We are now in the thick of gift-buying season. As Kansas consumers navigate Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and other seasonal sales, they must consider the burden of sales taxes in their shopping plans.

In Kansas, many local governments rely on a sales tax as part of their revenue stream. Cities and counties often adopt new and/or increase existing sales taxes through voter approval. This was the case in the most recent November elections in cities including Derby and Benton. While these ballot initiatives passed in some cities, they failed in others, including Haysville where the proposed tax increase failed by one vote.

Over time, local governments have become more reliant on sales taxes in their pursuit of a diverse revenue strategy.

Cities can experience certain benefits when using a sales tax to generate revenue.

Sales tax revenue can be a substantial source of income for cities. Sales taxes tap into consumer spending, providing funding for essential government services. In this sense, the sales tax contributes to the overall development and health of the city or county.

Another benefit is the ability of a sales tax to capture revenue from non-residents who purchase taxable goods through tourism or when commuting for work. This can provide an attractive revenue option to city leaders, particularly political leaders, hoping to boost city funds without placing the entire tax burden on their own residents. In fact, several Kansas cities, including Benton, proposed new or increased sales taxes to provide property tax relief for their own residents in 2023.

However, cities should also consider the volatility of sales tax revenue when determining how much to rely on this source of income. Economic downturns or changes in consumer behavior can lead to fluctuations in the amount of revenue generated. This makes it challenging for local governments to plan their budgets effectively.

This instability may result in financial strain in maintaining public services during lean times when these services may be critical to residents.

Furthermore, local governments must remember that sales taxes create a competitive disadvantage for local businesses trying to compete with online retailers. This is because these online businesses may not be subject to the same tax regulations. Local sales taxes may negatively affect the economic environment for brick-and-mortar stores within the city.

Finally, sales taxes are regressive. They impose the same rate on goods and services for all consumers, regardless of income. Sales taxes disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. It can impact their purchasing power and exacerbate economic inequality within the city. This is particularly true when a sales tax is imposed on necessities like groceries.

In summary, while a local sales tax offers cities a robust revenue stream with the potential to attract funds from non-residents, its regressive nature, volatility, and impact on economic competition pose significant drawbacks.

Achieving a balanced revenue strategy that considers the welfare of all residents and adapts to the ever-changing economic landscape is crucial for the long-term fiscal health of Kansas cities.

Brianne Heidbreder, Ph.D., is an associate professor of political science at Kansas State University.

We are now in the thick of gift-buying season. As Kansas consumers navigate Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and other seasonal sales, they must consider the burden of sales taxes in their shopping plans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375940173.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder</figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, many local governments rely on a sales tax as part of their revenue stream. Cities and counties often adopt new and/or increase existing sales taxes through voter approval. This was the case in the most recent November elections in cities including Derby and Benton. While these ballot initiatives passed in some cities, they failed in others, including Haysville where the proposed tax increase failed by one vote.Over time, local governments have become more reliant on sales taxes in their pursuit of a diverse revenue strategy.Cities can experience certain benefits when using a sales tax to generate revenue.Sales tax revenue can be a substantial source of income for cities. Sales taxes tap into consumer spending, providing funding for essential government services. In this sense, the sales tax contributes to the overall development and health of the city or county.Another benefit is the ability of a sales tax to capture revenue from non-residents who purchase taxable goods through tourism or when commuting for work. This can provide an attractive revenue option to city leaders, particularly political leaders, hoping to boost city funds without placing the entire tax burden on their own residents. In fact, several Kansas cities, including Benton, proposed new or increased sales taxes to provide property tax relief for their own residents in 2023.However, cities should also consider the volatility of sales tax revenue when determining how much to rely on this source of income. Economic downturns or changes in consumer behavior can lead to fluctuations in the amount of revenue generated. This makes it challenging for local governments to plan their budgets effectively.This instability may result in financial strain in maintaining public services during lean times when these services may be critical to residents.Furthermore, local governments must remember that sales taxes create a competitive disadvantage for local businesses trying to compete with online retailers. This is because these online businesses may not be subject to the same tax regulations. Local sales taxes may negatively affect the economic environment for brick-and-mortar stores within the city.Finally, sales taxes are regressive. They impose the same rate on goods and services for all consumers, regardless of income. Sales taxes disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. It can impact their purchasing power and exacerbate economic inequality within the city. This is particularly true when a sales tax is imposed on necessities like groceries.In summary, while a local sales tax offers cities a robust revenue stream with the potential to attract funds from non-residents, its regressive nature, volatility, and impact on economic competition pose significant drawbacks.Achieving a balanced revenue strategy that considers the welfare of all residents and adapts to the ever-changing economic landscape is crucial for the long-term fiscal health of Kansas cities.Brianne Heidbreder, Ph.D., is an associate professor of political science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT: Generating revenue: Local governments and sales tax

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday$28.5 million in grants were awarded to 12 entities through the Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity program. The LINC program provides strategic funding for crucial aspects of broadband connectivity to reduce the cost of internet service, increase availability and improve performance.

Fifty-eight premises will be connected by Nex-Tech in Norton County. The state cost will be $548,800 with a match of $137,200.

Nex-Tech will connect 147 premises in Rawlins County at a state cost of  $886,160 and a match of $316,840.

“LINC is another step forward in our promise to connect all Kansans, including in rural areas, to high-speed internet,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “We are empowering communities with high-speed broadband infrastructure, unlocking greater economic growth, increased access to telemedicine and expanded educational opportunities. "

With matching funds from service providers, the total broadband investment in LINC is expected to surpass $33.9 million.

LINC will provide opportunities for increased internet adoption by focusing on funding for&nbsp;

“As we continue to lead the nation in business development, robust broadband becomes even more critical for attracting new businesses and remote workers to the state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. &nbsp;“We will continue to work with partners across Kansas to ensure all communities have the high-speed broadband they need to compete and succeed.”

With $30 million in awards, the LINC program continues to push Kansas toward its goal of becoming a top 10 state for broadband, shaping a future where every Kansan can leverage the full potential of the digital landscape.

“This is another important investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure so robust economic growth can be fully realized by Kansans residing in every corner of our state,”&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson said. “Businesses now know Kansas is committed to digital success.”

