Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: April 6-12, 2025

Photos by Tony Guerrero Hays Post

Dogs got a head start on Easter this year with a fun-filled egg hunt packed with treats just for them. The Hays Recreation Commission hosted the sixth annual Doggie Day Egg Hunt on Sunday for an afternoon of fun for local pet owners.

Photos by Tony Guerrero Hays PostDogs got a head start on Easter this year with a fun-filled egg hunt packed with treats just for them. The Hays Recreation Commission hosted the sixth annual Doggie Day Egg Hunt on Sunday for an afternoon of fun for local pet owners.<figure>
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Photo Gallery: 2025 Doggie Day Egg Hunt in Hays

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

From Arctic research to academic recognition, the 20th annual John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days honors the lasting legacy of a beloved Fort Hays State University professor.

The daylong public celebration of academic and creative work by students, faculty, and staff is set for April 24. An online showcase will run April 21–25.

Kaley Schnack, FHSU Grants Coordinator, said the event is also an effort to build familiarity within the community and spotlight the university's work.

"We continue to host this event to allow staff to be able to meet all our community members... contuning to really hone in on all of our research that we're doing at the university," she said.

Hosted by FHSU, the in-person event will feature poster presentations, author showcases, art exhibits and musical performances at various locations across campus.

Free parking, refreshments, games and open exhibits make the event welcoming and enjoyable for the public.

"We have people from all over coming to campus for a variety of events that day. It's an awesome way for everybody to see the hard work that's going into the academics and showing off the amazing and talented faculty, staff and students," Schnack said.

The John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days showcase academic and creative projects across various fields at FHSU, honoring a late academic mentor.

"Dr. Heinrichs was a well-loved and respected geoscience professor at Fort Hays State," FHSU Alumni Director Kim Cebula said. "It's a great way to honor him and all that he did at the university and for our students."

Heinrichs taught at FHSU from 1957 until his passing in 2014 and was widely recognized for his strong dedication to academic excellence and student achievement.

He was an internationally recognized Arctic researcher whose passion for scholarly and creative work made him a strong supporter of faculty and student research at FHSU. Cebula said his enthusiasm helped spark the launch of SACAD 20 years ago.

The times and locations for the celebration are as follows:

• Academic posters: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (presenters 1–3 p.m.), Memorial Union

• Community projects: 9–11:30 a.m., Memorial Union Ballroom

• Art displays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (some artists 3–4 p.m.), Schmidt Foundation Center for Art &amp; Design

• Applied tech projects: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (creators 9 a.m.–noon), Center for Applied Technology

• Meet the Authors: 1–3 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom

• Music performances: various times in Memorial Union Sunset Atrium; Spring Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m., Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center

"Show up on campus on the 24th, come to the union and you will definitely be able to see so much of the amazing work our students are doing," Cebula said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744294013626.png" alt="2024 FHSU John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days. Photo by FHSU&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>2024 FHSU John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days. Photo by FHSU&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: FHSU Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days set for April 24" 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=n8htj-1878809-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 TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFrom Arctic research to academic recognition, the 20th annual John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days honors the lasting legacy of a beloved Fort Hays State University professor.The daylong public celebration of academic and creative work by students, faculty, and staff is set for April 24. An online showcase will run April 21–25.Kaley Schnack, FHSU Grants Coordinator, said the event is also an effort to build familiarity within the community and spotlight the university's work."We continue to host this event to allow staff to be able to meet all our community members... contuning to really hone in on all of our research that we're doing at the university," she said.Hosted by FHSU, the in-person event will feature poster presentations, author showcases, art exhibits and musical performances at various locations across campus.Free parking, refreshments, games and open exhibits make the event welcoming and enjoyable for the public."We have people from all over coming to campus for a variety of events that day. It's an awesome way for everybody to see the hard work that's going into the academics and showing off the amazing and talented faculty, staff and students," Schnack said.The John Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days showcase academic and creative projects across various fields at FHSU, honoring a late academic mentor."Dr. Heinrichs was a well-loved and respected geoscience professor at Fort Hays State," FHSU Alumni Director Kim Cebula said. "It's a great way to honor him and all that he did at the university and for our students."Heinrichs taught at FHSU from 1957 until his passing in 2014 and was widely recognized for his strong dedication to academic excellence and student achievement.He was an internationally recognized Arctic researcher whose passion for scholarly and creative work made him a strong supporter of faculty and student research at FHSU. Cebula said his enthusiasm helped spark the launch of SACAD 20 years ago.The times and locations for the celebration are as follows:• Academic posters: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (presenters 1–3 p.m.), Memorial Union• Community projects: 9–11:30 a.m., Memorial Union Ballroom• Art displays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (some artists 3–4 p.m.), Schmidt Foundation Center for Art &amp; Design• Applied tech projects: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (creators 9 a.m.–noon), Center for Applied Technology• Meet the Authors: 1–3 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom• Music performances: various times in Memorial Union Sunset Atrium; Spring Jazz Concert at 7:30 p.m., Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center"Show up on campus on the 24th, come to the union and you will definitely be able to see so much of the amazing work our students are doing," Cebula said.

🎙FHSU Heinrichs Scholarly and Creative Activity Days set for April 24

Sixteen months from now Kansans will vote on a state constitutional amendment that will, if passed, institute popular elections for state supreme court justices. This possibility disturbs many Kansans, and it’s worth trying to understand why.

Today, Kansas has a mostly merit-based system for choosing supreme court justices; while the governor makes the appointment, they are required to choose from list of candidates prepared by a non-partisan committee of lawyers. It’s a fairly unique process, though some other states also take a similarly mixed approach to the filling of state judicial positions.

The idea of shifting to straightforward competitive elections for choosing justices is hardly unknown, however; 21 states have that system (which was also the selection process for judges that Thomas Jefferson preferred, for whatever that’s worth). So what is the fear?

Most say they’re concerned that judicial elections would result in huge amounts of money flowing into Kansas to influence voters one way or another, as was the case recently in Wisconsin, where over $100 million was spent in the last Supreme Court election. 

The focus here is on the profound inequality and potential corruption which comes along with such expensive political races. These elements of contemporary politics are especially inappropriate for the judicial system, or so the argument goes, since it needs to stand as a neutral, non-partisan arbiter of constitutional disputes.

The first part of that fear of indisputably true; while direct connections between large campaign donations and quid-pro-quo-type corruption are rare, the reality of money’s indirect influence on the choices which elected leaders make is all but impossible to deny. But that said, I don’t know if the second part of that concern matters as much as some believe.

Basically, I’m dubious that the judicial branches of our state governments (much like the federal judiciary) have ever been or could ever be the entirely “neutral, non-partisan arbiters” of the law that many want to believe them to be. 

It’s not as though Governor Kelly, when there was a vacancy of the Kansas Supreme Court, didn’t carefully investigate the suggested nominees, so as to avoid choosing someone ideologically committed to an agenda she opposed.

Which I think points to the real problem with adopting judicial elections in our current environment of essentially unregulated campaign money.

 Put frankly: who are the sorts of people who are going to want to serve in the highest levels of our state’s judicial system if doing so will require extensive commitments to raising money and campaigning? Obviously, it’s more likely to appeal to those who, like most politicians generally, desire to promote specific political and legal agendas. So the result of electing justices may not be a corrupting of the judiciary, but rather simply making more obvious the political biases that everyone involved already possesses.

