By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will review and offer direction on the first draft of the 2026 county budget during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion on the draft budget.

A mill levy increase is not expected, though that could change depending on the options the commissioners consider in the coming months.

The county commission will be asked to approve a resolution to advance the process of creating a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the proposed Big Creek Estates development.

This is a procedural step and does not finalize the development's creation. Adam Pray of the Platinum Group and David Clingan of Grow Hays will speak at the meeting.

A certified copy will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce if approved. If the secretary approves, the county can schedule a public hearing and further consider the district.

Myers will ask commissioners to decide whether to temporarily ease an existing resolution to allow the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county in 2025.

If approved, the recommended dates and times are to be set the same as those of the city of Hays. However, the city is also reviewing its fireworks ordinance, and no decision has been made yet.

In previous years, the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County was permitted from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to July 4.

Commissioners will hear from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three disability services organizations' programs.

The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025, and the organization is asking for the same amount.

Myers will ask that commissioners reappoint Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.

The commission will be notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers will announce the openings and invite interested residents to apply.

Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, will provide an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County.

Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Taylor will request the commissioners approve a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032025-676">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will review and offer direction on the first draft of the 2026 county budget during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.Darin Myers, county administrator, will lead the discussion on the draft budget.A mill levy increase is not expected, though that could change depending on the options the commissioners consider in the coming months.<h2>Big Creek Estates</h2>The county commission will be asked to approve a resolution to advance the process of creating a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the proposed Big Creek Estates development.This is a procedural step and does not finalize the development's creation. Adam Pray of the Platinum Group and David Clingan of Grow Hays will speak at the meeting.A certified copy will be submitted to the Kansas Secretary of Commerce if approved. If the secretary approves, the county can schedule a public hearing and further consider the district.<h2>Discharge of fireworks</h2>Myers will ask commissioners to decide whether to temporarily ease an existing resolution to allow the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county in 2025.If approved, the recommended dates and times are to be set the same as those of the city of Hays. However, the city is also reviewing its fireworks ordinance, and no decision has been made yet.In previous years, the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Ellis County was permitted from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from July 2 to July 4.<h2>DSNWK budget requests</h2>Commissioners will hear from DSNWK President Jerry Michaud about the 2026 fiscal year budget requests for three disability services organizations' programs.The commission provided $250,000 in 2024 and 2025, and the organization is asking for the same amount.<h2>Other business</h2>Myers will ask that commissioners reappoint Eugene Rupp as County Appraiser for a new four-year term starting July 1. Rupp was appointed in December 2023 to finish the term of former appraiser Lisa Ree.The commission will be notified of two upcoming vacancies on the Planning &amp; Zoning and Library Boards due to members moving out of the county. Myers will announce the openings and invite interested residents to apply.Doug Williams, executive director of Grow Hays, will provide an update on ongoing projects and economic development initiatives across Ellis County.Ellis County Attorney Aaron Cunningham and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Taylor will request the commissioners approve a new job description for an assistant county attorney in training position.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032025-676">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to review 2026 county budget

Ellis County Jail bookings: May 25-31, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: May 25-30, 2025

The Hays Fire Department came within two points of earning the top Insurance Services Office class rating in its most recent evaluation.

Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department kept its class 2 rating but raised its score to 88 out of 100, just short of the class 1 rating.

"If you want to think of it like percentages in grade school, if you get a 90, it's an A, if you're in the 80s, you get a B. That's where we're sitting at," Preston said.

Preston credited the improved ISO rating to better training documentation, properly equipped fire trucks, a more efficient dispatch center and a slight improvement in water supply systems.

Preston said the department barely qualified for a class 2 rating in the last evaluation, conducted in the fall. He said the average ISO rating in Kansas is around a four when considering rural departments.

Preston said the higher score reflects the department’s efforts as it influences insurance rates for residents and businesses.

"The general public should be very proud of the fire department, and everything that we've done to help lower their insurance premiums in that case," Preston said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696621093343.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Hays Fire Department nears top ISO rating" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=hzf8w-18bf832-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Hays Fire Department came within two points of earning the top Insurance Services Office class rating in its most recent evaluation.Hays Deputy Fire Chief Shane Preston said the department kept its class 2 rating but raised its score to 88 out of 100, just short of the class 1 rating."If you want to think of it like percentages in grade school, if you get a 90, it's an A, if you're in the 80s, you get a B. That's where we're sitting at," Preston said.Preston credited the improved ISO rating to better training documentation, properly equipped fire trucks, a more efficient dispatch center and a slight improvement in water supply systems.Preston said the department barely qualified for a class 2 rating in the last evaluation, conducted in the fall. He said the average ISO rating in Kansas is around a four when considering rural departments.Preston said the higher score reflects the department’s efforts as it influences insurance rates for residents and businesses."The general public should be very proud of the fire department, and everything that we've done to help lower their insurance premiums in that case," Preston said.

Hays Fire Department nears top ISO rating

Beloit, KS – Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Spring Honor Roll, celebrating the academic excellence and dedication of our students. This distinguished list recognizes students who have achieved outstanding academic performance during the Fall semester.

The 2025 Spring Honor Roll includes students from various programs and disciplines, showcasing the breadth of talent and dedication across the campus. A complete list of honorees is available below or on the Fort Hays Tech | North Central website at <a href="https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll">https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll</a>

Fort Hays Tech | North Central remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and providing students with the tools they need to succeed. The Honor Roll stands as a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff.

For more information about the Honor Roll or other academic achievements at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please contact:

Ryan Emerson Marketing Director Fort Hays Tech | North Central remerson@fhtechnc.edu (785) 738-2276.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739989349609.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays Tech | North CentralBeloit, KS – Fort Hays Tech | North Central is proud to announce the release of the 2025 Spring Honor Roll, celebrating the academic excellence and dedication of our students. This distinguished list recognizes students who have achieved outstanding academic performance during the Fall semester.The 2025 Spring Honor Roll includes students from various programs and disciplines, showcasing the breadth of talent and dedication across the campus. A complete list of honorees is available below or on the Fort Hays Tech | North Central website at <a href="https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll">https://fhtechnc.edu/2025-spring-honor-roll</a>Fort Hays Tech | North Central remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and providing students with the tools they need to succeed. The Honor Roll stands as a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff.For more information about the Honor Roll or other academic achievements at Fort Hays Tech | North Central, please contact:Ryan Emerson Marketing Director Fort Hays Tech | North Central remerson@fhtechnc.edu (785) 738-2276.

Fort Hays Tech | North Central announces 2025 spring honor roll

KANSAS CITY – The growing maternal-care desert in Kansas is causing more women in the state to drive long distances for care and 59% do not have local access to inpatient maternity services, according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/about/kansas-nursing-workforce-center/research/kansas-nursing-reports.html?=redirect">report</a>&nbsp;released by the University of Kansas School of Nursing.

The report, Access to Maternity Care in Kansas, was produced by KU School of Nursing in collaboration with the Kansas Center for Rural Health, and with funding from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. The report describes and defines issues surrounding the availability of maternity care in Kansas.

Over the last 10 years, many rural hospitals across the country have closed or have stopped offering maternity care services altogether. This includes in Kansas, which is second only to Texas in terms of the number of counties considered rural. Rural hospitals are at an increased risk of closure due to declining occupancy rates, high fixed costs and market pressures.