“The Legislature is committed to ensuring all Kansas, across all districts, have access to the resources they need to thrive and grow,”&nbsp;House Speaker Rep. Dan Hawkins said. “Improving access to high-speed broadband through the LINC program will create endless opportunities, especially in our rural areas, for many families, schools and businesses and will help develop our Kansas workforce – another key legislative priority. I look forward to seeing the benefits this improved connectivity will bring long into the future for the communities that we serve.”

“LINC brings high-speed broadband to underserved households in every region of our state,”&nbsp;Broadband Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said.&nbsp;“This $30 million investment is an investment in opportunity for our communities and our future.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701292578025.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of the Kansas GovernorTOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday$28.5 million in grants were awarded to 12 entities through the Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity program. The LINC program provides strategic funding for crucial aspects of broadband connectivity to reduce the cost of internet service, increase availability and improve performance.Fifty-eight premises will be connected by Nex-Tech in Norton County. The state cost will be $548,800 with a match of $137,200.Nex-Tech will connect 147 premises in Rawlins County at a state cost of $886,160 and a match of $316,840.“LINC is another step forward in our promise to connect all Kansans, including in rural areas, to high-speed internet,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “We are empowering communities with high-speed broadband infrastructure, unlocking greater economic growth, increased access to telemedicine and expanded educational opportunities. "With matching funds from service providers, the total broadband investment in LINC is expected to surpass $33.9 million.LINC will provide opportunities for increased internet adoption by focusing on funding for&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Broadband infrastructure, enabling end-user locations with a minimum of 100/20 Mbps speeds.&nbsp;</li><li>Internet Exchange Point facilities to improve the overall internet access service quality for all Kansans.&nbsp;</li><li>Middle Mile infrastructure to reduce overall costs in delivering broadband to end-users.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“As we continue to lead the nation in business development, robust broadband becomes even more critical for attracting new businesses and remote workers to the state,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. &nbsp;“We will continue to work with partners across Kansas to ensure all communities have the high-speed broadband they need to compete and succeed.”With $30 million in awards, the LINC program continues to push Kansas toward its goal of becoming a top 10 state for broadband, shaping a future where every Kansan can leverage the full potential of the digital landscape.“This is another important investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure so robust economic growth can be fully realized by Kansans residing in every corner of our state,”&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson said. “Businesses now know Kansas is committed to digital success.”“The Legislature is committed to ensuring all Kansas, across all districts, have access to the resources they need to thrive and grow,”&nbsp;House Speaker Rep. Dan Hawkins said. “Improving access to high-speed broadband through the LINC program will create endless opportunities, especially in our rural areas, for many families, schools and businesses and will help develop our Kansas workforce – another key legislative priority. I look forward to seeing the benefits this improved connectivity will bring long into the future for the communities that we serve.”“LINC brings high-speed broadband to underserved households in every region of our state,”&nbsp;Broadband Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said.&nbsp;“This $30 million investment is an investment in opportunity for our communities and our future.”

Norton, Rawlins counties to benefit from internet infrastructure funding

<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/2023/12/1701455970031.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

14th-annual Veterans Day Musical Salute celebrates Natoma area veterans

Olathe West (2-0) at Hays High (2-0, 0-0 WAC)
 Saturday, Dec. 2 – 5:00 p.m.
 Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/814751">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Lady Indians take on the Olathe West Owls in
the championship game of the Hays City Shootout Saturday at Hays High School.

The Indians are coming off a win over Washburn Rural on
Friday while the Owls got past Millwood, Oklahoma.

The girls championship game is scheduled for 5 p.m.

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>Olathe West (2-0) at Hays High (2-0, 0-0 WAC)
 Saturday, Dec. 2 – 5:00 p.m.
 Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/814751">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Lady Indians take on the Olathe West Owls in
the championship game of the Hays City Shootout Saturday at Hays High School.The Indians are coming off a win over Washburn Rural on
Friday while the Owls got past Millwood, Oklahoma.The girls championship game is scheduled for 5 p.m.Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Hays High girls take on Olathe West in the Hays City Shootout Championship game

Millwood, Okla. (1-1) at Hays High (1-1, 0-0 WAC)
 Saturday, Dec. 2 – 3:15 p.m.
 Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/814750">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians take on the Millwood Falcons in the
third place game of the Hays City Shootout Saturday at Hays High School.

Both teams are looking to bounce back from losses in the semifinals
on Friday. 

The boys third place game will tipoff at 3:15 p.m. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Millwood, Okla. (1-1) at Hays High (1-1, 0-0 WAC)
 Saturday, Dec. 2 – 3:15 p.m.
 Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/814750">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians take on the Millwood Falcons in the
third place game of the Hays City Shootout Saturday at Hays High School.Both teams are looking to bounce back from losses in the semifinals
on Friday. The boys third place game will tipoff at 3:15 p.m. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Indians take on Millwood in third place game at Hays City Shootout

TMP-Marian (1-1, 0-0 MCL) vs Manhattan (1-1) Saturday, Dec. 2 – 1:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays Middle School

Radio: KHAZ (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/789182">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs go for a fourth place finish at
the Hays City Shootout against the Manhattan Indians at Hays Middle School. 

Both teams are coming off wins in the second round of the
consolation bracket Friday.

Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m. from Hays Middle School. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (1-1, 0-0 MCL) vs Manhattan (1-1) Saturday, Dec. 2 – 1:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays Middle SchoolRadio: KHAZ (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/789182">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>The TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs go for a fourth place finish at
the Hays City Shootout against the Manhattan Indians at Hays Middle School. Both teams are coming off wins in the second round of the
consolation bracket Friday.Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m. from Hays Middle School.

🏀🎥 TMP girls go for fourth place at the Hays City Shootout

TMP-Marian (0-2, 0-0 MCL) vs Sunrise Christian (1-2) Saturday, Dec. 2 – 11:45 a.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays Middle School

Radio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/814748">&nbsp;CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs look for their first win of the
season as they close out the Hays City Shootout against the Sunrise Chrisian
Buffaloes in the seventh place game at Hays Middle School. 

Both teams are coming off losses Friday in the tournament’s
second round.

Tipoff is set for 11:45 a.m. from Hays Middle School. 

Live coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and Eagle
Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (0-2, 0-0 MCL) vs Sunrise Christian (1-2) Saturday, Dec. 2 – 11:45 a.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays Middle SchoolRadio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/814748">&nbsp;CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs look for their first win of the
season as they close out the Hays City Shootout against the Sunrise Chrisian
Buffaloes in the seventh place game at Hays Middle School. Both teams are coming off losses Friday in the tournament’s
second round.Tipoff is set for 11:45 a.m. from Hays Middle School. Live coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and Eagle
Radio.

