The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 216 incidents Dec. 31, 2023 to January 6, 2024, according to the activity report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444921352.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 216 incidents Dec. 31, 2023 to January 6, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704729458492.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704729522055.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704729573463.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704730319650.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704730425805.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704730556077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704730611123.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County Sheriff's Office activity report, Dec. 31, 2023-Jan. 6, 2024

By BECKY KISER Hays Post&nbsp;

Kansas lawmakers return to Topeka Monday to begin their 2024 annual legislative session.

The House and Senate are scheduled to gavel in at 2 p.m. for what is often a ceremonial first day.

Democratic Governor Laura Kelly will deliver her State of the State address Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to touch on her legislative priorities.

Her budget proposal will be available to legislators Thursday morning.&nbsp;

While Medicaid expansion remains a top goal for Gov. Kelly, area state legislators don't expect the issue to get much traction.

The governing bodies of Hays and Russell recently issued resolutions supporting the expansion of KanCare, as the federal Medicaid program is known in Kansas. Town leaders highlighted the increased jobs and funds to local hospitals that an expansion would bring. The resolutions were spearheaded by the governor's office and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;

"I don't think the commissioners have all the information they need," said Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, 111th District, a former Hays and Ellis County commissioner. "I appreciate what they're thinking. Although I don't agree with it, I'll certainly listen to their concerns."

Kansas is one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid.&nbsp;

Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th District, has previously supported the measure.&nbsp;

There are 13 hospitals in his district. All are critical care access except for HaysMed. The Hays hospital is a tertiary care center.

"I hope for a deal to be worked out between leadership and the governor," Billinger said.

 Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th District, said last week.. "Everything I'm getting from leadership in the House and the Senate is that it will not be discussed. That has been circulating quite some time now but you never know. It could come to [either] floor as an amendment."

Waymaster, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said the reason leadership is not supportive is because they see it as an expansion of governmental services that would cost the state money. 

"It's also been mentioned that they don't believe Medicaid expansion is beneficial to the state of Kansas," he said.

However, on another health front,&nbsp; Waymaster does foresee the possibility of the Senate discussing medicinal marijuana.

"We've discussed it in the House, and it's actually passed our chamber twice, I believe, but the Senate has never taken it up for a vote," he said.&nbsp;

All House and Senate seats in Kansas are up for re-election this year.&nbsp;Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th District, filed late last week to run again.

The state's budget balances are in good shape, a surplus in excess of $3 billion, even though last month's revenues were $48 million below projections.

That concerns Billinger, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

"This is my eighth year to be involved in the budget. We've managed to improve it every year," he said. "I think one of the things we'll look at is our ending balances and make sure we don't get carried away in trying to do too much ... There's a lot of concern that I have that we don't have a real bad downturn and get into a predicament where we won't have sufficient funds.

"Right now, I think we're in great shape," Billinger said. 

"We [also] have a rainy day fund that's over a billion dollars. We've been trying to be very fiscally responsible. We've paid off a lot of debt over the last couple years. We've focused on one-time spends and reduced a lot of our bonding.&nbsp;

"There's gonna be a day when we have a downturn and we wanna make sure we've attained the best position that we can so we're not having to raise taxes just to pay the bills," Billinger said.

More than two-thirds of the state's budget goes toward funding education.

Special education funding in K-12 has been a challenge.

On Friday, a task force created by the Kansas legislature endorsed a four-year plan adding $82.7 million annually in appropriations to local school districts to comply with a law requiring the state cover 92 perecnt of extra costs for serving gifted and disabled students.

Billinger and Rahjes want to help counties reduce their property taxes, as do Waymaster and Wasinger.

Rahjes said there's been a big effort by many county commissions and the Kansas Association of Counties to implement the ad valorem tax back to the counties, ultimately resulting in some tax relief directly from the state to property owners.

"I think that's one that will have a proposal. I know there's going to be a proposal once again to cap property valuation appraisal rates at no more than 4 percent," Rahjes said.

"On paper that sounds really good, but in reality, I think most people understand there is a role for taxes for roads, bridges, police, fire, etc.&nbsp; ...&nbsp; But people need to realize, as we talk in town halls, the state could do all this but what services don't you want then?"

Billinger also plans to work on eliminating Kansas income taxes on social security and removing various taxes for military veterans.&nbsp;

"It's a way of helping our seniors," he said.

When it comes to income tax, Wasinger favors changing to a flat tax rate for Kansans.&nbsp;

Rahjes expects to see discussion again supporting a single tax rate "but we have to be very cautious so we don't repeat some of the errors of last time when we did a massive tax reduction and the economy did not grow."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wasinger said she expects much of her time in the statehouse to be taken up as chairman of the Legislative Modernization Committee, a bipartisan committee created last year.&nbsp;

"We started looking and quickly found any changes we wanted to make in the capitol would have to go through our IT Department. ... We started talking that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches need to be&nbsp; working together on IT," Wasinger said.

Then the<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/88ab6216-217f-4a3b-b1dc-1065c5afe391"> judiciary got hacked.</a>

"We went into hyperdrive," Wasinger said. "Every agency in the state of Kansas needs to look at how we set up each IT department. ... I talked to the chief justice about how we particularly realize that we need to be doing something as a group."&nbsp;

The Kansas <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/97abd9d7-0519-4e14-8264-6bde6eac1e86">judicial branch phased restoration </a>of the Kansas eCourt case management system in district courts continued at the end of December.&nbsp;

Waymaster served on the Governor's Task Force for Wildfires, which recently submitted its report regarding the response to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b816284-349a-4002-b92c-082d727d3727">2021 Four-County Fire</a> in&nbsp;Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Osborne counties.&nbsp;

He said he doesn't support everything that is recommended in the report, but "we'll see exactly what we can do to have the state have a better response in regards to wildfires."