“Kansas legislators, health care systems, foundations, professional organizations and educational institutions are all working hard to address the concerns of access to care and the health care workforce,” said Karen Weis, Ph.D., FAAN, dean of KU School of Nursing-Salina and lead author of the report. “Sound data is needed to support these efforts. The Access to Maternal Care in Kansas report is a first step in gathering that data in one central source.”

Access to quality perinatal care, which includes care during pregnancy and after the birth, is critical to the health of newborn babies and their mothers. Closures of hospitals and cessation of maternity services are correlated with more babies being born early, more infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units and more women dying during pregnancy or in childbirth.

The report outlines, by county and ZIP code when possible, the numbers of women of reproductive age in the area, the facilities offering prenatal care or inpatient maternity care; the availability of referral and high-risk services; and the providers accepting patients and offering prenatal or full perinatal services, nursing, anesthesia, behavioral health, lactation, and doula support services. It also provides the distances to facilities with delivery capabilities.

Key findings in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/about/kansas-nursing-workforce-center/research/kansas-nursing-reports.html?=redirect">report</a>, which is based on data from 2022-2024, include:&nbsp;

The report also found that the counties with the highest birth rates are the ones losing access to maternity care services. And rural counties had higher birth rates than urban ones: 67 versus 61 live births per 1,000 women of reproductive age.

"To me, the biggest surprise in the report are the two counties in western Kansas with the highest birth rates,” said Weis. Neither of these counties, Wallace and Grant, have a health care system offering maternity care. The distance to inpatient maternity care for those residing in each county is approximately 50 miles and 24 miles, respectively.

The report also provides information clarifying the unrecognized costs of providing maternal health care, which requires the presence of multidisciplinary teams of providers and nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The vast majority of rural hospitals are reimbursed through a Medicare-reimbursement model, which does not cover the high cost of providing maternity care.

"These data paint a stark picture of the current landscape of access to maternal health. The data&nbsp;also emphasize the critical importance of addressing this challenge before it gets worse, as well as recognizing that the location of services is one piece of the puzzle,” said David Jordan, MPA, president and chief executive officer of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, which is based in Hutchinson, Kansas. 

“We need to figure out solutions to complete the puzzle in order to provide women, children and families across the state with better access to the services they need to thrive.”&nbsp;



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633133027075.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceKANSAS CITY – The growing maternal-care desert in Kansas is causing more women in the state to drive long distances for care and 59% do not have local access to inpatient maternity services, according to a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/about/kansas-nursing-workforce-center/research/kansas-nursing-reports.html?=redirect">report</a>&nbsp;released by the University of Kansas School of Nursing.The report, Access to Maternity Care in Kansas, was produced by KU School of Nursing in collaboration with the Kansas Center for Rural Health, and with funding from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. The report describes and defines issues surrounding the availability of maternity care in Kansas.Over the last 10 years, many rural hospitals across the country have closed or have stopped offering maternity care services altogether. This includes in Kansas, which is second only to Texas in terms of the number of counties considered rural. Rural hospitals are at an increased risk of closure due to declining occupancy rates, high fixed costs and market pressures.“Kansas legislators, health care systems, foundations, professional organizations and educational institutions are all working hard to address the concerns of access to care and the health care workforce,” said Karen Weis, Ph.D., FAAN, dean of KU School of Nursing-Salina and lead author of the report. “Sound data is needed to support these efforts. The Access to Maternal Care in Kansas report is a first step in gathering that data in one central source.”Access to quality perinatal care, which includes care during pregnancy and after the birth, is critical to the health of newborn babies and their mothers. Closures of hospitals and cessation of maternity services are correlated with more babies being born early, more infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units and more women dying during pregnancy or in childbirth.The report outlines, by county and ZIP code when possible, the numbers of women of reproductive age in the area, the facilities offering prenatal care or inpatient maternity care; the availability of referral and high-risk services; and the providers accepting patients and offering prenatal or full perinatal services, nursing, anesthesia, behavioral health, lactation, and doula support services. It also provides the distances to facilities with delivery capabilities.Key findings in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-nursing/about/kansas-nursing-workforce-center/research/kansas-nursing-reports.html?=redirect">report</a>, which is based on data from 2022-2024, include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>An increasing number of Kansans travel up to 60 miles for low-risk prenatal and postpartum and labor and delivery care, particularly in the central and southwest parts of the state.</li><li>Fifty-nine percent of Kansans do not have local access to inpatient maternity care.</li><li>The availability of services for women with high-risk pregnancies is extremely limited. Close to 30% of ZIP codes in Kansas are more than 100 miles away from tertiary, high-risk services.</li><li>Forty-two counties in Kansas are without any documented anesthesia providers, and most of those are on the western side of the state.</li>
 </ul>The report also found that the counties with the highest birth rates are the ones losing access to maternity care services. And rural counties had higher birth rates than urban ones: 67 versus 61 live births per 1,000 women of reproductive age."To me, the biggest surprise in the report are the two counties in western Kansas with the highest birth rates,” said Weis. Neither of these counties, Wallace and Grant, have a health care system offering maternity care. The distance to inpatient maternity care for those residing in each county is approximately 50 miles and 24 miles, respectively.The report also provides information clarifying the unrecognized costs of providing maternal health care, which requires the presence of multidisciplinary teams of providers and nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The vast majority of rural hospitals are reimbursed through a Medicare-reimbursement model, which does not cover the high cost of providing maternity care."These data paint a stark picture of the current landscape of access to maternal health. The data&nbsp;also emphasize the critical importance of addressing this challenge before it gets worse, as well as recognizing that the location of services is one piece of the puzzle,” said David Jordan, MPA, president and chief executive officer of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, which is based in Hutchinson, Kansas. “We need to figure out solutions to complete the puzzle in order to provide women, children and families across the state with better access to the services they need to thrive.”&nbsp;

KU study: 59% of Kansas women have no local access to inpatient maternity services

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work on a bridge repair project along K-27 in Sherman County the week of June 2.

The bridge spans the Kyle Railroad and is located 0.84 mile north of the I-70 junction in Goodland. Project work will include a concrete overlay, deck patching and replacement of the bridge rails and approach slabs.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by a temporary traffic signal. An 18-foot width restriction will also be in effect. Motorists should anticipate delays of up to 15 minutes during the project. Work is expected to be completed in October, conditions permitting.

Bridges Inc., of Newton, is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $1.2 million. For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748616894341.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation will begin work on a bridge repair project along K-27 in Sherman County the week of June 2.The bridge spans the Kyle Railroad and is located 0.84 mile north of the I-70 junction in Goodland. Project work will include a concrete overlay, deck patching and replacement of the bridge rails and approach slabs.Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and directed by a temporary traffic signal. An 18-foot width restriction will also be in effect. Motorists should anticipate delays of up to 15 minutes during the project. Work is expected to be completed in October, conditions permitting.Bridges Inc., of Newton, is the primary contractor with a total contract cost of approximately $1.2 million. For more information, please contact KDOT Area Construction Manager Todd Anderson at 785-953-6011 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:todd.anderson@ks.gov">todd.anderson@ks.gov</a>.Project map:

Bridge repair project to begin on K-27 near Goodland

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748613176903.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

Washington&nbsp;–Kansas&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, visited&nbsp;Sierra Vista, Arizona Friday to tour the Joint Task Force-Southern Border Command&nbsp;offices, thank members of Kansas’ own 1st&nbsp;Infantry Division from Fort Riley, participate in tours along the southern border, receive briefings, and take an aerial tour of the border near Arizona with several Kansas law enforcement officials, according to a media release from the Senator's office.