🏀🎥 TMP takes on Sunrise in 7th place game at Hays City Shootout

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

NCK Tech sets its sights on expansion with plans to improve both its Hays campus and programs to align with the evolving needs of students.

The two-year technical college offers hands-on learning in construction, health, business and technology.

"The two things that we are going to expand through the building are the CDL department and our construction department,"&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks said.

The Commercial Driver License program at NCK Tech equips students for various license classes and ensures approval for transporting tanks, hazardous materials, longer combination vehicles and passenger vehicles, including school buses.

The construction program offers carpentry, heavy equipment operation, plumbing, heating and air conditioning education to students.

Burks said the construction program has reached its maximum capacity, with 50 students in electrical, 20 students in carpentry, and 20 students in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning on an annual basis.

"We've had to turn students away, so we're looking for ways to be able to gain additional capacity and be able to capture more of those students," he said.

NCK Tech faces a shortage of meeting spaces for both students and faculty, sometimes requiring events to be held outdoors in tents and converting closet spaces into offices.

Students found themselves on a waiting list for admission to NCK Tech programs in Hays, with the possibility of moving up if other students opted not to attend.

The aim is to have a plan completed by March 2024 and finalized by September 2024 to have the building fully operational by the fall of 2025, featuring improved programs and new study rooms for students on campus.

CDL training takes place at the Sternberg Museum, where students can anticipate the introduction of both a new truck and an instructor.

Burks expects the rise in student enrollment will not only benefit the overall growth of the school but the local community as well.

"We see this as an ability to capture more students, and that's important because that turns out more employees for the workforce and helps support the local economy," he said.

The expansion of NCK Tech follows a $1.8 million grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce, along with substantial fundraising efforts such as reaching out to businesses that would benefit from the expansion.

Burks encourages anyone interested in supporting fundraising efforts to contact NCK Tech Hays Campus at 785-625-2437.

"I want to thank all those who have already been supportive of this project, and we look forward to working with people to try and address the workforce needs not just in the construction area, but any of them," Burks said.

The nursing program is the largest NCK Tech offers alongside pharmacy tech and culinary arts in health.

NCK Tech's partnership with Fort Hays State University allows students to access the same benefits as FHSU students. The NCK Tech campus in Beloit provides similar hands-on learning opportunities.

The expansion is exclusively for the NCK Tech campus in Hays with no current plans for extending the college campus or its programs in Beloit.

For more information on NCK Tech, and its programs in Hays and Beloit, click <a href="https://ncktc.edu/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586713055800.jpeg" alt="NCK Tech" />
 <figcaption>NCK Tech</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostNCK Tech sets its sights on expansion with plans to improve both its Hays campus and programs to align with the evolving needs of students.The two-year technical college offers hands-on learning in construction, health, business and technology."The two things that we are going to expand through the building are the CDL department and our construction department,"&nbsp;NCK Tech President Eric Burks said.The Commercial Driver License program at NCK Tech equips students for various license classes and ensures approval for transporting tanks, hazardous materials, longer combination vehicles and passenger vehicles, including school buses.The construction program offers carpentry, heavy equipment operation, plumbing, heating and air conditioning education to students.Burks said the construction program has reached its maximum capacity, with 50 students in electrical, 20 students in carpentry, and 20 students in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning on an annual basis."We've had to turn students away, so we're looking for ways to be able to gain additional capacity and be able to capture more of those students," he said.NCK Tech faces a shortage of meeting spaces for both students and faculty, sometimes requiring events to be held outdoors in tents and converting closet spaces into offices.Students found themselves on a waiting list for admission to NCK Tech programs in Hays, with the possibility of moving up if other students opted not to attend.The aim is to have a plan completed by March 2024 and finalized by September 2024 to have the building fully operational by the fall of 2025, featuring improved programs and new study rooms for students on campus.CDL training takes place at the Sternberg Museum, where students can anticipate the introduction of both a new truck and an instructor.Burks expects the rise in student enrollment will not only benefit the overall growth of the school but the local community as well."We see this as an ability to capture more students, and that's important because that turns out more employees for the workforce and helps support the local economy," he said.The expansion of NCK Tech follows a $1.8 million grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce, along with substantial fundraising efforts such as reaching out to businesses that would benefit from the expansion.Burks encourages anyone interested in supporting fundraising efforts to contact NCK Tech Hays Campus at 785-625-2437."I want to thank all those who have already been supportive of this project, and we look forward to working with people to try and address the workforce needs not just in the construction area, but any of them," Burks said.The nursing program is the largest NCK Tech offers alongside pharmacy tech and culinary arts in health.NCK Tech's partnership with Fort Hays State University allows students to access the same benefits as FHSU students. The NCK Tech campus in Beloit provides similar hands-on learning opportunities. The expansion is exclusively for the NCK Tech campus in Hays with no current plans for extending the college campus or its programs in Beloit.For more information on NCK Tech, and its programs in Hays and Beloit, click <a href="https://ncktc.edu/">here</a>.

NCK Tech in Hays plans expansion of construction, CDL programs

Ellis County Farm Bureau and Russell County Farm Bureau are excited to share news of our recent Legislative Leadership Encounter, where students from Hays High School, Thomas Moore Prep, Victoria High School and Russell High School had the opportunity to engage with Representatives Ken Rahjes and Barb Wasinger at the Capitol in Topeka.

The purpose of this educational visit was to provide our FFA students with a firsthand experience of our government in action. They engaged in meaningful discussions over lunch with Representatives Rahjes and Wasinger, learning about the legislative process and gaining valuable insights into public service.

In addition to their time touring the Capitol, the students were able to experience an agricultural tour on their way back home. They visited a farm owned by Levi Homeier, Wilson. At the Homeier farm. they were introduced to commercial sheep production, the family lambs more than 100 ewes a year. This hands-on experience allowed them to witness farming practices in action and deepen their understanding of agriculture's diverse role in our state.

We are immensely proud of these young leaders for taking this initiative to expand their knowledge and explore opportunities beyond the classroom. Their dedication and enthusiasm serve as a testament to their commitment to personal growth and community engagement.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Representatives Rahjes and Wasinger for graciously hosting our students and providing them with an invaluable learning experience. We also express our gratitude to Levi Hormeier for opening his farm for this educational opportunity.