One thing Waymaster said he is pushing for is a more structured response by the state in cases of natural disasters.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704387739420.jpeg" alt="Kansas lawmakers will convene Jan. 8 for the 2024 legislative session in Topeka. Photo courtesy Kansas Historical Society" />
 <figcaption>Kansas lawmakers will convene Jan. 8 for the 2024 legislative session in Topeka. Photo courtesy Kansas Historical Society</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post&nbsp;Kansas lawmakers return to Topeka Monday to begin their 2024 annual legislative session.The House and Senate are scheduled to gavel in at 2 p.m. for what is often a ceremonial first day.Democratic Governor Laura Kelly will deliver her State of the State address Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to touch on her legislative priorities.Her budget proposal will be available to legislators Thursday morning.&nbsp;<h2>Kancare expansion</h2>While Medicaid expansion remains a top goal for Gov. Kelly, area state legislators don't expect the issue to get much traction.The governing bodies of Hays and Russell recently issued resolutions supporting the expansion of KanCare, as the federal Medicaid program is known in Kansas. Town leaders highlighted the increased jobs and funds to local hospitals that an expansion would bring. The resolutions were spearheaded by the governor's office and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;"I don't think the commissioners have all the information they need," said Rep. Barbara Wasinger, R-Hays, 111th District, a former Hays and Ellis County commissioner. "I appreciate what they're thinking. Although I don't agree with it, I'll certainly listen to their concerns."Kansas is one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid.&nbsp;Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th District, has previously supported the measure.&nbsp;There are 13 hospitals in his district. All are critical care access except for HaysMed. The Hays hospital is a tertiary care center."I hope for a deal to be worked out between leadership and the governor," Billinger said. Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th District, said last week.. "Everything I'm getting from leadership in the House and the Senate is that it will not be discussed. That has been circulating quite some time now but you never know. It could come to [either] floor as an amendment."Waymaster, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said the reason leadership is not supportive is because they see it as an expansion of governmental services that would cost the state money. "It's also been mentioned that they don't believe Medicaid expansion is beneficial to the state of Kansas," he said.<h2>Medical marijuana</h2>However, on another health front,&nbsp; Waymaster does foresee the possibility of the Senate discussing medicinal marijuana."We've discussed it in the House, and it's actually passed our chamber twice, I believe, but the Senate has never taken it up for a vote," he said.&nbsp;<h2>Election 2024</h2>All House and Senate seats in Kansas are up for re-election this year.&nbsp;Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th District, filed late last week to run again.<h2>The budget</h2>The state's budget balances are in good shape, a surplus in excess of $3 billion, even though last month's revenues were $48 million below projections.That concerns Billinger, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee."This is my eighth year to be involved in the budget. We've managed to improve it every year," he said. "I think one of the things we'll look at is our ending balances and make sure we don't get carried away in trying to do too much ... There's a lot of concern that I have that we don't have a real bad downturn and get into a predicament where we won't have sufficient funds."Right now, I think we're in great shape," Billinger said. "We [also] have a rainy day fund that's over a billion dollars. We've been trying to be very fiscally responsible. We've paid off a lot of debt over the last couple years. We've focused on one-time spends and reduced a lot of our bonding.&nbsp;"There's gonna be a day when we have a downturn and we wanna make sure we've attained the best position that we can so we're not having to raise taxes just to pay the bills," Billinger said.<h2>Special education funding</h2>More than two-thirds of the state's budget goes toward funding education.Special education funding in K-12 has been a challenge.On Friday, a task force created by the Kansas legislature endorsed a four-year plan adding $82.7 million annually in appropriations to local school districts to comply with a law requiring the state cover 92 perecnt of extra costs for serving gifted and disabled students.<h2>Tax relief</h2>Billinger and Rahjes want to help counties reduce their property taxes, as do Waymaster and Wasinger.Rahjes said there's been a big effort by many county commissions and the Kansas Association of Counties to implement the ad valorem tax back to the counties, ultimately resulting in some tax relief directly from the state to property owners."I think that's one that will have a proposal. I know there's going to be a proposal once again to cap property valuation appraisal rates at no more than 4 percent," Rahjes said."On paper that sounds really good, but in reality, I think most people understand there is a role for taxes for roads, bridges, police, fire, etc.&nbsp; ...&nbsp; But people need to realize, as we talk in town halls, the state could do all this but what services don't you want then?"Billinger also plans to work on eliminating Kansas income taxes on social security and removing various taxes for military veterans.&nbsp;"It's a way of helping our seniors," he said.When it comes to income tax, Wasinger favors changing to a flat tax rate for Kansans.&nbsp;Rahjes expects to see discussion again supporting a single tax rate "but we have to be very cautious so we don't repeat some of the errors of last time when we did a massive tax reduction and the economy did not grow."&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Judiciary hack</h2>Wasinger said she expects much of her time in the statehouse to be taken up as chairman of the Legislative Modernization Committee, a bipartisan committee created last year.&nbsp;"We started looking and quickly found any changes we wanted to make in the capitol would have to go through our IT Department. ... We started talking that the executive, legislative, and judicial branches need to be&nbsp; working together on IT," Wasinger said. Then the<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/88ab6216-217f-4a3b-b1dc-1065c5afe391"> judiciary got hacked.</a>"We went into hyperdrive," Wasinger said. "Every agency in the state of Kansas needs to look at how we set up each IT department. ... I talked to the chief justice about how we particularly realize that we need to be doing something as a group."&nbsp;The Kansas <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/97abd9d7-0519-4e14-8264-6bde6eac1e86">judicial branch phased restoration </a>of the Kansas eCourt case management system in district courts continued at the end of December.&nbsp;<h2>Governor's Task Force for Wildfires</h2>Waymaster served on the Governor's Task Force for Wildfires, which recently submitted its report regarding the response to the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5b816284-349a-4002-b92c-082d727d3727">2021 Four-County Fire</a> in&nbsp;Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Osborne counties.&nbsp;He said he doesn't support everything that is recommended in the report, but "we'll see exactly what we can do to have the state have a better response in regards to wildfires."One thing Waymaster said he is pushing for is a more structured response by the state in cases of natural disasters.&nbsp;

Area Kansas legislators preview 2024 session; tax relief a top challenge

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Things have changed since the Downtown Hays Development Corporation was organized 22 years ago.&nbsp;

"It was a revitalization program at first and getting businesses down there," said Julie Rider, DHDC executive director. "Now we've got all these businesses, and we've been focusing on how to keep people coming downtown."

Downtown Hays has become well known for several annual events, including the FrostFest Christmas parade, Farm To Fork dinner, Brews on the Bricks, and Wines and Steins.

"These events have been popular, and this year we're going to be planning some more. You'll see the community favorites, and you'll see some new events," Rider said.

The DHDC board of directors has decided to open up the membership to the events planning committee and ask for interested residents to bring their ideas and get involved.

"Currently, our events committee is made up of a handful of our board members. But as our events grow [bigger] and as we add more of them, we'd just love to have more input and fresh ideas," Rider said.&nbsp;"We're looking for new ideas. That's how we go much of what we do today is when a board member went out of town and saw something different."

"If you're someone who has a big heart for downtown and loves to plan events, then joining our committee just might be what your 2024 calendar needs," she said.

"We have a fabulous [volunteer] board of directors. ... We don't want to overtax them with the obligations of the committee work that we do. I know there are people in the community who have some time and would love to do this. We're reaching out to those people and inviting them to join us," Rider said.&nbsp;

Anyone who is interested in volunteering for the events committee should message Rider on the <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/">DHDC website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHays">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;

Rider is the only DHDC staff member. An intern from Fort Hays State University will join the office on Wednesday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612307430707.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThings have changed since the Downtown Hays Development Corporation was organized 22 years ago.&nbsp;"It was a revitalization program at first and getting businesses down there," said Julie Rider, DHDC executive director. "Now we've got all these businesses, and we've been focusing on how to keep people coming downtown."Downtown Hays has become well known for several annual events, including the FrostFest Christmas parade, Farm To Fork dinner, Brews on the Bricks, and Wines and Steins."These events have been popular, and this year we're going to be planning some more. You'll see the community favorites, and you'll see some new events," Rider said.The DHDC board of directors has decided to open up the membership to the events planning committee and ask for interested residents to bring their ideas and get involved."Currently, our events committee is made up of a handful of our board members. But as our events grow [bigger] and as we add more of them, we'd just love to have more input and fresh ideas," Rider said.&nbsp;"We're looking for new ideas. That's how we go much of what we do today is when a board member went out of town and saw something different.""If you're someone who has a big heart for downtown and loves to plan events, then joining our committee just might be what your 2024 calendar needs," she said."We have a fabulous [volunteer] board of directors. ... We don't want to overtax them with the obligations of the committee work that we do. I know there are people in the community who have some time and would love to do this. We're reaching out to those people and inviting them to join us," Rider said.&nbsp;Anyone who is interested in volunteering for the events committee should message Rider on the <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/">DHDC website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DowntownHays">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;Rider is the only DHDC staff member. An intern from Fort Hays State University will join the office on Wednesday.&nbsp;

DHDC looking for public input on new event ideas in downtown Hays  

By Michelle Beran Cottonwood Extension District

We are only one week into the new year and it’s already a whirlwind of activity!

We started off with a training for our 4-H2O Ambassadors and an activity at the Hays Public Library. The 4-H2O Ambassadors are a group of youth across Barton and Ellis County with an interest in learning about water management, water conservation, and related water issues. They learn about these areas and to facilitate activities for public events. The ambassadors will meet again on January 20 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center for their second training. We have five returning ambassadors and five new ones for 2024. I so appreciate watching their confidence and presentation skills grow throughout the year.

Next week begins one of my favorite partnerships with USD 428 in Great Bend Reads! I will have the opportunity to share a lesson related to their current book, “The Wild Robot” and a little about 4-H! It does make for a couple of crazy weeks but I very much appreciate the interaction with students, teachers, and staff.

We are also in the final planning for 4-H Club Day which will be held on Sunday, February 4 at Ellinwood. 4-H Club Day is an opportunity for 4-H youth to present a demonstration or illustrated talk, a musical selection, practice their extemporaneous speaking, or work together as a club for a skit or model meeting. The public is invited to watch these young people compete and receive feedback from a judge.

Speaking of judges, we are already working at scheduling judges for the county fairs! I know it seems a long way off but July schedules fill up fast and we like to rotate through some of the best qualified judges available. If you have interest in serving as a judge for another county, please let me know and I’ll provide you with more information. We would love to have volunteers for fair superintendents and in many other roles also!

