Ellis County’s observance of the National Day of Prayer will be Thursday, May 2, inside the ballroom at the VFW, 2106 Vine in Hays.

The local observance will take place from noon to 1 p.m. The purpose of the event is to encourage Americans to “come together as a nation to pray for our nation.”

This year’s theme, based on 2 Samuel 22:29-31, is “Lift up the Word. Light up the world.”

The annual event is sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance.

Cheryl Glassman of Antonino and Terri Braun of Hays, for the third year in a row, are organizing the event.

Glassman said the decision to move the observance indoors last year proved popular with those in attendance. Because extra chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the crowd of about 150, the decision was made to move the event to the larger ballroom at the VFW this year.

Glassman said she believes the observance is very important because “our country is struggling to see the good, positive things around our nation, states and cities. It is a blessing to have had national leaders who, for many years--and presently-- endorse National Day of Prayer.

“Gathering together, we become one voice, lifting our prayers to God for this beautiful county and the people who make it so. We must work together as we join people throughout the nation in prayer on this special day.”&nbsp;

As in previous years, various members of the community will be offering prayers in specific categories.

As of press time, the&nbsp;Rev. Ben Houchen and Perry Harrison will be praying for the government; U.S. Army Col. Allen Schmidt and U.S. Air Force Capt. John&nbsp;R.&nbsp;Braun will be praying for the military; Cristina Janney and Dawn Carter will be praying for the media; Dr.&nbsp;Andrea&nbsp;M.&nbsp;Stephens and Patty Stull will be praying for business; Brooke Leiker and Ally Crotinger will be praying for education; the Rev. Christine Wagner and the Rev. Troy Miller will be praying for the church;&nbsp;the&nbsp;Rev. Brenda Rodger and Jace and Kynzie&nbsp;Leiker will be praying for the family; and Rick&nbsp;Rajewski,&nbsp;MD, and Jerod&nbsp;M.&nbsp;Grove,&nbsp;MD, will be praying for caregivers.

Returning as emcee will be Patrick McGinnis, owner of Breathe Coffee House. Music will be provided by students from TMP-Marian High School. The Rev. Cana Moore, pastor at Hays Christian Church, will give the benediction.

The National Day of Prayer has a long history. In 1775, in the midst of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer.&nbsp;In 1952, Congress passed an act establishing an annual day of prayer, which was signed into law by President Harry Truman.&nbsp;In 1988, Congress amended that law and designated the annual observance as the first Thursday in May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713903052837.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedEllis County’s observance of the National Day of Prayer will be Thursday, May 2, inside the ballroom at the VFW, 2106 Vine in Hays.The local observance will take place from noon to 1 p.m. The purpose of the event is to encourage Americans to “come together as a nation to pray for our nation.”This year’s theme, based on 2 Samuel 22:29-31, is “Lift up the Word. Light up the world.”The annual event is sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance.Cheryl Glassman of Antonino and Terri Braun of Hays, for the third year in a row, are organizing the event.Glassman said the decision to move the observance indoors last year proved popular with those in attendance. Because extra chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the crowd of about 150, the decision was made to move the event to the larger ballroom at the VFW this year.Glassman said she believes the observance is very important because “our country is struggling to see the good, positive things around our nation, states and cities. It is a blessing to have had national leaders who, for many years--and presently-- endorse National Day of Prayer.“Gathering together, we become one voice, lifting our prayers to God for this beautiful county and the people who make it so. We must work together as we join people throughout the nation in prayer on this special day.”&nbsp;As in previous years, various members of the community will be offering prayers in specific categories.As of press time, the&nbsp;Rev. Ben Houchen and Perry Harrison will be praying for the government; U.S. Army Col. Allen Schmidt and U.S. Air Force Capt. John&nbsp;R.&nbsp;Braun will be praying for the military; Cristina Janney and Dawn Carter will be praying for the media; Dr.&nbsp;Andrea&nbsp;M.&nbsp;Stephens and Patty Stull will be praying for business; Brooke Leiker and Ally Crotinger will be praying for education; the Rev. Christine Wagner and the Rev. Troy Miller will be praying for the church;&nbsp;the&nbsp;Rev. Brenda Rodger and Jace and Kynzie&nbsp;Leiker will be praying for the family; and Rick&nbsp;Rajewski,&nbsp;MD, and Jerod&nbsp;M.&nbsp;Grove,&nbsp;MD, will be praying for caregivers.Returning as emcee will be Patrick McGinnis, owner of Breathe Coffee House. Music will be provided by students from TMP-Marian High School. The Rev. Cana Moore, pastor at Hays Christian Church, will give the benediction.The National Day of Prayer has a long history. In 1775, in the midst of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer.&nbsp;In 1952, Congress passed an act establishing an annual day of prayer, which was signed into law by President Harry Truman.&nbsp;In 1988, Congress amended that law and designated the annual observance as the first Thursday in May.

Day of Prayer ceremony set for Thursday at the VFW

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Logan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Peterbilt semi driven by Craig Allen&nbsp;Beaver, 53, Gove, was eastbound on Kansas 25 one mile south of Russell Springs.

While negotiating a curve, the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway overturned and struck a tree. EMS transported Beaver to Gove County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LOGAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Sunday in Logan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Peterbilt semi driven by Craig Allen&nbsp;Beaver, 53, Gove, was eastbound on Kansas 25 one mile south of Russell Springs.While negotiating a curve, the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway overturned and struck a tree. EMS transported Beaver to Gove County Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NW Kansas man hospitalized after semi overturns

In the recent legislative session, a significant decision was made that profoundly impacted property tax dynamics in Kansas. 

The Tax Plan adopted by the Kansas House and Senate notably omits the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTR), thereby stripping a vital mechanism to alleviate the property tax burden on Kansas residents and businesses.

This move not only breaks a longstanding promise to our cities and counties but also occurs at a time when Kansas boasts a $1.9 billion budget surplus.

Established in 1965, the LAVTR was a landmark initiative designed to return a portion of state-collected sales taxes to local governments, thereby reducing local property taxes dollar-for-dollar.

This was a significant step towards ensuring equitable distribution of tax burdens and supporting local communities. Initially, LAVTR funding was halted when Kansas faced financial constraints and could not afford the allocations.

However, those financially restrictive times have long since passed, making the continued non-funding of LAVTR more difficult to justify, given current fiscal conditions.

Despite its potential, the fund has not received allocations for over two decades. This prolonged neglect underscores a missed opportunity, especially poignant, considering that Kansas cities and counties have foregone more than $1.7 billion in funding that could have directly reduced local property taxes.

This is not just a loss of funds but a loss of potential for Kansas residents to have a lighter tax burden and for local economies to thrive. 

