her home dedicated to child care and separate from her family's living space.&nbsp;The child care rooms are child-proofed and made for the children, Normandin said.This helps her concentrate on the aspects she loves about being a child care provider."I love getting to watch how much they learn and how much they grow in the time that they come," Normandin said. "I make each of my kids a scrapbook. Typically, I have them for a two-year span. It's neat to see where they started with me and how much they grew and learned within that two years."Normandin said her greatest challenge recently has been filing her openings. Last year, there was a shift in the local child care industry as new centers opened.She said it's difficult for in-home child care providers to adjust to those changes when they depend on staying full to pay their bills.However, Normandin said her child care is full at this time.Her advice to new providers is not to give up."Kids can be challenging at times, but there's always better times coming. Once you get in the routine of how you are going to keep everything going, it's better," she said.Someone needs a diaper change. Someone needs a drink. Someone needs a toy. The children are pulling you in all different directions, she said."Once you get a clear routine established, they know what to expect,"&nbsp;Normandin said. "They know what they can and they can't do. It just seems the day goes better when everyone knows the expectations, routine and what's going to happen next."

Child Care Champion celebrates 20 years in the industry

Dr. Cassandra Olds, professor of entomology at Kansas State University, is presenting a program on insect control for livestock in March. 

The program will be held at the Ellis County Extension office at 601 Main St. in Hays on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The program will start at 4 p.m. with light refreshments and run about an hour.

Dr. Olds is an expert in control of common livestock pests including flies and ticks, among others.

Topics covered during the program include:

1. Determining which flies your livestock have a problem with 2. Why flies develop resistance to insecticides 3. What can you do to slow the spread of resistance within fly populations 4. Developing an integrated pest management program

RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary for the refreshments. 

Please email or call Alicia Boor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-9430 to RSVP. We hope to see you there!&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739286935216.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood Extension DistrictDr. Cassandra Olds, professor of entomology at Kansas State University, is presenting a program on insect control for livestock in March. The program will be held at the Ellis County Extension office at 601 Main St. in Hays on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The program will start at 4 p.m. with light refreshments and run about an hour.Dr. Olds is an expert in control of common livestock pests including flies and ticks, among others.Topics covered during the program include: 1. Determining which flies your livestock have a problem with 2. Why flies develop resistance to insecticides 3. What can you do to slow the spread of resistance within fly populations 4. Developing an integrated pest management programRSVP is appreciated, but not necessary for the refreshments. Please email or call Alicia Boor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-9430 to RSVP. We hope to see you there!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Extension hosting livestock insect management meeting

Ranchland Trust of Kansas TOPEKA — Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award.

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

<a target="_blank" href="https://sandcountyfoundation.org/">Sand County Foundation</a>&nbsp;and national sponsor&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://farmland.org/">American Farmland Trust</a>&nbsp;present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sandcountyfoundation.org/our-work/leopold-conservation-award-program/state/kansas">Kansas</a>, the $10,000 award is presented with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kacdnet.org/">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>, and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sandcountyfoundation.org/news/books">A Sand County Almanac</a>,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Award nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The nomination form can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA">www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA</a>.

The nomination deadline date is June 2, 2025. Nominations must be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KansasLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org">KansasLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org</a>.

Nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of Kansas agricultural and conservation leaders. Last year’s award recipient was Barby Ranch of Clark and Comanche counties. To view profiles on all past recipients,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sandcountyfoundation.org/our-work/leopold-conservation-award/state/kansas">click here</a>.

“The Leopold Conservation Award Program provides a valuable opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Kansas agricultural landowners who are committed to strong conservation practices and effective stewardship,” said Dan Meyerhoff, Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts.

“RTK is a proud supporter of the Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas. It is our honor and privilege to help recognize Kansas ranchers and farmers who go above and beyond the standard in stewardship of the natural resources they manage daily,” said Barth Crouch, Ranchland Trust of Kansas Board Chairman. “Landowners should know they can nominate themselves, but they can also ask for help with their application by contacting RTK.”

“Conserving our state’s rich and diverse natural resources is ingrained deeply in the culture of our multi-generational farms and ranches,” said Kansas Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam. “The Leopold Conservation Award serves an important role of reminding the general public of how private land managers conserve and enhance these resources for future generations.”

“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Ducks Unlimited, Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Green Cover Seed.