Having visited the southern border multiple times under the Biden-Harris Administration, I witnessed chaos, lawlessness, and a system overwhelmed by over 10 million illegal crossings –including individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“But during my most recent trip, the difference was clear. Since President Trump returned to office, we’ve already seen a dramatic shift with illegal border crossings dropping 93% compared to last year. What I’ve witnessed firsthand at the border proves that President Trump’s bold leadership is delivering results, and he is keeping his promises. To continue delivering on the President’s agenda, the Senate must pass the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ – legislation that will provide critical funding our border agencies need to keep America safe.”

Since President Trump took office in January 2025, the number of illegal immigrant crossings at the southern border has dropped dramatically. In April 2024, there were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-april-2024-monthly-update">128,900 crossings at the border</a>, while in April 2025, there&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/migrant-crossings-u-s-mexico-border-historically-low-levels/">were only 8,400</a>.

The Kansas law enforcement officers who accompanied Senator Marshall included Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Director Tony Mattivi, Director of the Riley County Police Department Brian Peete, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffery Easter, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, Ellis County Sheriff and Kansas Sheriffs’ Association President Scott Braun, Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie, and Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.

“I was honored to join Senator Marshall and several sheriffs&nbsp;and police chiefs in experiencing firsthand the challenges at our southern border,”&nbsp;said KBI Director Tony Mattivi.&nbsp;“We know&nbsp;every fentanyl pill sold in Kansas is trafficked by Mexican drug cartels through this border. Every single pill that kills a Kansan enters the country here, so we must continue the fight to keep dangerous and violent criminals out.”

“Senator Marshall champions law enforcement and public safety efforts. He understands the unique role the Riley County Police Department plays in protecting national security and operational readiness because of our ties to NBAF and Fort Riley,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Riley County Police Department&nbsp;Director Brian Peete.&nbsp;“This opportunity has helped the department forge new strategic plans and procedures to keep our county safe from narcotic and human trafficking, as well as foreign terrorist organizations. My sincerest thanks to both he and his team.”

“The experience was very informative. It was amazing to me to see what 4 years of an unsecured border looked like and the issues it created for the United States,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Sedgwick County&nbsp;Sheriff Jeffrey Easter.&nbsp;“This trip highlighted the absolute cooperation between the U.S military, Border Patrol, and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office. These men and women are on the front lines protecting Kansans from the fentanyl and methamphetamine scourge that has gripped Sedgwick County. I am very appreciative of Senator Marshall inviting me to observe and understand the situation at our border.”

“We’ve learned where it’s coming in from, we’ve learned where it’s being transported to, and this is a hub where it’s coming out of,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Crawford County&nbsp;Sheriff Billy Tomasi.&nbsp;“Like I told the voters when I came on, that I am going to learn about this and I’m going to start taking it off the streets, and that’s my goal. And I appreciate the opportunity from Senator Marshall allowing me to come down here with him to learn this, to bring back to our community.”

“Our visit to the Arizona border with the dedicated military – including soldiers from Fort Riley –and border agencies, was eye-opening. The fight against illegal immigrants and the deadly flow of fentanyl is real.&nbsp; It’s happening on the ground, and it’s impacting Kansas communities every day. The brave men and women on the front lines deserve our full support as they work to protect our borders and save lives back home,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie.&nbsp;“I am extremely grateful to Senator Marshall and his staff for the opportunity to see firsthand the fight against the cartels that are trafficking fentanyl across our border daily. The fight against these cartels is not just a border issue – it is a fight for the safety of every Kansas community.”

“I would like to thank Senator Marshall for the opportunity to see firsthand the great work being done by our men and women of law enforcement, border patrol, and the military,”&nbsp;said Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.&nbsp;“Eliminating drug smuggling is still a major challenge at the border, and additional resources are needed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748726141663.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington&nbsp;–Kansas&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, visited&nbsp;Sierra Vista, Arizona Friday to tour the Joint Task Force-Southern Border Command&nbsp;offices, thank members of Kansas’ own 1st&nbsp;Infantry Division from Fort Riley, participate in tours along the southern border, receive briefings, and take an aerial tour of the border near Arizona with several Kansas law enforcement officials, according to a media release from the Senator's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748725833116.jpeg" alt="The Kansas law enforcement officers who accompanied Senator Marshall included Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Director Tony Mattivi, Director of the Riley County Police Department Brian Peete, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffery Easter, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, Ellis County Sheriff and Kansas Sheriffs’ Association President Scott Braun, Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie, and Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman." />
 <figcaption>The Kansas law enforcement officers who accompanied Senator Marshall included Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Director Tony Mattivi, Director of the Riley County Police Department Brian Peete, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffery Easter, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, Ellis County Sheriff and Kansas Sheriffs’ Association President Scott Braun, Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie, and Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.</figcaption>
 </figure>Having visited the southern border multiple times under the Biden-Harris Administration, I witnessed chaos, lawlessness, and a system overwhelmed by over 10 million illegal crossings –including individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“But during my most recent trip, the difference was clear. Since President Trump returned to office, we’ve already seen a dramatic shift with illegal border crossings dropping 93% compared to last year. What I’ve witnessed firsthand at the border proves that President Trump’s bold leadership is delivering results, and he is keeping his promises. To continue delivering on the President’s agenda, the Senate must pass the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ – legislation that will provide critical funding our border agencies need to keep America safe.”Since President Trump took office in January 2025, the number of illegal immigrant crossings at the southern border has dropped dramatically. In April 2024, there were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-releases-april-2024-monthly-update">128,900 crossings at the border</a>, while in April 2025, there&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/migrant-crossings-u-s-mexico-border-historically-low-levels/">were only 8,400</a>.The Kansas law enforcement officers who accompanied Senator Marshall included Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Director Tony Mattivi, Director of the Riley County Police Department Brian Peete, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffery Easter, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, Ellis County Sheriff and Kansas Sheriffs’ Association President Scott Braun, Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie, and Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.“I was honored to join Senator Marshall and several sheriffs&nbsp;and police chiefs in experiencing firsthand the challenges at our southern border,”&nbsp;said KBI Director Tony Mattivi.&nbsp;“We know&nbsp;every fentanyl pill sold in Kansas is trafficked by Mexican drug cartels through this border. Every single pill that kills a Kansan enters the country here, so we must continue the fight to keep dangerous and violent criminals out.”“Senator Marshall champions law enforcement and public safety efforts. He understands the unique role the Riley County Police Department plays in protecting national security and operational readiness because of our ties to NBAF and Fort Riley,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Riley County Police Department&nbsp;Director Brian Peete.&nbsp;“This opportunity has helped the department forge new strategic plans and procedures to keep our county safe from narcotic and human trafficking, as well as foreign terrorist organizations. My sincerest thanks to both he and his team.”“The experience was very informative. It was amazing to me to see what 4 years of an unsecured border looked like and the issues it created for the United States,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Sedgwick County&nbsp;Sheriff Jeffrey Easter.&nbsp;“This trip highlighted the absolute cooperation between the U.S military, Border Patrol, and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office. These men and women are on the front lines protecting Kansans from the fentanyl and methamphetamine scourge that has gripped Sedgwick County. I am very appreciative of Senator Marshall inviting me to observe and understand the situation at our border.”“We’ve learned where it’s coming in from, we’ve learned where it’s being transported to, and this is a hub where it’s coming out of,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Crawford County&nbsp;Sheriff Billy Tomasi.&nbsp;“Like I told the voters when I came on, that I am going to learn about this and I’m going to start taking it off the streets, and that’s my goal. And I appreciate the opportunity from Senator Marshall allowing me to come down here with him to learn this, to bring back to our community.”“Our visit to the Arizona border with the dedicated military – including soldiers from Fort Riley –and border agencies, was eye-opening. The fight against illegal immigrants and the deadly flow of fentanyl is real.&nbsp; It’s happening on the ground, and it’s impacting Kansas communities every day. The brave men and women on the front lines deserve our full support as they work to protect our borders and save lives back home,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Hugoton Police Chief and Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police President Courtney Leslie.&nbsp;“I am extremely grateful to Senator Marshall and his staff for the opportunity to see firsthand the fight against the cartels that are trafficking fentanyl across our border daily. The fight against these cartels is not just a border issue – it is a fight for the safety of every Kansas community.”“I would like to thank Senator Marshall for the opportunity to see firsthand the great work being done by our men and women of law enforcement, border patrol, and the military,”&nbsp;said Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman.&nbsp;“Eliminating drug smuggling is still a major challenge at the border, and additional resources are needed.”