Furthermore, most cities and counties across the state have worked diligently to maintain or lower their mill levy, often doing more with less. Local elected officials and city staff, who pay the same property tax rates as their constituents, recognize the heavy burden that high property taxes place on families and businesses.

The recent legislative decision to remove LAVTR entirely from the statutes effectively abolishes a practical tool for tax relief, with no forthcoming alternative that adequately addresses the immediate financial pressures on local governments.

This decision is even more difficult to reconcile with the fact that, during this time of fiscal abundance, the potential to fund LAVTR fully was feasible yet overlooked.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the legislature faces complex fiscal decisions, these choices must prioritize the greater good.&nbsp; It is crucial to recognize that every dollar saved in property taxes is a dollar that can support family budgets, boost local economies and enhance community well-being.

In conclusion, our legislators face difficult fiscal decisions. However, eliminating the LAVTR during a time of surplus represents a significant step back in our efforts to provide genuine tax relief to Kansas residents. It is a disservice to both the spirit of equitable governance and the financial health of our local communities.&nbsp;

The promise of addressing high property taxes for all property owners should be fulfilled. There is still time. 

With Governor Kelly’s veto of the tax plan, the legislature can override the veto or work with the governor on a compromise tax plan, which should not include the wholesale elimination of the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund.

Rather, leveraging our state's surplus and funding the LAVTR would substantially reduce the financial burden on our citizens.

—&nbsp;Jon Quinday, Russell city manager

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the recent legislative session, a significant decision was made that profoundly impacted property tax dynamics in Kansas. The Tax Plan adopted by the Kansas House and Senate notably omits the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund (LAVTR), thereby stripping a vital mechanism to alleviate the property tax burden on Kansas residents and businesses.This move not only breaks a longstanding promise to our cities and counties but also occurs at a time when Kansas boasts a $1.9 billion budget surplus.Established in 1965, the LAVTR was a landmark initiative designed to return a portion of state-collected sales taxes to local governments, thereby reducing local property taxes dollar-for-dollar.This was a significant step towards ensuring equitable distribution of tax burdens and supporting local communities. Initially, LAVTR funding was halted when Kansas faced financial constraints and could not afford the allocations.However, those financially restrictive times have long since passed, making the continued non-funding of LAVTR more difficult to justify, given current fiscal conditions.Despite its potential, the fund has not received allocations for over two decades. This prolonged neglect underscores a missed opportunity, especially poignant, considering that Kansas cities and counties have foregone more than $1.7 billion in funding that could have directly reduced local property taxes.This is not just a loss of funds but a loss of potential for Kansas residents to have a lighter tax burden and for local economies to thrive. Furthermore, most cities and counties across the state have worked diligently to maintain or lower their mill levy, often doing more with less. Local elected officials and city staff, who pay the same property tax rates as their constituents, recognize the heavy burden that high property taxes place on families and businesses.The recent legislative decision to remove LAVTR entirely from the statutes effectively abolishes a practical tool for tax relief, with no forthcoming alternative that adequately addresses the immediate financial pressures on local governments.This decision is even more difficult to reconcile with the fact that, during this time of fiscal abundance, the potential to fund LAVTR fully was feasible yet overlooked.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the legislature faces complex fiscal decisions, these choices must prioritize the greater good.&nbsp; It is crucial to recognize that every dollar saved in property taxes is a dollar that can support family budgets, boost local economies and enhance community well-being.In conclusion, our legislators face difficult fiscal decisions. However, eliminating the LAVTR during a time of surplus represents a significant step back in our efforts to provide genuine tax relief to Kansas residents. It is a disservice to both the spirit of equitable governance and the financial health of our local communities.&nbsp;The promise of addressing high property taxes for all property owners should be fulfilled. There is still time. With Governor Kelly’s veto of the tax plan, the legislature can override the veto or work with the governor on a compromise tax plan, which should not include the wholesale elimination of the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund.Rather, leveraging our state's surplus and funding the LAVTR would substantially reduce the financial burden on our citizens.—&nbsp;Jon Quinday, Russell city manager

LETTER: Amidst a $1.9 billion surplus, Kansas abandons tax relief tool  

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature the&nbsp;High Plains Mental Health Center in Hays.&nbsp; This episode will air at 7 p.m.&nbsp;Tuesday, April 30&nbsp;and will focus on substance use disorder treatment.

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647437349209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature the&nbsp;High Plains Mental Health Center in Hays.&nbsp; This episode will air at 7 p.m.&nbsp;Tuesday, April 30&nbsp;and will focus on substance use disorder treatment.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/">Russell Regional Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

Doctors on Call to feature High Plains Mental Health Center

<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/2024/4/1714338075876.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

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the economic impact of the recently announced plan to relocate the Hays Police Department into the current home of Astra Bank.

Read more at: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3ba539d-c919-451e-ad16-591c7dd52e76">City to locate new police station, municipal court in downtown Hays</a>

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses economic impact of new police station" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bnctp-15fa66d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about the economic impact of the recently announced plan to relocate the Hays Police Department into the current home of Astra Bank.Read more at: <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3ba539d-c919-451e-ad16-591c7dd52e76">City to locate new police station, municipal court in downtown Hays</a>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses economic impact of new police station

After an extensive search, the Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina Board of Directors is pleased to announce Tyler Greenman as Chief Executive Officer. Tyler currently serves as Assistant Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Salina, a position that he has held since 2021.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Greenman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He went on to earn his master’s degree in accounting from the University of Colorado Denver and became a Certified Public Accountant.

A convert to the Catholic faith, Tyler was confirmed in 2003. He and his wife, Laura, are parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Salina and are proud parents to four beautiful daughters.

“I am excited about Tyler taking the position of CEO for the Catholic Foundation. He brings a unique set of skills to the position that will be immensely invaluable. I look forward to working with him in his new role, and the future of the foundation under his leadership,” stated Bishop Gerald Vincke, Diocese of Salina.

Mr. Greenman will officially assume the position of CEO on July 1, 2024, upon the retirement of Katie Platten, who has served as the CEO of the Catholic Foundation since 2020.

Dr. Doug Hinkin of Manhattan, Kansas, Board President for the Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina, expressed his gratitude for Katie Platten’s exceptional leadership over the years. “Her dedication and tireless efforts have transformed a small idea into a vibrant, active foundation engaging so many generous donors, schools, and parishes around the Diocese of Salina. The attention to detail, long hours spent with attorneys and others to get the paperwork of the foundation in order, and then the unbelievable amount of time she

has spent traveling the diocese has been remarkable. She has built a rock-solid foundation for the future.”