For more information on the award, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.leopoldconservationaward.org/">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739892809534.png" alt="Ranchland Trust of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Ranchland Trust of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Ranchland Trust of Kansas TOPEKA — Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award.The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.<a target="_blank" href="https://sandcountyfoundation.org/">Sand County Foundation</a>&nbsp;and national sponsor&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://farmland.org/">American Farmland Trust</a>&nbsp;present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sandcountyfoundation.org/our-work/leopold-conservation-award-program/state/kansas">Kansas</a>, the $10,000 award is presented with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kacdnet.org/">Kansas Association of Conservation Districts</a>, and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/">Ranchland Trust of Kansas</a>.Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sandcountyfoundation.org/news/books">A Sand County Almanac</a>,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.Award nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The nomination form can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA">www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA</a>.The nomination deadline date is June 2, 2025. Nominations must be emailed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KansasLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org">KansasLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org</a>.Nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of Kansas agricultural and conservation leaders. Last year’s award recipient was Barby Ranch of Clark and Comanche counties. To view profiles on all past recipients,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sandcountyfoundation.org/our-work/leopold-conservation-award/state/kansas">click here</a>.“The Leopold Conservation Award Program provides a valuable opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Kansas agricultural landowners who are committed to strong conservation practices and effective stewardship,” said Dan Meyerhoff, Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts.“RTK is a proud supporter of the Leopold Conservation Award in Kansas. It is our honor and privilege to help recognize Kansas ranchers and farmers who go above and beyond the standard in stewardship of the natural resources they manage daily,” said Barth Crouch, Ranchland Trust of Kansas Board Chairman. “Landowners should know they can nominate themselves, but they can also ask for help with their application by contacting RTK.”“Conserving our state’s rich and diverse natural resources is ingrained deeply in the culture of our multi-generational farms and ranches,” said Kansas Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam. “The Leopold Conservation Award serves an important role of reminding the general public of how private land managers conserve and enhance these resources for future generations.”“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Ducks Unlimited, Kansas Grazing Lands Coalition, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Green Cover Seed.For more information on the award, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.leopoldconservationaward.org/">www.leopoldconservationaward.org</a>.

Nominations accepted for 2025 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

With the bitterly cold temperatures we have experienced some this winter, producers may be wondering if overwintering insect pests could be killed and their populations reduced.

Cold temperatures are probably not the most significant influencer on insect demise. 

The reason temperature has little effect on their survival is related to their life cycle. Depending on the species, insects overwinter in all life stages – from adults to eggs, larvae or in chrysalis and cocoons. 

Some insects will avoid the cold altogether and migrate to warmer temperatures such as the monarch butterfly, armyworms, potato leafhopper and corn earworm, to name a few. Some literally will freeze to death (sorghum aphid) but the next generation will migrate in from the south.

Insects have survived for millions of years and evolve with the climate. 

Insects are cold-blooded, which means they do not generate heat. Their body temperatures fluctuate with the weather patterns, which gives many of them the ability to withstand just about any extreme weather nature brings their way. As cold-blooded insects, they go dormant or inactive when the temperatures drop below 50 degrees.

Insects that overwinter in more exposed areas have additional cold adaptations. For example, soybean aphids overwinter as eggs and supercool to temperatures as low as -29 degrees, while European cornborer larvae can produce glycerol, a substance which acts as a biological antifreeze.

Insects overwinter in protected areas, sheltered from the extremes. They spend the winter deep in the soil, buried in plant debris, inside plants and even in our homes. These locations insulate and protect the developing stages ensuring emergence and survival.

Species that overwinter as eggs are usually very winter hardy. The eggs exist in tough shells, often in egg clusters. 

Grasshopper eggs are laid in the ground and if the ground is undisturbed, they can freeze over winter and still hatch out just fine. Praying mantids lay very tough and resilient egg cases on tree bark, sides of buildings, almost anywhere that they can. If left alone, these will survive to hatch in spring. Bagworms survive as eggs tucked inside a densely woven silken bag protected from the harshest elements.

Even though insect pest populations will undoubtedly survive extreme cold, remember that beneficial insects like parasitoids and natural predators will survive too.

Mentioning insects there is a program coming up concerning livestock insects. Dr. Cassandra Olds, professor of entomology at KSU is presenting a program. “Insect control for&nbsp;livestock” on Tuesday, March 4. It will be held at the Cottonwood Extension office at 601 Main St. in Hays. The program will start at 4 p.m. with light refreshments and run about an hour.

Dr. Olds is an expert in control of common livestock pests including flies, and ticks among others. 

Topics covered during the program include: Determining which flies your livestock have a problem with, why flies develop resistance to insecticides, what can you do to slow the spread of resistance within fly populations, and developing an effective/integrated pest management program for your operation.

RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary for the refreshments. Please email Alicia Boor at aboor@ksu.edu or call 785-628-9430 to RSVP. We hope to see you there!