Ellis Co. Sheriff joins Senator Marshall on visit to the southern border 

Reporter Cristina Janney asks Doug Williams of Grow Hays questions from our listeners on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.

Please submit your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Answering Listener Questions with Grow Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=97g37-18c2c84-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Reporter Cristina Janney asks Doug Williams of Grow Hays questions from our listeners on this episode of the Hays Post Podcast.Please submit your questions to hayspost@eaglemedia.com.

🎙 Post Podcast: Doug Williams of Grow Hays answers questions about Microfactory

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

Having just returned from a fishing trip with my son, his father-in-law and my grandson, a fishing story from my youth comes to mind. It involves a high school class mate of mine, his older brother and a muskrat. So, sit back and enjoy Larry and the Muskrat.

John and I graduated together and were just a few years out of high school at the time of the story. He and his older brother Larry both had bass boats and were avid largemouth bass fishermen who liked to spend Sunday mornings on a nice local reservoir named Clear Fork. Larry said he enjoyed the quiet time and all the wildlife he saw as much as the fishing. This particular morning, he was fishing with a spinner-bait, a large odd-shaped contraption full of hooks and shiny blades that makes the whole rig spin and chatter as it’s retrieved through the water. He was close to shore and had stopped casting to watch a muskrat putter about along the bank. A few feet of line hung from his rod with the spinner bait dangling from the end. After several minutes of being amused by the muskrat, he decided it was time to fish again, so he slapped the water with the spinner bait just to scare the muskrat. However, the line carried the lure farther than expected, mistakenly hooking the surprised muskrat, and the fight was on!

John was fishing a ways off, but the commotion caught his attention and Larry’s rod bent doubly into the water was the first thing he saw. Between chuckles, Larry quickly explained the situation and asked for his help. John got his boat as close as possible and after what must have been quite a tussle, he managed to dip the struggling muskrat from the water, but razor-sharp teeth made quick work of the net and it was in the water again, this time with Larry’s line running through a dip net sporting a huge hole in its bottom. After another lengthy scuffle they once again managed to somehow hoist the combative muskrat into the boat, and then the real rodeo began. Now John and Larry were both avid outdoorsmen and conservationists, and all they wanted to do was unhook poor muskrat Sam without harming him. Like I said before, a spinner-bait is full of sharp treble hooks, and now they had one very ticked-off, soaking wet muskrat in the boat with several sets of those hooks fastened securely to him and he evidently was not obeying their verbal commands very well. Remember, Larry’s line was still running through a ruined dip net that I’m sure was very much in the way. Somehow, he got the muskrat pulled back through the net and John was able to pounce on it, pinning the hapless critter to the floor with the rim of the net across its neck. John held it down with his foot while Larry went to work with his pliers attempting to extract the hooks. A fish with a couple hooks in its mouth is one thing, but a feisty, soaking wet rodent the size of a loaf of bread with who-knows-how-many hooks fastened securely to its fur-covered body is quite another matter.

Larry worked feverishly, noticing that the muskrat’s eyeballs were bulging slightly from the weight of John’s foot on the steel ring across its neck. Each embedded hook had to be wobbled and wiggled until the sharp barb on its tip pulled free from the muskrat’s tough hide. Finally, success as the last of the hooks came free! But then there remained the problem of how to get one still ticked-off but now absolutely free muskrat out of the boat. With that quandary swirling in their minds, both guys simultaneously stepped backwards to suddenly release the muskrat, (in their minds somehow hoping it would just launch itself over the side and back into the water) but looked at each other in disbelief as the poor luckless creature lay lifeless on the floor, evidently strangled in the process, despite their best intentions - problem solved!

Although not funny that muskrat Sammy had to give his life for this adventure, this is yet another story I’ll take with me to my grave when I sometimes can’t remember what I had for breakfast. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsHaving just returned from a fishing trip with my son, his father-in-law and my grandson, a fishing story from my youth comes to mind. It involves a high school class mate of mine, his older brother and a muskrat. So, sit back and enjoy Larry and the Muskrat.John and I graduated together and were just a few years out of high school at the time of the story. He and his older brother Larry both had bass boats and were avid largemouth bass fishermen who liked to spend Sunday mornings on a nice local reservoir named Clear Fork. Larry said he enjoyed the quiet time and all the wildlife he saw as much as the fishing. This particular morning, he was fishing with a spinner-bait, a large odd-shaped contraption full of hooks and shiny blades that makes the whole rig spin and chatter as it’s retrieved through the water. He was close to shore and had stopped casting to watch a muskrat putter about along the bank. A few feet of line hung from his rod with the spinner bait dangling from the end. After several minutes of being amused by the muskrat, he decided it was time to fish again, so he slapped the water with the spinner bait just to scare the muskrat. However, the line carried the lure farther than expected, mistakenly hooking the surprised muskrat, and the fight was on!John was fishing a ways off, but the commotion caught his attention and Larry’s rod bent doubly into the water was the first thing he saw. Between chuckles, Larry quickly explained the situation and asked for his help. John got his boat as close as possible and after what must have been quite a tussle, he managed to dip the struggling muskrat from the water, but razor-sharp teeth made quick work of the net and it was in the water again, this time with Larry’s line running through a dip net sporting a huge hole in its bottom. After another lengthy scuffle they once again managed to somehow hoist the combative muskrat into the boat, and then the real rodeo began. Now John and Larry were both avid outdoorsmen and conservationists, and all they wanted to do was unhook poor muskrat Sam without harming him. Like I said before, a spinner-bait is full of sharp treble hooks, and now they had one very ticked-off, soaking wet muskrat in the boat with several sets of those hooks fastened securely to him and he evidently was not obeying their verbal commands very well. Remember, Larry’s line was still running through a ruined dip net that I’m sure was very much in the way. Somehow, he got the muskrat pulled back through the net and John was able to pounce on it, pinning the hapless critter to the floor with the rim of the net across its neck. John held it down with his foot while Larry went to work with his pliers attempting to extract the hooks. A fish with a couple hooks in its mouth is one thing, but a feisty, soaking wet rodent the size of a loaf of bread with who-knows-how-many hooks fastened securely to its fur-covered body is quite another matter.Larry worked feverishly, noticing that the muskrat’s eyeballs were bulging slightly from the weight of John’s foot on the steel ring across its neck. Each embedded hook had to be wobbled and wiggled until the sharp barb on its tip pulled free from the muskrat’s tough hide. Finally, success as the last of the hooks came free! But then there remained the problem of how to get one still ticked-off but now absolutely free muskrat out of the boat. With that quandary swirling in their minds, both guys simultaneously stepped backwards to suddenly release the muskrat, (in their minds somehow hoping it would just launch itself over the side and back into the water) but looked at each other in disbelief as the poor luckless creature lay lifeless on the floor, evidently strangled in the process, despite their best intentions - problem solved!Although not funny that muskrat Sammy had to give his life for this adventure, this is yet another story I’ll take with me to my grave when I sometimes can’t remember what I had for breakfast. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Larry and the muskrat