4-H members are already hard at work setting project goals, planning learning activities and events, and practicing their projects. If you know a 4-H member, ask them about their favorite project or one of their project goals for this year.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Michelle Beran Cottonwood Extension DistrictWe are only one week into the new year and it’s already a whirlwind of activity!We started off with a training for our 4-H2O Ambassadors and an activity at the Hays Public Library. The 4-H2O Ambassadors are a group of youth across Barton and Ellis County with an interest in learning about water management, water conservation, and related water issues. They learn about these areas and to facilitate activities for public events. The ambassadors will meet again on January 20 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center for their second training. We have five returning ambassadors and five new ones for 2024. I so appreciate watching their confidence and presentation skills grow throughout the year.Next week begins one of my favorite partnerships with USD 428 in Great Bend Reads! I will have the opportunity to share a lesson related to their current book, “The Wild Robot” and a little about 4-H! It does make for a couple of crazy weeks but I very much appreciate the interaction with students, teachers, and staff.We are also in the final planning for 4-H Club Day which will be held on Sunday, February 4 at Ellinwood. 4-H Club Day is an opportunity for 4-H youth to present a demonstration or illustrated talk, a musical selection, practice their extemporaneous speaking, or work together as a club for a skit or model meeting. The public is invited to watch these young people compete and receive feedback from a judge.Speaking of judges, we are already working at scheduling judges for the county fairs! I know it seems a long way off but July schedules fill up fast and we like to rotate through some of the best qualified judges available. If you have interest in serving as a judge for another county, please let me know and I’ll provide you with more information. We would love to have volunteers for fair superintendents and in many other roles also!4-H members are already hard at work setting project goals, planning learning activities and events, and practicing their projects. If you know a 4-H member, ask them about their favorite project or one of their project goals for this year.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

BERAN: New Year activities

<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/2024/1/1704496605364.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 USD 489 will not have school on Monday, Jan. 8 because of the forecast of snow.

Hays Catholic schools also will be closed, Holy Family and TMP-Marian.

Fort Hays State University will also be closed on Monday.&nbsp;

Hays USD 489 will not have school on Monday, Jan. 8 because of the forecast of snow.Hays Catholic schools also will be closed, Holy Family and TMP-Marian.Fort Hays State University will also be closed on Monday.&nbsp;

No school Monday for FHSU, Hays USD 489, TMP-Marian, Holy Family 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of rain before 3 a.m. Monday then rain, possibly mixed with snow. The low will be around 33. Gusts will be as high as 36 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent. Little or no snow accumulation is expected overnight on Sunday.

Monday the forecast is for snow, possibly mixed with rain. There will be patchy blowing snow after 4 p.m. High near 33. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Monday night&nbsp;snow may mix with rain, becoming all snow after 9 p.m. The forecast is for widespread blowing snow, mainly between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. The low will be around 16. Wind chill values will be as low as -4. Very windy, with a north northwest wind 28 to 33 mph increasing to 35 to 40 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is possible.

Tuesday the forecast is for patchy blowing snow before 3 p.m., sunny, with a high near 31. Winds could gust as high as 43 mph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704649636614.png" alt="National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of rain before 3 a.m. Monday then rain, possibly mixed with snow. The low will be around 33. Gusts will be as high as 36 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent. Little or no snow accumulation is expected overnight on Sunday.Monday the forecast is for snow, possibly mixed with rain. There will be patchy blowing snow after 4 p.m. High near 33. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.Monday night&nbsp;snow may mix with rain, becoming all snow after 9 p.m. The forecast is for widespread blowing snow, mainly between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. The low will be around 16. Wind chill values will be as low as -4. Very windy, with a north northwest wind 28 to 33 mph increasing to 35 to 40 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is possible.Tuesday the forecast is for patchy blowing snow before 3 p.m., sunny, with a high near 31. Winds could gust as high as 43 mph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704650662195.png" alt="National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704650727993.png" alt="National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704650797194.png" alt="National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>

Possibility of 2-6 inches of snow, windy for Hays Monday

A couple important occurrences helped shape the history of Inman, Kansas, one an historical fact and the other a legend. The fact is that the Santa Fe Trail passed just a few miles outside of town on its way through Kansas, and the legend is that of the mythical wetlands creature affectionately known far and wide as Sink Hole Sam. The story of Sam has been told and retold many times, but the coming of a new year seems an appropriate time to retell it yet again.

Once upon a time near a small town called Inman, in the land of Kansas, a legend was born; a legend that nearly 70 years ago would bring this sleepy little town notoriety for a season. The legend became that of Sink Hole Sam. Prior to the 1920’s, a string of small freshwater lakes stretched across part of central Kansas, coming within a couple miles of the town of Inman. It’s widely known that back then people from all around the state came here to fish and hunt ducks in those lakes. Eventually the lakes were drained, leaving Lake Inman and a few low pockets of water that became known as “sinkholes.” Inman Lake remains as the largest natural lake in the state of Kansas. The largest of the sinkholes became known locally as” the Big Sinkhole,” and here a legend was born in the form of a large serpent-like creature that became Sink Hole Sam. People speculated that Sam had been living in some prehistoric underground cavern that had somehow filled with water from the sinkhole, allowing him to finally venture forth. Or maybe Sam had lived there in some of the lakes all along, and now with them drained had nowhere else to go. Evidently no one got close enough to see if the creature should be named Sam or Samantha, but I’ll stay true to the legend and call it “Sam.” Two unidentified Inman men fishing at the sinkhole first reported seeing Sam, and soon after, local “Inmanites” Albert Neufeld and George Regehr spotted him also. The story goes that Albert sought to save the town by taking pot shots at poor Sam from a nearby bridge (I suspect the bridge was not really all that nearby!) Of course, descriptions of the beast varied according to the audience and to the time of day, but Sam ended up being a very large snake-like creature, about fifteen feet long and the diameter of an automobile tire.

Now everyone likes a good legend, and the discovery of Sam was no exception. The story spread like hot peanut butter! Newspapers caught wind of the tale, (no pun intended) and locals started getting calls from strangers all across the country. Today, some residents still recall seeing hundreds of cars parked around the big sinkhole hoping “Sammy” would make a curtain call.

In an attempt to quell speculation about their new prehistoric mascot, (here the legend takes a slight southern detour) some “great scientific minds” were brought on board in the persons of Ernest Dewey and his assistant Dr. Erasmus P. Quattlebaum. Earnest D. and the Dr. informed Inman that Sam was a “Foopengerkle,” one of a species thought to be the “extinctest” creatures ever to inhabit the Kansas Plains. This must be where he became Sam rather than Samantha, because Ernest D. and Dr. Q. maintained that no female “Foopengerkles” ever existed. Their final report urged caution, since Sam did not seem to realize he was extinct. Sam soon disappeared from sight, never to be seen or at least acknowledged publicly again.

Perhaps Sam still comes out at night to prowl the waters of the Big Sinkhole, frolicking and doing whatever else it is Foopengerkles do. Tromping through the wetlands there

I’ve heard strange sounds I always figured were muskrats or beavers rummaging around through the cattails, but maybe it was really Sammy out for a stretch and a snack! Each time I’m there and I get that feeling that someone or something is watching me, I peer optimistically over my shoulder, hoping to catch a glimpse of the big lug. But now with the wetlands and the sinkholes nearly dry again, ole’ Sam has probably for sure retired to his cavern until he has water enough to swim once more.