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy image&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District. Courtesy image&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictWith the bitterly cold temperatures we have experienced some this winter, producers may be wondering if overwintering insect pests could be killed and their populations reduced.Cold temperatures are probably not the most significant influencer on insect demise. The reason temperature has little effect on their survival is related to their life cycle. Depending on the species, insects overwinter in all life stages – from adults to eggs, larvae or in chrysalis and cocoons. Some insects will avoid the cold altogether and migrate to warmer temperatures such as the monarch butterfly, armyworms, potato leafhopper and corn earworm, to name a few. Some literally will freeze to death (sorghum aphid) but the next generation will migrate in from the south.Insects have survived for millions of years and evolve with the climate. Insects are cold-blooded, which means they do not generate heat. Their body temperatures fluctuate with the weather patterns, which gives many of them the ability to withstand just about any extreme weather nature brings their way. As cold-blooded insects, they go dormant or inactive when the temperatures drop below 50 degrees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740609894721.png" alt="Soybean aphids on a leaf. Photo by Gregory Zolnerowich/Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Soybean aphids on a leaf. Photo by Gregory Zolnerowich/Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>Insects that overwinter in more exposed areas have additional cold adaptations. For example, soybean aphids overwinter as eggs and supercool to temperatures as low as -29 degrees, while European cornborer larvae can produce glycerol, a substance which acts as a biological antifreeze.Insects overwinter in protected areas, sheltered from the extremes. They spend the winter deep in the soil, buried in plant debris, inside plants and even in our homes. These locations insulate and protect the developing stages ensuring emergence and survival.Species that overwinter as eggs are usually very winter hardy. The eggs exist in tough shells, often in egg clusters. Grasshopper eggs are laid in the ground and if the ground is undisturbed, they can freeze over winter and still hatch out just fine. Praying mantids lay very tough and resilient egg cases on tree bark, sides of buildings, almost anywhere that they can. If left alone, these will survive to hatch in spring. Bagworms survive as eggs tucked inside a densely woven silken bag protected from the harshest elements.Even though insect pest populations will undoubtedly survive extreme cold, remember that beneficial insects like parasitoids and natural predators will survive too.Mentioning insects there is a program coming up concerning livestock insects. Dr. Cassandra Olds, professor of entomology at KSU is presenting a program. “Insect control for&nbsp;livestock” on Tuesday, March 4. It will be held at the Cottonwood Extension office at 601 Main St. in Hays. The program will start at 4 p.m. with light refreshments and run about an hour.Dr. Olds is an expert in control of common livestock pests including flies, and ticks among others. Topics covered during the program include: Determining which flies your livestock have a problem with, why flies develop resistance to insecticides, what can you do to slow the spread of resistance within fly populations, and developing an effective/integrated pest management program for your operation.RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary for the refreshments. Please email Alicia Boor at aboor@ksu.edu or call 785-628-9430 to RSVP. We hope to see you there!Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Winter cold and insect survival

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740753584505.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 High vs Great Bend Friday, Feb. 28th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2231737">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>

Hays High concludes the regular season by hosting Great Bend Friday evening.

The Hays girls look for their first undefeated regular season in program history. The Hays boys will share the conference title with Great Bend with a victory.

Tip-off for the girls game is 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network with the boys game to follow.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High vs Great Bend Friday, Feb. 28th – 6:00 p.m.&nbsp; Hays, Kan. - Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KFIX">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network:&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2231737">CLICK HERE TO WATCH $$</a>Hays High concludes the regular season by hosting Great Bend Friday evening.The Hays girls look for their first undefeated regular season in program history. The Hays boys will share the conference title with Great Bend with a victory.Tip-off for the girls game is 6:oo p.m. on the Hays High Sports Network with the boys game to follow.&nbsp;

🏀🎥 Hays concludes regular season versus Great Bend

Joint statement from HaysMed and Gove County Medical Center

HaysMed and Gove County Medical Center (GCMC) are pleased to announce that we have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to form a strategic partnership that strengthens rural health care in Gove County and western Kansas.

With many planning discussions now underway, this partnership will be designed to provide support for GCMC from the region’s only tertiary care center, including access to enhanced technologies and expanded specialty care services for patients in Gove County.

Across the U.S., hospitals are seeking partnerships to navigate financial and operational challenges. While many are being acquired by large national health systems, we are taking a different approach.

This HaysMed-GCMC partnership is a collaborative effort to sustain and grow rural healthcare services while keeping access to care local.

In addition to supporting better health, hospitals drive strong economic development in their communities.

This partnership will help keep jobs and health care funding local. Together, we are building a future where rural health care not only survives but also thrives.

Joint statement from HaysMed and Gove County Medical CenterHaysMedHaysMed and Gove County Medical Center (GCMC) are pleased to announce that we have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to form a strategic partnership that strengthens rural health care in Gove County and western Kansas.With many planning discussions now underway, this partnership will be designed to provide support for GCMC from the region’s only tertiary care center, including access to enhanced technologies and expanded specialty care services for patients in Gove County.Across the U.S., hospitals are seeking partnerships to navigate financial and operational challenges. While many are being acquired by large national health systems, we are taking a different approach.This HaysMed-GCMC partnership is a collaborative effort to sustain and grow rural healthcare services while keeping access to care local.In addition to supporting better health, hospitals drive strong economic development in their communities.This partnership will help keep jobs and health care funding local. Together, we are building a future where rural health care not only survives but also thrives.