Maintaining a constitutional place for unelected judges in a democratic republic is no easy feat. There needs to be a role for public input; leaving justices entirely unaccountable to those whom their decisions affect is, I think, a sure recipe for discontent. 

But on the other hand, inviting people entirely committed to their political agendas to put themselves forward as the judicial candidates we choose from could undermine the dispositions upon which the courts’ legitimacy depends. 

In Kansas, state judges are already subject to retention votes, though they are almost never removed for that reason. Perhaps taking more seriously that aspect of the judicial selection process—by, for example, imposing term limits—could make for a more balanced reform of the system, rather than replacing it entirely?

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Sixteen months from now Kansans will vote on a state constitutional amendment that will, if passed, institute popular elections for state supreme court justices. This possibility disturbs many Kansans, and it’s worth trying to understand why.Today, Kansas has a mostly merit-based system for choosing supreme court justices; while the governor makes the appointment, they are required to choose from list of candidates prepared by a non-partisan committee of lawyers. It’s a fairly unique process, though some other states also take a similarly mixed approach to the filling of state judicial positions.The idea of shifting to straightforward competitive elections for choosing justices is hardly unknown, however; 21 states have that system (which was also the selection process for judges that Thomas Jefferson preferred, for whatever that’s worth). So what is the fear?Most say they’re concerned that judicial elections would result in huge amounts of money flowing into Kansas to influence voters one way or another, as was the case recently in Wisconsin, where over $100 million was spent in the last Supreme Court election. The focus here is on the profound inequality and potential corruption which comes along with such expensive political races. These elements of contemporary politics are especially inappropriate for the judicial system, or so the argument goes, since it needs to stand as a neutral, non-partisan arbiter of constitutional disputes.The first part of that fear of indisputably true; while direct connections between large campaign donations and quid-pro-quo-type corruption are rare, the reality of money’s indirect influence on the choices which elected leaders make is all but impossible to deny. But that said, I don’t know if the second part of that concern matters as much as some believe.Basically, I’m dubious that the judicial branches of our state governments (much like the federal judiciary) have ever been or could ever be the entirely “neutral, non-partisan arbiters” of the law that many want to believe them to be. It’s not as though Governor Kelly, when there was a vacancy of the Kansas Supreme Court, didn’t carefully investigate the suggested nominees, so as to avoid choosing someone ideologically committed to an agenda she opposed.Which I think points to the real problem with adopting judicial elections in our current environment of essentially unregulated campaign money. Put frankly: who are the sorts of people who are going to want to serve in the highest levels of our state’s judicial system if doing so will require extensive commitments to raising money and campaigning? Obviously, it’s more likely to appeal to those who, like most politicians generally, desire to promote specific political and legal agendas. So the result of electing justices may not be a corrupting of the judiciary, but rather simply making more obvious the political biases that everyone involved already possesses.Maintaining a constitutional place for unelected judges in a democratic republic is no easy feat. There needs to be a role for public input; leaving justices entirely unaccountable to those whom their decisions affect is, I think, a sure recipe for discontent. But on the other hand, inviting people entirely committed to their political agendas to put themselves forward as the judicial candidates we choose from could undermine the dispositions upon which the courts’ legitimacy depends. In Kansas, state judges are already subject to retention votes, though they are almost never removed for that reason. Perhaps taking more seriously that aspect of the judicial selection process—by, for example, imposing term limits—could make for a more balanced reform of the system, rather than replacing it entirely?Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: What’s the real problem with electing justices?

The Ellis County landfill will be open on Friday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no dumping 15 minutes prior to close. 

 The landfill will be closed all day on Saturday, April 19 in observance of the Good Friday holiday. 

 All other hours of operation will remain the same during this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579287163220.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County&nbsp;The Ellis County landfill will be open on Friday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no dumping 15 minutes prior to close. The landfill will be closed all day on Saturday, April 19 in observance of the Good Friday holiday. All other hours of operation will remain the same during this week.

Ellis County landfill closed April 19 

<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/2025/4/1744400290532.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

The Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division is announcing that road construction will begin in the 2400 block of Catherine Road on Monday, April 14. 

This area will be closed to through traffic for the project's duration. The expected completion date will be Thursday, April 24, depending on weather conditions.

Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge division at 785-628-9455. 

We appreciate your cooperation during this project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743595551909.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis CountyThe Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge Division is announcing that road construction will begin in the 2400 block of Catherine Road on Monday, April 14. This area will be closed to through traffic for the project's duration. The expected completion date will be Thursday, April 24, depending on weather conditions.Please direct any questions to the Ellis County Public Works Road &amp; Bridge division at 785-628-9455. We appreciate your cooperation during this project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Section of Catherine Road closed temporarily for reconstruction

An outdoor library is something the FHSU Tiger Tots Pre-School staff had wanted for years. So, when Carol Solko-Olliff, member of Hays’ Noon Rotary Club and co-advisor for the FHSU Rotaract Club, offered to partner with Tiger Tots to bring an outdoor library to the Tiger Tots Pre-School play area, Director Sara Stroup said she “absolutely agreed.”

The Rotary Little Library project is a Rotary 5680 District-wide project to bring “little libraries” to communities within the Rotary District.

According to Solko-Olliff, FHSU’s on-campus childcare center was “the perfect site” for FHSU’s Rotaract Club’s Little Library. Rotaract, a new college-age service organization sponsored and advised by the Hays Sunrise Rotary Club and Noon Rotary Club, is committed to community service and giving back to the Hays and FHSU communities.

“Rotaract has also been actively securing hundreds of children’s books to keep it filled for the Tiger Tots children to have books available daily throughout the school year to take home with them and encourage and promote reading,” Solko-Olliff said.

At an outdoor library ribbon cutting in early April, Tiger Tots clapped and cheered when their new Little Library was unveiled.

“Thank you,” they shrieked in unison.

Around 20 people attended the ribbon-cutting, which was held on International Children’s Book Day. After its unveiling, Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education, took a moment to express his appreciation for the library.

“It is always good to have partnerships between the community and Fort Hays,” he said. “This is an investment in future Tigers and up-and-coming citizens of Hays. Thank you very much for your support.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744212311208.jpeg" alt="Tiger Tots preschoolers clap as their new outdoor library is revealed. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Tiger Tots preschoolers clap as their new outdoor library is revealed. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsAn outdoor library is something the FHSU Tiger Tots Pre-School staff had wanted for years. So, when Carol Solko-Olliff, member of Hays’ Noon Rotary Club and co-advisor for the FHSU Rotaract Club, offered to partner with Tiger Tots to bring an outdoor library to the Tiger Tots Pre-School play area, Director Sara Stroup said she “absolutely agreed.”The Rotary Little Library project is a Rotary 5680 District-wide project to bring “little libraries” to communities within the Rotary District.According to Solko-Olliff, FHSU’s on-campus childcare center was “the perfect site” for FHSU’s Rotaract Club’s Little Library. Rotaract, a new college-age service organization sponsored and advised by the Hays Sunrise Rotary Club and Noon Rotary Club, is committed to community service and giving back to the Hays and FHSU communities.“Rotaract has also been actively securing hundreds of children’s books to keep it filled for the Tiger Tots children to have books available daily throughout the school year to take home with them and encourage and promote reading,” Solko-Olliff said.At an outdoor library ribbon cutting in early April, Tiger Tots clapped and cheered when their new Little Library was unveiled.“Thank you,” they shrieked in unison.Around 20 people attended the ribbon-cutting, which was held on International Children’s Book Day. After its unveiling, Dr. Paul Adams, dean of the College of Education, took a moment to express his appreciation for the library.“It is always good to have partnerships between the community and Fort Hays,” he said. “This is an investment in future Tigers and up-and-coming citizens of Hays. Thank you very much for your support.”