Millions of dollars have been spent attempting to prove or disprove the existence of Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster, and as far as I know, all such attempts have failed at both. Sink Hole Sam put Inman on the map and in the news those many years ago, and no one has yet disproven his existence to me. Like I said, everyone likes a good legend; after all this is America, and stranger things have happened! …Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A couple important occurrences helped shape the history of Inman, Kansas, one an historical fact and the other a legend. The fact is that the Santa Fe Trail passed just a few miles outside of town on its way through Kansas, and the legend is that of the mythical wetlands creature affectionately known far and wide as Sink Hole Sam. The story of Sam has been told and retold many times, but the coming of a new year seems an appropriate time to retell it yet again.Once upon a time near a small town called Inman, in the land of Kansas, a legend was born; a legend that nearly 70 years ago would bring this sleepy little town notoriety for a season. The legend became that of Sink Hole Sam. Prior to the 1920’s, a string of small freshwater lakes stretched across part of central Kansas, coming within a couple miles of the town of Inman. It’s widely known that back then people from all around the state came here to fish and hunt ducks in those lakes. Eventually the lakes were drained, leaving Lake Inman and a few low pockets of water that became known as “sinkholes.” Inman Lake remains as the largest natural lake in the state of Kansas. The largest of the sinkholes became known locally as” the Big Sinkhole,” and here a legend was born in the form of a large serpent-like creature that became Sink Hole Sam. People speculated that Sam had been living in some prehistoric underground cavern that had somehow filled with water from the sinkhole, allowing him to finally venture forth. Or maybe Sam had lived there in some of the lakes all along, and now with them drained had nowhere else to go. Evidently no one got close enough to see if the creature should be named Sam or Samantha, but I’ll stay true to the legend and call it “Sam.” Two unidentified Inman men fishing at the sinkhole first reported seeing Sam, and soon after, local “Inmanites” Albert Neufeld and George Regehr spotted him also. The story goes that Albert sought to save the town by taking pot shots at poor Sam from a nearby bridge (I suspect the bridge was not really all that nearby!) Of course, descriptions of the beast varied according to the audience and to the time of day, but Sam ended up being a very large snake-like creature, about fifteen feet long and the diameter of an automobile tire.Now everyone likes a good legend, and the discovery of Sam was no exception. The story spread like hot peanut butter! Newspapers caught wind of the tale, (no pun intended) and locals started getting calls from strangers all across the country. Today, some residents still recall seeing hundreds of cars parked around the big sinkhole hoping “Sammy” would make a curtain call.In an attempt to quell speculation about their new prehistoric mascot, (here the legend takes a slight southern detour) some “great scientific minds” were brought on board in the persons of Ernest Dewey and his assistant Dr. Erasmus P. Quattlebaum. Earnest D. and the Dr. informed Inman that Sam was a “Foopengerkle,” one of a species thought to be the “extinctest” creatures ever to inhabit the Kansas Plains. This must be where he became Sam rather than Samantha, because Ernest D. and Dr. Q. maintained that no female “Foopengerkles” ever existed. Their final report urged caution, since Sam did not seem to realize he was extinct. Sam soon disappeared from sight, never to be seen or at least acknowledged publicly again.Perhaps Sam still comes out at night to prowl the waters of the Big Sinkhole, frolicking and doing whatever else it is Foopengerkles do. Tromping through the wetlands thereI’ve heard strange sounds I always figured were muskrats or beavers rummaging around through the cattails, but maybe it was really Sammy out for a stretch and a snack! Each time I’m there and I get that feeling that someone or something is watching me, I peer optimistically over my shoulder, hoping to catch a glimpse of the big lug. But now with the wetlands and the sinkholes nearly dry again, ole’ Sam has probably for sure retired to his cavern until he has water enough to swim once more.Millions of dollars have been spent attempting to prove or disprove the existence of Bigfoot and The Loch Ness Monster, and as far as I know, all such attempts have failed at both. Sink Hole Sam put Inman on the map and in the news those many years ago, and no one has yet disproven his existence to me. Like I said, everyone likes a good legend; after all this is America, and stranger things have happened! …Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: The Legend of Sink Hole Sam

A changing climate looks poised to increase wildfire conditions significantly. That would compound other growing risks, such as the aggressive spread of eastern red cedars.

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/celia-llopis-jepsen">Celia Llopis-Jepsen</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Kansas News Service</a>

A changing climate may bring many more days per year of extreme wildfire risk to Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

The findings from&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003823" target="_blank">a new study</a>&nbsp;also suggest people in those states should brace for more of these days at seemingly unlikely times of the year.

“Even in the winter,” said Guo Yu, an assistant research professor at the Desert Research Institute who studies precipitation and climate change. “In the future, when we have a drier and warmer winter, there’s a high probability wildfire could occur.”

Yu and his colleagues looked at the four most common North American indices that firefighting agencies use to stay alert about wildfire-prone weather.

Think of these as more advanced versions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nwcg.gov/fpetdl/fire-danger-levels-with-smokey-bear" target="_blank">Smokey Bear fire danger levels</a>&nbsp;that parks sometimes display, he said.

The indices pull together conditions such as wind speed and humidity relative to temperature.

Researchers combined them with climate change models to project wildfire risks into the future.

This analysis suggests that by the last decade of this century, the region that includes Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas will see 30 more days per year of extreme risk for wildfire, Yu said. Today, this region typically experiences about six of these days annually.

The extra days of extreme risk will be scattered throughout the year, including more instances of these conditions in the wintertime.

Kansas dealt with just that in 2021, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-12-22/kansas-ranchers-face-a-long-road-to-recovery-after-devastating-wildfires" target="_blank">the Four-County Fire</a>&nbsp;struck the Smoky Hills just two weeks before Christmas.

An&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3b83accf-a254-45ea-a2fb-10f31bf5587c" target="_blank">extreme windstorm</a>&nbsp;with gusts up to 100 mph carried flames across more than 120,000 acres of Russell, Ellis, Osborne and Rooks counties. Scattered blazes burned thousands of acres elsewhere, with 54 wildfires starting in 34 counties on a single day.

The expected increase in wildfire-prone weather conditions highlights the importance of taking preventive measures in a region that has begun to see more destructive blazes than in decades past.

And it raises questions about how to support the already stretched firefighting agencies that protect rural areas. About 80 percent of the state’s fire departments consist entirely of&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/about-kda/wildfire-task-force" target="_blank">volunteers</a>.

When fires are small and easily contained, firefighters can get the job done quickly. But increasingly, volunteers find themselves called upon to tackle blazes that last many hours and days.

“They have jobs, they have families,” state forester Jason Hartman said earlier this fall. “They aren’t available for those longer-term (firefights) as easily as they are for the shorter-term grass fires — true grass fires — we used to have in this state.”

The landscape of Kansas and neighboring states is moving from&nbsp;<a href="https://centerforresilience.unl.edu/Woody-Plant-Encroachment" target="_blank">grassland to shrub and juniper woodland</a>, a transformation caused by humans.

Native juniper trees — commonly called&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/eastern-redcedar-science-literacy-project/invasion" target="_blank">eastern red cedars</a>&nbsp;— are spreading aggressively and greatly intensifying wildfires.

“They look like a Roman candle going off,” Hutchinson fire Capt. Troy Mueller said while training firefighters near Scott City last April. “A 30-foot, 40-foot tall cedar tree … will have 50-, 60-foot flame lengths above the top of the tree and can throw an ember out into the grass a quarter mile (away) and start another fire.”

<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/about-kda/wildfire-task-force" target="_blank">A recent report</a>&nbsp;issued by a new task force on wildfire in Kansas calls for helping communities and landowners beat back these trees.

It also calls for clear regulation of certain kinds of poorly maintained, rural power lines that are suspected of starting some wildfires.

The new study led by Yu shows that climate change will likely make risky situations such as juniper expansion and sagging power lines even riskier. The study appeared in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003823" target="_blank">Earth’s Future</a>.

Major fires increasing on the Great Plains

Large wildfires have become more common on the Great Plains in recent decades, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2017GL072901" target="_blank">concluded in 2017</a>.

Some of the biggest recorded blazes in Kansas happened in the past decade:

The biggest — the March 2017 Starbuck fire — and other fires that ignited at about the same time burned more than 2 million acres across Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Eastern red cedars played a significant role in intensifying the 2016 and 2017 fires, the state’s wildfire task force said.

“Over the last 20-plus years,” the panel wrote, “the Kansas landscape has evolved in a manner that creates greater risks for wildfires that are almost impossible to contain during dry and windy conditions.”

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has created a&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/eastern-redcedar-science-literacy-project" target="_blank">public education campaign</a>&nbsp;to help residents of the Great Plains understand why junipers are spreading, and the reasons for concern. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has launched the Great Plains Grassland Initiative to help&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/kansas/ks-great-plains-grassland-initiative" target="_blank">ranchers in Kansas</a>, Nebraska and Oklahoma combat the trees.

Many ranchers, especially in the Flint Hills, use controlled fires to fight the junipers that otherwise eat up their rangeland.