HaysMed, Gove County Medical Center announce intent to partner

Hays Police Department activity log: Feb. 16-22, 2025

Hays Police Department arrest log: Feb. 16-22, 2025

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/26/kansas-republicans-want-to-elect-state-supreme-court-justices/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Free%20stories%20from%20The%20Beacon&amp;utm_campaign=Republishing%20email%2022825">The Beacon</a>

Robert Edmunds won three judicial elections in his home state of North Carolina. He was elected to the state Court of Appeals before serving two terms on the state’s Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Edmunds said he never would have risen through the ranks without elections. He didn’t have any political connections to the governor. He didn’t run any big-city law firm. Edmunds won his races because he proved to voters he was the most qualified.&nbsp;

“Elections tap into the biggest talent pool,” Edmunds told Kansas lawmakers. “Any lawyer in good standing who has ambitions to serve on the bench can take a shot at it.”

Kansas lawmakers are now debating that question. Should voters elect justices to the Kansas Supreme Court? Or should the state keep its merit-based nominating process?

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/">The proposal</a>&nbsp;is a “colossal sea change” from the state’s current system, said Fred Logan with the Kansas Bar Association, and it would require the Kansas Constitution to be amended. A majority of voters would need to approve the change.&nbsp;

Supporters of the change, which include the state attorney general’s office and Americans for Prosperity, say a direct election of justices is needed so everyday Kansans have a voice in the judicial system. But opponents say this proposal demolishes an already effective system and pours dark money into the courts.&nbsp;

The Kansas Supreme Court’s current system

Kansas does not use the federal system for picking justices. The governor alone does not pick someone and there is no Senate confirmation.&nbsp;

The current system has a nominating commission that includes four lawyers and four nonlawyers. Each congressional district must have a lawyer and nonlawyer appointed to the commission.&nbsp;

Nonlawyers are appointed by the governor and lawyers are elected by other lawyers in their congressional district. A ninth member — a lawyer and chair of the commission — is elected by a statewide pool of lawyers.

The commission questions candidates in public interviews then selects three names and the governor makes the final decision from there. This system was approved by voters in 1958 after a controversial selection to the state Supreme Court.&nbsp;

In 1956, then-Gov. Fred Hall lost reelection during the primary. Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court Bill Smith was also sick and considering retirement but worried the incoming Democratic governor would appoint a liberal to the Supreme Court. Hall, Smith and Lt. Gov. John McCuish hatched a plan.&nbsp;

Smith retired from the Supreme Court. Hall resigned as governor and was replaced by McCuish. McCuish was governor for 11 days and appointed Hall to the state Supreme Court. That infuriated Kansas voters, who reformed the system and created the merit-based process we have today.&nbsp;

Rashane Hamby, director of policy and research at the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said the current system works well and there’s no reason to change it.&nbsp;

Supporters of the bill who want to change the law acknowledged that elected judges and appointed judges are of the same quality. Those supporters also said the system needs to be overhauled to give voters more say in the state’s highest court. Kansans already vote on justices through retention elections where voters can kick justices off the bench if they want.&nbsp;

The current system lets the governor and the nominating commission grill candidates about their qualifications for the job, and that’s how the decision is made. Elections require candidates playing politics, Hamby said. Candidates aren’t always chosen based on qualifications but on money and donations from political groups that might have cases before the court.&nbsp;

“The Supreme Court should not be for sale to the highest bidder,” she said.&nbsp;

Almost two dozen states elect their judges. In Wisconsin, Hamby said, $51 million was spent on the 2023 Supreme Court race. The state’s race later this year is expected to top that spending and become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-trump-spending-4d95c11f76be495cc5acadaf9981a42b">the most expensive Supreme Court race</a>.&nbsp;

Logan, with the Kansas Bar Association, said politics, fundraising and campaigning are all fine for the governor’s office or state officials. Not for the courts. Logan said the current system is free from politics and it should stay that way.&nbsp;

But Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, doesn’t agree that the current process is free from politics.&nbsp;

He said the process of getting selected by the commission has political jostling. Holding elections gives everyone a chance to have their voice heard, not just a small group of people.&nbsp;

“Elections are how we govern from the bottom up,” Masterson said.

Masterson and other Republicans say they support changing the system so people have a voice. Supporters of the change also said that Supreme Court justices can time their resignations based on what political party holds the governor’s office. Allowing a regular vote would remove the possibility of selections being timed in a partisan manner, supporters say.&nbsp;

Kansas lawmakers have tried to change how Supreme Court justices are picked before. These debates are more than a decade old, but the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2022/07/28/kansas-vote-on-abortion/">uphold abortion rights</a>&nbsp;has raised the stakes on this debate.&nbsp;

“I would just comment that I would ask committee members and others to go out and read some of the justices’ opinions,” said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, during the debate.&nbsp;