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The word armor might evoke a picture of a knight clad in metal, but creatures from the tiniest insects to ancient fish, giant alligators and dinosaurs have been using armor as protection for millions of years.

The Sternberg Museum of Natural History opened a new exhibit, "Animal Armor," by Gaston Designs of Grand Junction, Colorado, this week.

"Instead of focusing on one animal group, we are taking an idea, armor, and having a chance to look at how that's used across all animal groups,"&nbsp; Reese Barrick, museum director, said. ... "It gives you a diversity of things to look at."

He said visitors also have the chance to see how armor has evolved across Earth's history.

As you enter the museum, a couple of the more stunning armored creatures greet you. One is a prehistoric crocodile-like creature, Sarcosuchus, that lived in North Africa, and the other is a prehistoric alligator-like creature, Deinosuchus, found in North America.

Deinosuchus lived between&nbsp;83.5 million and 70.6 million years ago. The animals could grow up to 11,000 pounds and reach lengths of 45 feet. Their teeth could grow as large as six inches.

"It's interesting to see that even the big carnivores have lots of armor," Barrick said. "There are always big crocodiles that will eat smaller ones. Everyone needs animal armor, even if you are a super predator."

Both creatures, like modern-day alligators and crocodiles, possess dermal armor, characterized by bony plates embedded in their skin.

Sarcosuchus, with its narrower snout, was probably  a fish-eater, Barrick said. However,&nbsp;Deinosuchus, which had a more rounded snout, probably could snatch dinosaurs off banks, he said.

A Jurassic crocodilian is also featured, which predated the&nbsp;Sarcosuchus and&nbsp;Deinosuchus, but was much smaller and also had armor on its belly.

Once you crest the stairs in the exhibit hall, you go forward in time to modern-day insects and sea creatures.

You can see an array of beetles, along with snails (gastropods) and crabs (arthropods), including the shell of a giant clam, which still lives in our oceans today.

The Eurypterids,&nbsp;ancient arthropods  also commonly referred to as sea scorpions, were heavily armored. Most examples average only about 5 to 9 inches in length, but some Eurypterids could grow as large as 8 feet long.

They had to be considering what they swam with and ate in the shallow seas about 420 million years ago.&nbsp;

The fish in those seas also had armor, multiple examples of which can be seen in the exhibit at the Sternberg. These armored fish lived until about 320 million years ago, when fish closer to our modern fish began to appear, Barrick said.

"Something is always trying to eat you, so armor has always been a mainstay of protection," Barrick said.

Akainacephalus is one of the armored dinosaurs that had a clubbed tail.

These creatures ate plants, but had large spikes on their backs and used their clubbed tail in defense.&nbsp;

"If you are big and you can't hide, and you're slow and you can't run, you develop armor as a way to protect yourself," Barrick said. ... "These particular guys aren't very smart, either. They have very small brains. If you're big, slow and stupid, it's good to have armor."

During the Ice Age, you would have seen creatures that more closely resembled modern animals, but much larger.&nbsp;

The exhibit has an example of a&nbsp;Glyptodon. It looks like a giant armadillo and would have been found in South America between 12,000 and 100,000 years ago.

The exhibit concludes with examples of modern mammals that use armor, including&nbsp;armadillos, hedgehogs, porcupines and the endangered pangolins of Africa.

Not to be excluded are humans. Although humans have used metal for centuries in armor, the exhibit also features a replica of a suit of armor crafted from crocodilian skin, as well as replicas of helmets adorned with antlers and crab pincers.

"What I think is interesting is that you think of armored animals, you might think of armored dinosaurs or armadillos," Barrick said, "but what I want people to know is that armor has been important throughout the whole evolutionary history of the planet, from fish to snails to all sorts of invertebrates to insects.&nbsp;

"Insects have some of the most dynamic armor on the planet. Every key animal group you can think of has developed armor because it is one of the key things to avoid being eaten," he said. "If you want to survive to reproduce, you have to survive and not be eaten by something else. There's always something that's trying to eat you."

Animals have utilized armor in various ways.

"But there's always the battle between how do you eat something and how do you keep from being eaten," Barrick said. "If you have armor, you're trying to keep from being eaten, but someone is trying to defeat that armor to survive also."

The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 15. Admission to the exhibit is available with museum general admission or free to members.

The museum is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays&nbsp; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays&nbsp;through the summer.&nbsp;

Admission Adults (age 13-59) $10 Youths (age 4-12) $7&nbsp; Senior citizens (60+) $9 FHSU students (w/valid ID) $6