But some landowners don’t have the means to combat the trees, even if they want to.

And plenty of people outside the ranching industry enjoy the trees and allow them to spread, creating tension at times among neighbors.

Often homeowners like the privacy these dense evergreens create, so they aren’t necessarily bothered by the increase in juniper woods hugging their suburban neighborhoods and semirural ranchettes.

But in March 2022, wildfire struck juniper-packed suburbs in Reno County. More than 6,000 acres burned. One person died and more than 100 buildings, including 36 homes, were destroyed.

The wildfire task force says all those eastern red cedars made it hard to stop the flames.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly created the task force in 2022. Its November report encourages state and federal agencies to control problem species on their property — along highways, for example. And it calls for helping private landowners do the same.

The task force recommends more resources, equipment and training for firefighters and local burn associations that carry out controlled blazes called prescribed fire.

The Kansas Forest Service should get more state funding to that end, it says, and to help the agency coordinate community wildfire protection plans.

Federal grants can help communities and landowners take prevention measures, but these often require matching funds to qualify. The report suggests the state government could help out.

It also says documenting the causes of all wildfires — “no matter how small or large” — could help guide prevention measures. Many Kansas wildfires go uninvestigated.

In particular, the task force found a common suspicion that some wildfires are started by poorly maintained, rural power lines that carry electricity to facilities such as oil fields and that are not owned by utilities.

It recommends putting the Kansas Corporation Commission, which oversees the energy industry in Kansas, in charge of regulating the situation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704488532134.png" alt="Mark Penner, of the Kansas Forest Service, helps carry out a controlled fire on property owned by the University of Kansas in November. Prescribed burns help keep habitat healthy and make wildfires less dangerous.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Mark Penner, of the Kansas Forest Service, helps carry out a controlled fire on property owned by the University of Kansas in November. Prescribed burns help keep habitat healthy and make wildfires less dangerous.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A changing climate looks poised to increase wildfire conditions significantly. That would compound other growing risks, such as the aggressive spread of eastern red cedars.</h2>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/celia-llopis-jepsen">Celia Llopis-Jepsen</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Kansas News Service</a>A changing climate may bring many more days per year of extreme wildfire risk to Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.The findings from&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003823" target="_blank">a new study</a>&nbsp;also suggest people in those states should brace for more of these days at seemingly unlikely times of the year.“Even in the winter,” said Guo Yu, an assistant research professor at the Desert Research Institute who studies precipitation and climate change. “In the future, when we have a drier and warmer winter, there’s a high probability wildfire could occur.”Yu and his colleagues looked at the four most common North American indices that firefighting agencies use to stay alert about wildfire-prone weather.Think of these as more advanced versions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nwcg.gov/fpetdl/fire-danger-levels-with-smokey-bear" target="_blank">Smokey Bear fire danger levels</a>&nbsp;that parks sometimes display, he said.The indices pull together conditions such as wind speed and humidity relative to temperature.Researchers combined them with climate change models to project wildfire risks into the future.This analysis suggests that by the last decade of this century, the region that includes Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas will see 30 more days per year of extreme risk for wildfire, Yu said. Today, this region typically experiences about six of these days annually.The extra days of extreme risk will be scattered throughout the year, including more instances of these conditions in the wintertime.Kansas dealt with just that in 2021, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-12-22/kansas-ranchers-face-a-long-road-to-recovery-after-devastating-wildfires" target="_blank">the Four-County Fire</a>&nbsp;struck the Smoky Hills just two weeks before Christmas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704488698235.png" alt="An excavator lowers dead cattle into a burial pit in the Smoky Hills in 2021 after the Four-County Fire swept through this ranching region, including Ellis County, too fast to protect livestock.&nbsp;David Condos/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>An excavator lowers dead cattle into a burial pit in the Smoky Hills in 2021 after the Four-County Fire swept through this ranching region, including Ellis County, too fast to protect livestock.&nbsp;David Condos/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>An&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3b83accf-a254-45ea-a2fb-10f31bf5587c" target="_blank">extreme windstorm</a>&nbsp;with gusts up to 100 mph carried flames across more than 120,000 acres of Russell, Ellis, Osborne and Rooks counties. Scattered blazes burned thousands of acres elsewhere, with 54 wildfires starting in 34 counties on a single day.<h2>Fire agencies are stretched thin</h2>The expected increase in wildfire-prone weather conditions highlights the importance of taking preventive measures in a region that has begun to see more destructive blazes than in decades past.And it raises questions about how to support the already stretched firefighting agencies that protect rural areas. About 80 percent of the state’s fire departments consist entirely of&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/about-kda/wildfire-task-force" target="_blank">volunteers</a>.When fires are small and easily contained, firefighters can get the job done quickly. But increasingly, volunteers find themselves called upon to tackle blazes that last many hours and days.“They have jobs, they have families,” state forester Jason Hartman said earlier this fall. “They aren’t available for those longer-term (firefights) as easily as they are for the shorter-term grass fires — true grass fires — we used to have in this state.”The landscape of Kansas and neighboring states is moving from&nbsp;<a href="https://centerforresilience.unl.edu/Woody-Plant-Encroachment" target="_blank">grassland to shrub and juniper woodland</a>, a transformation caused by humans.Native juniper trees — commonly called&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/eastern-redcedar-science-literacy-project/invasion" target="_blank">eastern red cedars</a>&nbsp;— are spreading aggressively and greatly intensifying wildfires.“They look like a Roman candle going off,” Hutchinson fire Capt. Troy Mueller said while training firefighters near Scott City last April. “A 30-foot, 40-foot tall cedar tree … will have 50-, 60-foot flame lengths above the top of the tree and can throw an ember out into the grass a quarter mile (away) and start another fire.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704488897217.png" alt="As birds carry seeds away from a grove of eastern red cedars, saplings pop up across this Flint Hills grassland in Morris County. Areas that aren’t burned regularly convert into juniper woodland.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Armbrust/Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>As birds carry seeds away from a grove of eastern red cedars, saplings pop up across this Flint Hills grassland in Morris County. Areas that aren’t burned regularly convert into juniper woodland.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Armbrust/Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/about-kda/wildfire-task-force" target="_blank">A recent report</a>&nbsp;issued by a new task force on wildfire in Kansas calls for helping communities and landowners beat back these trees.It also calls for clear regulation of certain kinds of poorly maintained, rural power lines that are suspected of starting some wildfires.The new study led by Yu shows that climate change will likely make risky situations such as juniper expansion and sagging power lines even riskier. The study appeared in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003823" target="_blank">Earth’s Future</a>.<h2>Major fires increasing on the Great Plains</h2>Large wildfires have become more common on the Great Plains in recent decades, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2017GL072901" target="_blank">concluded in 2017</a>.Some of the biggest recorded blazes in Kansas happened in the past decade:<ul>
 <li>March 2016: Anderson Creek Fire (280,000 acres).</li><li>March 2017: Starbuck Fire (460,000 acres).</li><li>December 2021: Four-County Fire (120,000 acres).</li>
 </ul>The biggest — the March 2017 Starbuck fire — and other fires that ignited at about the same time burned more than 2 million acres across Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Eastern red cedars played a significant role in intensifying the 2016 and 2017 fires, the state’s wildfire task force said.“Over the last 20-plus years,” the panel wrote, “the Kansas landscape has evolved in a manner that creates greater risks for wildfires that are almost impossible to contain during dry and windy conditions.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704488988003.jpeg" alt="The evergreens spreading into these deciduous woods in Riley County are eastern red cedars. In dry, windy weather, these junipers make the woods more prone to fast-moving, hard-to-stop crown fires.&nbsp;Ryan Armbrust/Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>The evergreens spreading into these deciduous woods in Riley County are eastern red cedars. In dry, windy weather, these junipers make the woods more prone to fast-moving, hard-to-stop crown fires.&nbsp;Ryan Armbrust/Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has created a&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/eastern-redcedar-science-literacy-project" target="_blank">public education campaign</a>&nbsp;to help residents of the Great Plains understand why junipers are spreading, and the reasons for concern. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has launched the Great Plains Grassland Initiative to help&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/kansas/ks-great-plains-grassland-initiative" target="_blank">ranchers in Kansas</a>, Nebraska and Oklahoma combat the trees.<h2>What can Kansas and its residents do?</h2>Many ranchers, especially in the Flint Hills, use controlled fires to fight the junipers that otherwise eat up their rangeland.But some landowners don’t have the means to combat the trees, even if they want to.And plenty of people outside the ranching industry enjoy the trees and allow them to spread, creating tension at times among neighbors.Often homeowners like the privacy these dense evergreens create, so they aren’t necessarily bothered by the increase in juniper woods hugging their suburban neighborhoods and semirural ranchettes.But in March 2022, wildfire struck juniper-packed suburbs in Reno County. More than 6,000 acres burned. One person died and more than 100 buildings, including 36 homes, were destroyed.The wildfire task force says all those eastern red cedars made it hard to stop the flames.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly created the task force in 2022. Its November report encourages state and federal agencies to control problem species on their property — along highways, for example. And it calls for helping private landowners do the same.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704489093722.png" alt="Homes on the outskirts of Manhattan overlook a gully of eastern red cedars and prairie.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Homes on the outskirts of Manhattan overlook a gully of eastern red cedars and prairie.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The task force recommends more resources, equipment and training for firefighters and local burn associations that carry out controlled blazes called prescribed fire.The Kansas Forest Service should get more state funding to that end, it says, and to help the agency coordinate community wildfire protection plans.Federal grants can help communities and landowners take prevention measures, but these often require matching funds to qualify. The report suggests the state government could help out.It also says documenting the causes of all wildfires — “no matter how small or large” — could help guide prevention measures. Many Kansas wildfires go uninvestigated.In particular, the task force found a common suspicion that some wildfires are started by poorly maintained, rural power lines that carry electricity to facilities such as oil fields and that are not owned by utilities.It recommends putting the Kansas Corporation Commission, which oversees the energy industry in Kansas, in charge of regulating the situation.