Hinkin also expressed excitement about Tyler’s appointment, stating, “The Board is thrilled to welcome Tyler from the Diocesan Finance office. He brings experience from investment advising and accounting that will be essential to our operations plus he is familiar with the operations of the diocesan offices and the people of the diocese. We are confident he will grow into an excellent leader and fundraiser for the Foundation.”

The Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina invites the community to join them in extending a warm welcome to Tyler Greenman in his new role as CEO and expressing sincere gratitude to Katie Platten for her years of leadership and guidance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714166692553.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAfter an extensive search, the Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina Board of Directors is pleased to announce Tyler Greenman as Chief Executive Officer. Tyler currently serves as Assistant Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Salina, a position that he has held since 2021.Originally from Denver, Colorado, Greenman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He went on to earn his master’s degree in accounting from the University of Colorado Denver and became a Certified Public Accountant.A convert to the Catholic faith, Tyler was confirmed in 2003. He and his wife, Laura, are parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Salina and are proud parents to four beautiful daughters.“I am excited about Tyler taking the position of CEO for the Catholic Foundation. He brings a unique set of skills to the position that will be immensely invaluable. I look forward to working with him in his new role, and the future of the foundation under his leadership,” stated Bishop Gerald Vincke, Diocese of Salina.Mr. Greenman will officially assume the position of CEO on July 1, 2024, upon the retirement of Katie Platten, who has served as the CEO of the Catholic Foundation since 2020.Dr. Doug Hinkin of Manhattan, Kansas, Board President for the Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina, expressed his gratitude for Katie Platten’s exceptional leadership over the years. “Her dedication and tireless efforts have transformed a small idea into a vibrant, active foundation engaging so many generous donors, schools, and parishes around the Diocese of Salina. The attention to detail, long hours spent with attorneys and others to get the paperwork of the foundation in order, and then the unbelievable amount of time shehas spent traveling the diocese has been remarkable. She has built a rock-solid foundation for the future.”Hinkin also expressed excitement about Tyler’s appointment, stating, “The Board is thrilled to welcome Tyler from the Diocesan Finance office. He brings experience from investment advising and accounting that will be essential to our operations plus he is familiar with the operations of the diocesan offices and the people of the diocese. We are confident he will grow into an excellent leader and fundraiser for the Foundation.”The Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina invites the community to join them in extending a warm welcome to Tyler Greenman in his new role as CEO and expressing sincere gratitude to Katie Platten for her years of leadership and guidance.

Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina welcomes new CEO

STEVE GILLIAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

My supervisor from years ago lived in a community along Kannapolis Lake. He would tell me stories about the numerous deer that were always in his backyard, and scoff at my stories of unsuccessful deer hunts. “I don’t know why you don’t just come down and shoot a deer from my back porch” he would say. Obviously that would have taken little planning but would probably have been illegal and at very least would have been horrible public relations, and the sight of me dragging a field dressed deer through his back yard would possibly have gotten him run out of the community on a rail. Few non-hunters understand the strategy and planning that are part of successful hunting. Seldom is hunting merely climbing into a stand or blind, shooting game then going home.

Case in point; a couple turkey seasons ago, I was out for the first time that year. I often hunt on my sister’s land and have a general knowledge of where the turkeys there usually roost. But, having disobeyed the first rule of turkey hunting and not done any scouting whatsoever, I purposely arrived just at sunup so I could see ahead of me as I walked. I parked in a hay field, ducked under the fence and slowly strolled into a woodlot through which a partially dry stream cut like a sidewinder snake. I hadn’t taken a dozen steps when a gobbler’s booming report echoed just ahead of me. Not good! I had probably spooked the resident turkeys already and hadn’t yet even seen them.

Now the planning and strategy came into play. I knew where those turkeys were headed but there was more than one way for them to get there. Should I quickly backtrack and try to get around and ahead of them to ambush them elsewhere? It was still early in the season and I now knew where they roosted, so I choose to leave quietly, and come back to set up early that afternoon to try and intercept them on their return.

I arrived about four that afternoon and walked to the far side of that same woodlot, where I settled in amongst a group of fallen trees where Joyce and I had once begun building a nice deer stand until the trees blew down in a bad storm. Now the big cottonwood trunks lay in a twisted mass, perfect for harboring a hopeful turkey hunter. Around 5:30 black specks finally appeared in an alfalfa field at least a quarter mile away. They seemed content to graze the evening away there with little regard for my hen decoy, which I knew the sharp-eyed toms could see. It was strategy time again; I was near their roosting area and even if their mood changed and they came my way soon, that was no guarantee of a shot. Turkeys are easily spooked from the area if pressured to hard or too often, and if I was caught there without getting a shot, I would risk spooking them badly (again) when I left. I opted to back out quietly and plan for a better ambush point another day.

Sunday afternoon found me tucked in under a big cedar tree at the far end of the alfalfa field where the turkeys were grazing the evening before. This seemed to be a better ambush spot than where I’d been, and would not be so hard to get away from without spooking the group if things didn’t work out (again.) I sat overlooking the alfalfa and had a hen decoy placed twenty yards away at about the two o’clock position. I could see very well to my right but not very far to my left, as some clumps of weeds separating the fields blocked my view. After an hour and a half, I noticed the cows below me looking intently at something to my left. I’m not known for my patience, so I eased out of my camp chair onto my hands and knees to creep forward and have a look around. I’d not crawled a foot when the bright red face and fanned-out tail of a strutting gobbler stepped silently from behind the nearest clump of weeds barely ten feet away. The rest is history. He had crept silently in to check out my decoy, and would probably have given me a good shot If I’d have stayed glued to my seat another minute. My planning and strategy put me spot on for location, but my impatience busted me again!