You can learn more about the museum or get help planning your trip at the <a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/">museum's website</a> or by following the museum on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum/">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748535574830.jpeg" alt="A cast of a&nbsp;Deinosuchus, which lived&nbsp;83.5 million years ago in the United States and was similar to modern alligators. They could grow as long as 45 feet. The Deinosuchus is part of a current exhibit at the Sternberg Museum,&nbsp;"Animal Armor." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A cast of a&nbsp;Deinosuchus, which lived&nbsp;83.5 million years ago in the United States and was similar to modern alligators. They could grow as long as 45 feet. The Deinosuchus is part of a current exhibit at the Sternberg Museum,&nbsp;"Animal Armor." Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe word armor might evoke a picture of a knight clad in metal, but creatures from the tiniest insects to ancient fish, giant alligators and dinosaurs have been using armor as protection for millions of years.The Sternberg Museum of Natural History opened a new exhibit, "Animal Armor," by Gaston Designs of Grand Junction, Colorado, this week."Instead of focusing on one animal group, we are taking an idea, armor, and having a chance to look at how that's used across all animal groups,"&nbsp; Reese Barrick, museum director, said. ... "It gives you a diversity of things to look at."He said visitors also have the chance to see how armor has evolved across Earth's history.As you enter the museum, a couple of the more stunning armored creatures greet you. One is a prehistoric crocodile-like creature, Sarcosuchus, that lived in North Africa, and the other is a prehistoric alligator-like creature, Deinosuchus, found in North America.Deinosuchus lived between&nbsp;83.5 million and 70.6 million years ago. The animals could grow up to 11,000 pounds and reach lengths of 45 feet. Their teeth could grow as large as six inches."It's interesting to see that even the big carnivores have lots of armor," Barrick said. "There are always big crocodiles that will eat smaller ones. Everyone needs animal armor, even if you are a super predator."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748536251816.jpeg" alt="A cast and depiction of&nbsp;Sarcosuchus. Crocodilians have armor plates in their skin on their backs, as can be seen on these prehistoric giants from North Africa. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A cast and depiction of&nbsp;Sarcosuchus. Crocodilians have armor plates in their skin on their backs, as can be seen on these prehistoric giants from North Africa. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Both creatures, like modern-day alligators and crocodiles, possess dermal armor, characterized by bony plates embedded in their skin.Sarcosuchus, with its narrower snout, was probably a fish-eater, Barrick said. However,&nbsp;Deinosuchus, which had a more rounded snout, probably could snatch dinosaurs off banks, he said.A Jurassic crocodilian is also featured, which predated the&nbsp;Sarcosuchus and&nbsp;Deinosuchus, but was much smaller and also had armor on its belly.Once you crest the stairs in the exhibit hall, you go forward in time to modern-day insects and sea creatures.You can see an array of beetles, along with snails (gastropods) and crabs (arthropods), including the shell of a giant clam, which still lives in our oceans today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748536610811.jpeg" alt="A model of an&nbsp;Eurypterid, commonly called a sea scorpion.&nbsp;Eurypterids patrolled the seas about 420 million years ago. It fed on armored fish and sported its own armor. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A model of an&nbsp;Eurypterid, commonly called a sea scorpion.&nbsp;Eurypterids patrolled the seas about 420 million years ago. It fed on armored fish and sported its own armor. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748536918887.jpeg" alt="A cast of a Dunkleosteus, which lived about 382 to 358 million years ago. These fish, which were armored with sharp tooth plates, were believed to have the most powerful bite of any known fish. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A cast of a Dunkleosteus, which lived about 382 to 358 million years ago. These fish, which were armored with sharp tooth plates, were believed to have the most powerful bite of any known fish. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Eurypterids,&nbsp;ancient arthropods also commonly referred to as sea scorpions, were heavily armored. Most examples average only about 5 to 9 inches in length, but some Eurypterids could grow as large as 8 feet long.They had to be considering what they swam with and ate in the shallow seas about 420 million years ago.&nbsp;The fish in those seas also had armor, multiple examples of which can be seen in the exhibit at the Sternberg. These armored fish lived until about 320 million years ago, when fish closer to our modern fish began to appear, Barrick said."Something is always trying to eat you, so armor has always been a mainstay of protection," Barrick said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748537309852.jpeg" alt="Akainacephalus was a 2-ton armored dinosaur that lived about 75 million years ago. This specimen was found in southern Utah. Not only did this creature have armor, but it also had a clubbed tail that it could use to fight off tyrannosaurids. Those stubby legs gave it a low center of gravity, making it difficult for predators to flip over. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Akainacephalus was a 2-ton armored dinosaur that lived about 75 million years ago. This specimen was found in southern Utah. Not only did this creature have armor, but it also had a clubbed tail that it could use to fight off tyrannosaurids. Those stubby legs gave it a low center of gravity, making it difficult for predators to flip over. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748538811440.jpeg" alt="Another example of a clubbed tail. This example comes from a Doedicurus, which lived about 150,000 to 12,000 years ago. This specimen was found in South America. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Another example of a clubbed tail. This example comes from a Doedicurus, which lived about 150,000 to 12,000 years ago. This specimen was found in South America. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Akainacephalus is one of the armored dinosaurs that had a clubbed tail.These creatures ate plants, but had large spikes on their backs and used their clubbed tail in defense.&nbsp;"If you are big and you can't hide, and you're slow and you can't run, you develop armor as a way to protect yourself," Barrick said. ... "These particular guys aren't very smart, either. They have very small brains. If you're big, slow and stupid, it's good to have armor."During the Ice Age, you would have seen creatures that more closely resembled modern animals, but much larger.&nbsp;The exhibit has an example of a&nbsp;Glyptodon. It looks like a giant armadillo and would have been found in South America between 12,000 and 100,000 years ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748538412434.jpeg" alt="Glyptodonts weighed over a ton and were protected from Ice Age predators by massive shells. Above is a cast of a saber-toothed cat. The Glyptodonts, which were similar to modern armadillos, developed robust limbs and pelvises to support the extra weight. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Glyptodonts weighed over a ton and were protected from Ice Age predators by massive shells. Above is a cast of a saber-toothed cat. The Glyptodonts, which were similar to modern armadillos, developed robust limbs and pelvises to support the extra weight. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The exhibit concludes with examples of modern mammals that use armor, including&nbsp;armadillos, hedgehogs, porcupines and the endangered pangolins of Africa.Not to be excluded are humans. Although humans have used metal for centuries in armor, the exhibit also features a replica of a suit of armor crafted from crocodilian skin, as well as replicas of helmets adorned with antlers and crab pincers."What I think is interesting is that you think of armored animals, you might think of armored dinosaurs or armadillos," Barrick said, "but what I want people to know is that armor has been important throughout the whole evolutionary history of the planet, from fish to snails to all sorts of invertebrates to insects.&nbsp;"Insects have some of the most dynamic armor on the planet. Every key animal group you can think of has developed armor because it is one of the key things to avoid being eaten," he said. "If you want to survive to reproduce, you have to survive and not be eaten by something else. There's always something that's trying to eat you."Animals have utilized armor in various ways."But there's always the battle between how do you eat something and how do you keep from being eaten," Barrick said. "If you have armor, you're trying to keep from being eaten, but someone is trying to defeat that armor to survive also."The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 15. Admission to the exhibit is available with museum general admission or free to members.The museum is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays&nbsp; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays&nbsp;through the summer.&nbsp;Admission Adults (age 13-59) $10 Youths (age 4-12) $7&nbsp; Senior citizens (60+) $9 FHSU students (w/valid ID) $6 You can learn more about the museum or get help planning your trip at the <a href="https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/">museum's website</a> or by following the museum on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sternberg.museum/">Facebook</a>.

From titans to tiny, Sternberg Museum welcomes 'Armored Animals' exhibit

For an up-to-the-minute calendar of events, check the CVB website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748357281877.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>For an up-to-the-minute calendar of events, check the CVB website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visithays.com/calendar.aspx">www.visithays.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

June 2025 community events in Hays 

<a href="https://news.ku.edu/">KU News Service</a>

LAWRENCE – Fourteen University of Kansas School of Law students received awards during the spring 2025 semester for distinguishing themselves in scholarship, leadership and service to the law school and the community.

All award winners are graduates of the Class of 2025, who were recognized at the KU Law hooding ceremony May 17. Emma Mays, of Hastings, Nebraska, was selected to serve as the 2025 banner carrier, an honor bestowed upon the student who exemplifies excellence in their program.&nbsp;The class is composed of 126 recipients of the Juris Doctor as well as two Doctor of Juridical Science graduates. Eight students graduated from the Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law &amp; Policy program.

Funds for the awards are managed by KU Endowment, the independent and nonprofit organization serving as KU’s official fundraising and fund-management organization. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

Student awards are listed below alphabetically.