A storybook collaboration: FHSU Rotaract, Rotary unveil Little Library for Tiger Tots

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a trusted local production of Smoky Hills PBS, is pleased to announce that the next episode will feature Russell Regional Hospital&nbsp;with Dr. Tyrel Somers.&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode will air on&nbsp;Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., and will focus on the topic of&nbsp;wound care.

As always, viewers are encouraged to participate by:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Calling in live questions during the show at 1-800-337-4788 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emailing questions ahead of time to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;

**Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.

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

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

Doctors on Call&nbsp;Season 20 is made possible in part by these sponsors:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://prospectivelyhealthy.com/">Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744209851390.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a trusted local production of Smoky Hills PBS, is pleased to announce that the next episode will feature Russell Regional Hospital&nbsp;with Dr. Tyrel Somers.&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode will air on&nbsp;Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., and will focus on the topic of&nbsp;wound care.As always, viewers are encouraged to participate by:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Calling in live questions during the show at 1-800-337-4788 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emailing questions ahead of time to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;**Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.How to Watch:The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Doctors on Call&nbsp;Season 20 is made possible in part by these sponsors:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://prospectivelyhealthy.com/">Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic</a>.

Russell doctor to talk wound care on 'Doctors on Call' on Tuesday

Last week it was Veto Session for the Legislature, as it was the last week of the 2025 regular session. During this week the House of Representatives and Senate voted to override bills vetoed by the Governor. Overall the House of Representatives overrode vetoes on 13 bills, detailed below is a sample of four bills from that list.

· First is House Bill (HB) 2240. This bill prohibits state agencies from seeking or implementing any public assistance program waiver, or other authorization, from the federal government that expands eligibility for public assistance programs or increases costs to the state. The bill also prohibits potential changes to services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities without express consent or approval from either the Legislature or the Legislative Coordinating Council.

· Second is HB 2217. This legislation expands the scope of the investigatory powers of the Inspector General within the Office of the Attorney General to all state cash, food, and health assistance programs. The bill also grants the Inspector General the power to subpoena, administer oaths, and execute search warrants. The bill would also add and amend several definitions and make technical, clarifying, and conforming amendments to state law.

· Third is Senate Bill (SB) 125, the state’s budget bill for fiscal years (FY) 2025 and 2026. The Governor made 40 line-item vetoes, and the Legislature overrode 15 of these.

First is the $3 million State General Fund (SGF) for the Pregnancy Compassion Awareness Program in FY 2026. Second is $1 million SGF for Purple UAS certification innovation grant in FY 2026, aimed at growing the drone manufacturing industry in Kansas. Third and last is the bonding authority for construction of a new State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, critical to agriculture in our state.

· Fourth is SB 29. This piece of legislation would make several changes to current law. First is that it would require the Secretary of Health and Environment to have probable cause, supported by evidence, before taking action to prevent the spread or introduction of infectious diseases. Second, parties aggrieved by said actions would be permitted to pursue civil action against the Secretary of Health and Environment, or any local health officer. Third, local health officers and joint boards would be limited to issuing recommendations against public gatherings to control the spread of disease. Fourth and last would be eliminating the ability for either the Secretary of Health and Environment, or local health officers, from ordering&nbsp;law enforcement assistance regarding those orders.

I voted in favor of overriding the Governor’s veto for each of these bills.

Even though it was Veto Session both chambers of the Legislature were still conferencing on bills. When the conference committees on said bills are finished, and significant changes to the bill are made, a conference committee report (CCR) is created, which is the final version of the bill before enrollment to the Governor. The topics of these CCRs ranged from changing tax policy to streamlining childcare regulations. Ten conference committee reports were voted on this week and detailed below is a sample of four.

First is the CCR for House Bill 2045. This legislation creates the Office of Early Childhood, which will serve as the sole office charged with regulating early childcare in Kansas and consolidates current efforts by several state agencies.

Second is the CCR for House Bill 2125. This bill reauthorizes the statewide school property mill levy, changes certification dates for property tax filings at the county level, extends state reimbursements for mailing and printing costs incurred by county clerks on tax notifications, and eliminates filing fees for repeat appeals, over different years, with the State Board of Tax Appeals.

Third is the CCR for House Bill 2335. This legislation creates a cap on several housing tax credits and enables transference of the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit, even retroactively back to tax year 2022.

Fourth and last is the CCR for House Bill 2007. This is the aforementioned reconciliation bill for the 2025 legislative session, which means that the bill extends authority to the Office of Revisors, the legal team that drafts laws for the legislature, to reconcile potential contradictions created by laws passed during the session.

Two weeks ago, my office had mailed constituents that the State Treasurer’s office had identified as possessing right to unclaimed property. Such property ranges from bank accounts to dividends, which had been forgotten and unclaimed. However, a significant number of letters mailed were returned to my office by the postal service due to the recipient no longer residing at the address. Due to this I am noting it here on the newsletter. To verify if you have unclaimed property and to initiate the claim process, please visit the unclaimed property website at: <a href="https://unclaimedproperty.ks.gov/">https://unclaimedproperty.ks.gov/</a>.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