Wind direction is not a factor when hunting turkeys, but when hunting most wildlife, wind speed and direction plays a huge role, along with time of day, location, weather patterns and even moon signs. Yes, hunting is a game of planning and strategy, and when all things come together correctly, the reward is often meat for the freezer….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>STEVE GILLIAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsMy supervisor from years ago lived in a community along Kannapolis Lake. He would tell me stories about the numerous deer that were always in his backyard, and scoff at my stories of unsuccessful deer hunts. “I don’t know why you don’t just come down and shoot a deer from my back porch” he would say. Obviously that would have taken little planning but would probably have been illegal and at very least would have been horrible public relations, and the sight of me dragging a field dressed deer through his back yard would possibly have gotten him run out of the community on a rail. Few non-hunters understand the strategy and planning that are part of successful hunting. Seldom is hunting merely climbing into a stand or blind, shooting game then going home.Case in point; a couple turkey seasons ago, I was out for the first time that year. I often hunt on my sister’s land and have a general knowledge of where the turkeys there usually roost. But, having disobeyed the first rule of turkey hunting and not done any scouting whatsoever, I purposely arrived just at sunup so I could see ahead of me as I walked. I parked in a hay field, ducked under the fence and slowly strolled into a woodlot through which a partially dry stream cut like a sidewinder snake. I hadn’t taken a dozen steps when a gobbler’s booming report echoed just ahead of me. Not good! I had probably spooked the resident turkeys already and hadn’t yet even seen them.Now the planning and strategy came into play. I knew where those turkeys were headed but there was more than one way for them to get there. Should I quickly backtrack and try to get around and ahead of them to ambush them elsewhere? It was still early in the season and I now knew where they roosted, so I choose to leave quietly, and come back to set up early that afternoon to try and intercept them on their return.I arrived about four that afternoon and walked to the far side of that same woodlot, where I settled in amongst a group of fallen trees where Joyce and I had once begun building a nice deer stand until the trees blew down in a bad storm. Now the big cottonwood trunks lay in a twisted mass, perfect for harboring a hopeful turkey hunter. Around 5:30 black specks finally appeared in an alfalfa field at least a quarter mile away. They seemed content to graze the evening away there with little regard for my hen decoy, which I knew the sharp-eyed toms could see. It was strategy time again; I was near their roosting area and even if their mood changed and they came my way soon, that was no guarantee of a shot. Turkeys are easily spooked from the area if pressured to hard or too often, and if I was caught there without getting a shot, I would risk spooking them badly (again) when I left. I opted to back out quietly and plan for a better ambush point another day.Sunday afternoon found me tucked in under a big cedar tree at the far end of the alfalfa field where the turkeys were grazing the evening before. This seemed to be a better ambush spot than where I’d been, and would not be so hard to get away from without spooking the group if things didn’t work out (again.) I sat overlooking the alfalfa and had a hen decoy placed twenty yards away at about the two o’clock position. I could see very well to my right but not very far to my left, as some clumps of weeds separating the fields blocked my view. After an hour and a half, I noticed the cows below me looking intently at something to my left. I’m not known for my patience, so I eased out of my camp chair onto my hands and knees to creep forward and have a look around. I’d not crawled a foot when the bright red face and fanned-out tail of a strutting gobbler stepped silently from behind the nearest clump of weeds barely ten feet away. The rest is history. He had crept silently in to check out my decoy, and would probably have given me a good shot If I’d have stayed glued to my seat another minute. My planning and strategy put me spot on for location, but my impatience busted me again!Wind direction is not a factor when hunting turkeys, but when hunting most wildlife, wind speed and direction plays a huge role, along with time of day, location, weather patterns and even moon signs. Yes, hunting is a game of planning and strategy, and when all things come together correctly, the reward is often meat for the freezer….Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

GILLILAND: Strategies of the Hunt

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine has expanded its reach to Hays, offering an array of authentic and fresh Asian flavors.

Owner Melanie Elder opened her first restaurant in 2014 at 321 Main St., Quinter, where it remains in operation.

Elder said people from nearby areas were traveling to taste her food, which inspired her to grow her business.

"The reason I moved to Hays is because I know I already built a clientele," Elder said. "We have a lot of customers that come from Hays, and there's not a lot of Asian dishes here that are authentic."

Elder's second and newest location, 2306 Vine St., Hays, welcomed the community of Hays on Feb. 6 and celebrated its opening on Monday.

Leigh Purdy, vice president of the Chamber in Hays, joined Elder and her family in the packed restaurant for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"My husband told me I'm crazy," Elder said. "Running a business is tough. It's not for the faint of heart. It's a lot of hard work, but I enjoy serving the community."

Elder's Hays location offers unique menu items not available at her Quinter restaurant, such as dishes like beef broccoli and chicken curry.

Elder recommends the combination dinner, a plate of pancit, steamed rice, egg rolls, sesame chicken, and sweet and sour chicken, for first-time visitors.

Other menu items include spicy kung pao chicken, Mongolian beef, egg drop soup and shrimp fried rice.

Elder also dedicates time in the kitchen to ensure customers have the best dining experience possible.

"I make sure the food cooked is up to my standards," she said. "All the food we make here and the different sauces are made in-house."

After the ceremony, Elder's family and supporters savored homemade dishes provided by her relatives and indulged in treats from Melanie's Kitchen.

Customers walking into Melanie's Kitchen will discover an array of illustrations above tables and booths, offering a glimpse into the Asian world.

"I wanted to show the Philippine culture," Elder said. "It's conversation pieces for people who come in."

Elder said the Hays community has shown their support, and she appreciates its continuation as she expands her kitchen.

"I want to thank the Hays community. I can feel the people who come here and support us. I am thankful for everybody," she said.&nbsp;

Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine in Hays is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine in Quinter is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays.

You can follow Elder's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057617162019">Hays </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Melanie-Kitchen/100005301707353/">Quinter</a> location on Facebook.