Neelie Browne, of Olathe, received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. Browne founded the KU Law Balance and Wellbeing club, where she coordinated programs and events aimed at improving student well-being. She also served as a Dean’s Fellow and staff articles editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy. Browne is the daughter of Kevin and Kindra Browne. She graduated from Olathe East High School and KU.

Karen Campbell, of Lawrence, received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;Campbell served as the editor-in-chief of the Kansas Law Review for the 2024-25 school year. She has also been a student ambassador since her first year at KU Law and formerly served as the Student Federal Bar Association president. Campbell is the daughter of Terrence and Kristin Campbell. She graduated from Free State High School and KU.

Dane Caster, of Inman, received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. During his time at KU Law, Caster served as Chief Justice En Banc of the KU Court of Parking Appeals, also known as Traffic Court. He dedicated his time teaching new students how to prep cases and give strong oral arguments. He also worked as a staff and comments editor of the Kansas Law Review. Caster is the son of Carol Summervill and Michael Caster. He graduated from Inman High School and Wichita State University.

Sam Crawford,&nbsp;of Ellis,&nbsp;received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. Crawford worked as an articles editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy, where her article was selected for publication. She also competed on the bankruptcy moot court team, placing third at the national Duberstein competition. She was a Shook, Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar, served as a Moot Court Council officer, was on the Mock Trial Council and was elected treasurer of the KU Law chapter of the Federal Bar Association for two years. Crawford is the daughter of Kim Andries and the late George Crawford III. She graduated from Ellis High School and Kansas State University.

Josh Hukill, of West Valley City, Utah, received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;As Chief Justice of the Traffic Court, Hukill not only led the court but also mentored first- and second-year law students. He was an active member of the mock trial team and represented KU Law in the American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition. He graduated from Hunter High School and Utah Valley University.

Joshua Lollar, of Lawrence,&nbsp;received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. He served on the Moot Court Council and as articles editor for the Kansas Law Review. Lollar is the son of Robin Kluge and Kevin Lollar. He is a graduate of Wichita East High School, Kansas State University, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary and the University of Notre Dame.

Kelli Ludlum, of Uniontown, received the Robert F. Bennett Award. This award is presented to the graduate whose undergraduate degree is from a Kansas university or college and who has demonstrated leadership qualities through public service.&nbsp;During her time at KU Law, Ludlum served in a leadership position in Women in Law, &nbsp;participated in moot court and was staff editor of the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy. &nbsp;Her efforts as president of the Federal Bar Association earned the KU chapter national recognition with the Innovation Award as one of the top three student divisions in the country. Ludlum also earned pro bono distinction for her work in KU Law's Legal Aid Clinic and served on the search committee to hire a director for the new Veterans Legal Support Clinic. Ludlum is the daughter of Joe and Ann Ludlum. She graduated from Uniontown High School and Kansas State University.

Emma Mays, of Hastings, Nebraska, received the Samuel Mellinger Scholarship, Leadership and Service Award. This award is given annually to the graduate who has most distinguished themselves in the combined areas of scholarship, leadership and service. Mays served as the editor-in-chief of the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy for the 2024-25 school year. She served as a Lawyering Skills and writing teaching assistant, helping first-year students learn the complexities of the Bluebook. Mays received the highest grade-point average of any student in the Class of 2025. Mays is the daughter of Greg and Ann Mays. She graduated from Hastings High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Emily Moyes,&nbsp;of Parkville, Missouri,&nbsp;received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;She served as a Lawyering Skills teaching assistant, was the president of the Environmental Law Society and held a position on the Moot Court Council. Moyes is the daughter of Andrew and Cathryn Moyes. She is a graduate of Park Hill South High School and Baylor University.

Ben Murphy,&nbsp;of Overland Park,&nbsp;received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. Murphy served as the executive comment editor on the Kansas Law Review, where he had his paper on the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes and the applicability of U.S. law published. He was also a Shook, Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar. Murphy is the son of Mark and Susan Murphy. He is a graduate of Olathe East High School and KU.

Ayaan Musse,&nbsp;of Vancouver, British Columbia, received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. She served as executive staff articles editor of the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy, where her article proposing and advocating for legislation on community land trusts in Kansas and Missouri was selected for publication. She worked for two semesters in KU Law's Legal Aid Clinic, representing low-income clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys. She also served as a Shook, Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar, where she led Constitutional Law study groups to support first-year law students' academic success. Musse held leadership roles in several student organizations, including the Black Law Students Association and the Student Bar Association, and mentored prospective law students through the KU Minority Pre-Law Student Association. She is a graduate of Lee's Summit North High School’s International Baccalaureate program and Arizona State University.

Gabby Phillips, of Norwich, received the Justice Lloyd Kagey Leadership Award. This award is presented to the graduate who has most distinguished themselves through leadership in the School of Law.&nbsp; Phillips is a Weigand Scholar. She served as a comments editor for the Kansas Law Review, where her article was selected for publication. She was a member of the Moot Court Council, the president for the Business and Tax Law Society, the program manager for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, the treasurer of the Asian Law Students’ Association, a teaching assistant for the Lawyering Skills program and a Shook Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar. She also worked as Professor Mike Hoeflich’s research assistant. Phillips is the daughter of Jessie and Judy Garrison and Nghia Nguyen. She is a graduate of Norwich High School, Emporia State University and KU.

Leah Stein, of Dodge City,&nbsp;received the Walter Hiersteiner Outstanding Service Award. The recipient of this award is the graduate whose service to their fellow students in the School of Law or the university community demonstrates the greatest promise for contribution to the legal profession and to society.&nbsp;Stein served as a head Dean’s Fellow and the symposium editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy, where she coordinated their 2025 symposium “Cities of Tomorrow: Legal Approaches to Urban Health and Sustainability.” Stein is the daughter of Michael and Coleen Stein. She is a graduate of Dodge City High School and KU.