“I have,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, “and there’s concern in there.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740770429634.jpeg" alt="State justices are appointed through a nominating commission, unlike the federal process. (Courtesy/The Kansas Supreme Court)" />
 <figcaption>State justices are appointed through a nominating commission, unlike the federal process. (Courtesy/The Kansas Supreme Court)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/26/kansas-republicans-want-to-elect-state-supreme-court-justices/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Free%20stories%20from%20The%20Beacon&amp;utm_campaign=Republishing%20email%2022825">The Beacon</a>Robert Edmunds won three judicial elections in his home state of North Carolina. He was elected to the state Court of Appeals before serving two terms on the state’s Supreme Court.&nbsp;Edmunds said he never would have risen through the ranks without elections. He didn’t have any political connections to the governor. He didn’t run any big-city law firm. Edmunds won his races because he proved to voters he was the most qualified.&nbsp;“Elections tap into the biggest talent pool,” Edmunds told Kansas lawmakers. “Any lawyer in good standing who has ambitions to serve on the bench can take a shot at it.”Kansas lawmakers are now debating that question. Should voters elect justices to the Kansas Supreme Court? Or should the state keep its merit-based nominating process?<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/">The proposal</a>&nbsp;is a “colossal sea change” from the state’s current system, said Fred Logan with the Kansas Bar Association, and it would require the Kansas Constitution to be amended. A majority of voters would need to approve the change.&nbsp;Supporters of the change, which include the state attorney general’s office and Americans for Prosperity, say a direct election of justices is needed so everyday Kansans have a voice in the judicial system. But opponents say this proposal demolishes an already effective system and pours dark money into the courts.&nbsp;<h2>The Kansas Supreme Court’s current system</h2>Kansas does not use the federal system for picking justices. The governor alone does not pick someone and there is no Senate confirmation.&nbsp;The current system has a nominating commission that includes four lawyers and four nonlawyers. Each congressional district must have a lawyer and nonlawyer appointed to the commission.&nbsp;Nonlawyers are appointed by the governor and lawyers are elected by other lawyers in their congressional district. A ninth member — a lawyer and chair of the commission — is elected by a statewide pool of lawyers.The commission questions candidates in public interviews then selects three names and the governor makes the final decision from there. This system was approved by voters in 1958 after a controversial selection to the state Supreme Court.&nbsp;In 1956, then-Gov. Fred Hall lost reelection during the primary. Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court Bill Smith was also sick and considering retirement but worried the incoming Democratic governor would appoint a liberal to the Supreme Court. Hall, Smith and Lt. Gov. John McCuish hatched a plan.&nbsp;Smith retired from the Supreme Court. Hall resigned as governor and was replaced by McCuish. McCuish was governor for 11 days and appointed Hall to the state Supreme Court. That infuriated Kansas voters, who reformed the system and created the merit-based process we have today.&nbsp;<h2>The desire for change</h2>Rashane Hamby, director of policy and research at the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said the current system works well and there’s no reason to change it.&nbsp;Supporters of the bill who want to change the law acknowledged that elected judges and appointed judges are of the same quality. Those supporters also said the system needs to be overhauled to give voters more say in the state’s highest court. Kansans already vote on justices through retention elections where voters can kick justices off the bench if they want.&nbsp;The current system lets the governor and the nominating commission grill candidates about their qualifications for the job, and that’s how the decision is made. Elections require candidates playing politics, Hamby said. Candidates aren’t always chosen based on qualifications but on money and donations from political groups that might have cases before the court.&nbsp;“The Supreme Court should not be for sale to the highest bidder,” she said.&nbsp;Almost two dozen states elect their judges. In Wisconsin, Hamby said, $51 million was spent on the 2023 Supreme Court race. The state’s race later this year is expected to top that spending and become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-supreme-court-musk-trump-spending-4d95c11f76be495cc5acadaf9981a42b">the most expensive Supreme Court race</a>.&nbsp;Logan, with the Kansas Bar Association, said politics, fundraising and campaigning are all fine for the governor’s office or state officials. Not for the courts. Logan said the current system is free from politics and it should stay that way.&nbsp;But Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, doesn’t agree that the current process is free from politics.&nbsp;He said the process of getting selected by the commission has political jostling. Holding elections gives everyone a chance to have their voice heard, not just a small group of people.&nbsp;“Elections are how we govern from the bottom up,” Masterson said.Masterson and other Republicans say they support changing the system so people have a voice. Supporters of the change also said that Supreme Court justices can time their resignations based on what political party holds the governor’s office. Allowing a regular vote would remove the possibility of selections being timed in a partisan manner, supporters say.&nbsp;Kansas lawmakers have tried to change how Supreme Court justices are picked before. These debates are more than a decade old, but the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2022/07/28/kansas-vote-on-abortion/">uphold abortion rights</a>&nbsp;has raised the stakes on this debate.&nbsp;“I would just comment that I would ask committee members and others to go out and read some of the justices’ opinions,” said Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, during the debate.&nbsp;“I have,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, “and there’s concern in there.”

Lawmakers debate whether voters should elect Kansas Supreme Court justices

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Almost $1 million of street maintenance will be done this year in Hays.

City commissioners unanimously approved six recommended low bids Thursday.