Kansas may face 30 more days yearly of high wildfire risk as its climate changes

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS will cover Governor Laura Kelly’s 2024 State of the State Address live. This live coverage will air at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10 on Smoky Hills PBS.

During the annual State of the State speech, Governor Laura Kelly will address the Kansas Legislature and the public, outlining her administration's priorities.

“We are honored to bring this momentous event to our audience,” said Michael Quade, SHPBS director of broadcasting of Smoky Hills PBS. “This live coverage underscores our dedication to delivering vital information to our viewers across Kansas.”

Streaming access will also be available on our YouTube channel and Smoky Hills PBS’ Facebook page. Click here for streaming access and to set your notification so you don’t miss this important speech: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c87Jnm7WGLk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c87Jnm7WGLk</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704487203079.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedBUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS will cover Governor Laura Kelly’s 2024 State of the State Address live. This live coverage will air at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10 on Smoky Hills PBS.During the annual State of the State speech, Governor Laura Kelly will address the Kansas Legislature and the public, outlining her administration's priorities.“We are honored to bring this momentous event to our audience,” said Michael Quade, SHPBS director of broadcasting of Smoky Hills PBS. “This live coverage underscores our dedication to delivering vital information to our viewers across Kansas.”Streaming access will also be available on our YouTube channel and Smoky Hills PBS’ Facebook page. Click here for streaming access and to set your notification so you don’t miss this important speech: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c87Jnm7WGLk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c87Jnm7WGLk</a>

Smoky Hills PBS to provide live coverage of 2024 Kansas State of the State Address

By Michael A. Smith Insight Kansas

Here’s a New Year’s Resolution for the Kansas Legislature:&nbsp; no more wasting our time and money on election conspiracy theories.&nbsp; In September and October of 2023, Senator Mike Thompson and others hosted hearings featuring speakers peddling truly insane speculations.&nbsp; These included the contention–really–that Italy and the Vatican have infiltrated Kansas elections by manipulating military satellites.&nbsp; Other speakers were linked to QAnon, the deranged, violent, and deeply anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. Under questioning, these speakers admitted that they had no actual knowledge of how elections are conducted in Kansas.&nbsp; Many of the conspiracy theorists relied on the idea that Kansas election equipment is connected to the Internet, which is false and easily disproved.&nbsp;Slate&nbsp;dubbed this, “The Election Denialist Roadshow.” &nbsp; Some Republicans actually believe this nonsense, while others know better but play along for fear of getting primaried.

Satellites, “ballot harvesting,” and George Soros are not legitimate concerns, but there are a few things that would improve Kansas elections.&nbsp; A serious election security bill would begin by properly updating the registration rolls.&nbsp; While there is no evidence of ballots being cast in the name of dead people here, and it is extremely rare elsewhere in the U.S., good recordkeeping still calls for the rolls to be current.&nbsp; Voters rarely notify election authorities that they have moved or that a loved one has passed away.&nbsp; New death certificates along with change-of-address filings at the Post Office can be quite helpful here.&nbsp; A nonpartisan, multi-state system called ERIC shares this data across state lines. ERIC has also been targeted by conspiracy theorists, but this should not affect policymaking.

Additional challenges include signature matches, now the usual way to validate ballots.&nbsp; Many signatures are now taken on a digital pad rather than with a pen and paper, and many people make only a squiggly line on those rather than actually signing.&nbsp; In addition to setting standards for signatures, the bill should also require all digital voting machines to print a piece of paper for each ballot.&nbsp; These can be inspected by the voter before being cast in the ballot box, and also used for both machine and hand recounts, when necessary.&nbsp; Even more crucial are better pay and training for poll workers.&nbsp; In today’s toxic political environment, providing for the security of election workers is also vital–some have received death threats.

On the other hand, certain so-called “election security” measures are really just sleazy political tactics.&nbsp; First and foremost is voter “caging,” targeting certain voters (usually people of color living in urban areas) and sending them postcards that must be completed and returned or the voter is removed from the rolls.&nbsp; With most of us overwhelmed with junk mail, these often get tossed out by mistake.&nbsp; The tactic is a blatant attempt to target certain voters and remove them from the rolls.&nbsp; A good election security bill would include a strong, enforceable ban on caging.

A good bill would also ban the de-registration of any voter based on name duplicates alone.&nbsp; These do not target actual fraud but rather people who are likely to have similar names.&nbsp; African-American, Latinx, and Asian-American voters are more likely to have similar names than are white non-Hispanic voters, and the tactic is another blatant attempt to de-register targeted groups of people.

Kansas elections could indeed be better, but deranged conspiracy theories and legislative sideshows are not the answer.&nbsp; Actual election experts have a number of thoughtful ideas that would make a welcome alternative to the noise and the nonsense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Michael A. Smith Insight KansasHere’s a New Year’s Resolution for the Kansas Legislature:&nbsp; no more wasting our time and money on election conspiracy theories.&nbsp; In September and October of 2023, Senator Mike Thompson and others hosted hearings featuring speakers peddling truly insane speculations.&nbsp; These included the contention–really–that Italy and the Vatican have infiltrated Kansas elections by manipulating military satellites.&nbsp; Other speakers were linked to QAnon, the deranged, violent, and deeply anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. Under questioning, these speakers admitted that they had no actual knowledge of how elections are conducted in Kansas.&nbsp; Many of the conspiracy theorists relied on the idea that Kansas election equipment is connected to the Internet, which is false and easily disproved.&nbsp;Slate&nbsp;dubbed this, “The Election Denialist Roadshow.” &nbsp; Some Republicans actually believe this nonsense, while others know better but play along for fear of getting primaried.Satellites, “ballot harvesting,” and George Soros are not legitimate concerns, but there are a few things that would improve Kansas elections.&nbsp; A serious election security bill would begin by properly updating the registration rolls.&nbsp; While there is no evidence of ballots being cast in the name of dead people here, and it is extremely rare elsewhere in the U.S., good recordkeeping still calls for the rolls to be current.&nbsp; Voters rarely notify election authorities that they have moved or that a loved one has passed away.&nbsp; New death certificates along with change-of-address filings at the Post Office can be quite helpful here.&nbsp; A nonpartisan, multi-state system called ERIC shares this data across state lines. ERIC has also been targeted by conspiracy theorists, but this should not affect policymaking.Additional challenges include signature matches, now the usual way to validate ballots.&nbsp; Many signatures are now taken on a digital pad rather than with a pen and paper, and many people make only a squiggly line on those rather than actually signing.&nbsp; In addition to setting standards for signatures, the bill should also require all digital voting machines to print a piece of paper for each ballot.&nbsp; These can be inspected by the voter before being cast in the ballot box, and also used for both machine and hand recounts, when necessary.&nbsp; Even more crucial are better pay and training for poll workers.&nbsp; In today’s toxic political environment, providing for the security of election workers is also vital–some have received death threats.On the other hand, certain so-called “election security” measures are really just sleazy political tactics.&nbsp; First and foremost is voter “caging,” targeting certain voters (usually people of color living in urban areas) and sending them postcards that must be completed and returned or the voter is removed from the rolls.&nbsp; With most of us overwhelmed with junk mail, these often get tossed out by mistake.&nbsp; The tactic is a blatant attempt to target certain voters and remove them from the rolls.&nbsp; A good election security bill would include a strong, enforceable ban on caging.A good bill would also ban the de-registration of any voter based on name duplicates alone.&nbsp; These do not target actual fraud but rather people who are likely to have similar names.&nbsp; African-American, Latinx, and Asian-American voters are more likely to have similar names than are white non-Hispanic voters, and the tactic is another blatant attempt to de-register targeted groups of people.Kansas elections could indeed be better, but deranged conspiracy theories and legislative sideshows are not the answer.&nbsp; Actual election experts have a number of thoughtful ideas that would make a welcome alternative to the noise and the nonsense.