You can also watch the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber/videos/466208549096546">full ribbon-cutting ceremony</a> at Melanie's Kitchen on the Chamber in Hays Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713974311332.jpeg" alt="Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostMelanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine has expanded its reach to Hays, offering an array of authentic and fresh Asian flavors.Owner Melanie Elder opened her first restaurant in 2014 at 321 Main St., Quinter, where it remains in operation.Elder said people from nearby areas were traveling to taste her food, which inspired her to grow her business."The reason I moved to Hays is because I know I already built a clientele," Elder said. "We have a lot of customers that come from Hays, and there's not a lot of Asian dishes here that are authentic."Elder's second and newest location, 2306 Vine St., Hays, welcomed the community of Hays on Feb. 6 and celebrated its opening on Monday.Leigh Purdy, vice president of the Chamber in Hays, joined Elder and her family in the packed restaurant for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713974495872.jpeg" alt="The Chamber in Hays Vice President Leigh Purdy, and Melanie Elder and her family at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Chamber in Hays Vice President Leigh Purdy, and Melanie Elder and her family at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713974543793.jpeg" alt="Family, staff and supporters at Melanie's Kitchen for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Family, staff and supporters at Melanie's Kitchen for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713974391261.jpeg" alt="Melanie Elder cutting the ribbon while surrounded by family at Melanie's Kitchen. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Melanie Elder cutting the ribbon while surrounded by family at Melanie's Kitchen. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"My husband told me I'm crazy," Elder said. "Running a business is tough. It's not for the faint of heart. It's a lot of hard work, but I enjoy serving the community."Elder's Hays location offers unique menu items not available at her Quinter restaurant, such as dishes like beef broccoli and chicken curry.Elder recommends the combination dinner, a plate of pancit, steamed rice, egg rolls, sesame chicken, and sweet and sour chicken, for first-time visitors.Other menu items include spicy kung pao chicken, Mongolian beef, egg drop soup and shrimp fried rice.Elder also dedicates time in the kitchen to ensure customers have the best dining experience possible."I make sure the food cooked is up to my standards," she said. "All the food we make here and the different sauces are made in-house."After the ceremony, Elder's family and supporters savored homemade dishes provided by her relatives and indulged in treats from Melanie's Kitchen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713974673703.jpeg" alt="Treats offered at Melanie's Kitchen ribbon cutting ceremony such as pandesals, rice cakes, coconut macaroon and mango cake mousse. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Treats offered at Melanie's Kitchen ribbon cutting ceremony such as pandesals, rice cakes, coconut macaroon and mango cake mousse. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713974742473.jpeg" alt="Mocha cake mousse offered at Melanie's kitchen ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mocha cake mousse offered at Melanie's kitchen ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713974850666.jpeg" alt="Attendees serve themselves in a backroom of Melanie's Kitchen after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees serve themselves in a backroom of Melanie's Kitchen after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713974963180.jpeg" alt="The food offered after the ribbon-cutting ceremony was brought by Melanie Elder's family from Oregon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The food offered after the ribbon-cutting ceremony was brought by Melanie Elder's family from Oregon. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Customers walking into Melanie's Kitchen will discover an array of illustrations above tables and booths, offering a glimpse into the Asian world."I wanted to show the Philippine culture," Elder said. "It's conversation pieces for people who come in."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713975036422.jpeg" alt="A picture of a rice field in the Philippines on a wall in Melanie's Kitchen. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A picture of a rice field in the Philippines on a wall in Melanie's Kitchen. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713975060421.jpeg" alt="A picture of the Mayon volcano in the Philippines on a wall in Melanie's Kitchen. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A picture of the Mayon volcano in the Philippines on a wall in Melanie's Kitchen. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713975089995.jpeg" alt="A wall art of messages with Asian lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A wall art of messages with Asian lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713975115787.jpeg" alt="Picture frames and other decorations hanging on a wall in Melanie's Kitchen. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Picture frames and other decorations hanging on a wall in Melanie's Kitchen. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Elder said the Hays community has shown their support, and she appreciates its continuation as she expands her kitchen."I want to thank the Hays community. I can feel the people who come here and support us. I am thankful for everybody," she said.&nbsp;Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine in Hays is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.Melanie's Kitchen Asian Cuisine in Quinter is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays.You can follow Elder's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057617162019">Hays </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Melanie-Kitchen/100005301707353/">Quinter</a> location on Facebook.You can also watch the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HaysAreaChamber/videos/466208549096546">full ribbon-cutting ceremony</a> at Melanie's Kitchen on the Chamber in Hays Facebook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713975250172.jpeg" alt="Attendees eat in Melanie's Kitchen after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees eat in Melanie's Kitchen after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Melanie's Kitchen celebrates Hays opening with ribbon cutting

About 50 Fort Hays State University students collaborated to host an energetic Adaptive Field Night for individuals with intellectual disabilities on Tuesday.

FHSU senior Kendra Clay said the idea stems from her elementary school experience assisting individuals with needs.

"After taking adapted physical education and choosing a career in occupational therapy, it spoke to me and I wanted to see it again before I left campus," she said.

Clay's initiative to recreate this experience is part of a culminating project to conclude her college career.

The first Adaptive Field Night in Cunningham Hall also served as a trial run to host nights similar to Tuesday's.

"We're so excited to have actually done this and have it be in future events," Clay said.

Clay said that most student volunteers, identified with green T-shirts, are student-athletes eager to share their sports.

The sports stations featured softball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, relay races, mini-golf, wrestling and football.

FHSU football player Cale Cormaney volunteered for the Adaptive Field Night to show his appreciation to his supporters.

"Especially with the IDD community, we always see them at games, or we recognize them from other events," Cormaney said.

The joint effort also involved the FHSU Health and Human Performance, Tigers for IDD and the Hays Buffalo Adventures.

"They always have such a huge smile on their face, and they bring a smile to ours," Cormaney said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084592118.jpeg" alt="An attendee positioning herself to shoot a basketball at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An attendee positioning herself to shoot a basketball at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostAbout 50 Fort Hays State University students collaborated to host an energetic Adaptive Field Night for individuals with intellectual disabilities on Tuesday.FHSU senior Kendra Clay said the idea stems from her elementary school experience assisting individuals with needs."After taking adapted physical education and choosing a career in occupational therapy, it spoke to me and I wanted to see it again before I left campus," she said.Clay's initiative to recreate this experience is part of a culminating project to conclude her college career.The first Adaptive Field Night in Cunningham Hall also served as a trial run to host nights similar to Tuesday's."We're so excited to have actually done this and have it be in future events," Clay said.Clay said that most student volunteers, identified with green T-shirts, are student-athletes eager to share their sports.The sports stations featured softball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, relay races, mini-golf, wrestling and football.FHSU football player Cale Cormaney volunteered for the Adaptive Field Night to show his appreciation to his supporters."Especially with the IDD community, we always see them at games, or we recognize them from other events," Cormaney said.The joint effort also involved the FHSU Health and Human Performance, Tigers for IDD and the Hays Buffalo Adventures."They always have such a huge smile on their face, and they bring a smile to ours," Cormaney said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084674662.jpeg" alt="Two attendees playing catch with a football at Adaptive Field Night. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Two attendees playing catch with a football at Adaptive Field Night. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084325164.jpeg" alt="Volunteers assisting attendees in shooting basketballs at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers assisting attendees in shooting basketballs at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084722201.jpeg" alt="An attendee swinging a baseball bat at a softball at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An attendee swinging a baseball bat at a softball at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084537019.jpeg" alt="A volunteer celebrating after an attendee successfully hits a ball into a target at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A volunteer celebrating after an attendee successfully hits a ball into a target at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084502929.jpeg" alt="An attendee kicking up dirt as he hits a ball into a goal net at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An attendee kicking up dirt as he hits a ball into a goal net at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084782911.jpeg" alt="An attendee hits a golf ball into a hole at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An attendee hits a golf ball into a hole at Adaptive Field Night.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084753515.jpeg" alt="Attendees handing off rubber chickens to volunteers in a relay race.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Attendees handing off rubber chickens to volunteers in a relay race.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714085015574.jpeg" alt="An attendee lifting up a wrestling dummy before throwing it to the mat. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An attendee lifting up a wrestling dummy before throwing it to the mat. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714084857982.jpeg" alt="An attendee pinning a wrestling dummy as a volunteer counts to three.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An attendee pinning a wrestling dummy as a volunteer counts to three.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷 FHSU students host first Adaptive Field night for IDD

Fort Hays State University’s next Science Café will be held on Monday, April 29.

