Following area museum social media paid off big time Dec. 10. Rooks County Historical Museum promoted a Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering, and Western Kansas folks demonstrated the meaning of gather. The enthusiastic crowd had the venue bursting at the seams! Thanks to a good sound system, those in the museum area could hear Ron’s and Jeff’s engaging performance from the chapel area.

Despite unexpectedly numerous participants, museum employees and volunteers covered their bases. They loaded a table with assorted Christmas cookies and healthy snacks so anyone who left hungry did so of their own accord. Someone or multiple someone’s creatively and beautifully decorated trees and placed them among displays that tell Rooks County stories. Guests who didn’t manage to find a seat in the presentation area until after other attendees left during intermission could listen to poetry, music, and banter while snacking or appreciating colorful Christmas decor.

Adding to the festivities, a Cowboy Santa happened to pass through and agreeably posed for photos with young and old. Not far from him, participants bid on donated silent auction items whose proceeds will support future museum programming.

When planning the event, manager Rick Gianni and Rooks County Historical Society Board chose to celebrate writing that “embodies the work and grit of the American Cowboy.” They invited multi-talented ranchers and writers/musicians Ron Wilson, owner of the Lazy T near Manhattan, and Jeff Davidson, a cattleman who calls Eureka, Kansas, home. These fellas know cattle business, its history, and the multi-faceted Kansas prairie. They could have presented a month-long seminar and barely have scratched their knowledge base. Better yet, they translate information into clever and touching poems and songs. Jeff’s knack for putting other people’s words, including Mary Powell’s and Ron’s, to music touched the audience’s hearts. Both have memories like elephants, which they demonstrated as they performed one song or poem after another without looking at a script. Wilson even wrote and autographed an original poem specifically for this event, handing every guest a copy. Apparently, he does this for all their presentations.

Area ranchers, cowboys, historians, and others who love a good celebration packed the place, enjoying catching up with one another pre-show, during intermission, and afterwards. As I walked through the crowd, I hugged or fist bumped several long-time friends while over-hearing people reminisce about good and bad days gone by.

While director Gianni commit his efforts to honoring Rooks County stories and people, he also plans to explore how they fit into Western Kansas history. Based on how many attendees came from neighboring counties to enjoy this show, his plan is working. He made a point of honoring county and area historians Don Rowlison, Leo Oliva, Angela Bates, and Ed Lowry. He acknowledged the Cottonwood Foundation’s support. All those listed have documented our region’s unique attributes along with revealing how it fits into much bigger pictures.

Clearly, Kansans hunger to learn more about how this region developed and those involved. Keep an eye on events coming out of Rooks County. Those living in wide-open spaces don’t complain about driving distances. In this case, the pay-off included tasty holiday treats, seeing old friends, and listening to extremely talented performers who vividly reminded us we live in a special place.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Following area museum social media paid off big time Dec. 10. Rooks County Historical Museum promoted a Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering, and Western Kansas folks demonstrated the meaning of gather. The enthusiastic crowd had the venue bursting at the seams! Thanks to a good sound system, those in the museum area could hear Ron’s and Jeff’s engaging performance from the chapel area.Despite unexpectedly numerous participants, museum employees and volunteers covered their bases. They loaded a table with assorted Christmas cookies and healthy snacks so anyone who left hungry did so of their own accord. Someone or multiple someone’s creatively and beautifully decorated trees and placed them among displays that tell Rooks County stories. Guests who didn’t manage to find a seat in the presentation area until after other attendees left during intermission could listen to poetry, music, and banter while snacking or appreciating colorful Christmas decor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702674428212.jpeg" alt="Jeff Davidson Cowboy (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Davidson Cowboy (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Adding to the festivities, a Cowboy Santa happened to pass through and agreeably posed for photos with young and old. Not far from him, participants bid on donated silent auction items whose proceeds will support future museum programming.When planning the event, manager Rick Gianni and Rooks County Historical Society Board chose to celebrate writing that “embodies the work and grit of the American Cowboy.” They invited multi-talented ranchers and writers/musicians Ron Wilson, owner of the Lazy T near Manhattan, and Jeff Davidson, a cattleman who calls Eureka, Kansas, home. These fellas know cattle business, its history, and the multi-faceted Kansas prairie. They could have presented a month-long seminar and barely have scratched their knowledge base. Better yet, they translate information into clever and touching poems and songs. Jeff’s knack for putting other people’s words, including Mary Powell’s and Ron’s, to music touched the audience’s hearts. Both have memories like elephants, which they demonstrated as they performed one song or poem after another without looking at a script. Wilson even wrote and autographed an original poem specifically for this event, handing every guest a copy. Apparently, he does this for all their presentations.Area ranchers, cowboys, historians, and others who love a good celebration packed the place, enjoying catching up with one another pre-show, during intermission, and afterwards. As I walked through the crowd, I hugged or fist bumped several long-time friends while over-hearing people reminisce about good and bad days gone by.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702674439403.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson cowboy poet&nbsp;(Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson cowboy poet&nbsp;(Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>While director Gianni commit his efforts to honoring Rooks County stories and people, he also plans to explore how they fit into Western Kansas history. Based on how many attendees came from neighboring counties to enjoy this show, his plan is working. He made a point of honoring county and area historians Don Rowlison, Leo Oliva, Angela Bates, and Ed Lowry. He acknowledged the Cottonwood Foundation’s support. All those listed have documented our region’s unique attributes along with revealing how it fits into much bigger pictures.Clearly, Kansans hunger to learn more about how this region developed and those involved. Keep an eye on events coming out of Rooks County. Those living in wide-open spaces don’t complain about driving distances. In this case, the pay-off included tasty holiday treats, seeing old friends, and listening to extremely talented performers who vividly reminded us we live in a special place.

MADORIN: Cowboy Poetry Christmas Celebration

EDWARDS COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge pickup driven by Jeffrey A. Weiss, 16, Offerle was northbound on 20th Avenue at U.S. Highway 50.

The driver stopped at the railroad track and then continued through the yield sign and collided with a westbound 2023 Subaru SUV driven by Aram Molina, 32, San Luis, Arizona.&nbsp; The vehicles were then pushed into the north ditch of U.S. 50.