INSIGHT KANSAS: How to Get Election Security Right

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704496402805.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>

🎥 City to decide which type vehicles, trailers prohibited from parking on Hays residential streets 

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be acquiring some much-needed fire and safety equipment thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. DSNWK announced it has received a grant award of $100,000, which will go toward enhancing fire safety measures in four DSNWK locations.

With the grant funds, DSNWK will install essential fire safety equipment such as sprinkler systems, fire alarm panels, and dialers in locations in Hays, Hill City, Norton and Victoria. By investing in these measures, DSNWK will enhance the safety for both the people it serves, as well as its employees. These enhancements will also protect community assets, quicken emergency response, and include employee education and awareness.

“This project not only strengthens DSNWK resilience against fire-related disasters but also fosters a healthier and safer environment for the individuals we serve and the employees who provide care,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO. “By investing in comprehensive fire safety measures, DSNWK will experience a significant improvement in safety, infrastructure protection, emergency response capabilities, and overall quality of life.”

DSNWK is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit <a href="http://www.dsnwk.org">www.dsnwk.org</a> or <a href="http://dsnwk.giftlegacy.com">dsnwk.giftlegacy.com</a> to learn more about services and ways to support DSNWK’s work with individuals with developmental disabilities throughout northwest Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602261714960.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas will be acquiring some much-needed fire and safety equipment thanks to the generosity of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. DSNWK announced it has received a grant award of $100,000, which will go toward enhancing fire safety measures in four DSNWK locations.With the grant funds, DSNWK will install essential fire safety equipment such as sprinkler systems, fire alarm panels, and dialers in locations in Hays, Hill City, Norton and Victoria. By investing in these measures, DSNWK will enhance the safety for both the people it serves, as well as its employees. These enhancements will also protect community assets, quicken emergency response, and include employee education and awareness.“This project not only strengthens DSNWK resilience against fire-related disasters but also fosters a healthier and safer environment for the individuals we serve and the employees who provide care,” said Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president and CEO. “By investing in comprehensive fire safety measures, DSNWK will experience a significant improvement in safety, infrastructure protection, emergency response capabilities, and overall quality of life.”DSNWK is a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties. Visit <a href="http://www.dsnwk.org">www.dsnwk.org</a> or <a href="http://dsnwk.giftlegacy.com">dsnwk.giftlegacy.com</a> to learn more about services and ways to support DSNWK’s work with individuals with developmental disabilities throughout northwest Kansas.

DSNWK receives Dane G. Hansen Foundation grant

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 13, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

&nbsp;Atchison ‑&nbsp;7‑3 KA‑7132‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the north city limits of Atchison north to the Atchison/Doniphan county line, milling and overlay, 5.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $825,457.93.

Doniphan ‑&nbsp;7‑22 KA‑7119‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the Atchison/Doniphan county line north to the Kansas/Nebraska state line, milling and overlay, 28.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $4,827,271.23.

Lyon ‑&nbsp;35‑56 KA‑5714‑01 ‑ Bridge #010 over Lincoln Street, located 1.78 miles east of Graphic Arts Road in Emporia, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $4,320,297.65.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;4‑89 KA‑7115‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the north edge wearing surface of S.E. 2nd Street bridge north to the south edge wearing surface of the Kansas River bridge, pavement patching, 1.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $893,485.00.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7213‑01 – U.S. 75, from 0.03 mile north of S.W. 49th Street north to the I‑470/U.S. 75 junction, pavement patching, 0.6 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $659,641.00.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7214‑01 – U.S. 75, from the north edge wearing surface of the Kansas River bridge north to the south edge wearing surface of the Soldier Creek bridge, and from the north edge wearing surface of the Soldier Creek bridge north to end of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), pavement patching, 5.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,076,763.90.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;435‑105 KA‑7194‑01 ‑ I‑435, from 0.5 mile north of Leavenworth Road north to end of south approach for bridges #235 and #240 over the Missouri River, milling and overlay, 4.0 miles, Ideker Incorporated, Saint Joseph, Missouri, $2,449,037.07.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;70‑106 KA‑7195‑01 ‑ I‑70; beginning 0.39 mile east of K‑30 east to the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line in Wabaunsee County, and beginning at the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line east to 0.32 mile west of Valencia Road in Shawnee County, milling, 8.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $4,929,314.35.

Cloud ‑&nbsp;81‑15 KA‑7130‑01 – U.S. 81, from 5.085 miles north of the Cloud/Ottawa county line north to 12.680 miles of the Cloud/Ottawa county line, recycle and overlay, 7.6 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,355,517.98.

Marion ‑&nbsp;15‑57 KA‑7082‑01 ‑ K‑15, from east U.S. 56/K‑15 junction north to the Marion/Dickinson county line, milling and overlay, 17.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,733,007.70.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7069‑01 ‑ K‑4; from the south city limits of Gypsum east to the Saline/Dickinson county line in Saline county, and from the Saline/Dickinson county line east to the north city limits of Hope in Dickinson county, milling and overlay, 21.2 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,306,212.55.