Seal coating and striping and sealing will be done in various areas of town.&nbsp;

Curb and brick repairs will be made along 19th Street between Elm and Ash. Concrete alleys will be installed at Eighth and Oak and at the new Depot housing development to be built at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays.

A concrete paving project will be done on East 19th Street between Oak and Pine.&nbsp;

The largest project this year will be mill and overlay on East 17th between Canterbury and Wheatland.

"This is the 21st year of the street maintenance program," said Jesse Rohr, public works director, "and I think it's made a real difference."

Commissioners also approved the contribution of $377,000 toward two joint road improvement projects with Ellis County at 48th Street and Vineyard Road and on 270th Avenue.&nbsp;

Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman presented an overview of the 2024 water conservation programs.&nbsp;

"The rebates were all over the place," she told the commission, "with a lot of participation in some and not so much in others."&nbsp;

About 50 units of the city's new automated water metering system have been installed in the south end of town by VEPO Metering, Columbus, Ohio, said Jeff Crispin, water resources director.

The upgrade will replace every residential and commercial water meter in Hays with technology capable of wirelessly sending usage data to the Department of Water Resources.

The complete rollout will take four to six months.

Requests to eliminate a loading zone at 12th and Main and a cereal malt beverage license application for the Wild West Festival Saloon were also approved.

A 40-minute executive session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss land easement acquisition for the R9 water project pipeline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740755671574.jpeg" alt="Jesse Rohr, Hays public works director, talks about projects for street maintenance this year. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jesse Rohr, Hays public works director, talks about projects for street maintenance this year. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: $1M in street maintenance to be done in Hays this year" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=hfybu-1820f42-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAlmost $1 million of street maintenance will be done this year in Hays.City commissioners unanimously approved six recommended low bids Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740754047903.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740754769379.png" alt="Street maintenance for 2025 in Hays. City of Hays image" />
 <figcaption>Street maintenance for 2025 in Hays. City of Hays image</figcaption>
 </figure>Seal coating and striping and sealing will be done in various areas of town.&nbsp;Curb and brick repairs will be made along 19th Street between Elm and Ash. Concrete alleys will be installed at Eighth and Oak and at the new Depot housing development to be built at 10th and Walnut in downtown Hays.A concrete paving project will be done on East 19th Street between Oak and Pine.&nbsp;The largest project this year will be mill and overlay on East 17th between Canterbury and Wheatland."This is the 21st year of the street maintenance program," said Jesse Rohr, public works director, "and I think it's made a real difference." Commissioners also approved the contribution of $377,000 toward two joint road improvement projects with Ellis County at 48th Street and Vineyard Road and on 270th Avenue.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740758662183.jpeg" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740758698290.jpeg" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>Water Conservation Specialist Holly Dickman presented an overview of the 2024 water conservation programs.&nbsp;"The rebates were all over the place," she told the commission, "with a lot of participation in some and not so much in others."&nbsp;About 50 units of the city's new automated water metering system have been installed in the south end of town by VEPO Metering, Columbus, Ohio, said Jeff Crispin, water resources director.The upgrade will replace every residential and commercial water meter in Hays with technology capable of wirelessly sending usage data to the Department of Water Resources.The complete rollout will take four to six months.Requests to eliminate a loading zone at 12th and Main and a cereal malt beverage license application for the Wild West Festival Saloon were also approved.A 40-minute executive session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss land easement acquisition for the R9 water project pipeline.No action was taken.&nbsp;

🎙 $1M in street maintenance to be done in Hays this year

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with&nbsp;Dan Lara, new director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dDrdcEkTobE?si=fD1ma9OWoftMmfUN" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with&nbsp;Dan Lara, new director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center.

🎤 Forward Ever: Dan Lara, director Kansas Small Business Development Center

Hays High 2025 senior, Wyatt Kirkpatrick has been awarded a full ride to Fort Hays State University with the Rudd Foundation Scholarship. 

Kirkpatrick was one of 700 applicants and one of 50 who were awarded the scholarship. 

The Rudd Foundation Scholarship is based on the whole being of the student. Purpose, impact, excellence, humility, integrity, stewardship, and community are the top seven qualities the candidates must possess. 

Kirkpatrick will attend FHSU in the fall of 2025, where he will also be a member of the FHSU football team.&nbsp;

The Rudd Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship that can be taken to four partner universities of the Wichita-based Rudd Foundation: Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, and Wichita State University.