Contact My Office Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW 10th&nbsp;Street Topeka,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741110863614.png" alt="State Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>April 13, 2025 TopekaGOVERNOR VETO OVERRIDESLast week it was Veto Session for the Legislature, as it was the last week of the 2025 regular session. During this week the House of Representatives and Senate voted to override bills vetoed by the Governor. Overall the House of Representatives overrode vetoes on 13 bills, detailed below is a sample of four bills from that list.· First is House Bill (HB) 2240. This bill prohibits state agencies from seeking or implementing any public assistance program waiver, or other authorization, from the federal government that expands eligibility for public assistance programs or increases costs to the state. The bill also prohibits potential changes to services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities without express consent or approval from either the Legislature or the Legislative Coordinating Council.· Second is HB 2217. This legislation expands the scope of the investigatory powers of the Inspector General within the Office of the Attorney General to all state cash, food, and health assistance programs. The bill also grants the Inspector General the power to subpoena, administer oaths, and execute search warrants. The bill would also add and amend several definitions and make technical, clarifying, and conforming amendments to state law.· Third is Senate Bill (SB) 125, the state’s budget bill for fiscal years (FY) 2025 and 2026. The Governor made 40 line-item vetoes, and the Legislature overrode 15 of these. I will highlight a few of them here. First is the $3 million State General Fund (SGF) for the Pregnancy Compassion Awareness Program in FY 2026. Second is $1 million SGF for Purple UAS certification innovation grant in FY 2026, aimed at growing the drone manufacturing industry in Kansas. Third and last is the bonding authority for construction of a new State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, critical to agriculture in our state.· Fourth is SB 29. This piece of legislation would make several changes to current law. First is that it would require the Secretary of Health and Environment to have probable cause, supported by evidence, before taking action to prevent the spread or introduction of infectious diseases. Second, parties aggrieved by said actions would be permitted to pursue civil action against the Secretary of Health and Environment, or any local health officer. Third, local health officers and joint boards would be limited to issuing recommendations against public gatherings to control the spread of disease. Fourth and last would be eliminating the ability for either the Secretary of Health and Environment, or local health officers, from ordering&nbsp;law enforcement assistance regarding those orders.I voted in favor of overriding the Governor’s veto for each of these bills.CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTSEven though it was Veto Session both chambers of the Legislature were still conferencing on bills. When the conference committees on said bills are finished, and significant changes to the bill are made, a conference committee report (CCR) is created, which is the final version of the bill before enrollment to the Governor. The topics of these CCRs ranged from changing tax policy to streamlining childcare regulations. Ten conference committee reports were voted on this week and detailed below is a sample of four.First is the CCR for House Bill 2045. This legislation creates the Office of Early Childhood, which will serve as the sole office charged with regulating early childcare in Kansas and consolidates current efforts by several state agencies. Second is the CCR for House Bill 2125. This bill reauthorizes the statewide school property mill levy, changes certification dates for property tax filings at the county level, extends state reimbursements for mailing and printing costs incurred by county clerks on tax notifications, and eliminates filing fees for repeat appeals, over different years, with the State Board of Tax Appeals.Third is the CCR for House Bill 2335. This legislation creates a cap on several housing tax credits and enables transference of the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit, even retroactively back to tax year 2022. Fourth and last is the CCR for House Bill 2007. This is the aforementioned reconciliation bill for the 2025 legislative session, which means that the bill extends authority to the Office of Revisors, the legal team that drafts laws for the legislature, to reconcile potential contradictions created by laws passed during the session.UNCLAIMED PROPERTYTwo weeks ago, my office had mailed constituents that the State Treasurer’s office had identified as possessing right to unclaimed property. Such property ranges from bank accounts to dividends, which had been forgotten and unclaimed. However, a significant number of letters mailed were returned to my office by the postal service due to the recipient no longer residing at the address. Due to this I am noting it here on the newsletter. To verify if you have unclaimed property and to initiate the claim process, please visit the unclaimed property website at: <a href="https://unclaimedproperty.ks.gov/">https://unclaimedproperty.ks.gov/</a>.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.Contact My Office Representative Troy L. Waymaster 300 SW 10th&nbsp;Street Topeka,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;66612 troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, April 13, 2025

By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas Outdoors

Well, it’s time again for both the largest and the smallest birds in Kansas to make their spring appearances. 

Turkey Vultures, being of course the largest, are here already. There are probably more yet to come as they make their way back from their winter digs in South America. 

Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, being the smallest, also winter in South America and are due back in Kansas around the middle of April; the earliest sighting last spring was on April 14 in Wichita. 

I have written about turkey vultures in Kansas numerous times over the years, and about their importance as God’s cleanup-crew; with digestive enzymes that can safely digest even the sourest and rankest roadkill, they provide a necessary service to our environment. They are also mesmerizing to watch as they soar and float on the Kansas winds. 

But today I want to concentrate more on the smallest birds among us, the hummingbirds.

At the annual McPherson Spring Garden Show a couple years back, Mike Daniels, owner of Brook’s Landscape LLC spoke about “Gardening for Friends,” and his main topic was hummingbirds and gardening to attract them. 

With wings that beat over 50 times per second, hummingbirds can make the trip across the Gulf of Mexico back to the US in 18 – 22 hours, resting on boats and oil derricks if necessary. It’s always been said that hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, but Daniels said that because of the way they see colors, any color using red in its spectrum will attract them, so orange, yellow and purple should all work as well.

We often design our entire back yards foliage to attract hummingbirds and hang nectar feeders to cater to their “sweet tooth,” and are sometimes rewarded with “close encounters” as the little blighters become comfortable with our presence. 

Hummingbirds were much more prevalent in Ohio where I grew up, and we often saw three or four at once at our feeders. One feeder hung in front of a back porch near our kitchen, and the little hummers learned to hover outside a nearby window to get our attention when the feeder was empty. Once after filling the feeder, I slipped quietly out onto the porch and one hungry little hummer actually drank from it as I stood there motionless, holding the feeder at arm’s length.

Hummingbirds also have a voracious appetite for insects and have actually been observed robbing trapped bugs from spider webs. They make nests from thistle down and dandelion leaves and weave it all together with spider silk from spider webs. The female usually sits on two jellybean-sized eggs and they can have two broods a year.

Daniels suggests trying to attract them with plants and using feeders as a backup. He says to keep the feeders clean and free from mold and dirt, and when mixing the nectar, boil the water and add sugar at the rate of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water to make a syrup that does not sour as quickly as thicker sugar water. 

Hang feeders in partial shade several feet apart to help keep the males from fighting and hang them where cats can’t get to them. We’ve all heard it said that keeping feeders out too late in the fall might encourage hummingbirds to stay later than they should and miss their fall migration. Daniels told us that is not a problem, as the little guys’ God-given instinct and the absence of insects will send them on their way south right on time. 

Hummingbirds love petunias and trumpet vine, and salvia, angelonia, morning glory, beard tongue, coral bells and bee balm are also very attractive to them; these plants will&nbsp;all attract butterflies as well.

 Stay away from insecticides and pesticides if possible and use herbicides sparingly.

Yes, it’s time for the greatest and the smallest in the Kansas skies to appear once again from their winter homes far to the south. 

Look to the sky as the air warms on spring mornings and you’re bound to spot vultures effortlessly soaring above as they ride the rising columns of warm air known as thermals. 

Get your hummingbird feeders cleaned and ready and spruce up your lawn with a few new plants, and prepare to be entertained by the buzzing sound of little wings and the chattering of jousting hummingbirds as they chase each other across your back yard. 