This month’s presentation,&nbsp;“Endogenous retroviruses: Hidden hitchhikers and how they spread,”” is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI). The event begins at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

Dr. Eric Gillock, professor of biological sciences at FHSU, will discuss how endogenous retroviruses are genetic parasites found within the genomes of most eukaryotic cells. Like some unwanted house guests, they show up uninvited and never leave.

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 href="http://www.x.com/FHSUScienceCafe">www.x.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

<a href="http://www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

By FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University’s next Science Café will be held on Monday, April 29.This month’s presentation,&nbsp;“Endogenous retroviruses: Hidden hitchhikers and how they spread,”” is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI). The event begins at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.Dr. Eric Gillock, professor of biological sciences at FHSU, will discuss how endogenous retroviruses are genetic parasites found within the genomes of most eukaryotic cells. Like some unwanted house guests, they show up uninvited and never leave.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 href="http://www.fhsu.edu/smei">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a><a href="http://www.x.com/FHSUScienceCafe">www.x.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

FHSU’s next Science Café on retroviruses set for April 29

By BILL FIANDER Insight Kansas

Recently as I drove my Silent Generation father-in-law on an out-of-town trip along I-70, he made a peculiar observation. “I never noticed this before but there’s plastic bags everywhere. My gosh. It looks terrible!”

Peculiar because he’s typically not a passenger seat guy. Peculiar because he’s the last person I expect to hear pseudo-environmentally conscious commentary from. But knowing he’s a person who takes seriously where his local tax dollars go and his community’s appearance, combined with a newfound passenger seat status, I took heed of a lesson in local self-determination enshrined in the Kansas Constitution otherwise known as “home rule.”

Put simply: his right to solve a local problem locally.

This session, the Kansas Legislature attempted another end run on home rule with House Bill 2446: a wide-ranging, but straightforward, one-page bill designed to prohibit cities and counties from regulating “auxiliary containers” — plastic straws, bags, cups, packages, bottles, etc. for the transportation, consumption, or protection of food, beverage, or merchandise.

Two weeks ago, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the “plastic bag” bill, stunningly without a single reference to preserving the environment, spoiling waterways, toxicity of microplastics in our bloodstream, emitting greenhouse gases, or the Great Pacific garbage patch that’s grown bigger than Kansas itself.

Instead, she reserved her 45-word veto to extoll the virtues of local control and accountability enshrined in the 1961 home rule amendment to the Kansas Constitution where “powers and authority granted cities pursuant to this section shall be liberally construed for the purpose of giving cities the largest amount of self-government.”

Cities no longer had to gain approval from the state for their laws. Local government was given power to reflect their citizens’ needs and values free from state interference.

The logic of home rule presupposes a municipality is unique — what makes sense for Dodge City may not make sense for Manhattan — and will ultimately act in its own best interest lest people vote with their feet or for new representation.

The challenge of home rule is abiding by it.

Effective March 1, the City of Lawrence is determining their best interest as they implement a ban on single-use plastic bags, the first of its kind in the state. They affirmed their desire to think globally and act locally about the 29–36 million discarded plastic bags proliferating annually in the nooks and crannies of their city.

Conversely, passage of HB 2446 would have nullified their residents’ wishes and the wishes of any other city’s residents to self-govern.

Slopes are slippery. If the Legislature begins to assert their voice for local issues in one city, it becomes easier the next day to assert their voice on a local issue important to your city. Previous or current slippage into local control includes smoking in public places, age of tobacco purchasers, political sign regulations, zoning to increase housing supply, solar roof panels, homeless camping, and controlling pet populations.

Maybe some of this is dawning on legislators. For being the only Great Plains state not banning plastic bag bans, the bill had a surprisingly comfortable veto-override proof margin in the House (72-51) and Senate (24-16)

Maybe they’re realizing a statewide ban eliminates enough discarded bags annually in Kansas to circle the earth six times.

Or that it’s harder to escape the irony of condemning federal intrusion into state affairs when you do the same to local affairs.

Bill Fiander is a lecturer of university courses specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka and holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning from George Washington University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713980225682.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BILL FIANDER Insight KansasRecently as I drove my Silent Generation father-in-law on an out-of-town trip along I-70, he made a peculiar observation. “I never noticed this before but there’s plastic bags everywhere. My gosh. It looks terrible!”Peculiar because he’s typically not a passenger seat guy. Peculiar because he’s the last person I expect to hear pseudo-environmentally conscious commentary from. But knowing he’s a person who takes seriously where his local tax dollars go and his community’s appearance, combined with a newfound passenger seat status, I took heed of a lesson in local self-determination enshrined in the Kansas Constitution otherwise known as “home rule.”Put simply: his right to solve a local problem locally.This session, the Kansas Legislature attempted another end run on home rule with House Bill 2446: a wide-ranging, but straightforward, one-page bill designed to prohibit cities and counties from regulating “auxiliary containers” — plastic straws, bags, cups, packages, bottles, etc. for the transportation, consumption, or protection of food, beverage, or merchandise.Two weeks ago, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the “plastic bag” bill, stunningly without a single reference to preserving the environment, spoiling waterways, toxicity of microplastics in our bloodstream, emitting greenhouse gases, or the Great Pacific garbage patch that’s grown bigger than Kansas itself.Instead, she reserved her 45-word veto to extoll the virtues of local control and accountability enshrined in the 1961 home rule amendment to the Kansas Constitution where “powers and authority granted cities pursuant to this section shall be liberally construed for the purpose of giving cities the largest amount of self-government.”Cities no longer had to gain approval from the state for their laws. Local government was given power to reflect their citizens’ needs and values free from state interference.The logic of home rule presupposes a municipality is unique — what makes sense for Dodge City may not make sense for Manhattan — and will ultimately act in its own best interest lest people vote with their feet or for new representation.The challenge of home rule is abiding by it.Effective March 1, the City of Lawrence is determining their best interest as they implement a ban on single-use plastic bags, the first of its kind in the state. They affirmed their desire to think globally and act locally about the 29–36 million discarded plastic bags proliferating annually in the nooks and crannies of their city.Conversely, passage of HB 2446 would have nullified their residents’ wishes and the wishes of any other city’s residents to self-govern.Slopes are slippery. If the Legislature begins to assert their voice for local issues in one city, it becomes easier the next day to assert their voice on a local issue important to your city. Previous or current slippage into local control includes smoking in public places, age of tobacco purchasers, political sign regulations, zoning to increase housing supply, solar roof panels, homeless camping, and controlling pet populations.Maybe some of this is dawning on legislators. For being the only Great Plains state not banning plastic bag bans, the bill had a surprisingly comfortable veto-override proof margin in the House (72-51) and Senate (24-16)Maybe they’re realizing a statewide ban eliminates enough discarded bags annually in Kansas to circle the earth six times.Or that it’s harder to escape the irony of condemning federal intrusion into state affairs when you do the same to local affairs.Bill Fiander is a lecturer of university courses specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka and holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning from George Washington University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Plastic bags test home rule more than environment

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714261065188.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>

Officers join in First Responder Appreciation at Custom Creations

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The city of Hays will locate its new police station and municipal courts downtown at 1100 Fort, the site of Astra Bank. The building has 23,000 square feet of space with room for expansion.