SubmittedThe Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 13, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — Northeast&nbsp;Atchison ‑&nbsp;7‑3 KA‑7132‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the north city limits of Atchison north to the Atchison/Doniphan county line, milling and overlay, 5.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $825,457.93.Doniphan ‑&nbsp;7‑22 KA‑7119‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the Atchison/Doniphan county line north to the Kansas/Nebraska state line, milling and overlay, 28.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $4,827,271.23.Lyon ‑&nbsp;35‑56 KA‑5714‑01 ‑ Bridge #010 over Lincoln Street, located 1.78 miles east of Graphic Arts Road in Emporia, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $4,320,297.65.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;4‑89 KA‑7115‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the north edge wearing surface of S.E. 2nd Street bridge north to the south edge wearing surface of the Kansas River bridge, pavement patching, 1.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $893,485.00.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7213‑01 – U.S. 75, from 0.03 mile north of S.W. 49th Street north to the I‑470/U.S. 75 junction, pavement patching, 0.6 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $659,641.00.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7214‑01 – U.S. 75, from the north edge wearing surface of the Kansas River bridge north to the south edge wearing surface of the Soldier Creek bridge, and from the north edge wearing surface of the Soldier Creek bridge north to end of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), pavement patching, 5.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,076,763.90.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;435‑105 KA‑7194‑01 ‑ I‑435, from 0.5 mile north of Leavenworth Road north to end of south approach for bridges #235 and #240 over the Missouri River, milling and overlay, 4.0 miles, Ideker Incorporated, Saint Joseph, Missouri, $2,449,037.07.Statewide ‑&nbsp;70‑106 KA‑7195‑01 ‑ I‑70; beginning 0.39 mile east of K‑30 east to the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line in Wabaunsee County, and beginning at the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line east to 0.32 mile west of Valencia Road in Shawnee County, milling, 8.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $4,929,314.35.District Two — North CentralCloud ‑&nbsp;81‑15 KA‑7130‑01 – U.S. 81, from 5.085 miles north of the Cloud/Ottawa county line north to 12.680 miles of the Cloud/Ottawa county line, recycle and overlay, 7.6 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,355,517.98.Marion ‑&nbsp;15‑57 KA‑7082‑01 ‑ K‑15, from east U.S. 56/K‑15 junction north to the Marion/Dickinson county line, milling and overlay, 17.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,733,007.70.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7069‑01 ‑ K‑4; from the south city limits of Gypsum east to the Saline/Dickinson county line in Saline county, and from the Saline/Dickinson county line east to the north city limits of Hope in Dickinson county, milling and overlay, 21.2 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,306,212.55.District Three — NorthwestGove ‑&nbsp;23‑32 KA‑6950‑01 ‑ K‑23, bridge #030 over I‑70 located at the I‑70 /K‑23 junction, bridge repair, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $211,891.89.Russell ‑&nbsp;18‑84 KA‑5737‑01 ‑ K‑18, bridge #056 over the Wolf Creek Drainage located 0.90 mile east of the K‑232 junction, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,654,435.83.Trego ‑&nbsp;70‑98 KA‑6951‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #016 over 310th Avenue located 5.11 miles east of the I‑70/U.S. 40Buisness junction, and bridge #028 over Spring Creek located 4.36 miles east of the I‑70/K‑147 junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $707,007.49.Wallace ‑&nbsp;27‑100 KA‑7073‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the U.S 40/K‑27 junction north to the Wallace/Sherman county line, milling and overlay, 16.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,061,287.20.Wallace ‑&nbsp;27‑100 KA‑7074‑01 ‑ K‑27, from 1.05 miles south of the south city limits of Sharron Springs north to the west U.S. 40/K‑27 junction, milling and overlay, 2.1 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $632,052.84.District Four — SoutheastChautauqua ‑&nbsp;99‑10 KA‑5411‑03 ‑ K‑99, located 3.28 miles north of the K‑99/U.S. 166B junction, grading and culvert, 0.1 mile, Bruce Davis Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $815,683.74.Cherokee ‑&nbsp;400‑11 KA‑7135‑01 – U.S. 400, from the Labette/Cherokee county line east to the U.S. 400/K‑7 junction, milling and overlay, 13.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,052,235.84.Coffey ‑&nbsp;16 C‑5122‑01 ‑ RS 2066, from Fauna Road to U.S. 75, grading and surfacing, 7.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,175,168.49.Crawford ‑&nbsp;126‑19 KA‑7122‑01 ‑ K‑126, from the U.S. 400/K‑126 junction north to the K‑7/K‑126 junction, and from the east city limits of Pittsburg east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, milling and overlay, 17.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,121,057.46.Greenwood ‑&nbsp;54‑37 KA‑5718‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, bridge #008 over Homer Creek located 4.17 miles east of the east K‑99/U.S. 54 junction, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $3,786,610.05.Labette ‑&nbsp;101‑50 KA‑7152‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Montgomery/Labette county line east to the west U.S. 160/U.S. 59 junction; K‑101, from the U.S. 166/K‑101 junction north to the U.S. 160/K‑101 junction, milling and overlay, 24.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,644,677.40.Labette ‑&nbsp;400‑50 KA‑7136‑01 – U.S. 400, from the York Road/U.S. 400 junction east to the Labette/Cherokee county line, milling and overlay, 0.8 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $162,999.70.Linn ‑&nbsp;69‑54 KA‑7156‑01 – U.S. 69, from 0.1 mile south of sugar creek bridge north to the Linn/Miami county line, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 6.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,871,550.28.Montgomery ‑&nbsp;160‑63 KA‑7075‑01 – U.S. 160, from the U.S. 169/U.S. 160 south junction east to the Montgomery/Labette county line, milling and overlay, 4.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $598,657.33.Statewide ‑&nbsp;33‑106 KA‑7112‑01 ‑ K‑33, from the Franklin/Douglas county line north to the U.S. 56/K‑33 junction in Douglas County, and from the K‑68/K‑33 junction north to Shawnee Road and then from 0.06 mile north of 6th Street north to the Franklin/Douglas county line in Franklin county, milling and overlay, 8.8 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,323,524.96.District Five — South CentralBarton ‑&nbsp;96‑5 KA‑7183‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Rush/Barton county line to the west city limits of Great Bend, milling and overlay, 13.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,414,837.00.Cowley ‑&nbsp;160‑18 KA‑7137‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Sumner/Cowley county line east to the west city limits of Winfield, milling and overlay, 7.6 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $1,566,583.70.Edwards ‑&nbsp;50‑24 KA‑7159‑01 – U.S. 50, from the west city limits of Kinsley east to the Edwards/Stafford county line, milling and overlay, 22.8 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $5,099,481.63.Kingman ‑&nbsp;54‑48 KA‑6952‑01 – U.S. 54, bridge #094 over the South Fork Ninnescah River located 11.47 miles east of the Pratt County line, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $76,436.09.Reno ‑&nbsp;14‑78 KA‑7128‑01 ‑ K‑14, from the U.S 50/K‑14 west junction to 3.9 miles east of the east city limits of Nickerson, pavement patching, 7.7 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $3,559,085.14.Rush ‑&nbsp;96‑83 KA‑7108‑01 ‑ K‑96, from 0.13 mile east of the U.S. 183/K‑96 junction east to the Rush/Barton county line, milling and overlay, 14.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,608,731.50.Stafford ‑&nbsp;50‑93 KA‑7037‑01 – U.S. 50, from the Edwards/Stafford county line east to the U.S. 281/U.S. 50 junction, milling and overlay, 15.0 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $4,850,016.86.Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑7138‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Sumner/Harper county line east to the west city limits of Wellington, milling and overlay, 21.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $4,490,212.13.Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑7247‑01 – U.S. 160, from the east edge wearing surface of the Arkansas River bridge east to the Sumner/Cowley county line, milling and overlay, 0.7 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $168,423.12.District Six — SouthwestClark ‑&nbsp;160‑13 KA‑7095‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Clark/Meade county line east to the U.S. 283/U.S. 160 north junction, milling and overlay, 5.0 miles, J &amp; R Sand Company Inc., Liberal, Kansas, $1,017,079.60.Finney ‑&nbsp;83‑28 KA‑7133‑01 – U.S. 83, from 0.46 mile north of the U.S. 50/U.S. 400 north junction north to the Finney/Scott county line, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 17.8 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,091,347.15Grant ‑&nbsp;160‑34 KA‑7077‑01 – U.S. 160, from the east city limits of Ulysses (Stubbs) east to the Grant/Haskell county line, recycle and overlay, 14.2 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,971,391.40.Haskell ‑&nbsp;160‑41 KA‑7012‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Grant/Haskell county line east to the U.S. 83/U.S. 160 junction, recycle and overlay, 12.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,412,533.85.Meade ‑&nbsp;160‑60 KA‑7096‑01 – U.S. 160 from the U.S. 54/U.S. 160 east junction east to the Clark/Meade county line, milling and overlay, 12.3 miles, J &amp; R Sand Company Inc., Liberal, Kansas, $2,329,394.10.Scott ‑&nbsp;96‑86 KA‑7076‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Wichita/Scott county line east to the west city limits of Scott City, milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,002,373.60.Scott ‑&nbsp;83‑86 KA‑7134‑01 – U.S. 83, from the Finney/Scott county line north to the south city limits of Scott City, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 14.3 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,458,732.65.Wichita ‑&nbsp;96‑102 KA‑7054‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the east city limits of Leoti east to the Wichita/Scott county line, overlay, 11.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $6,253,116.40.Wichita ‑&nbsp;96‑102 KA‑7121‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Greeley/Wichita county line east to the west city limits of Leoti, milling and overlay, 10.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,662,972.74.Wichita ‑&nbsp;167‑102 KA‑7052‑01 ‑ K‑167, from the K‑96/K‑167 junction north to the end of K‑167, milling and overlay, 0.5 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $128,974.50.

Local