Russell and Ellis County Farm Bureau Associations remain committed to empowering future leaders by providing them with meaningful experiences that broaden their horizons. It is through such initiatives that we cultivate responsible citizens who will contribute positively toward shaping a better future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701290911574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Farm BureauEllis County Farm Bureau and Russell County Farm Bureau are excited to share news of our recent Legislative Leadership Encounter, where students from Hays High School, Thomas Moore Prep, Victoria High School and Russell High School had the opportunity to engage with Representatives Ken Rahjes and Barb Wasinger at the Capitol in Topeka.The purpose of this educational visit was to provide our FFA students with a firsthand experience of our government in action. They engaged in meaningful discussions over lunch with Representatives Rahjes and Wasinger, learning about the legislative process and gaining valuable insights into public service.In addition to their time touring the Capitol, the students were able to experience an agricultural tour on their way back home. They visited a farm owned by Levi Homeier, Wilson. At the Homeier farm. they were introduced to commercial sheep production, the family lambs more than 100 ewes a year. This hands-on experience allowed them to witness farming practices in action and deepen their understanding of agriculture's diverse role in our state.We are immensely proud of these young leaders for taking this initiative to expand their knowledge and explore opportunities beyond the classroom. Their dedication and enthusiasm serve as a testament to their commitment to personal growth and community engagement.Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Representatives Rahjes and Wasinger for graciously hosting our students and providing them with an invaluable learning experience. We also express our gratitude to Levi Hormeier for opening his farm for this educational opportunity.Russell and Ellis County Farm Bureau Associations remain committed to empowering future leaders by providing them with meaningful experiences that broaden their horizons. It is through such initiatives that we cultivate responsible citizens who will contribute positively toward shaping a better future.

Farm Bureau Legislative Leadership Encounter empowers future leaders

With harvest complete and some relatively mild temperatures heading into winter, farmers might take to the field for deep tillage such as ripping, or to make earthwork repairs around the farm. A few days before you want to start these activities, call 811 for your safety and to prevent expensive damage to underground utilities. The website, <a href="http://call811.com">http://call811.com</a>, has easy-to-follow instructions for requesting this free service and detailed information concerning why you need to know what’s below.

A video produced by Marathon Oil tells the story of a farm family and their close call with a pipeline when installing tile drains. The landowner knew where the pipeline entered and exited the field, and they assumed the pipeline was straight— it wasn’t. Watch this 6-minute, eye-opening video for the whole story: <a href="https://youtu.be/oe-iknpYzF8">https://youtu.be/oe-iknpYzF8</a>.

Sadly, fatal accidents do happen in soil excavations. If you dig any trenches or soil pits, safety should be considered from the very beginning of the project. Soils with sandy textures are more susceptible to collapse than soils with a higher clay content. If standing water is present in the pit, the walls are more apt to collapse. Digging in soils that have been disturbed before, such as digging next to a hydrant or foundation, means that the soil is far less stable than you might expect if that soil had never been disturbed before.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines exist on excavation safety, such as when it is necessary to shore the walls of a soil pit or trench. One important consideration is soil should be piled a minimum of 2 feet away from the walls of the trenches for two reasons: 1) Soil clods or excavating tools could roll back into the trench and cause injury to occupants. 2) It helps reduce the risk of a trench collapse by keeping the weight of the soil piles away from the trench edges.

Even if a soil pit is 5 feet deep or less, it is a good idea to angle the edges, especially if the texture is sandy, the soil is wet, or if the soil is otherwise unstable. This does create more disturbance, but if it prevents an accident, it’s worth it.

For more information on trenching and excavation safety, see the following OSHA publication: Trenching and Excavation Safety, <a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2226.pdf">https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2226.pdf</a>

New in January – K-State Corn and Soybean Schools held together

In January, look for a new format for the traditional K-State Corn and Soybean Winter Crop Schools. K-State Research and Extension, in collaboration with Kansas Corn and Kansas Soybean, has combined the schools for a whole-day program covering both crops. Save the date for one of the locations near you!

2024-State Corn and Soybean Crop Schools

Jan. 16 (Tuesday) – Parsons K-State Southeast Research and Extension Center. Jan. 17 (Wednesday) – Hesston Agco Corporation. Jan. 18 (Thursday) – Garden City, Corteva Agriscience Research Center. Jan. 19 – Olathe, John Deer Ag Marketing Center.

Stay tuned to the weekly Agronomy eUpdate in the coming weeks for the complete agendas and how to register. To sign up for the eUpdate <a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/index_new_prep.php">https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/index_new_prep.php</a>

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.

With harvest complete and some relatively mild temperatures heading into winter, farmers might take to the field for deep tillage such as ripping, or to make earthwork repairs around the farm. A few days before you want to start these activities, call 811 for your safety and to prevent expensive damage to underground utilities. The website, <a href="http://call811.com">http://call811.com</a>, has easy-to-follow instructions for requesting this free service and detailed information concerning why you need to know what’s below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266615291.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell</figcaption>
 </figure>A video produced by Marathon Oil tells the story of a farm family and their close call with a pipeline when installing tile drains. The landowner knew where the pipeline entered and exited the field, and they assumed the pipeline was straight— it wasn’t. Watch this 6-minute, eye-opening video for the whole story: <a href="https://youtu.be/oe-iknpYzF8">https://youtu.be/oe-iknpYzF8</a>.Sadly, fatal accidents do happen in soil excavations. If you dig any trenches or soil pits, safety should be considered from the very beginning of the project. Soils with sandy textures are more susceptible to collapse than soils with a higher clay content. If standing water is present in the pit, the walls are more apt to collapse. Digging in soils that have been disturbed before, such as digging next to a hydrant or foundation, means that the soil is far less stable than you might expect if that soil had never been disturbed before.Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines exist on excavation safety, such as when it is necessary to shore the walls of a soil pit or trench. One important consideration is soil should be piled a minimum of 2 feet away from the walls of the trenches for two reasons: 1) Soil clods or excavating tools could roll back into the trench and cause injury to occupants. 2) It helps reduce the risk of a trench collapse by keeping the weight of the soil piles away from the trench edges.Even if a soil pit is 5 feet deep or less, it is a good idea to angle the edges, especially if the texture is sandy, the soil is wet, or if the soil is otherwise unstable. This does create more disturbance, but if it prevents an accident, it’s worth it.For more information on trenching and excavation safety, see the following OSHA publication: Trenching and Excavation Safety, <a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2226.pdf">https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2226.pdf</a>New in January – K-State Corn and Soybean Schools held togetherIn January, look for a new format for the traditional K-State Corn and Soybean Winter Crop Schools. K-State Research and Extension, in collaboration with Kansas Corn and Kansas Soybean, has combined the schools for a whole-day program covering both crops. Save the date for one of the locations near you!2024-State Corn and Soybean Crop SchoolsJan. 16 (Tuesday) – Parsons K-State Southeast Research and Extension Center. Jan. 17 (Wednesday) – Hesston Agco Corporation. Jan. 18 (Thursday) – Garden City, Corteva Agriscience Research Center. Jan. 19 – Olathe, John Deer Ag Marketing Center.Stay tuned to the weekly Agronomy eUpdate in the coming weeks for the complete agendas and how to register. To sign up for the eUpdate <a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/index_new_prep.php">https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/index_new_prep.php</a>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: Safety first when planning deep tillage or earthwork: Call before you dig!