 An agreement was formalized Thursday by the Hays City Commission with Astra Bank/AIS, which plans to build a new facility on city-owned land at 27th and Main.

The agreement specifies that the city will pay Astra/AIS $1.8 million for its building and transfer a two-acre parcel of land from its five-acre property at 27th and Main to the bank.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to a banking facility, Astra will also construct a headquarters building and potential retail space on the property.

 After reviewing several options, including constructing a new facility, city staff determined the Astra Bank location as the most viable long-term solution for a new police station. It will also cost about $5 million less than the initial plans for a new building.

The estimated cost of new construction was about $13 million, and remodeling the existing Astra Bank facility will cost approximately $8 million.

Astra Bank plans to vacate its downtown location by July 1, 2025.&nbsp;

The city has money budgeted in the capital improvement plan this year for a remodel design of the bank building, which has a full basement and open floor plan. 

Construction of the new police and municipal court facility is budgeted for 2025.&nbsp;

"We feel this is a really good opportunity for the city of Hays," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "It will keep the Hays Police Department and municipal court next to the Ellis County Courthouse and jail."

Moving the municipal operations out of the Law Enforcement Center will open up more space for the sheriff's department, jail and the district courts.

"I agree the utilization of that central property makes a lot more sense for it to be residential and retail, and then keeping the Law Enforcement Center all next to each other," said Mason Ruder, commissioner. "We work very closely with the sheriff's department and other courts. It makes sense to keep it localized there.

"Astra's investment in that property beyond its initial bank is going to be huge, too," Ruder said. "That property's been vacant a long time and now we can start seeing some vertical growth on it."

The city will also develop stormwater retention, using stormwater funds, for the entire 27th and Main acreage.

"The city commission has had its eye on possible apartment development for the remaining south side of the lot," Dougherty said.&nbsp;

• Approved a $67,000 design contract for engineering services with Driggs Design Group, PA, Hays, related to the reconstruction of 32nd/33rd Streets from Willow to Vine Streets.

• Designated the Hays Area Planning Commission as the Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals.

• Approved the following mayor appointments:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689001138921.png" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="City to locate new police station, municipal court in downtown Hays" 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/?i=6fgih-15f8c57-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe city of Hays will locate its new police station and municipal courts downtown at 1100 Fort, the site of Astra Bank. The building has 23,000 square feet of space with room for expansion. An agreement was formalized Thursday by the Hays City Commission with Astra Bank/AIS, which plans to build a new facility on city-owned land at 27th and Main.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713956075443.jpeg" alt="New location of Hays Astra Bank to be built at 27th and Main. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>New location of Hays Astra Bank to be built at 27th and Main. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>The agreement specifies that the city will pay Astra/AIS $1.8 million for its building and transfer a two-acre parcel of land from its five-acre property at 27th and Main to the bank.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to a banking facility, Astra will also construct a headquarters building and potential retail space on the property. After reviewing several options, including constructing a new facility, city staff determined the Astra Bank location as the most viable long-term solution for a new police station. It will also cost about $5 million less than the initial plans for a new building.The estimated cost of new construction was about $13 million, and remodeling the existing Astra Bank facility will cost approximately $8 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713964499400.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Astra Bank plans to vacate its downtown location by July 1, 2025.&nbsp;The city has money budgeted in the capital improvement plan this year for a remodel design of the bank building, which has a full basement and open floor plan. Construction of the new police and municipal court facility is budgeted for 2025.&nbsp;"We feel this is a really good opportunity for the city of Hays," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "It will keep the Hays Police Department and municipal court next to the Ellis County Courthouse and jail."Moving the municipal operations out of the Law Enforcement Center will open up more space for the sheriff's department, jail and the district courts."I agree the utilization of that central property makes a lot more sense for it to be residential and retail, and then keeping the Law Enforcement Center all next to each other," said Mason Ruder, commissioner. "We work very closely with the sheriff's department and other courts. It makes sense to keep it localized there."Astra's investment in that property beyond its initial bank is going to be huge, too," Ruder said. "That property's been vacant a long time and now we can start seeing some vertical growth on it."The city will also develop stormwater retention, using stormwater funds, for the entire 27th and Main acreage."The city commission has had its eye on possible apartment development for the remaining south side of the lot," Dougherty said.&nbsp;In other business, the city commission:• Approved a $67,000 design contract for engineering services with Driggs Design Group, PA, Hays, related to the reconstruction of 32nd/33rd Streets from Willow to Vine Streets.• Updated the future land use map:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714144399677.png" alt="Hays future land use map. City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Hays future land use map. City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>• Designated the Hays Area Planning Commission as the Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals.• Approved the following mayor appointments:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714143518174.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙City to locate new police station, municipal court in downtown Hays    

Ellis County Historical Society in Hays will host “Dress for Success: Nelly Don and American Fashion,” a presentation and discussion by Marla Day&nbsp; at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9 at ECHS Hays campus, 100 W. Seventh in downtown Hays. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

You can’t mention 20th-century women’s wear without thinking of Nelly Don. The Parsons native built a fashion empire on the vision that women deserved affordable, stylish clothing regardless of means or status. From humble beginnings, Don built a company that treated her workforce of women fairly, brought fashion to millions of American women, and became the largest dressmaker of the century. Ellen “Nell” Quinlan Donnelly’s story is one of innovation, triumph, and hard work—all rooted in her small-town Kansas upbringing.

Marla Day is the curator of Kansas State University’s Historic Costume and Textile Museum in Manhattan.

“Dress for Success: Nelly Don and American Fashion” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

For more information about “Dress for Success: Nelly Don and American Fashion” in Hays contact the Ellis County Historical Society at 785-628-2624 or visit <a href="http://www.echshays.org">www.echshays.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714069737712.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedEllis County Historical Society in Hays will host “Dress for Success: Nelly Don and American Fashion,” a presentation and discussion by Marla Day&nbsp; at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9 at ECHS Hays campus, 100 W. Seventh in downtown Hays. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.You can’t mention 20th-century women’s wear without thinking of Nelly Don. The Parsons native built a fashion empire on the vision that women deserved affordable, stylish clothing regardless of means or status. From humble beginnings, Don built a company that treated her workforce of women fairly, brought fashion to millions of American women, and became the largest dressmaker of the century. Ellen “Nell” Quinlan Donnelly’s story is one of innovation, triumph, and hard work—all rooted in her small-town Kansas upbringing.Marla Day is the curator of Kansas State University’s Historic Costume and Textile Museum in Manhattan.“Dress for Success: Nelly Don and American Fashion” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.For more information about “Dress for Success: Nelly Don and American Fashion” in Hays contact the Ellis County Historical Society at 785-628-2624 or visit <a href="http://www.echshays.org">www.echshays.org</a>.