EMS transported&nbsp;Weiss and Molina and a passenger in the SUV Auri Molina, 29, San Luis, Arizona&nbsp; to the&nbsp;Edwards County Medical Center. Weiss was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

EDWARDS COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Edwards County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Dodge pickup driven by Jeffrey A. Weiss, 16, Offerle was northbound on 20th Avenue at U.S. Highway 50.The driver stopped at the railroad track and then continued through the yield sign and collided with a westbound 2023 Subaru SUV driven by Aram Molina, 32, San Luis, Arizona.&nbsp; The vehicles were then pushed into the north ditch of U.S. 50.EMS transported&nbsp;Weiss and Molina and a passenger in the SUV Auri Molina, 29, San Luis, Arizona&nbsp; to the&nbsp;Edwards County Medical Center. Weiss was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen among 3 injured after 2-vehicle crash

Federal district court rejects attempt to cut monthslong delays for mental health treatment at hospital

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — In the latest legal move over “one of the worst ongoing human rights crises” in the state, a federal district judge denied a request to temporarily block long wait times at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;

If&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclukansas.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/4_-_motion_for_preliminary_injunction.pdf">the preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;had been granted, the state would have been prohibited from “maintaining a waitlist with wait times in excess of 30 days” at Larned, Kansas’ largest psychiatric facility.&nbsp;

“This case is about some of our most vulnerable community members. Because of the court’s ruling, hundreds of people on the waitlist for Larned will continue to languish for indeterminate months in our county jails, under conditions that exacerbate rather than treat mental illness,” said Sharon Brett, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.&nbsp;

“We are disappointed by the court’s ruling, but we do believe that with the benefit of the full discovery, our clients’ claims — and the Constitution—will ultimately prevail.”

The 2022 lawsuit and preliminary injunction, filed in federal court by the ACLU of Kansas, the National Police Accountability Project of the National Lawyers’ Guild and Stinson LLP, took aim at long delays for people waiting for mental health evaluation and treatment at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;

The case was filed against the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, which oversees the hospital. In some cases, people who face criminal charges have had to wait behind bars for as long as 13 months before receiving a pretrial competency evaluation, according to the lawsuit.

Due to this wait, some spend more time incarcerated while waiting for an evaluation than they would if they had been convicted. The lawsuit is on behalf of four individuals in this position, but the lawsuit estimates more than 100 people are currently on the waitlist. The lawsuit is ongoing.&nbsp;

“The law requires Kansans charged with crimes to be mentally competent to stand for trial,” said Lauren Bonds, executive director of the National Police Accountability Project of the National Lawyers’ Guild. “But KDADS’s inability to quickly and effectively evaluate that competency, and treat individuals whose competency is lacking, is a flagrant violation of the rights of already vulnerable people, and it constitutes one of this state’s worst ongoing human rights crises.”

<h2>Federal district court rejects attempt to cut monthslong delays for mental health treatment at hospital</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703090082810.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;The denied request marks the latest action in a lawsuit that has been ongoing for more than a year. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from KDADS video)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The denied request marks the latest action in a lawsuit that has been ongoing for more than a year. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from KDADS video)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — In the latest legal move over “one of the worst ongoing human rights crises” in the state, a federal district judge denied a request to temporarily block long wait times at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;If&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclukansas.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/4_-_motion_for_preliminary_injunction.pdf">the preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;had been granted, the state would have been prohibited from “maintaining a waitlist with wait times in excess of 30 days” at Larned, Kansas’ largest psychiatric facility.&nbsp;“This case is about some of our most vulnerable community members. Because of the court’s ruling, hundreds of people on the waitlist for Larned will continue to languish for indeterminate months in our county jails, under conditions that exacerbate rather than treat mental illness,” said Sharon Brett, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas.&nbsp;“We are disappointed by the court’s ruling, but we do believe that with the benefit of the full discovery, our clients’ claims — and the Constitution—will ultimately prevail.”The 2022 lawsuit and preliminary injunction, filed in federal court by the ACLU of Kansas, the National Police Accountability Project of the National Lawyers’ Guild and Stinson LLP, took aim at long delays for people waiting for mental health evaluation and treatment at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;The case was filed against the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, which oversees the hospital. In some cases, people who face criminal charges have had to wait behind bars for as long as 13 months before receiving a pretrial competency evaluation, according to the lawsuit.Due to this wait, some spend more time incarcerated while waiting for an evaluation than they would if they had been convicted. The lawsuit is on behalf of four individuals in this position, but the lawsuit estimates more than 100 people are currently on the waitlist. The lawsuit is ongoing.&nbsp;“The law requires Kansans charged with crimes to be mentally competent to stand for trial,” said Lauren Bonds, executive director of the National Police Accountability Project of the National Lawyers’ Guild. “But KDADS’s inability to quickly and effectively evaluate that competency, and treat individuals whose competency is lacking, is a flagrant violation of the rights of already vulnerable people, and it constitutes one of this state’s worst ongoing human rights crises.”

Kansas ACLU request to halt excessive wait times at Larned turned down by judge

🎥 Outpatient Hays VA clinic relocates from downtown to north of I-70  

As a person ages, the ability to get out of the house and interact with others decreases. Reduced mobility, health concerns, weather conditions, or even a lack of social opportunities are a few factors that prevent older adults from socializing.

This social isolation can increase health risks, and research from the CDC indicates:

· Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

· Social isolation is associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.

· Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.

· Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

Whatever factors may hinder a person from keeping up their social skills also has the potential to greatly impact their overall health. This is why it is vital to keep social connections alive. If you or someone you know may be at risk for social isolation, there are several ways to combat it.

Encourage relationships among family. Making it routine to visit older family members can give them a sense of hope and something to look forward to. Spending time with older family members can be simple. Visiting, looking through old photos, cooking, or enjoying a TV show together are great places to start. This time of year may also be the perfect opportunity to send the kids to grandpa and grandma’s house over Christmas break. Intergenerational relationships not only spark vitality in aging people but broaden children’s learning experiences, and older adults can give them the undivided attention they need.

Rediscover hobbies. Take some time to learn what your loved one enjoys doing and join them! Keeping the brain and body active is essential in maintaining mental sharpness and hand-eye coordination. Joining a group fitness class, attending a quilting group, or community gardening are a few options. Encouraging them to keep busy by volunteering may be another great opportunity because it can give them a sense of purpose and the chance to connect with others.

Support social activities. Be on the lookout for programs that may interest them. Senior centers provide a wide variety of activities such as art courses, board game days, or educational short courses. In fact, the Great Bend Senior Center will host a monthly ‘Wellness Wednesday’ class starting January 8th. This may be a great opportunity for older adults to sit back and learn while getting the chance to interact with peers.