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 </figure>Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Living Well Wednesday: Rapid Development of Baby Brains

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

By LAAH TUCKER Special to the Hays Post

The Natoma American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues to create lasting, impactful programs for veterans&nbsp;and their families.

Members inspire communities across the nation to join in positive programs and in giving mutual support to veterans and active military.&nbsp; By co-hosting the annual Veterans Day Salute with Natoma USD 399, veterans were given a voice by sharing their experiences in “Every Hero Has a Story."

A patriotic musical salute with special guests promoted a positive outlook for veterans’ service to defend and protect America. A Nex-Tech production team filmed the event, now airing on YouTube,&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/z0XP5lMehyc," target="_blank">https://youtu.be/z0XP5lMehyc</a>.

From September through November, the unit collected Christmas gifts for the Ft. Dodge Soldiers Home, one of two soldiers’ homes in Kansas. During a Christmas event, men and women veterans who are residents of the home can shop free of charge for their families in a festive, quiet, safe environment.

The sacrifices of veterans and their families are lifelong sacrifices requiring diligence and attention by citizens throughout the year.

For information on membership or donations contact&nbsp;Shawna Dunlap, American Legion Auxiliary Chaplain and Natoma USD 399 secretary, 785-885-4478.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701191034435.jpeg" alt="For God and country, the American Legion Auxiliary members continuing on mission are (L-R): Shawna Dunlap, Marge Kertz, Jenjer Murphy, Sharon MacConnell, Sheri Beisner, and Linda Crawford. (Sonya Robison not shown). Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>For God and country, the American Legion Auxiliary members continuing on mission are (L-R): Shawna Dunlap, Marge Kertz, Jenjer Murphy, Sharon MacConnell, Sheri Beisner, and Linda Crawford. (Sonya Robison not shown). Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Special to the Hays PostThe Natoma American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues to create lasting, impactful programs for veterans&nbsp;and their families.Members inspire communities across the nation to join in positive programs and in giving mutual support to veterans and active military.&nbsp; By co-hosting the annual Veterans Day Salute with Natoma USD 399, veterans were given a voice by sharing their experiences in “Every Hero Has a Story."A patriotic musical salute with special guests promoted a positive outlook for veterans’ service to defend and protect America. A Nex-Tech production team filmed the event, now airing on YouTube,&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/z0XP5lMehyc," target="_blank">https://youtu.be/z0XP5lMehyc</a>.From September through November, the unit collected Christmas gifts for the Ft. Dodge Soldiers Home, one of two soldiers’ homes in Kansas. During a Christmas event, men and women veterans who are residents of the home can shop free of charge for their families in a festive, quiet, safe environment.The sacrifices of veterans and their families are lifelong sacrifices requiring diligence and attention by citizens throughout the year.For information on membership or donations contact&nbsp;Shawna Dunlap, American Legion Auxiliary Chaplain and Natoma USD 399 secretary, 785-885-4478.

Inspirational programs affect Natoma veterans

Life Prep (1-0) at Hays High (1-0, 0-0 WAC) Friday, Dec. 1 – 8:15 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://kfix.com/"></a>Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789423">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians take on the Life Prep Academy Fire in the semifinals of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.

The Indians are coming off a 59-26 win over TMP in the first round of the shootout on Thursday.

Life Prep got past Newton, 65-43 Thursday to adavance to the second round of the tournament.

The Indians boys are set to tipoff at about 8:15 p.m. after the Hays High girls game with Washburn Rural at Hays 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>Life Prep (1-0) at Hays High (1-0, 0-0 WAC) Friday, Dec. 1 – 8:15 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> <a href="https://kfix.com/"></a>Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789423">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians take on the Life Prep Academy Fire in the semifinals of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.The Indians are coming off a 59-26 win over TMP in the first round of the shootout on Thursday.Life Prep got past Newton, 65-43 Thursday to adavance to the second round of the tournament.The Indians boys are set to tipoff at about 8:15 p.m. after the Hays High girls game with Washburn Rural at Hays High School.Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Indians matchup up with Life Prep in shootout semifinals

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701466978407.jpeg" alt="The 5 State Photography Exhibition at the Hays Arts Center on Saturday will anchor the Winter Art Walk. See the schedule below." />
 <figcaption>The 5 State Photography Exhibition at the Hays Arts Center on Saturday will anchor the Winter Art Walk. See the schedule below.</figcaption>
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Hays Arts Council Winter Art Walk set for Saturday; see schedule

At 5:04 p.m. on Thursday, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1635 200th Ave.

Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were found coming from a single-family dwelling.

The house was inhabited, and the reporting party and her son were home at the time of the fire. All occupants escaped unharmed.

Fire crews made an exterior attack due to the amount of building that was involved by fire. Firefighters used two fire attack lines to extinguish the fire and keep the fire to the building of origin

 The building and other materials inside suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. The fire was reported out at 6:37 p.m. and under control at 7:21 p.m. at which time fire crews were starting to be released from the scene.

Midwest Energy was contacted to shut off utilities to the building. Fire crews remained on scene until 12:11 am to assist the Office of the State Fire Marshal with the fire investigation.

Thirty-five firefighters from the Ellis County Fire Department (Hays, Ellis, Victoria, and Munjor) responded to assist.