"We look for students who exemplify grit, determination, and work ethic. We look for individuals who want a hand up not a hand out," according to Alma Hidalgo-Blankinship, Rudd Foundation senior program manager for outreach and scholar support.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740608853774.jpeg" alt="Wyatt Kirkpatrick. Photo courtesy USD 489" />
 <figcaption>Wyatt Kirkpatrick. Photo courtesy USD 489</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 489Hays High 2025 senior, Wyatt Kirkpatrick has been awarded a full ride to Fort Hays State University with the Rudd Foundation Scholarship. Kirkpatrick was one of 700 applicants and one of 50 who were awarded the scholarship. The Rudd Foundation Scholarship is based on the whole being of the student. Purpose, impact, excellence, humility, integrity, stewardship, and community are the top seven qualities the candidates must possess. Kirkpatrick will attend FHSU in the fall of 2025, where he will also be a member of the FHSU football team.&nbsp;The Rudd Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship that can be taken to four partner universities of the Wichita-based Rudd Foundation: Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, and Wichita State University."We look for students who exemplify grit, determination, and work ethic. We look for individuals who want a hand up not a hand out," according to Alma Hidalgo-Blankinship, Rudd Foundation senior program manager for outreach and scholar support.&nbsp;

Hays High student awarded full Rudd Scholarship to Fort Hays State University

Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital dedicated an expansion on Wednesday with special guest Gov. Laura Kelly.

The hospital has added 11 private patient rooms, a new emergency room and expanded physical therapy to include a pool for aqua therapy and private treatment rooms, Jeremy Rabe, hospital CEO, said.

A new nurses station accompanies the new patient rooms. They also include three isolation rooms, Rabe said.

Four assisted-living apartments will also be added. Rabe said he anticipated those apartments would open by the end of March.

"We are dedicated in creating an environment that fosters healing, comfort and support," Rabe said on Wednesday.

The $13 million project was paid for through bonds.

"A lot of health care has been pushed to more of an outpatient setting," Rabe said. "With this expansion, it's going to let us bring more specialty doctors here and offer more telemedicine opportunities.&nbsp;

"The big thing was to keep our Trego County residents in Trego County."

Rabe said the hospital hasn't signed any contracts with new specialists but is working toward that goal.

The expansion is also enhancing patient privacy. The ER, which was built in 1951 as a large room separated by curtains, now has private treatment rooms.

Ambulances can now drive into the ER bay and unload patients out of the elements and in a private area.

The previous trauma rooms were too small to handle the severe injuries that might come off the interstate, Rabe said.

Phase two of the project will include remodeling the existing emergency room, laboratory and physical therapy areas.

Dr. Paulo De Andrade celebrated what he called a new, state-of-the-art building, which he said was a symbol of hope and healing.

He said small critical-access hospitals like Trego County-Lemke Memorial prevent residents from driving long distances for care.

"This hospital represents our unwavering commitment to everyone who walks through this door to have the best care possible,"&nbsp;De Andrade said.

Gov. Kelly used the opportunity to highlight the need for Medicaid expansion in Kansas, which has been a continuing focus of her administration.

"I have often said my goal as your governor is to make Kansas the best place to live, to work and to raise a family," Kelly said. "Quality health care and access to medical treatment are fundamental to that vision."

Local hospitals are essential to providing care and jobs and to local economies, she said.

"Without these hospitals, families are forced to travel long distances for emergency care; businesses struggle to recruit and retain workers, and local economies suffer," Kelly said. "That is why my administration has prioritized investments in health care infrastructure across Kansas and in economic development in general."

The state has dedicated $2 million to rural emergency hospitals, $30 million to increasing reimbursement rates for providers who accept Medicaid patients and $10 million to hospitals treating behavioral health patients.

Of the 97 rural hospitals in Kansas, 62 are in threat of closure, the highest rate of at-risk hospitals in the country, Kelly said.

"If we do nothing, more hospitals will close, leaving communities without emergency services," she said.&nbsp;

Hospitals are the largest employers in many rural communities. Closing hospitals means losing jobs, Kelly said.

She said expanding Medicaid would be one of the most effective means of protecting rural hospitals. The expansion would result in 150,000 Kansans gaining health care coverage, many of them in rural Kansas.&nbsp;

"Hospitals would get financial relief, allowing them to stay open and fully staffed," Kelly said. "23,000 new jobs would be created across health care and in local economies."

$1.2 billion per year would be injected into the Kansas economy. In the last 10 years, Kansas has left $7.6 billion of Kansas taxpayer money in Washington, D.C.

"It's time to bring our dollars home," Kelly said.