Whatever strategy you choose to reduce social isolation, it is important to recognize the value of spending time with the aging population. Giving them a phone call, dropping by to say hi, and encouraging them to get involved are all simple ways to improve their quality of life and even extend it.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697484540273.jpeg" alt="Karissa Winkel - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>Karissa Winkel - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>As a person ages, the ability to get out of the house and interact with others decreases. Reduced mobility, health concerns, weather conditions, or even a lack of social opportunities are a few factors that prevent older adults from socializing.This social isolation can increase health risks, and research from the CDC indicates:· Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.· Social isolation is associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.· Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.· Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.Whatever factors may hinder a person from keeping up their social skills also has the potential to greatly impact their overall health. This is why it is vital to keep social connections alive. If you or someone you know may be at risk for social isolation, there are several ways to combat it.Encourage relationships among family. Making it routine to visit older family members can give them a sense of hope and something to look forward to. Spending time with older family members can be simple. Visiting, looking through old photos, cooking, or enjoying a TV show together are great places to start. This time of year may also be the perfect opportunity to send the kids to grandpa and grandma’s house over Christmas break. Intergenerational relationships not only spark vitality in aging people but broaden children’s learning experiences, and older adults can give them the undivided attention they need.Rediscover hobbies. Take some time to learn what your loved one enjoys doing and join them! Keeping the brain and body active is essential in maintaining mental sharpness and hand-eye coordination. Joining a group fitness class, attending a quilting group, or community gardening are a few options. Encouraging them to keep busy by volunteering may be another great opportunity because it can give them a sense of purpose and the chance to connect with others.Support social activities. Be on the lookout for programs that may interest them. Senior centers provide a wide variety of activities such as art courses, board game days, or educational short courses. In fact, the Great Bend Senior Center will host a monthly ‘Wellness Wednesday’ class starting January 8th. This may be a great opportunity for older adults to sit back and learn while getting the chance to interact with peers.Whatever strategy you choose to reduce social isolation, it is important to recognize the value of spending time with the aging population. Giving them a phone call, dropping by to say hi, and encouraging them to get involved are all simple ways to improve their quality of life and even extend it.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

WINKEL: Remaining social maintains health

As the 50th anniversary year of the Kansas Shrine Bowl concludes, the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors, along with the staff, participants, ambassadors, corporate partners, supporters, and nobles from across Kansas are proud to announce a donation of $100,000 as a result of the 2023 event held Saturday, July 15th in Hays. Since 1974, the&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl has now donated more than $3.8 million to Shriners Children’s.

“I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. It takes a village to pull off the Kansas Shrine Bowl every year,” said Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors President Donnie Bohannon. “To everyone who contributed, your act of kindness and generosity may have been a moment to you, but it will stay with me and all of the children your support has benefitted always.”

In addition to this significant contribution, the Kansas Shrine Bowl also provided programming for all-star athletes and musicians from across the state. With the support of Shriners, corporate partners, and participant fundraising, the Kansas Shrine Bowl was able to house, feed, transport, coach, train, and entertain 80 football players, 169 band participants, 190 cheerleaders, 16 patient ambassadors, and more than 30 camp staff for nearly a week. These participants get to experience first-hand the incredible work of Shriners Children’s during weeklong camps that create a lasting impact for participants, ambassadors, and families.

The 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. To learn more about how you can contribute to the wonderful work of Shriners and the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please contact the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656 or reach out by email to events@KansasShrineBowl.com. For additional event information and to learn more about the cause, visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s offers care for a range of orthopedic issues, as well as care for burn injuries, craniofacial conditions, spine care and spinal cord injuries, colorectal and gastrointestinal care, and sports medicine. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672686596673.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAs the 50th anniversary year of the Kansas Shrine Bowl concludes, the Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors, along with the staff, participants, ambassadors, corporate partners, supporters, and nobles from across Kansas are proud to announce a donation of $100,000 as a result of the 2023 event held Saturday, July 15th in Hays. Since 1974, the&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl has now donated more than $3.8 million to Shriners Children’s.“I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. It takes a village to pull off the Kansas Shrine Bowl every year,” said Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors President Donnie Bohannon. “To everyone who contributed, your act of kindness and generosity may have been a moment to you, but it will stay with me and all of the children your support has benefitted always.”In addition to this significant contribution, the Kansas Shrine Bowl also provided programming for all-star athletes and musicians from across the state. With the support of Shriners, corporate partners, and participant fundraising, the Kansas Shrine Bowl was able to house, feed, transport, coach, train, and entertain 80 football players, 169 band participants, 190 cheerleaders, 16 patient ambassadors, and more than 30 camp staff for nearly a week. These participants get to experience first-hand the incredible work of Shriners Children’s during weeklong camps that create a lasting impact for participants, ambassadors, and families.The 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. To learn more about how you can contribute to the wonderful work of Shriners and the Kansas Shrine Bowl, please contact the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656 or reach out by email to events@KansasShrineBowl.com. For additional event information and to learn more about the cause, visit www.KansasShrineBowl.com.The Kansas Shrine Bowl is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. Shriners Children’s offers care for a range of orthopedic issues, as well as care for burn injuries, craniofacial conditions, spine care and spinal cord injuries, colorectal and gastrointestinal care, and sports medicine. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

Kansas Shrine Bowl announces $100,000 donation from Hays event

<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/2023/12/1703012750259.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

First Care Clinic, Inc. is happy to announce the addition of First Care Pharmacy, located inside the entrance of Express Care at the corner of 13th &amp; Main in downtown Hays. First Care Pharmacy is convenient, fast, friendly, and offers free delivery. Experience the benefits of getting your prescriptions filled at the same time as your medical, dental, and/or behavioral health appointment.

“We are very happy to announce our pharmacy is now fully operational and open for business. We know the positive impact this will have on the health of our community,” said Eric Flax, CEO.

Benefits of choosing First Care Pharmacy:

· FREE local delivery – home or office delivery available to anywhere inside the city limits of Hays.

· Synchronized services — fill your script(s) at the time of clinic appointment.

· Continuity of care — all your medical care within one entity.

· Integrative care setting — providers communicate seamlessly with our pharmacist.

· Traveling for the season? No problem. We can send your script(s) anywhere in the country.

· Patients who qualify for the Sliding Fee Scale can receive their medications at significantly lower prices.

At the heart of the operation is knowledgeable pharmacist, Tami Zimmerman, serving as the Pharmacy Director. Tami is a native of Hays, KS and is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy.

According to Eric Flax, “It is no small feat building a pharmacy from scratch. Throughout the process Tami was a driving force to get this pharmacy up and running. We are very fortunate to have her on the First Care team!”

To that end, Medical Director, Dr. Christine Fisher said, “Our goal at First Care Clinic is to treat the whole person, in the best way possible. This includes great pharmacy services. Our pharmacists try to find the best prices possible and work with patients who need assistance. We can fill prescriptions at the time of the appointment and the patient can pick them up immediately. 

Great service, great prices, and free delivery; combined with exceptional patient care. That is our goal.”

First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. Call our pharmacy today at (785) 301-9390. A sliding fee scale discount is available to those who qualify.

Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990. Established patients can also self-schedule Express Care (same day) visits on our website. Book a time and skip the line!