The Hays Fire Department also responded with their air truck, staffed by one firefighter. The Ellis County Fire Department was also assisted by the Ellis County EMS and Ellis County Sheriff’s deputies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701389341145.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Fire DepartmentAt 5:04 p.m. on Thursday, the Ellis County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1635 200th Ave.Upon arrival, heavy smoke and flames were found coming from a single-family dwelling.The house was inhabited, and the reporting party and her son were home at the time of the fire. All occupants escaped unharmed.Fire crews made an exterior attack due to the amount of building that was involved by fire. Firefighters used two fire attack lines to extinguish the fire and keep the fire to the building of origin The building and other materials inside suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. The fire was reported out at 6:37 p.m. and under control at 7:21 p.m. at which time fire crews were starting to be released from the scene.Midwest Energy was contacted to shut off utilities to the building. Fire crews remained on scene until 12:11 am to assist the Office of the State Fire Marshal with the fire investigation.Thirty-five firefighters from the Ellis County Fire Department (Hays, Ellis, Victoria, and Munjor) responded to assist.The Hays Fire Department also responded with their air truck, staffed by one firefighter. The Ellis County Fire Department was also assisted by the Ellis County EMS and Ellis County Sheriff’s deputies.

UPDATE: Rural Ellis County home seriously damaged in Thursday night fire

Washburn Rural (1-0, 0-0 CL) at Hays High (1-0, 0-0 WAC) Friday, Dec. 1 – 6:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789417">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Lady Indians take on the Washburn Rural Lady Blues in the second round of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.

The Indians are coming off a win over TMP-Marian in the opening round of the tournament while the Lady Blues beat Newton in the first round.

Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays 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>Washburn Rural (1-0, 0-0 CL) at Hays High (1-0, 0-0 WAC) Friday, Dec. 1 – 6:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/789417">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Lady Indians take on the Washburn Rural Lady Blues in the second round of the Hays City Shootout Friday at Hays High School.The Indians are coming off a win over TMP-Marian in the opening round of the tournament while the Lady Blues beat Newton in the first round.Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:30 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Lady Indians take on Washburn Rural in shootout semifinals

TMP-Marian (0-1, 0-0 MCL) vs Newton (0-1, 0-0 AVCTL-D1) Friday, Dec. 1 – 3:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9)&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/789166">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian boys and girls basketball teams will look to bounce back from losses on Thursday on day number two of the Hays City Shootout.

Both teams square off against Newton after the Lady Railers lost to Washburn Rural in the first round on Thursday and the Railer boys lost to Life Prep.

Tipoff of the girls game is set for 3:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (0-1, 0-0 MCL) vs Newton (0-1, 0-0 AVCTL-D1) Friday, Dec. 1 – 3:00 p.m. Hays, Kan. -&nbsp; Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9)&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/789166">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian boys and girls basketball teams will look to bounce back from losses on Thursday on day number two of the Hays City Shootout.Both teams square off against Newton after the Lady Railers lost to Washburn Rural in the first round on Thursday and the Railer boys lost to Life Prep.Tipoff of the girls game is set for 3:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at Hays High School. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Monarchs take on Newton on day two of Hays City Shootout

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Colby Community College President Seth Carter.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WqLJeet2EW4?si=UQT_V-OBv2siUZSK" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Colby Community College President Seth Carter.

🎤 Forward Ever: Colby Community College President Seth Carter

Congrats to Trent Schneider of Hays for winning the third prize in our weekly KAYS Reindeer Radio giveaway!

The prize this week was an Oral B Genius electric toothbrush, an Opalescence Go whitening pack, Extra fluoride-sensitive toothpaste, and lots of dental extras from The Dentist in Hays.

Listen to 94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS Monday through Thursday next week, listen for the code word and enter it here on Hays Post for more chances to win!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700251607468.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to Trent Schneider of Hays for winning the third prize in our weekly KAYS Reindeer Radio giveaway!The prize this week was an Oral B Genius electric toothbrush, an Opalescence Go whitening pack, Extra fluoride-sensitive toothpaste, and lots of dental extras from The Dentist in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701454969974.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Listen to 94.3 FM/1400 AM KAYS Monday through Thursday next week, listen for the code word and enter it here on Hays Post for more chances to win!

Reindeer Radio week 3 winner announced

The Ellis County Historical Society announced the
near-completion of Phase 2 funding in the Brick-by-Brick capital campaign with
the receipt of a grant of $50,000 from the
Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Built in 1926 as a Presbyterian Church, the iconic red brick
building on south Main Street in Hays became home to the Ellis County
Historical Society in 1971. 

A half-century later, desperately-needed capital
improvements jeopardized the integrity of the building and led to calls for its
demolition. 

Responding to a huge outpouring of public support, the society voted to save the brick building and established a major capital improvement
campaign titled Brick-by-Brick.

Phase 1, completed in November 2022, included renovation of
the basement office space and was fully funded by private donors. 

The more ambitious Phase 2 renovations have been the focus
of 2023 and address the infrastructure of the building including exterior wall
repair and a state-of-the-art HVAC system necessary for the protection of
archives and artifacts. 

Additional Phase 2 renovations include an ADA entry and
parking, ADA bathroom, and renovations to the entryway, break room and curator
lab.

Phase 3 — the final phase — will address the main-floor
gallery space and second-floor storage. This phase is scheduled to commence in
January.

The society is fully committed to completing the Brick-by-Brick
campaign, saving the Brick Church, and re-opening its doors to the public. 

Our success is fueled by our many committed donors –
including the Dane G. Hansen Foundation – who so generously give of their time,
their talent and their treasure.

It is the vision and hope of the society that teaching the
narrative of our ancestors and earliest pioneers of Ellis County inspires and
connects families across generations and builds hope and strength for a better
tomorrow.