What&nbsp;a great time 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="Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Explore Kansas OutdoorsWell, it’s time again for both the largest and the smallest birds in Kansas to make their spring appearances. Turkey Vultures, being of course the largest, are here already. There are probably more yet to come as they make their way back from their winter digs in South America. Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, being the smallest, also winter in South America and are due back in Kansas around the middle of April; the earliest sighting last spring was on April 14 in Wichita. I have written about turkey vultures in Kansas numerous times over the years, and about their importance as God’s cleanup-crew; with digestive enzymes that can safely digest even the sourest and rankest roadkill, they provide a necessary service to our environment. They are also mesmerizing to watch as they soar and float on the Kansas winds. But today I want to concentrate more on the smallest birds among us, the hummingbirds.At the annual McPherson Spring Garden Show a couple years back, Mike Daniels, owner of Brook’s Landscape LLC spoke about “Gardening for Friends,” and his main topic was hummingbirds and gardening to attract them. With wings that beat over 50 times per second, hummingbirds can make the trip across the Gulf of Mexico back to the US in 18 – 22 hours, resting on boats and oil derricks if necessary. It’s always been said that hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, but Daniels said that because of the way they see colors, any color using red in its spectrum will attract them, so orange, yellow and purple should all work as well.We often design our entire back yards foliage to attract hummingbirds and hang nectar feeders to cater to their “sweet tooth,” and are sometimes rewarded with “close encounters” as the little blighters become comfortable with our presence. Hummingbirds were much more prevalent in Ohio where I grew up, and we often saw three or four at once at our feeders. One feeder hung in front of a back porch near our kitchen, and the little hummers learned to hover outside a nearby window to get our attention when the feeder was empty. Once after filling the feeder, I slipped quietly out onto the porch and one hungry little hummer actually drank from it as I stood there motionless, holding the feeder at arm’s length.Hummingbirds also have a voracious appetite for insects and have actually been observed robbing trapped bugs from spider webs. They make nests from thistle down and dandelion leaves and weave it all together with spider silk from spider webs. The female usually sits on two jellybean-sized eggs and they can have two broods a year.Daniels suggests trying to attract them with plants and using feeders as a backup. He says to keep the feeders clean and free from mold and dirt, and when mixing the nectar, boil the water and add sugar at the rate of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water to make a syrup that does not sour as quickly as thicker sugar water. Hang feeders in partial shade several feet apart to help keep the males from fighting and hang them where cats can’t get to them. We’ve all heard it said that keeping feeders out too late in the fall might encourage hummingbirds to stay later than they should and miss their fall migration. Daniels told us that is not a problem, as the little guys’ God-given instinct and the absence of insects will send them on their way south right on time. Hummingbirds love petunias and trumpet vine, and salvia, angelonia, morning glory, beard tongue, coral bells and bee balm are also very attractive to them; these plants will&nbsp;all attract butterflies as well. Stay away from insecticides and pesticides if possible and use herbicides sparingly.Yes, it’s time for the greatest and the smallest in the Kansas skies to appear once again from their winter homes far to the south. Look to the sky as the air warms on spring mornings and you’re bound to spot vultures effortlessly soaring above as they ride the rising columns of warm air known as thermals. Get your hummingbird feeders cleaned and ready and spruce up your lawn with a few new plants, and prepare to be entertained by the buzzing sound of little wings and the chattering of jousting hummingbirds as they chase each other across your back yard. What&nbsp;a great time to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Explore Kansas Outdoors: The greatest and the smallest in the Kansas sky

Photos by Tony Guerrero Hays Post

The Hays Recreation Commission hosted a Wizard of Oz-themed event Saturday for a record-breaking dads and daughters dance.&nbsp; According to Gail Wickham,&nbsp;youth and senior program director, The Emerald Ball saw up to 80 couples, its largest turnout yet.

Photos by Tony Guerrero Hays PostThe Hays Recreation Commission hosted a Wizard of Oz-themed event Saturday for a record-breaking dads and daughters dance.&nbsp; According to Gail Wickham,&nbsp;youth and senior program director, The Emerald Ball saw up to 80 couples, its largest turnout yet.<figure>
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Photo Gallery: The Emerald Ball father-daughter dance 2025

DOWNS — The 31st annual Kansas Storytelling Festival is only a few weeks away. The Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, 2025 in Downs. 

As the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas,” the small northcentral town of Downs welcomes you to a weekend of stories and unforgettable hospitality.

This celebration of the art of storytelling promises to be an event filled with laughter, wonder, and the timeless magic of storytelling. Nationally-known festival favorites are invited, along with new voices for stories from all genres for all ages. 

Headlining storytellers are Ed Stivender, Pipppa White, Michael D. McCarty, Priscilla Howe, and Paul Strickland.

Ed Stivender was inducted into the National Storytelling Association’s Circle of Excellence in 1996. After giving up his Connecticut school teaching job, Ed has told his mostly humorous stories around the globe and has been a featured storyteller at national and international festivals.

Pippa White calls her One’s Company Productions “part theatre, part storytelling, part history.” She has performed at universities and colleges, conferences, performing arts centers, museums, libraries, and festivals in over 30 states. Audiences call them unique, captivating, and touching. One audience member said, “her performances are entertainment wrapped in history intertwined with “inspiration”.

Michael D. McCarty is a newcomer to the Kansas festival. He specializes in stories of African and African-American history and culture, multi-cultural stories, etc. Michael describes his life as: student activist, Black Panther, U.S. Army martial arts instructor, acupuncturist, world traveler, spiritual seeker, construction worker, storyteller, husband, father, crazy friend. Never a dull moment!

Priscilla Howe is primarily known as a performer for children, but she has a full repertoire of stories for grownups and older kids. She offers a disclaimer, with a little wink: "All my stories start with the seed of truth." Priscilla tours the country and abroad telling stories and giving workshops. To date, she has performed in 14 countries.

Paul Strickland always adapts his stories to whatever audience is in front of him, he loves telling stories in every imaginable environment, from comedy clubs to elementary and middle schools, corporate events and even two prisons. Paul was a Featured Teller: NEW VOICE at the National Storytelling Festival in 2023.

Listeners will also enjoy the Tall Tales Contest (Friday night), the local “Legends” Storytellers including Native American stories and the Master Storytellers (previous winners of three tall tales contests). 

Bring your own stories to tell during the Swappin’ Grounds session on Saturday afternoon. 

More information can be found <a href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/ </a>or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival">Kansas Storytelling</a> on Facebook. There's something for everyone to enjoy at the 2025 Kansas Storytelling Festival.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743606770706.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedDOWNS — The 31st annual Kansas Storytelling Festival is only a few weeks away. The Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, 2025 in Downs. As the “Storytelling Capital of Kansas,” the small northcentral town of Downs welcomes you to a weekend of stories and unforgettable hospitality.This celebration of the art of storytelling promises to be an event filled with laughter, wonder, and the timeless magic of storytelling. Nationally-known festival favorites are invited, along with new voices for stories from all genres for all ages. Headlining storytellers are Ed Stivender, Pipppa White, Michael D. McCarty, Priscilla Howe, and Paul Strickland.Ed Stivender was inducted into the National Storytelling Association’s Circle of Excellence in 1996. After giving up his Connecticut school teaching job, Ed has told his mostly humorous stories around the globe and has been a featured storyteller at national and international festivals.Pippa White calls her One’s Company Productions “part theatre, part storytelling, part history.” She has performed at universities and colleges, conferences, performing arts centers, museums, libraries, and festivals in over 30 states. Audiences call them unique, captivating, and touching. One audience member said, “her performances are entertainment wrapped in history intertwined with “inspiration”.Michael D. McCarty is a newcomer to the Kansas festival. He specializes in stories of African and African-American history and culture, multi-cultural stories, etc. Michael describes his life as: student activist, Black Panther, U.S. Army martial arts instructor, acupuncturist, world traveler, spiritual seeker, construction worker, storyteller, husband, father, crazy friend. Never a dull moment!Priscilla Howe is primarily known as a performer for children, but she has a full repertoire of stories for grownups and older kids. She offers a disclaimer, with a little wink: "All my stories start with the seed of truth." Priscilla tours the country and abroad telling stories and giving workshops. To date, she has performed in 14 countries.Paul Strickland always adapts his stories to whatever audience is in front of him, he loves telling stories in every imaginable environment, from comedy clubs to elementary and middle schools, corporate events and even two prisons. Paul was a Featured Teller: NEW VOICE at the National Storytelling Festival in 2023.Listeners will also enjoy the Tall Tales Contest (Friday night), the local “Legends” Storytellers including Native American stories and the Master Storytellers (previous winners of three tall tales contests). Bring your own stories to tell during the Swappin’ Grounds session on Saturday afternoon. More information can be found <a href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/ </a>or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival">Kansas Storytelling</a> on Facebook. There's something for everyone to enjoy at the 2025 Kansas Storytelling Festival.