First Care ClinicFirst Care Clinic, Inc. is happy to announce the addition of First Care Pharmacy, located inside the entrance of Express Care at the corner of 13th &amp; Main in downtown Hays. First Care Pharmacy is convenient, fast, friendly, and offers free delivery. Experience the benefits of getting your prescriptions filled at the same time as your medical, dental, and/or behavioral health appointment.“We are very happy to announce our pharmacy is now fully operational and open for business. We know the positive impact this will have on the health of our community,” said Eric Flax, CEO.Benefits of choosing First Care Pharmacy:· Competitive pricing.· FREE local delivery – home or office delivery available to anywhere inside the city limits of Hays.· Synchronized services — fill your script(s) at the time of clinic appointment.· Real-time medication list updates.· Continuity of care — all your medical care within one entity.· Integrative care setting — providers communicate seamlessly with our pharmacist.· Traveling for the season? No problem. We can send your script(s) anywhere in the country.· Patients who qualify for the Sliding Fee Scale can receive their medications at significantly lower prices.At the heart of the operation is knowledgeable pharmacist, Tami Zimmerman, serving as the Pharmacy Director. Tami is a native of Hays, KS and is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy.According to Eric Flax, “It is no small feat building a pharmacy from scratch. Throughout the process Tami was a driving force to get this pharmacy up and running. We are very fortunate to have her on the First Care team!”To that end, Medical Director, Dr. Christine Fisher said, “Our goal at First Care Clinic is to treat the whole person, in the best way possible. This includes great pharmacy services. Our pharmacists try to find the best prices possible and work with patients who need assistance. We can fill prescriptions at the time of the appointment and the patient can pick them up immediately. Great service, great prices, and free delivery; combined with exceptional patient care. That is our goal.”First Care Clinic welcomes all patients and accepts all major insurances. Call our pharmacy today at (785) 301-9390. A sliding fee scale discount is available to those who qualify.Patients can request an appointment at firstcareclinic.com or by calling First Care Clinic at (785) 621-4990. Established patients can also self-schedule Express Care (same day) visits on our website. Book a time and skip the line!

Kansas man hospitalized after semi's trailer overturns

TMP-Marian vs Hoxie Tuesday, Dec. 19 – 6 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Al Billinger Fieldhouse&nbsp;

Radio: KFIX (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/849650">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs close out the pre-Christmas portion of the schedule Tuesday with a MCL showdown with the Hoxie Indians.

The TMP girls are 3-3 and the boys are 1-5 after losses to Central Plains on Friday.

Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Live coverage includes The TMP-Marian Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian vs Hoxie Tuesday, Dec. 19 – 6 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Al Billinger Fieldhouse&nbsp; Radio: KFIX (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/849650">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs close out the pre-Christmas portion of the schedule Tuesday with a MCL showdown with the Hoxie Indians.The TMP girls are 3-3 and the boys are 1-5 after losses to Central Plains on Friday.Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Live coverage includes The TMP-Marian Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 TMP hosts Hoxie in MCL showdown

Wichita Heights at Hays High Tuesday, Dec. 19 – 6:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/849656">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians return home Tuesday night for a matchup with Wichita Heights.

The Indians have been off since Dec. 8th.

The Hays High girls are 3-2 while the boys are 2-3.

The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Hays City High School.

Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Heights at Hays High Tuesday, Dec. 19 – 6:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. - Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/849656">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians return home Tuesday night for a matchup with Wichita Heights.The Indians have been off since Dec. 8th.The Hays High girls are 3-2 while the boys are 2-3.The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Hays City High School.Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Indians set to host Wichtia Heights

The Hays Police Department responded to 67 incidents Nov. 23-Dec. 9, 2023,&nbsp; according to the HPD activity log.

<figure>
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 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 67 incidents Nov. 23-Dec. 9, 2023,&nbsp; according to the HPD activity log.<figure>
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Hays Police Department activity log, Nov. 23-Dec. 9, 2023

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702995961939.png" alt="File photo by Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>File photo by Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/arrests">Click here for past Hays Police Department arrest logs.</a>---------------------------------------------------------<figure>
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Hays Police Department arrest log, Nov. 26-Dec. 16, 2023

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Hays city commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to give themselves a $10,000 a year pay increase.

Their monthly pay will go from $150 to $1,000. The mayor will receive $1,250 a month.

Vice-mayor Sandy Jacobs had earlier presented the recommendation for increased compensation, the first time it has been addressed in 20 years.&nbsp;

"It's not about the person. It's about the value of the position," said Jacobs, who is retired. 

"Hopefully, this will bring diversity by maybe replacing some hours by people who have full-time jobs that have to be away from those jobs, not only for meetings but for other responsibilities the commissioners have," she said.

Commissioners said they devote anywhere from 15 to 35 hours a week to city business.

Hays city commissioners are paid considerably less than their peers in several similarly-sized cities as well as some smaller towns.

The $63,000 budget line item will come from the general fund, which is funded by sales tax, said Mayor Shaun Musil.

It amounts to 0.0014 percent of the city's budget, according to Toby Dougherty, city manager.

"The governing body is making policy decisions guiding a $40 million budget every year into the future. The city commissions have made good sound decisions, decisions that have led us to have essentially the lowest property taxes outside of Johnson County [and] have reserves funded," Dougherty said.

"We want to make sure we keep high quality people on the board. ... I think $12,000 is undervalued given the time each and every commissioner has put into the position," he said.

The commission also approved the authorization of $3.5 million in industrial revenue bonds for the Grow Hays microfactory, which is scheduled to open in mid-February.

The city will act as a conduit for the bonds that allow Grow Hays to be exempt from sales tax for all purchases related to construction of the project and to obtain a real property tax abatement for 10 years.

• Approved the 2023 pool operations loss reimbursement request of $33,319 from the Hays Recreation Commission. Attendance at the Hays Aquatic Park was 43,204 patrons compared to 45,816 visitors in 2022. Attendance at Wilson Pool was up seven people from last summer to&nbsp;2,903 in 2023. • Approved two vehicle abatements for 3312 Lincoln Drive and 2507 General Hancock Road.&nbsp; • Approved the new corporate limits boundary of the city after six land parcels were annexed into the city this year. • Heard an update of activities by the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County by facilitator Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO of the Hays Chamber. In the past six months, Ellis County has added five in-home providers, six in-home group providers and one&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ac4a7d94-85d9-4db8-9191-e950a7d10d09">child care center</a>. • Heard about the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange from a German student staying with a Hays family