Ellis County Historical SocietyThe Ellis County Historical Society announced the
near-completion of Phase 2 funding in the Brick-by-Brick capital campaign with
the receipt of a grant of $50,000 from the
Dane G. Hansen Foundation.Built in 1926 as a Presbyterian Church, the iconic red brick
building on south Main Street in Hays became home to the Ellis County
Historical Society in 1971. A half-century later, desperately-needed capital
improvements jeopardized the integrity of the building and led to calls for its
demolition. Responding to a huge outpouring of public support, the society voted to save the brick building and established a major capital improvement
campaign titled Brick-by-Brick.Phase 1, completed in November 2022, included renovation of
the basement office space and was fully funded by private donors. The more ambitious Phase 2 renovations have been the focus
of 2023 and address the infrastructure of the building including exterior wall
repair and a state-of-the-art HVAC system necessary for the protection of
archives and artifacts. Additional Phase 2 renovations include an ADA entry and
parking, ADA bathroom, and renovations to the entryway, break room and curator
lab.Phase 3 — the final phase — will address the main-floor
gallery space and second-floor storage. This phase is scheduled to commence in
January.The society is fully committed to completing the Brick-by-Brick
campaign, saving the Brick Church, and re-opening its doors to the public. Our success is fueled by our many committed donors –
including the Dane G. Hansen Foundation – who so generously give of their time,
their talent and their treasure.It is the vision and hope of the society that teaching the
narrative of our ancestors and earliest pioneers of Ellis County inspires and
connects families across generations and builds hope and strength for a better
tomorrow.

Ellis County Historical Society awarded Dane G. Hansen grant

At about 1:05 p.m., the Ellis County Fire Deparment was paged to a grass fire in a ditch at Buckeye Road and&nbsp; Toulon Avenue.

 While en route, more calls were received at dispatch about multiple fires. Once fire crews arrived on scene, multiple fires were located, one at the dispatched address and a second about 1.5 miles west on Buckeye Road 

No obvious signs of an ignition source could be located.

Eight firefighters responded and extinguished both fires. Fire crews were supported by residents in the area with a water tank and buckets, as well as the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.

Ellis County Fire DepartmentAt about 1:05 p.m., the Ellis County Fire Deparment was paged to a grass fire in a ditch at Buckeye Road and&nbsp; Toulon Avenue. While en route, more calls were received at dispatch about multiple fires. Once fire crews arrived on scene, multiple fires were located, one at the dispatched address and a second about 1.5 miles west on Buckeye Road No obvious signs of an ignition source could be located.Eight firefighters responded and extinguished both fires. Fire crews were supported by residents in the area with a water tank and buckets, as well as the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.A total of about one acre was burned.

Ellis County firefighters fight grassfire Thursday

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Although a new forensics nurse program opened this spring in northwest Kansas, access to these exams for rape and incest victims is still difficult to access in rural areas of the state.

Many victims have to drive for hours to find nurses who are trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, which can significantly delay treatment and evidence collection.