Kansas Storytelling festival is April 25, 26 in Downs

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension

Several K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts and counties are offering a hazardous occupation safety training in agriculture (tractor and farm safety course) for youth on Saturday, April 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The training will take place at Hoxie Implement, 933 Oak Ave., Hoxie.

K-State Research &amp; Extension agents, along with other organizations, will teach the course, covering critical farm and machinery safety topics, including proper tractor operation and maintenance, grain safety, implement use safety, livestock safety, and more.

The U.S. Department of Labor requires youth ages 14–15 to complete this safety training to work on a farm for someone other than their parents—and in some cases, even when working on a family farm.

Pre-training assignments must be completed before April 26. Registration fee: $10 (due by Tuesday, April 22). 

Visit one of these K-State Research &amp; Extension Offices to register:

Some Extension offices may provide transportation to the training.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679689278799.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood ExtensionSeveral K-State Research &amp; Extension Districts and counties are offering a hazardous occupation safety training in agriculture (tractor and farm safety course) for youth on Saturday, April 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The training will take place at Hoxie Implement, 933 Oak Ave., Hoxie.K-State Research &amp; Extension agents, along with other organizations, will teach the course, covering critical farm and machinery safety topics, including proper tractor operation and maintenance, grain safety, implement use safety, livestock safety, and more.The U.S. Department of Labor requires youth ages 14–15 to complete this safety training to work on a farm for someone other than their parents—and in some cases, even when working on a family farm.Registration Details:Pre-training assignments must be completed before April 26. Registration fee: $10 (due by Tuesday, April 22). Visit one of these K-State Research &amp; Extension Offices to register:· Twin Creeks – 785-421-3411· Golden Prairie – 785-673-4805· Phillips-Rooks – 785-425-6851· Cottonwood District 785-628-9430· Thomas County – 785-460-4582Some Extension offices may provide transportation to the training.&nbsp;

Tractor and farm safety training April 26 in Hoxie

Fort Hays State University’s next Science Café is set for Monday, April 14.

“Biological Agents – Drivers of Change Across History” is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

This month’s presentation by Jeffrey G. Sekavec, Colby Community College STEM Division Chair, will present a discussion&nbsp;of biological warfare in a historical context from ancient times to modern day.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. 

Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhxD-2BcQjFgIRBovAML9-2BM4eClLu2fQOOHuiGSFsY2VCCAGda_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOUCB95mseDIHsCSqGbQ-2BvPamjCKrlS95iEBrY6V25ZZs-2FMEgPiZJayAJUey2o-2FC6XvBBZH8sMVzC8V7dvx6suIJ-2FATArkWo-2B5GaM5L1WfLCvN14AZImudq2CvNSPM-2BLjbE1jiqbWc20VHtipwogJsg6xvcg1EhuI8c-2FHLT1LKrmP6ugu3TiW615T7zmdn5fUl6cBeCS-2FdXgZzrCN9fy8rDeL4KiW-2FZNg7GbXYPfZ3jBs4snSL6eDozVY9vzibLM9D">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3Dx6TP_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOUCB95mseDIHsCSqGbQ-2BvPamjCKrlS95iEBrY6V25ZZs-2FMEgPiZJayAJUey2o-2FC6XvBBZH8sMVzC8V7dvx6suINRxOMqg4ZpW7cejBa-2FBNy7LkDc-2BRncc6oFUdPCtirS4KGhlgCX3vpSwUIhxwig3CEaNiBwwI0PdcYLldLh0fMs3fmtjXGq3NXvn64c3mNDyvv86QVD5j5TMspTss9WFjNcP07pfEGrGDCo7ttjOBDRqqsLD6LtqACGNiVA1qGdS">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743608277542.jpeg" alt="FHSU Science Café" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Science Café</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s next Science Café is set for Monday, April 14.“Biological Agents – Drivers of Change Across History” is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.This month’s presentation by Jeffrey G. Sekavec, Colby Community College STEM Division Chair, will present a discussion&nbsp;of biological warfare in a historical context from ancient times to modern day.Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhxD-2BcQjFgIRBovAML9-2BM4eClLu2fQOOHuiGSFsY2VCCAGda_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOUCB95mseDIHsCSqGbQ-2BvPamjCKrlS95iEBrY6V25ZZs-2FMEgPiZJayAJUey2o-2FC6XvBBZH8sMVzC8V7dvx6suIJ-2FATArkWo-2B5GaM5L1WfLCvN14AZImudq2CvNSPM-2BLjbE1jiqbWc20VHtipwogJsg6xvcg1EhuI8c-2FHLT1LKrmP6ugu3TiW615T7zmdn5fUl6cBeCS-2FdXgZzrCN9fy8rDeL4KiW-2FZNg7GbXYPfZ3jBs4snSL6eDozVY9vzibLM9D">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3Dx6TP_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOUCB95mseDIHsCSqGbQ-2BvPamjCKrlS95iEBrY6V25ZZs-2FMEgPiZJayAJUey2o-2FC6XvBBZH8sMVzC8V7dvx6suINRxOMqg4ZpW7cejBa-2FBNy7LkDc-2BRncc6oFUdPCtirS4KGhlgCX3vpSwUIhxwig3CEaNiBwwI0PdcYLldLh0fMs3fmtjXGq3NXvn64c3mNDyvv86QVD5j5TMspTss9WFjNcP07pfEGrGDCo7ttjOBDRqqsLD6LtqACGNiVA1qGdS">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

Biological agents topic of next FHSU Science Café

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744400233382.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>

HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES April 14 – April 18, 2025

THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!&nbsp;CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

--April 15 • 5th Grade has State Testing this morning.

--April 16 • 5th Grade has State Testing this morning. • 4th Grade Field Trip to the Cosmosphere all day. • 5th Grade Joyful Noise will meet at 2:45 p.m.&nbsp; • There is No School Thursday-Monday due to Easter Break.&nbsp;Wishing you a blessed Holy Week and a wonderful Easter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613660020276.png" alt="Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Holy Family Elementary School, Hays. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>HOLY FAMILY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOTES April 14 – April 18, 2025THE SUCCESSES OF TOMORROW BEGIN TODAY, CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A LIFETIME ADVANTAGE!&nbsp;CATHOLIC SCHOOLS…. SCHOOLS YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!MONDAY--April 14 TUESDAY--April 15 • 5th Grade has State Testing this morning.WEDNESDAY--April 16 • 5th Grade has State Testing this morning. • 4th Grade Field Trip to the Cosmosphere all day. • 5th Grade Joyful Noise will meet at 2:45 p.m.&nbsp; • There is No School Thursday-Monday due to Easter Break.&nbsp;Wishing you a blessed Holy Week and a wonderful Easter.THURSDAY--April 17 • NO SCHOOL!FRIDAY--April 18 • NO SCHOOL!