Ellis Co. Historical Society presentation explores legacy of Kansas fashion designer

Beginning Monday at 8 a.m., Canal Blvd. in Hays will be closed to through traffic at 29th St. on the northwest side of the canal for pavement repairs. 

Repairs should be completed by the end of the day on Friday, May 5. 

Traffic control devices will be placed to direct the traveling public. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686234332975.jpeg" alt="File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysBeginning Monday at 8 a.m., Canal Blvd. in Hays will be closed to through traffic at 29th St. on the northwest side of the canal for pavement repairs. Repairs should be completed by the end of the day on Friday, May 5. Traffic control devices will be placed to direct the traveling public. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Pavement repairs on Canal Blvd. in Hays will close traffic lane

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

The Endangered Species Act (ESA), established in 1973, protects threatened and endangered species and the critical habitats in which they live. This act requires federal agencies to ensure that any action they authorize or fund does not negatively affect any listed species or any critical habitat the organism needs to survive. For the EPA, this means they are required to assess potential risks to these species when they register or reregister a pesticide product. In 1988, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) to meet its obligations under this Act. A lawsuit filed in 2011 alleged that the EPA violated ESA when it registered or reevaluated certain pesticide active ingredients, which is now driving some changes that will affect Kansas producers.

The expected changes are being outlined in the EPA’s herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide strategies, which have not been finalized yet. The strategies aim to minimize the exposure of protected species to pesticides. Many of the new risk mitigation measures outlined in the strategies will apply to all pesticides, but some will be specific to a particular site, product, or application timing.

Because the strategies have not been finalized, there is still a lot of uncertainty, but we know pesticide labels will change. Changes will include additional runoff, erosion, and spray drift reduction measures for many products. In addition, some applications will be affected by Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs), which will have additional restrictions beyond those listed on the product label. Applicators will need to read Endangered Species Protection Bulletins to determine if a PULA will affect an application.

The Endangered Species Protection Bulletin will identify the species of concern and the pesticide active ingredient that may affect it. It will also provide a description of protection measures necessary to protect the species and a county-level map showing the affected geographic areas. If the pesticide label directs you to the website “Bulletins Live! Two” or the toll-free number, you are required to follow the pesticide use limitations found in the Bulletin for your location, the pesticide active ingredient, and the application month (Figure 1). You can obtain Bulletins at the website: https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/bulletins-live-two-view-bulletins or through the toll-free number 844-477-3813. Bulletins should be obtained no more than six months ahead of your application. It is recommended that applicators keep a record of the Bulletins they obtain as part of their application records. Remember, these bulletins will be required for all pesticides, not only restricted-use products.

As an applicator or producer, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the “Bulletin’s Live! Two” website and how to search, use, and save bulletins. It is important to know the upcoming changes and existing resources that can help you navigate and understand how to comply.

Information provided by Frannie Miller, K-State Research &amp; Extension Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator and Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed Science Specialist.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictThe Endangered Species Act (ESA), established in 1973, protects threatened and endangered species and the critical habitats in which they live. This act requires federal agencies to ensure that any action they authorize or fund does not negatively affect any listed species or any critical habitat the organism needs to survive. For the EPA, this means they are required to assess potential risks to these species when they register or reregister a pesticide product. In 1988, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) to meet its obligations under this Act. A lawsuit filed in 2011 alleged that the EPA violated ESA when it registered or reevaluated certain pesticide active ingredients, which is now driving some changes that will affect Kansas producers.The expected changes are being outlined in the EPA’s herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, and rodenticide strategies, which have not been finalized yet. The strategies aim to minimize the exposure of protected species to pesticides. Many of the new risk mitigation measures outlined in the strategies will apply to all pesticides, but some will be specific to a particular site, product, or application timing.Because the strategies have not been finalized, there is still a lot of uncertainty, but we know pesticide labels will change. Changes will include additional runoff, erosion, and spray drift reduction measures for many products. In addition, some applications will be affected by Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs), which will have additional restrictions beyond those listed on the product label. Applicators will need to read Endangered Species Protection Bulletins to determine if a PULA will affect an application.ESP BulletinsThe Endangered Species Protection Bulletin will identify the species of concern and the pesticide active ingredient that may affect it. It will also provide a description of protection measures necessary to protect the species and a county-level map showing the affected geographic areas. If the pesticide label directs you to the website “Bulletins Live! Two” or the toll-free number, you are required to follow the pesticide use limitations found in the Bulletin for your location, the pesticide active ingredient, and the application month (Figure 1). You can obtain Bulletins at the website: https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/bulletins-live-two-view-bulletins or through the toll-free number 844-477-3813. Bulletins should be obtained no more than six months ahead of your application. It is recommended that applicators keep a record of the Bulletins they obtain as part of their application records. Remember, these bulletins will be required for all pesticides, not only restricted-use products.As an applicator or producer, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the “Bulletin’s Live! Two” website and how to search, use, and save bulletins. It is important to know the upcoming changes and existing resources that can help you navigate and understand how to comply.Information provided by Frannie Miller, K-State Research &amp; Extension Pesticide Safety and IPM Coordinator and Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed Science Specialist.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: The Endangered Species Act, what ag producers need to know

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714168720733.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>

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WI1_KldMTjg?si=FNFCltxat4qiGW_d" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation began work on a resurfacing project on a portion of K-25 in Logan County on Thursday.

Project work will involve milling and overlaying on 22 miles between 160th&nbsp;Road and the U.S. 40 junction. Traffic through the areas where crews are actively working will be directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should plan for delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours.

KDOT expects work to be completed in late June, conditions permitting.

APAC-Kansas Inc., Shears Division, of Hutchinson is the primary contractor for the $5 million project. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701368603184.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of TransportationThe Kansas Department of Transportation began work on a resurfacing project on a portion of K-25 in Logan County on Thursday.Project work will involve milling and overlaying on 22 miles between 160th&nbsp;Road and the U.S. 40 junction. Traffic through the areas where crews are actively working will be directed by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should plan for delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours.KDOT expects work to be completed in late June, conditions permitting.APAC-Kansas Inc., Shears Division, of Hutchinson is the primary contractor for the $5 million project. For more information, contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.