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702922753783.jpeg" alt="Hays city commissioners will receive a $10,000 annual pay raise starting in January. File photo and video by Hays Post/Becky Kiser" />
 <figcaption>Hays city commissioners will receive a $10,000 annual pay raise starting in January. File photo and video by Hays Post/Becky Kiser</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostHays city commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to give themselves a $10,000 a year pay increase.Their monthly pay will go from $150 to $1,000. The mayor will receive $1,250 a month.Vice-mayor Sandy Jacobs had earlier presented the recommendation for increased compensation, the first time it has been addressed in 20 years.&nbsp;"It's not about the person. It's about the value of the position," said Jacobs, who is retired. "Hopefully, this will bring diversity by maybe replacing some hours by people who have full-time jobs that have to be away from those jobs, not only for meetings but for other responsibilities the commissioners have," she said.<div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cz7Qbxcv7_E" title="Hays City Commissioner vote themselves a $10,000 annual pay raise" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Commissioners said they devote anywhere from 15 to 35 hours a week to city business.Hays city commissioners are paid considerably less than their peers in several similarly-sized cities as well as some smaller towns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702676283889.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>The $63,000 budget line item will come from the general fund, which is funded by sales tax, said Mayor Shaun Musil.It amounts to 0.0014 percent of the city's budget, according to Toby Dougherty, city manager."The governing body is making policy decisions guiding a $40 million budget every year into the future. The city commissions have made good sound decisions, decisions that have led us to have essentially the lowest property taxes outside of Johnson County [and] have reserves funded," Dougherty said."We want to make sure we keep high quality people on the board. ... I think $12,000 is undervalued given the time each and every commissioner has put into the position," he said.The commission also approved the authorization of $3.5 million in industrial revenue bonds for the Grow Hays microfactory, which is scheduled to open in mid-February.The city will act as a conduit for the bonds that allow Grow Hays to be exempt from sales tax for all purchases related to construction of the project and to obtain a real property tax abatement for 10 years.In other business, the commission:• Approved the 2023 pool operations loss reimbursement request of $33,319 from the Hays Recreation Commission. Attendance at the Hays Aquatic Park was 43,204 patrons compared to 45,816 visitors in 2022. Attendance at Wilson Pool was up seven people from last summer to&nbsp;2,903 in 2023. • Approved two vehicle abatements for 3312 Lincoln Drive and 2507 General Hancock Road.&nbsp; • Approved the new corporate limits boundary of the city after six land parcels were annexed into the city this year. • Heard an update of activities by the Child Care Task Force of Ellis County by facilitator Sarah Wasinger, president/CEO of the Hays Chamber. In the past six months, Ellis County has added five in-home providers, six in-home group providers and one&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ac4a7d94-85d9-4db8-9191-e950a7d10d09">child care center</a>. • Heard about the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange from a German student staying with a Hays family

Hays city commissioners will get $10,000 annual pay increase starting in January

Jeff Pinkney CPA is proud to announce Shelby Jacques and Abby Schulte have earned their licenses’ as certified public accountants in Kansas.

Jacques&nbsp;began her career as an accounting intern in 2015 and became a full-time staff accountant upon earning her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Fort Hays State University in 2016.

 Abby Schulte&nbsp;joined the firm in February of 2017.&nbsp; She is a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance.

Pinkney&nbsp;and all the staff at the firm congratulate Shelby and Abby on their accomplishment.

SubmittedJeff Pinkney CPA is proud to announce Shelby Jacques and Abby Schulte have earned their licenses’ as certified public accountants in Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702930241154.jpeg" alt="Shelby Jacques" />
 <figcaption>Shelby Jacques</figcaption>
 </figure>Jacques&nbsp;began her career as an accounting intern in 2015 and became a full-time staff accountant upon earning her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Fort Hays State University in 2016.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702930318935.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Abby Schulte" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Abby Schulte</figcaption>
 </figure> Abby Schulte&nbsp;joined the firm in February of 2017.&nbsp; She is a graduate of Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance.Pinkney&nbsp;and all the staff at the firm congratulate Shelby and Abby on their accomplishment.

Jeff Pinkney CPA announces 2 new CPAs

Scams can be hard to spot because they often look just like&nbsp;the real thing.&nbsp;That includes job scams. They crop up on real job sites, including places like LinkedIn. Scammers have even invited people to do things like 45-minute interviews, putting in the time so you let your guard down. So how do you tell a scam from the real thing?

Let’s say you get a message from a recruiter. They say you’re&nbsp;just&nbsp;what they’ve been looking for and schedule a virtual interview. The invitation has the company’s logo and an official-looking job briefing guide describing the job’s duties. Soon after the interview, you get the email: You got the job! The offer letter comes in — company logo and all — and everything seems promising. But what comes next?

Here are some signs that job offer may be a scam:

Not sure if you’re dealing with a job scam? Contact the company using a phone number or website you know to be legitimate — not one you got from the “recruiter.”

Report job scams to the FTC:&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

Federal Trade Commission<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702930819749.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scams can be hard to spot because they often look just like&nbsp;the real thing.&nbsp;That includes job scams. They crop up on real job sites, including places like LinkedIn. Scammers have even invited people to do things like 45-minute interviews, putting in the time so you let your guard down. So how do you tell a scam from the real thing?Let’s say you get a message from a recruiter. They say you’re&nbsp;just&nbsp;what they’ve been looking for and schedule a virtual interview. The invitation has the company’s logo and an official-looking job briefing guide describing the job’s duties. Soon after the interview, you get the email: You got the job! The offer letter comes in — company logo and all — and everything seems promising. But what comes next?Here are some signs that job offer may be a scam:<ul>
 <li>Scammy recruiters will email you from a personal email, not a company account.&nbsp;Recruiters will generally email from their company (@companyname.com), not a personal email like @gmail.com or @yahoo.com.</li><li>Scammy recruiters push you for money.&nbsp;They might send you a fake invoice for equipment (like a computer ) or “training” that they’ll supposedly order but tell you to pay for first — using mobile payment apps like Cash App, Zelle, or PayPal. They’ll promise to reimburse you…but won’t, because it’s a scam.</li><li>Scammy recruiters ask for your personal information up front.&nbsp;Before giving you any details about the job, they’ll ask for your driver’s license, Social Security, or bank account number to fill out “employment paperwork.” But if you share it, they might steal your identity.</li>
 </ul>Not sure if you’re dealing with a job scam? Contact the company using a phone number or website you know to be legitimate — not one you got from the “recruiter.”Report job scams to the FTC:&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: How to spot the latest job scams

The Ellis County Bar Association donated $8,000 this month to local charities as part of its annual gifting program. 

The Ellis County Bar Association is a non-profit organization comprised of judges and attorneys from Ellis County, Kansas and the 23rd Judicial District. Members pay annual membership fees and host an annual continuing legal education program to raise money to support local programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696967207582.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Ellis County Bar Association donated $8,000 this month to local charities as part of its annual gifting program. The Ellis County Bar Association is a non-profit organization comprised of judges and attorneys from Ellis County, Kansas and the 23rd Judicial District. Members pay annual membership fees and host an annual continuing legal education program to raise money to support local programs.

Ellis County Bar Association donates $8,000 to local charities

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702935574462.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>

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/rex-buchanan-1">Rex Buchanan</a> <a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/">Kansas Public Radio</a>

Parts of western Kansas are running out of water. This has been true for a long time. But Kansas is finally taking steps to address the problem. Commentator Rex Buchanan wonders whether those steps will be enough.