Holy Family Elementary School notes, April 14-18, 2025

Two Kansas men dead after pickup, SUV crash

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place March 19, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Smith ‑&nbsp;204‑92 KA‑5988‑01 ‑ K‑204, from the west city limits to U.S. 281 in Smith Center, grading and surfacing, 0.6 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $3,245,551.00.

Rush ‑ 183‑83 KA‑5735‑01 ‑ U.S. 183, bridge #003 over Walnut Creek Drainage located 0.05 mile north of Cherry Street in Rush Center, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $2,520,670.68.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739902891919.jpeg" alt="Kansas Department of Transportation" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place March 19, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.Area county bids include:&nbsp;District Three — NorthwestSmith ‑&nbsp;204‑92 KA‑5988‑01 ‑ K‑204, from the west city limits to U.S. 281 in Smith Center, grading and surfacing, 0.6 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $3,245,551.00.District Five — South CentralRush ‑ 183‑83 KA‑5735‑01 ‑ U.S. 183, bridge #003 over Walnut Creek Drainage located 0.05 mile north of Cherry Street in Rush Center, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $2,520,670.68.

KDOT announces area approved March bids

Kansas created the night vision hunting season for coyotes in 2021. Hunters say it’s a great option and want it expanded, but some property owners and regulators have concerns.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore">CALEN MOORE</a> <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2025-04-01/can-night-vision-hunting-solve-coyote-problems-in-kansas-majority-support-expanding-it?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Calen%20Moore%20of%20the%20Kansas%20News%20Service%20explains&amp;utm_campaign=KNS%20Newsletter">High Plains Public Radio&nbsp;</a>

MEADE COUNTY —&nbsp;Hours after the sun has set for the day, it’s pitch black in the middle of Meade County. As David Hampton stands invisible in a southwest Kansas field scanning the landscape for coyotes, the only sounds are the crunch of dry grass underfoot and calls of coyotes in the distance.

He has a handheld night vision monocular. He also has a night vision scope on his gun. He spins in a circle quietly in the darkness waiting for coyotes to pop up.

“My dad used to drop me off when I was 10 years old in the sticks to go deer hunting," Hampton said. “One thing I am not is afraid of the dark.”

Strapped around his neck he has the remote to an electronic calling device. It can mimic coyote howls or the sounds of coyote prey in distress.

Hampton is an experienced coyote hunter, and enjoys trying his luck at night vision hunting, which regulators allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/News/News-Archive/2020-Weekly-News/8-24-20-Special-Equipment-Approved-For-Hunting-Coyotes-at-Night/Special-Equipment-Approved-For-Hunting-Coyotes-at-Night-in-Kansas" target="_blank">&nbsp;in Kansas for coyotes back in 2021</a>. The season lasts the first three months of the year, with the hope of controlling exploding coyote populations and giving hunters more opportunities.

Now, that policy is under review. Regulators held a series of meetings across the state to hear from hunters and others, and will decide whether the season should be continued or modified by possibly expanding or reducing it.

But coyotes still thrive in Kansas no matter what people throw at them. Coyotes are incredibly resilient and eat about anything available. They also respond to hunting pressure by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/netn-species-spotlight-eastern-coyote.htm" target="_blank">having larger litters</a>, making them even harder to control.

After a few hours of hearing the coyotes howl, Hampton had only heard them, but didn't see any, and called it a night. He said that’s the nature of hunting smart predators.

In the truck on the way back, Hampton said difficulty of coyote hunting is part of the appeal.

“When you shoot a coyote and miss, we call that educating a coyote because they’re smart, keen animals,” Hampton said.

Night vision is the latest example of new technology being used to help hunters control predators in Kansas.

This venture goes back centuries in this region. As Europeans expanded west into Kansas and Nebraska, they have continually battled with coyotes.

In fact, settlers' expansion has allowed coyotes to expand themselves. When people moved, they killed off animals like wolves and mountain lions, which used to keep coyotes in check.

Cutting down forests to create farms gave coyotes&nbsp;<a href="https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/15149/" target="_blank">more habitat</a>. Now, they are the<a href="https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/resources/inhsreports/winter-01/coyote/" target="_blank">&nbsp;most abundant</a>&nbsp;large predator in the country.

Kansas ranks&nbsp;<a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/kansas" target="_blank">fourth in the nation</a>&nbsp;in coyote populations.

They’re a concern because they prey on livestock. Coyotes cost Kansas ranchers roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://enewsletters.k-state.edu/beeftips/2021/03/01/preventative-measures-for-coyote-control/#:~:text=If%20we%20include%20the%20value%20of%20cattle,your%20cattle%20and%20calves%20from%20coyote%20predation?" target="_blank">$4 million annually in livestock losses</a>. They also can damage crops and harm pets.

Predators cause<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahms/general/downloads/cattle_calves_deathloss_2015.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;roughly 5%</a>&nbsp;of calf deaths in Kansas, and coyotes are blamed for nearly all of them.

Cattle rancher Nick Zerr in Gove County has been a huge advocate for the use of night vision in coyote hunting.

“There’s not as much wildlife out here and newborn calves are an easy target,” Zerr said. “This is my livelihood. I can’t lose money on predators if I can help it.”

A cattle rancher could lose $750 to $1000 per newborn calf to coyotes, and that can be a big impact on ranchers with smaller herds.

This has led the state to advocate for hunting to control their populations. And hunters see even more success at night.

“At night I had some hunters turn on their callers near my cattle and seven coyotes came running,” Zerr said. “You don’t really see that during the day.”

To try and give hunters an upper hand, Kansas allows night vision and thermal vision that helps hunters see coyotes before being spotted by the animals. This equipment is expensive. Getting started could cost hunters thousands of dollars.

Hunters also need a night vision equipment permit which costs $2.50.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife held meetings around the state last month to gather opinions on the night season.

From the rancher’s perspective, coyotes are pest animals that threaten their livelihoods.

Andrew Enfield, a hunter from Norton, spoke in favor of expanding the night season to control predators during the late spring when newborn calves are vulnerable.