"This is not a partisan issue," she said. "It's about economic security, public health and fairness for all Kansans."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740685897496.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Rabe, Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital CEO, speaks to Gov. Laura Kelly in a new ER trauma room at the hospital. Kelly was onhand for the ribbon cutting for the hospital's expansion on Wednesday in WaKeeney. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Rabe, Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital CEO, speaks to Gov. Laura Kelly in a new ER trauma room at the hospital. Kelly was onhand for the ribbon cutting for the hospital's expansion on Wednesday in WaKeeney. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostTrego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital dedicated an expansion on Wednesday with special guest Gov. Laura Kelly.The hospital has added 11 private patient rooms, a new emergency room and expanded physical therapy to include a pool for aqua therapy and private treatment rooms, Jeremy Rabe, hospital CEO, said.A new nurses station accompanies the new patient rooms. They also include three isolation rooms, Rabe said.Four assisted-living apartments will also be added. Rabe said he anticipated those apartments would open by the end of March."We are dedicated in creating an environment that fosters healing, comfort and support," Rabe said on Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686254580.jpeg" alt="Trego County-Lemke Memorial&nbsp; Hospital staff, board members Gov. Laura Kelly, center, cut the ribbon on the hospital's expansion during a ceremony on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Trego County-Lemke Memorial&nbsp; Hospital staff, board members Gov. Laura Kelly, center, cut the ribbon on the hospital's expansion during a ceremony on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The $13 million project was paid for through bonds."A lot of health care has been pushed to more of an outpatient setting," Rabe said. "With this expansion, it's going to let us bring more specialty doctors here and offer more telemedicine opportunities.&nbsp;"The big thing was to keep our Trego County residents in Trego County."Rabe said the hospital hasn't signed any contracts with new specialists but is working toward that goal.The expansion is also enhancing patient privacy. The ER, which was built in 1951 as a large room separated by curtains, now has private treatment rooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686498581.jpeg" alt="One of 11 new private patient rooms that were part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>One of 11 new private patient rooms that were part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686778647.jpeg" alt="A new nurses station serves the new 11 private rooms that are a part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A new nurses station serves the new 11 private rooms that are a part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Ambulances can now drive into the ER bay and unload patients out of the elements and in a private area.The previous trauma rooms were too small to handle the severe injuries that might come off the interstate, Rabe said.Phase two of the project will include remodeling the existing emergency room, laboratory and physical therapy areas.Dr. Paulo De Andrade celebrated what he called a new, state-of-the-art building, which he said was a symbol of hope and healing.He said small critical-access hospitals like Trego County-Lemke Memorial prevent residents from driving long distances for care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686575990.jpeg" alt="A pool that will be used for aqua therapy is part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital's expansion of the physical therapy department.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A pool that will be used for aqua therapy is part of the&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital's expansion of the physical therapy department.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740686654849.jpeg" alt="The new occupational therapy room has space for an oven, refrigerator, sink, tub and two private therapy rooms.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The new occupational therapy room has space for an oven, refrigerator, sink, tub and two private therapy rooms.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"This hospital represents our unwavering commitment to everyone who walks through this door to have the best care possible,"&nbsp;De Andrade said.Gov. Kelly used the opportunity to highlight the need for Medicaid expansion in Kansas, which has been a continuing focus of her administration."I have often said my goal as your governor is to make Kansas the best place to live, to work and to raise a family," Kelly said. "Quality health care and access to medical treatment are fundamental to that vision."Local hospitals are essential to providing care and jobs and to local economies, she said."Without these hospitals, families are forced to travel long distances for emergency care; businesses struggle to recruit and retain workers, and local economies suffer," Kelly said. "That is why my administration has prioritized investments in health care infrastructure across Kansas and in economic development in general."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740687147864.jpeg" alt="Gov. Kelly making a push for Medicaid expansion and health care investment at the ribbon cutting for the Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion Wednesday in WaKeeney.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Kelly making a push for Medicaid expansion and health care investment at the ribbon cutting for the Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital expansion Wednesday in WaKeeney.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The state has dedicated $2 million to rural emergency hospitals, $30 million to increasing reimbursement rates for providers who accept Medicaid patients and $10 million to hospitals treating behavioral health patients.Of the 97 rural hospitals in Kansas, 62 are in threat of closure, the highest rate of at-risk hospitals in the country, Kelly said."If we do nothing, more hospitals will close, leaving communities without emergency services," she said.&nbsp;Hospitals are the largest employers in many rural communities. Closing hospitals means losing jobs, Kelly said.She said expanding Medicaid would be one of the most effective means of protecting rural hospitals. The expansion would result in 150,000 Kansans gaining health care coverage, many of them in rural Kansas.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740687339997.jpeg" alt="A large crowd of many of the 150 staff members at&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, as well as residents and local officials, gathered for the ribbon county of the hospital's expansion. Gov. Kelly spoke on the importance of investment in health care in rural communities.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A large crowd of many of the 150 staff members at&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, as well as residents and local officials, gathered for the ribbon county of the hospital's expansion. Gov. Kelly spoke on the importance of investment in health care in rural communities.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"Hospitals would get financial relief, allowing them to stay open and fully staffed," Kelly said. "23,000 new jobs would be created across health care and in local economies."$1.2 billion per year would be injected into the Kansas economy. In the last 10 years, Kansas has left $7.6 billion of Kansas taxpayer money in Washington, D.C."It's time to bring our dollars home," Kelly said."This is not a partisan issue," she said. "It's about economic security, public health and fairness for all Kansans."Kelly signed legislation expanding a loan forgiveness program for medical professionals in Kansas. OBGYNs were added to a list of qualified providers and scholarships were extended to osteopathic students.She also urged the expansion of telehealth and mental health services in Kansas.&nbsp;"We are making progress. The expansion of this hospital is proof that what we invest in health care, we invest in the future of Kansas," Kelly said.