Don’t look now, but Kansas water is having a moment. In the past few weeks, the state’s water issues were featured in long stories in the New York Times and the Kansas City Star. In state government, the Legislature appropriated significant new water funding. The governor re-established a water subcabinet, there are regular get-togethers of the cabinet-level agencies that deal with water. And the governor appointed a special adviser on water.

All this attention resulted in nearly palpable excitement in recent meetings held by water-related folks.

After going to a couple of those meetings, I had two take-home lessons — one good, one not so good — that sometimes get lost in the shuffle.

First, the good news. We used to think that stopping declines in the Ogallala aquifer out west would require draconian cutbacks in irrigation — maybe as much as 75 percent. When people heard numbers that drastic, their response was, I think, understandable. Cuts that big would be so severe, so daunting, their economic impact so great... why even try? The obvious response: throw your hands up and keep on pumping.

But work by my colleagues at the Kansas Geological Survey shows that such huge cutbacks may not be necessary to slow or even stop declines. In parts of the aquifer, reductions of 20 or 25 percent can extend the life of the aquifer significantly.

In places, irrigators have come together to voluntarily cut back 20 percent on water, through more precise irrigation scheduling and raising different crops. They’ve saved water and made just as much money.

Improved water efficiency doesn’t necessarily result in less water used. I know that doesn’t sound right so I’ll say it again. Conserving water — via improved irrigation efficiency — doesn’t always result in using less water. Here’s why: When irrigators save water, through new efficiencies, they often use the water they saved to irrigate more acres or switch to more water-thirsty, more profitable crops. In other words, they use the water they save.

One of my colleagues says that the allure of improved efficiency is a “zombie idea,” a concept that isn’t true, but just won’t die.

I’m not saying that efficiency is bad. Obviously, nobody should be wasting water. But efficiency alone won’t solve this. To truly slow water-level declines, cuts in water use have to actually save water.

Bottom line: we can stem declines in the Ogallala, but not with improved efficiency alone. We have to tie those efficiency measures to some sort of binding agreement to actually reduce the amount of water being pumped.

In a few weeks, I’ll be headed west to measure water levels, part of the annual program by the Survey and the state’s division of water resources. I expect that we’ll see less-than-usual declines in places, mostly because summer rains in southwestern Kansas meant less irrigation.

If that’s what we find, don’t get idea that all the recent attention has solved our water woes. It’ll take more than newspaper stories and meetings. We know what we need to do. Now we have to do it.

Commentator Rex Buchanan is a writer, author and director emeritus at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas Geological Survey</a>. He lives in Lawrence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702935319168.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/rex-buchanan-1">Rex Buchanan</a> <a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/">Kansas Public Radio</a>Parts of western Kansas are running out of water. This has been true for a long time. But Kansas is finally taking steps to address the problem. Commentator Rex Buchanan wonders whether those steps will be enough.(Transcript)Don’t look now, but Kansas water is having a moment. In the past few weeks, the state’s water issues were featured in long stories in the New York Times and the Kansas City Star. In state government, the Legislature appropriated significant new water funding. The governor re-established a water subcabinet, there are regular get-togethers of the cabinet-level agencies that deal with water. And the governor appointed a special adviser on water.All this attention resulted in nearly palpable excitement in recent meetings held by water-related folks.After going to a couple of those meetings, I had two take-home lessons — one good, one not so good — that sometimes get lost in the shuffle.First, the good news. We used to think that stopping declines in the Ogallala aquifer out west would require draconian cutbacks in irrigation — maybe as much as 75 percent. When people heard numbers that drastic, their response was, I think, understandable. Cuts that big would be so severe, so daunting, their economic impact so great... why even try? The obvious response: throw your hands up and keep on pumping.But work by my colleagues at the Kansas Geological Survey shows that such huge cutbacks may not be necessary to slow or even stop declines. In parts of the aquifer, reductions of 20 or 25 percent can extend the life of the aquifer significantly.In places, irrigators have come together to voluntarily cut back 20 percent on water, through more precise irrigation scheduling and raising different crops. They’ve saved water and made just as much money.But here’s the other thing.Improved water efficiency doesn’t necessarily result in less water used. I know that doesn’t sound right so I’ll say it again. Conserving water — via improved irrigation efficiency — doesn’t always result in using less water. Here’s why: When irrigators save water, through new efficiencies, they often use the water they saved to irrigate more acres or switch to more water-thirsty, more profitable crops. In other words, they use the water they save.One of my colleagues says that the allure of improved efficiency is a “zombie idea,” a concept that isn’t true, but just won’t die.I’m not saying that efficiency is bad. Obviously, nobody should be wasting water. But efficiency alone won’t solve this. To truly slow water-level declines, cuts in water use have to actually save water.Bottom line: we can stem declines in the Ogallala, but not with improved efficiency alone. We have to tie those efficiency measures to some sort of binding agreement to actually reduce the amount of water being pumped.In a few weeks, I’ll be headed west to measure water levels, part of the annual program by the Survey and the state’s division of water resources. I expect that we’ll see less-than-usual declines in places, mostly because summer rains in southwestern Kansas meant less irrigation.If that’s what we find, don’t get idea that all the recent attention has solved our water woes. It’ll take more than newspaper stories and meetings. We know what we need to do. Now we have to do it.####Commentator Rex Buchanan is a writer, author and director emeritus at the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/" target="_blank">Kansas Geological Survey</a>. He lives in Lawrence.

Opinion: Getting serious about water woes on High Plains

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Ellis County District Judge Tom Drees denied a request Friday to reconsider a sentence handed down earlier this year for a man who admitted
to robbing a Hays Dollar General Store in 2022.

Defense attorney Alex Herman argued on behalf of his client Batalova
Senuoke, 39, and with the support of Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson that
Drees should reconsider the sentencing because they reached a plea agreement.

Both attorneys told the court they were not aware of any
case law that would allow a judge to reconsider a felony sentencing and Drees
denied the motion.

Anderson and Herman expressed frustration at Senuoke’s
initial sentencing in October and again Friday in Ellis County District Court
with Drees’ decision to alter a plea agreement the two sides, and prosecutors
in Jefferson County Kentucky had worked out in a similar case.

Senuoke, who is currently in custody in Kentucky, was
convicted of first-degree robbery charges in Jefferson County, Kentucky. He was
sentenced to 12 years in prison for the crimes in Kentucky.

In October, Drees sentenced Senuoke to a total of 10 years in
prison for aggravated robbery and aggravated battery. Drees set those to run
consecutively with the 12 years in Kentucky. Senuoke will serve
12 years in Kentucky and then return to Kansas to serve an additional 10 years.