New legislation went into effect in July 2022 to increase access to SANE exams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701278764783.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAlthough a new forensics nurse program opened this spring in northwest Kansas, access to these exams for rape and incest victims is still difficult to access in rural areas of the state.Many victims have to drive for hours to find nurses who are trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, which can significantly delay treatment and evidence collection.New legislation went into effect in July 2022 to increase access to SANE exams.Although hospitals, as defined in state statute, must collect a sexual assault evidence kit if it is requested by the victim, only two hospitals in northwest Kansas — Goodland and Hays — have staff who are trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, who are also known as SANEs.Jessica Albers is a SANE from Hays who works as a statewide clinical consultant for the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence."In terms of rape kits and SANE exams, I think there is a huge lack of access,” Albers said.&nbsp;<h2>Victims travel across state to receive services</h2>HaysMed's SANE program cared for 43 victims from Ellis County in 2022 and 35 in 2021. In 2022, the program cared for 106 victims from 23 Kansas counties from as far away as Barber County on the Oklahoma border and Sherman County on the Colorado border and Butler County in southeast Kansas.“Three or four hours is a long way to drive for a sexual assault exam, especially after you have been sexually assaulted,” Jennifer Hecker, executive director of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services said. The advocacy and victims services organization is based in Hays but serves 18 counties in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;Hays has been the most northwest program for 12 to 13 years until Goodland opened its program this spring and Great Bend opened a program in October. In southwest Kansas, there are SANE programs in Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal. The Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center Medical Mobile Unit based out of Scott City does exams for children through its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wkcac.com/medical-mobile-unit" target="_blank">Medical Mobile Unit</a>.However, not all programs have 24-7 coverage.As a SANE, Albers has worked with patients who traveled great distances to receive exams from a certified provider — some traveling hours one way to get an exam.Albers said she is concerned that some health care facilities may not be aware that providing sexual assault exams is required by the law. Patients also don’t always know where to go. All sexual assault exams exams are free.The new law has expanded where kits can be collected, including health clinics, health departments and child advocacy clinics.“We are hopeful that language will open access among those facilities,” Albers said, “and they will be willing to provide the service to victims."In some rural communities, health departments or clinics may be patients' only health care choice. According to the Kansas Hospital Association, 10 counties in Kansas including Bourbon, Chase, Doniphan, Elk, Gray, Linn, Osage, Wabaunsee, Wallace and Woodson have no hospital. HaysMed's SANE program cared for four victims from Wallace County in 2022.<h2>Everyone has a job</h2>Few hospitals in the state have SANE programs.The advantage of a SANE performing the exam is the victim is receiving a more specialized exam, Albers said. They may take forensics photos if that is appropriate and approved by the victim. Alternative light sources can help detect fibers or dried secretions or enhance the visibility of bruises.The SANE exam is one step in a multi-tier approach to caring for sexual crime victims and gathering evidence to hold perpetrators accountable.“The police officer’s role is to hold the perpetrator accountable and to just get information. The nurse's job is to collect the evidence and to provide health care," Hecker said. "The advocate’s job is to be a voice for the survivor while they are going through this and to attend to their emotional safety and make sure they know what’s going to happen.“There are already so many unknowns, and that is one of the most frightening pieces,” Hecker said. “We want to reduce those barriers about what is about to happen. We are trying to tie them back all the control that has been lost.”SANEs are trained to work with trauma victims and try to help ease fears as they walk victims through the exam process.“The fear of the unknown of the exam is probably stressful for the victim anyways," Albers said. "Then if you have the complication of not knowing where they can get an exam or having to travel to get to an exam or having to wait for an exam to happen it's an extra hurdle for them to get through."Albers said if a victim has to wait for an exam she said she hoped at least that victim could be connected with an advocate. Those advocacy services are provided by organizations such as Options.Hecker said although the law allows medical professionals who are not SANE trained to perform sexual assault exams, she was concerned providers who are not trained&nbsp;may retraumatize victims. Improperly collected evidence might not be able to be used in the prosecutions of perpetrators, she said.“We as a community and a culture, tell survivors to go and get that exam, so their perpetrator can be held accountable,” Hecker said. “If we are telling people to do that, then we have a responsibility as a community to make sure the safety net is there so the survivors can do that.“There is a gap between what we tell people what services are available or that they should be able to engage with and what is actually available in their communities. That is also very disheartening.”“We are really not helping survivors in the best way possible,” she said.<h2>What happens during a SANE exam?</h2>Albers emphasized all parts of a SANE exam are voluntary. A victim can stop the exam at any time and refuse any portion of the exam.“We work really hard to build a rapport with the patient and make sure we are offering them choices, supporting the choices and decisions they make and how they want to proceed through the exam," she said.Hecker said victims don't have to go through the exam alone. They can have a family member, friend or advocate with them during the exam. They are allowed to have someone in the room with them holding their hand if they choose.Advocates will meet with the victim as soon as possible. SANEs, advocates and law enforcement try to work together so the victim doesn't have to tell his or her story over and over.Although clothing is often taken as evidence, an advocate or SANE will provide fresh clothing for the victim to wear home. Advocates follow up with the victim and can offer a variety of support services as well as meet with family members if the victim requests.The SANEs are also well connected to the other resources in the communities, including law enforcement and advocacy organizations such as Options in northwest Kansas.Consenting to a sexual assault exam does not automatically mean the case will be reported. The exam preserves the evidence. The adult victim can choose to make a report with law enforcement at a later date or never. Unreported kits are sent to the KBI where they are stored for 20 years untested.<h2>Testing evidence</h2>According to state law, all&nbsp;reported&nbsp;sexual assault exam kits have to be submitted for testing.In 2015, a backlog of 2,200 untested kits was discovered in evidence property rooms in Kansas. All of the untested kits were processed, and the law was changed in an attempt to prevent a future backlog, Albers said.&nbsp;Although physical evidence from a sexual assault exam is not a guarantee of a conviction, Hecker said it helps.“Rape kits are so important because so many victims of sexual assault are simply not believed,” she said.She added, “The community has to do better. We have to make sure that the system accepts the report and collects the evidence, and we do something with the evidence, and we take action afterward. Rape is not he said/she said, but we like to think they are.”<h2>Sexual assault exams are health care</h2>The victim can receive treatment to prevent infection or any other injuries at the time of a SANE exam.Trisha Haskell, forensic program coordinator for HaysMed, said SANE exams are not just about collecting evidence. They allow for expert assessment of all areas of the body."Forensic exams help to ensure the health and safety of our patients," she said. "This exam is performed by a specially trained nurse who has expertise in providing patient-centered care that includes history taking, collection of evidence and documentation. This creates an unbiased, objective opportunity to preserve evidence from a patient’s body while facilitating the healing process."Based on history, patients are offered medication to help prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV.&nbsp;Working closely with a physician, the program offers testing, treatment and follow-up care, Haskell said.Time is also important for the health of the victim, Haskel said."As with many medical conditions, timely treatment is always the preferred situation," she said. "Before HaysMed offered the SANE program, people in western Kansas had to travel to eastern Kansas to be treated. "Having the program here in Hays has improved access for many patients in the rural areas of the state. Prompt response times are advantageous no matter what the situation is."<h2>Overcoming misconceptions</h2>Although access is a barrier, so are myths, Albers said.“There is the misconception that our exam is really invasive," Albers said, "'and we don’t want to put people through that.’ We work really hard to make sure to not make it traumatic. We don’t want to retraumatize the victim. That’s why it’s so important to build the rapport and comfort level with the patient before we start getting into the exam itself.”Twenty-five of&nbsp; the victims cared for by HaysMed in 2022 were 17 years old or younger. Albers wanted to reassure parents that SANE exams are not invasive for children."They (mothers) think it’s like their pap smear. Before a girl reaches puberty, all we do is external examination. We don’t put anything in the vagina. We don’t pull put swabs from inside the vagina," she said.SANEs are trained to work with victims of any gender. This includes gender nonconforming or transgender individuals.Although the majority of SANE exams are performed on women and girls, five to 15 exams per year at HaysMed are performed on men or boys.“We want everyone to know they are welcome to come for services regardless of their age, gender or identity,” Albers said. “We want to help. We want to help start them on that journey to healing and preserve that evidence so that if it can be used in the criminal justice system it can be preserved and the information is documented by us.”<h2>Barriers to expanding services</h2>The training to become SANE is long and costly. Training requires 160 to 180 hours.You do not have to acquire your certification to practice as a SANE-trained nurse. However, a nurse must accrue 300 hours of SANE practice before he or she can test for SANE certification. As of April, Kansas had only 30 SANE-certified nurses in the state, according to Haskel.<a href="https://www.pittstate.edu/nursing/sane-program.html">The Pittsburg State University, School of Nursing was awarded a SANE grant in 2018 and again in 2021 through the Health Resources and Services Administration. In July 2021, PSU received $1.5 million for a three-year extension, to recruit, train and retain RNs and APRNs in rural areas of Kansas for SANE training, resources and certification.</a>"It is a really tough area to work in," Albers said. "You have to be the right kind of person, and it has to be something you want to do."A hospital or clinic also must have the space and equipment to have a SANE program.&nbsp;“Administration has to recognize that this is really a community benefit service that is being offered, but it isn’t a department that is going to make money for the facility,” she said.Most programs require more than one or two SANE-trained staff members, Albers said. Most SANEs hold a full-time job in addition to being on-call for sexual assault exams.&nbsp;Turnover is high in the field, she said.The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence&nbsp;provides one-day training for medical providers who are not SANE trained.&nbsp;The agency has offered the class for three years, but it has been hard getting health care providers to sign up to take the class, Albers said.“I think it is extremely important to have another access point for the northwest part of the state,” Albers said. “That will give one additional access point for care and hopefully [victims will ] not have to drive three hours to Hays, instead drive 30 minutes to Goodland.”<h2>Not just a Kansas problem</h2>Albers and Haskel both said multiple barriers exist to expanding SANE programs in rural areas, and it's not just a problem in Kansas."With most of the United States being rural, it has been identified as a challenge nationwide," Haskel said. "Collaboration and education allow for all rural areas to expand their reach and knowledge to ensure all persons seeking care after experiencing violence receive adequate care."Kansas as a whole does a great job of ensuring equal access for sexual assault survivors regardless of their location. It is a state statute that all medical care facilities within the state offer a sexual assault evidence collection kit to any person requesting one."