“I have several landowners, cattle farmers, that call myself and others when they are calving and having issues with coyotes,” Enfield said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744212778674.png" alt="A coyote stands still briefly, highlighted white in a night vision scope. Submitted by David Hampton" />
 <figcaption>A coyote stands still briefly, highlighted white in a night vision scope. Submitted by David Hampton</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas created the night vision hunting season for coyotes in 2021. Hunters say it’s a great option and want it expanded, but some property owners and regulators have concerns.</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/people/calen-moore">CALEN MOORE</a> <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2025-04-01/can-night-vision-hunting-solve-coyote-problems-in-kansas-majority-support-expanding-it?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=Calen%20Moore%20of%20the%20Kansas%20News%20Service%20explains&amp;utm_campaign=KNS%20Newsletter">High Plains Public Radio&nbsp;</a>MEADE COUNTY —&nbsp;Hours after the sun has set for the day, it’s pitch black in the middle of Meade County. As David Hampton stands invisible in a southwest Kansas field scanning the landscape for coyotes, the only sounds are the crunch of dry grass underfoot and calls of coyotes in the distance.He has a handheld night vision monocular. He also has a night vision scope on his gun. He spins in a circle quietly in the darkness waiting for coyotes to pop up.“My dad used to drop me off when I was 10 years old in the sticks to go deer hunting," Hampton said. “One thing I am not is afraid of the dark.”Strapped around his neck he has the remote to an electronic calling device. It can mimic coyote howls or the sounds of coyote prey in distress.Hampton is an experienced coyote hunter, and enjoys trying his luck at night vision hunting, which regulators allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/News/News-Archive/2020-Weekly-News/8-24-20-Special-Equipment-Approved-For-Hunting-Coyotes-at-Night/Special-Equipment-Approved-For-Hunting-Coyotes-at-Night-in-Kansas" target="_blank">&nbsp;in Kansas for coyotes back in 2021</a>. The season lasts the first three months of the year, with the hope of controlling exploding coyote populations and giving hunters more opportunities.Now, that policy is under review. Regulators held a series of meetings across the state to hear from hunters and others, and will decide whether the season should be continued or modified by possibly expanding or reducing it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744213045222.png" alt="After the sun sets, David Hampton sets up his rifle in a field. He is hunting coyotes using night vision technology. Photo by Calen Moore/ Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>After the sun sets, David Hampton sets up his rifle in a field. He is hunting coyotes using night vision technology. Photo by Calen Moore/ Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>But coyotes still thrive in Kansas no matter what people throw at them. Coyotes are incredibly resilient and eat about anything available. They also respond to hunting pressure by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/articles/netn-species-spotlight-eastern-coyote.htm" target="_blank">having larger litters</a>, making them even harder to control.After a few hours of hearing the coyotes howl, Hampton had only heard them, but didn't see any, and called it a night. He said that’s the nature of hunting smart predators.In the truck on the way back, Hampton said difficulty of coyote hunting is part of the appeal.“When you shoot a coyote and miss, we call that educating a coyote because they’re smart, keen animals,” Hampton said.Night vision is the latest example of new technology being used to help hunters control predators in Kansas.This venture goes back centuries in this region. As Europeans expanded west into Kansas and Nebraska, they have continually battled with coyotes.In fact, settlers' expansion has allowed coyotes to expand themselves. When people moved, they killed off animals like wolves and mountain lions, which used to keep coyotes in check.Cutting down forests to create farms gave coyotes&nbsp;<a href="https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/15149/" target="_blank">more habitat</a>. Now, they are the<a href="https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/resources/inhsreports/winter-01/coyote/" target="_blank">&nbsp;most abundant</a>&nbsp;large predator in the country.Kansas ranks&nbsp;<a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/kansas" target="_blank">fourth in the nation</a>&nbsp;in coyote populations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744213178936.png" alt="A sign about coyotes in rural Trego County. Coyotes are seen commonly throughout the state. Photo by David Condos" />
 <figcaption>A sign about coyotes in rural Trego County. Coyotes are seen commonly throughout the state. Photo by David Condos</figcaption>
 </figure>They’re a concern because they prey on livestock. Coyotes cost Kansas ranchers roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://enewsletters.k-state.edu/beeftips/2021/03/01/preventative-measures-for-coyote-control/#:~:text=If%20we%20include%20the%20value%20of%20cattle,your%20cattle%20and%20calves%20from%20coyote%20predation?" target="_blank">$4 million annually in livestock losses</a>. They also can damage crops and harm pets.Predators cause<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahms/general/downloads/cattle_calves_deathloss_2015.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;roughly 5%</a>&nbsp;of calf deaths in Kansas, and coyotes are blamed for nearly all of them.Cattle rancher Nick Zerr in Gove County has been a huge advocate for the use of night vision in coyote hunting.“There’s not as much wildlife out here and newborn calves are an easy target,” Zerr said. “This is my livelihood. I can’t lose money on predators if I can help it.”A cattle rancher could lose $750 to $1000 per newborn calf to coyotes, and that can be a big impact on ranchers with smaller herds.This has led the state to advocate for hunting to control their populations. And hunters see even more success at night.“At night I had some hunters turn on their callers near my cattle and seven coyotes came running,” Zerr said. “You don’t really see that during the day.”To try and give hunters an upper hand, Kansas allows night vision and thermal vision that helps hunters see coyotes before being spotted by the animals. This equipment is expensive. Getting started could cost hunters thousands of dollars.Hunters also need a night vision equipment permit which costs $2.50.The Kansas Department of Wildlife held meetings around the state last month to gather opinions on the night season.From the rancher’s perspective, coyotes are pest animals that threaten their livelihoods.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744213396932.png" alt="Gove County cattle rancher Nick Zerr (right) talks with coyote hunters about night vision hunting at a state meeting on the issue in Hays.&nbsp;Photo by Calen Moore/ Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Gove County cattle rancher Nick Zerr (right) talks with coyote hunters about night vision hunting at a state meeting on the issue in Hays.&nbsp;Photo by Calen Moore/ Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Andrew Enfield, a hunter from Norton, spoke in favor of expanding the night season to control predators during the late spring when newborn calves are vulnerable.“I have several landowners, cattle farmers, that call myself and others when they are calving and having issues with coyotes,” Enfield said.Enfield would like to see the night season expanded further into the spring to help better protect livestock herds. Others want it expanded year-round.Geoff Nemnich is a professional coyote hunter in the Midwest. He hosts a Youtube series called “The Last Stand” where he teaches hunting tips.“At night, there's less traffic, less people out so the coyotes move around a lot more,” Nemnich said. “As a hunter, you can usually have a little more success, because the coyotes are just naturally up running around.”Nemnich has shot up to 23 coyotes in a single night hunt.The other advantage is it gives hunters with families and dayjobs more opportunities. Nemnich said it’s helping attract younger hunters“Hunters can run out and hunt from eight at night till midnight, come back, get some sleep, and get up and go to work,” Nemnich said.But some Kansans are not fully on board. Tad Kramar and his wife Margaret strongly opposed the night vision season at a meeting in Topeka. They live in rural Douglas County. They worry it will lead to hunting other animals out of season and be a disturbance.“It's more dangerous to do this at night,” Tad Kramar said. “Also, as a rural resident, I would find it very disturbing to hear loud gunshots and see bright lights throughout the night.”Law enforcement groups have also opposed the night season over fears of people using firearms at night and the possibility of deer poaching, which remains an issue in Kansas.Some meeting attendees suggested moving the night coyote season so it doesn’t overlap with deer and elk seasons. They said that might reduce the likelihood of illegally using night vision for those species.Secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Chris Kennedy, went over the results of public comments from the state meetings.“Overall, a majority support the expansion across all user groups based on our data,” Kennedy said.But several wildlife commissioners were hesitant to expand the season.“My initial hesitance to expand to year round still stands from a personal standpoint. I do appreciate seasons. I do appreciate management,” Commissioner Whitney Damron said.There’s more discussion on the issue ahead and a decision could come later this year.Calen Moore covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can email him at&nbsp;cmoore@hppr.org.

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