At Friday’s hearing, Herman said the state of Kentucky
imposed Senuoke’s sentence there to run concurrent to the one in Kansas, meaning
he would serve just the 12 total years in prison. His Kansas sentence would run
at the same time as the Kentucky sentence.

&nbsp;“Mr. Senuoke is going
to be doing 10 years (in prison), whether it’s in Kentucky or whether it’s in
Kansas,” Herman said. “As a taxpayer, I would prefer that he do it in Kentucky, not in Kansas because that’s going to save us money on housing an individual
for 10 years.” 

Herman claimed that the Kansas Department of Corrections estimates
that it would cost more than $300,000 to house Senuoke for 10 years.

If Drees modified the sentence to run concurrently, Herman
said Senuoke would serve the 10-year sentence in Kentucky.

Herman and Anderson also argued returning Senuoke to serve
his time in Kansas would eventually mean he would be paroled in Kansas and that would make him a resident of the state, something that nobody wants.

“When your honor ordered the sentence to be consecutive
against the request of the state and against the request of the defense, what
your honor did was chose where he would do his 10 years (in prison) not that he
would do 20,” Anderson said.

Anderson claimed that Drees, “has a habit of disrupting plea
agreements far more often than [the court] has a habit of going along with it.”

“That has consequences,” Anderson said, “unintended
consequences and intended consequences.”

He also said the judge's ruling would make it harder for
his office to close cases.

Drees said Senuoke is a felon with several prior convictions
and while he agreed to a reduced sentence from the maximum sentence of 233
months, or 19 years and five months to 10 years, he did not agree to run the
sentence at the same time as the Kentucky sentence because of the harm he did
in Kansas.

“Mr. Senuoke is a violent offender with multiple prior
person felonies. He did great harm to a citizen of Ellis County and the state
of Kansas — great emotional harm, which she may never recover from. It was a
violent crime, and it calls for an imprisonment sentence,” Drees said. “The
court found the 10 years to be appropriate, and the court sentenced him to those
10 years of imprisonment. The court believes it's appropriate to run that
consecutive to Kentucky and the court did that.”

Drees said even if the Kentucky judge elects to run the 12-year prison sentence concurrently with his Kansas prison sentence, he believes Senuoke
would serve 10 years in Kansas and then return to Kentucky to serve the
remainder of his two years there.

Drees disagreed with Anderson's and Herman’s concerns
about the cost of housing Senuoke with the Kansas Department of Corrections for 10 years.

“The cost is also a static cost for the state of Kansas. The
state is not going to pay an additional $300,000 for this individual,” Drees
said. “That is the average cost because Kansas budgets for incarcerating 10,600
people.”

Drees said the state has seen a significant drop in the
number of inmates housed with the Kansas Department of Corrections to fewer than 9,000 this year.

“Kansas is going to pay that cost whether Mr. Senuoke is
here or not,” Drees said.

Drees also rebuffed Anderson’s allegations he has a habit of altering plea agreements.

“I have rarely, rarely gone against plea agreements,” Drees
said. “It’s been a handful of times in the three years that we’ve been
sentencing.”

Anderson disagreed and claimed he has had days that Drees
has “done something to toy with or tweak” with 80-90 percent of the plea
agreements in cases on the docket.

To which Drees said, “I don’t think you’ll be able to show
that, and at the end of the day, that’s my job to impose an appropriate
sentence.”

Drees added, “This is one of those occasions where I disagree
with your plea agreement. I don’t agree with letting Mr. Senuoke commit
multiple, multiple armed robberies and be punished in effect for one.”

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostEllis County District Judge Tom Drees denied a request Friday to reconsider a sentence handed down earlier this year for a man who admitted
to robbing a Hays Dollar General Store in 2022.Defense attorney Alex Herman argued on behalf of his client Batalova
Senuoke, 39, and with the support of Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson that
Drees should reconsider the sentencing because they reached a plea agreement.Both attorneys told the court they were not aware of any
case law that would allow a judge to reconsider a felony sentencing and Drees
denied the motion.Anderson and Herman expressed frustration at Senuoke’s
initial sentencing in October and again Friday in Ellis County District Court
with Drees’ decision to alter a plea agreement the two sides, and prosecutors
in Jefferson County Kentucky had worked out in a similar case.Senuoke, who is currently in custody in Kentucky, was
convicted of first-degree robbery charges in Jefferson County, Kentucky. He was
sentenced to 12 years in prison for the crimes in Kentucky.In October, Drees sentenced Senuoke to a total of 10 years in
prison for aggravated robbery and aggravated battery. Drees set those to run
consecutively with the 12 years in Kentucky. Senuoke will serve
12 years in Kentucky and then return to Kansas to serve an additional 10 years.At Friday’s hearing, Herman said the state of Kentucky
imposed Senuoke’s sentence there to run concurrent to the one in Kansas, meaning
he would serve just the 12 total years in prison. His Kansas sentence would run
at the same time as the Kentucky sentence.&nbsp;“Mr. Senuoke is going
to be doing 10 years (in prison), whether it’s in Kentucky or whether it’s in
Kansas,” Herman said. “As a taxpayer, I would prefer that he do it in Kentucky, not in Kansas because that’s going to save us money on housing an individual
for 10 years.” Herman claimed that the Kansas Department of Corrections estimates
that it would cost more than $300,000 to house Senuoke for 10 years.If Drees modified the sentence to run concurrently, Herman
said Senuoke would serve the 10-year sentence in Kentucky.Herman and Anderson also argued returning Senuoke to serve
his time in Kansas would eventually mean he would be paroled in Kansas and that would make him a resident of the state, something that nobody wants.“When your honor ordered the sentence to be consecutive
against the request of the state and against the request of the defense, what
your honor did was chose where he would do his 10 years (in prison) not that he
would do 20,” Anderson said.Anderson claimed that Drees, “has a habit of disrupting plea
agreements far more often than [the court] has a habit of going along with it.”“That has consequences,” Anderson said, “unintended
consequences and intended consequences.”He also said the judge's ruling would make it harder for
his office to close cases.Drees said Senuoke is a felon with several prior convictions
and while he agreed to a reduced sentence from the maximum sentence of 233
months, or 19 years and five months to 10 years, he did not agree to run the
sentence at the same time as the Kentucky sentence because of the harm he did
in Kansas.“Mr. Senuoke is a violent offender with multiple prior
person felonies. He did great harm to a citizen of Ellis County and the state
of Kansas — great emotional harm, which she may never recover from. It was a
violent crime, and it calls for an imprisonment sentence,” Drees said. “The
court found the 10 years to be appropriate, and the court sentenced him to those
10 years of imprisonment. The court believes it's appropriate to run that
consecutive to Kentucky and the court did that.”Drees said even if the Kentucky judge elects to run the 12-year prison sentence concurrently with his Kansas prison sentence, he believes Senuoke
would serve 10 years in Kansas and then return to Kentucky to serve the
remainder of his two years there.Drees disagreed with Anderson's and Herman’s concerns
about the cost of housing Senuoke with the Kansas Department of Corrections for 10 years.“The cost is also a static cost for the state of Kansas. The
state is not going to pay an additional $300,000 for this individual,” Drees
said. “That is the average cost because Kansas budgets for incarcerating 10,600
people.”Drees said the state has seen a significant drop in the
number of inmates housed with the Kansas Department of Corrections to fewer than 9,000 this year.“Kansas is going to pay that cost whether Mr. Senuoke is
here or not,” Drees said.Drees also rebuffed Anderson’s allegations he has a habit of altering plea agreements.“I have rarely, rarely gone against plea agreements,” Drees
said. “It’s been a handful of times in the three years that we’ve been
sentencing.”Anderson disagreed and claimed he has had days that Drees
has “done something to toy with or tweak” with 80-90 percent of the plea
agreements in cases on the docket.To which Drees said, “I don’t think you’ll be able to show
that, and at the end of the day, that’s my job to impose an appropriate
sentence.”Drees added, “This is one of those occasions where I disagree
with your plea agreement. I don’t agree with letting Mr. Senuoke commit
multiple, multiple armed robberies and be punished in effect for one.”

Ellis County judge dismisses request to reconsider armed robbery sentence

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider appointing a new appraiser on Tuesday.

Ellis County Appraiser Lisa Ree is set to retire Dec. 23. The commission will consider appointing Deputy County Appraiser&nbsp;Eugene Rupp.

Rupp started with Ellis County on Oct. 30, 2001, and was promoted to deputy county appraiser on Jan. 5, 2014.

If Rupp is appointed, he will take over the appraiser's position on Dec. 24 and fill the remaining portion of Ree's four-year term, which will be up on&nbsp;June 30, 2025.

The city of Hays will give a presentation to the county commission on its proposed expansion of its Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a2760002-c87b-4221-832f-4a6def5b5736">The city is considering expanding its Neighborhood Revitalization Plan to include homes and businesses built in 1980 and earlier.&nbsp;</a>

The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan provides tax rebates to property owners who make improvements that raise the appraised value of residential or commercial properties within a designated area.&nbsp;

The commissioners will consider hiring a detention consultant to analyze the feasibility of expanding the Ellis County Jail.

As the city of Hays prepares to move out of the Law Enforcement Center in 2026, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will plan to move into the space occupied by the Hays Police Department.

The vacated space could be used to add jail cells. The jail has a capacity of 72 inmates, but that depends on the demographics of the inmates, levels of crimes, COVID and if they are male or female.

When characteristics of the inmate population are taken into consideration, the jail can only house about 70 inmates. The county has 14 inmates housed out of county for a total population of 84 inmates. 

Housing those inmates out of county costs the Ellis County taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. There are daily housing fees to other jails, medical expenses for those inmates, fuel, the cost to purchase and replace vehicles to transfer those inmates back and forth when they have court, as well as personnel costs to transfer those inmates, according to information provided in the commission meeting packet.

The basic needs assessment contract is $36,570. The full assessment contract is $75,145. 

If the basic contract is approved, funding to pay for this service will be paid out of the administrator's contingency. If the commission approves the full assessment, half of the contract will be paid out of the contingency fund, and the other half will be paid out of the sheriff’s remaining 2023 operating budget authority.

At the Dec. 12 commission meeting, the commissioners approved using a lease-purchase agreement for the purchase of two new fire engines in Ellis and Victoria. The documents were signed and approved.

However, after being reviewed by the bank, the bank found some errors in their signature lines and dates. No rates, fees or terms have changed, but the bank is requesting new documents be completed and signed by both parties. 

• The county commissioners will hear reports from Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason and State Rep. Ken Rahjes.

• Buckeye Wind Farm will present a donation to Ellis County.

• The commission will consider applying for a grant from the Kansas Revolving and Assistance Fund to purchase EMS equipment.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will consider appointing a new appraiser on Tuesday.Ellis County Appraiser Lisa Ree is set to retire Dec. 23. The commission will consider appointing Deputy County Appraiser&nbsp;Eugene Rupp.Rupp started with Ellis County on Oct. 30, 2001, and was promoted to deputy county appraiser on Jan. 5, 2014.If Rupp is appointed, he will take over the appraiser's position on Dec. 24 and fill the remaining portion of Ree's four-year term, which will be up on&nbsp;June 30, 2025.<h2>Neighborhood Revitalization Plan</h2>The city of Hays will give a presentation to the county commission on its proposed expansion of its Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/a2760002-c87b-4221-832f-4a6def5b5736">The city is considering expanding its Neighborhood Revitalization Plan to include homes and businesses built in 1980 and earlier.&nbsp;</a>The Neighborhood Revitalization Plan provides tax rebates to property owners who make improvements that raise the appraised value of residential or commercial properties within a designated area.&nbsp;<h2>Jail expansion</h2>The commissioners will consider hiring a detention consultant to analyze the feasibility of expanding the Ellis County Jail.As the city of Hays prepares to move out of the Law Enforcement Center in 2026, the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office will plan to move into the space occupied by the Hays Police Department.The vacated space could be used to add jail cells. The jail has a capacity of 72 inmates, but that depends on the demographics of the inmates, levels of crimes, COVID and if they are male or female.When characteristics of the inmate population are taken into consideration, the jail can only house about 70 inmates. The county has 14 inmates housed out of county for a total population of 84 inmates. Housing those inmates out of county costs the Ellis County taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. There are daily housing fees to other jails, medical expenses for those inmates, fuel, the cost to purchase and replace vehicles to transfer those inmates back and forth when they have court, as well as personnel costs to transfer those inmates, according to information provided in the commission meeting packet.The basic needs assessment contract is $36,570. The full assessment contract is $75,145. If the basic contract is approved, funding to pay for this service will be paid out of the administrator's contingency. If the commission approves the full assessment, half of the contract will be paid out of the contingency fund, and the other half will be paid out of the sheriff’s remaining 2023 operating budget authority.At the Dec. 12 commission meeting, the commissioners approved using a lease-purchase agreement for the purchase of two new fire engines in Ellis and Victoria. The documents were signed and approved.However, after being reviewed by the bank, the bank found some errors in their signature lines and dates. No rates, fees or terms have changed, but the bank is requesting new documents be completed and signed by both parties. <h2>Other business</h2>• The county commissioners will hear reports from Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason and State Rep. Ken Rahjes.• Buckeye Wind Farm will present a donation to Ellis County.• The commission will consider applying for a grant from the Kansas Revolving and Assistance Fund to purchase EMS equipment.• The commission also will consider vehicle repairs, the replacement of the county's access control system and the purchase of security software.

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