Corrinne Yoder-Mulkey,&nbsp;of Eudora, received the Dru Mort Sampson Center for Diversity &amp; Inclusion Award of Distinction. This award is given to a student who has exhibited exemplary leadership and a commitment to promoting diversity and belonging – both in Green Hall and in the law school’s broader communities.&nbsp;They served as the president of OUTLaws &amp; Accomplices for two years and was a founding member of the first Trans Law Student Association of its kind. Yoder-Mulkey is the child of Christine Yoder and Kent Mulkey. They graduated from Eudora High School and Wellesley College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748359791010.jpeg" alt="KU Law students were recently honored for their contributions to the law school and community." />
 <figcaption>KU Law students were recently honored for their contributions to the law school and community.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://news.ku.edu/">KU News Service</a>LAWRENCE – Fourteen University of Kansas School of Law students received awards during the spring 2025 semester for distinguishing themselves in scholarship, leadership and service to the law school and the community.The recipients:<ul>
 <li>Neelie Browne, Olathe: Janean Meigs Memorial Award</li><li>Karen Campbell, Lawrence: Class of 1949 Leadership Award</li><li>Dane Caster, Inman: Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement</li><li>Sam Crawford, Ellis: Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement</li><li>Josh Hukill, West Valley, Utah: Class of 1949 Leadership Award</li><li>Kelli Ludlum, Uniontown: Robert F. Bennett Award</li><li>Joshua Lollar, Lawrence: Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement</li><li>Emma Mays, Hastings, Nebraska: Samuel Mellinger Scholarship, Leadership and Service Award</li><li>Emily Moyes, Parkville, Missouri: Class of 1949 Leadership Award</li><li>Ben Murphy, Overland Park: Janean Meigs Memorial Award</li><li>Ayaan Musse, Vancouver, British Columbia: Janean Meigs Memorial Award</li><li>Gabby Phillips, Norwich: Justice Lloyd Kagey Leadership Award</li><li>Leah Stein, Dodge City: Walter Hiersteiner Outstanding Service Award&nbsp;</li><li>Corrine Yoder-Mulkey,&nbsp;Eudora: The Dru Mort Sampson Center for Diversity &amp; Inclusion Award of Distinction.</li>
 </ul>All award winners are graduates of the Class of 2025, who were recognized at the KU Law hooding ceremony May 17. Emma Mays, of Hastings, Nebraska, was selected to serve as the 2025 banner carrier, an honor bestowed upon the student who exemplifies excellence in their program.&nbsp;The class is composed of 126 recipients of the Juris Doctor as well as two Doctor of Juridical Science graduates. Eight students graduated from the Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law &amp; Policy program.Funds for the awards are managed by KU Endowment, the independent and nonprofit organization serving as KU’s official fundraising and fund-management organization. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.Student awards are listed below alphabetically.Neelie Browne, of Olathe, received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. Browne founded the KU Law Balance and Wellbeing club, where she coordinated programs and events aimed at improving student well-being. She also served as a Dean’s Fellow and staff articles editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy. Browne is the daughter of Kevin and Kindra Browne. She graduated from Olathe East High School and KU.Karen Campbell, of Lawrence, received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;Campbell served as the editor-in-chief of the Kansas Law Review for the 2024-25 school year. She has also been a student ambassador since her first year at KU Law and formerly served as the Student Federal Bar Association president. Campbell is the daughter of Terrence and Kristin Campbell. She graduated from Free State High School and KU.Dane Caster, of Inman, received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. During his time at KU Law, Caster served as Chief Justice En Banc of the KU Court of Parking Appeals, also known as Traffic Court. He dedicated his time teaching new students how to prep cases and give strong oral arguments. He also worked as a staff and comments editor of the Kansas Law Review. Caster is the son of Carol Summervill and Michael Caster. He graduated from Inman High School and Wichita State University.Sam Crawford,&nbsp;of Ellis,&nbsp;received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. Crawford worked as an articles editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy, where her article was selected for publication. She also competed on the bankruptcy moot court team, placing third at the national Duberstein competition. She was a Shook, Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar, served as a Moot Court Council officer, was on the Mock Trial Council and was elected treasurer of the KU Law chapter of the Federal Bar Association for two years. Crawford is the daughter of Kim Andries and the late George Crawford III. She graduated from Ellis High School and Kansas State University.Josh Hukill, of West Valley City, Utah, received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;As Chief Justice of the Traffic Court, Hukill not only led the court but also mentored first- and second-year law students. He was an active member of the mock trial team and represented KU Law in the American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition. He graduated from Hunter High School and Utah Valley University.Joshua Lollar, of Lawrence,&nbsp;received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. This award is given to the graduates who have made the most significant contribution toward overall legal scholarship. He served on the Moot Court Council and as articles editor for the Kansas Law Review. Lollar is the son of Robin Kluge and Kevin Lollar. He is a graduate of Wichita East High School, Kansas State University, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary and the University of Notre Dame.Kelli Ludlum, of Uniontown, received the Robert F. Bennett Award. This award is presented to the graduate whose undergraduate degree is from a Kansas university or college and who has demonstrated leadership qualities through public service.&nbsp;During her time at KU Law, Ludlum served in a leadership position in Women in Law, &nbsp;participated in moot court and was staff editor of the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy. &nbsp;Her efforts as president of the Federal Bar Association earned the KU chapter national recognition with the Innovation Award as one of the top three student divisions in the country. Ludlum also earned pro bono distinction for her work in KU Law's Legal Aid Clinic and served on the search committee to hire a director for the new Veterans Legal Support Clinic. Ludlum is the daughter of Joe and Ann Ludlum. She graduated from Uniontown High School and Kansas State University.Emma Mays, of Hastings, Nebraska, received the Samuel Mellinger Scholarship, Leadership and Service Award. This award is given annually to the graduate who has most distinguished themselves in the combined areas of scholarship, leadership and service. Mays served as the editor-in-chief of the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy for the 2024-25 school year. She served as a Lawyering Skills and writing teaching assistant, helping first-year students learn the complexities of the Bluebook. Mays received the highest grade-point average of any student in the Class of 2025. Mays is the daughter of Greg and Ann Mays. She graduated from Hastings High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.Emily Moyes,&nbsp;of Parkville, Missouri,&nbsp;received the Class of 1949 Leadership Award. This award is given to the students who contributed most significantly to the overall experience of the students in Green Hall.&nbsp;She served as a Lawyering Skills teaching assistant, was the president of the Environmental Law Society and held a position on the Moot Court Council. Moyes is the daughter of Andrew and Cathryn Moyes. She is a graduate of Park Hill South High School and Baylor University.Ben Murphy,&nbsp;of Overland Park,&nbsp;received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. Murphy served as the executive comment editor on the Kansas Law Review, where he had his paper on the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes and the applicability of U.S. law published. He was also a Shook, Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar. Murphy is the son of Mark and Susan Murphy. He is a graduate of Olathe East High School and KU.Ayaan Musse,&nbsp;of Vancouver, British Columbia, received the Janean Meigs Memorial Award. This award is given to the graduates who have demonstrated a caring spirit in service to the students of the university and/or the community at large. She served as executive staff articles editor of the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy, where her article proposing and advocating for legislation on community land trusts in Kansas and Missouri was selected for publication. She worked for two semesters in KU Law's Legal Aid Clinic, representing low-income clients under the supervision of licensed attorneys. She also served as a Shook, Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar, where she led Constitutional Law study groups to support first-year law students' academic success. Musse held leadership roles in several student organizations, including the Black Law Students Association and the Student Bar Association, and mentored prospective law students through the KU Minority Pre-Law Student Association. She is a graduate of Lee's Summit North High School’s International Baccalaureate program and Arizona State University.Gabby Phillips, of Norwich, received the Justice Lloyd Kagey Leadership Award. This award is presented to the graduate who has most distinguished themselves through leadership in the School of Law.&nbsp; Phillips is a Weigand Scholar. She served as a comments editor for the Kansas Law Review, where her article was selected for publication. She was a member of the Moot Court Council, the president for the Business and Tax Law Society, the program manager for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, the treasurer of the Asian Law Students’ Association, a teaching assistant for the Lawyering Skills program and a Shook Hardy &amp; Bacon Scholar. She also worked as Professor Mike Hoeflich’s research assistant. Phillips is the daughter of Jessie and Judy Garrison and Nghia Nguyen. She is a graduate of Norwich High School, Emporia State University and KU.Leah Stein, of Dodge City,&nbsp;received the Walter Hiersteiner Outstanding Service Award. The recipient of this award is the graduate whose service to their fellow students in the School of Law or the university community demonstrates the greatest promise for contribution to the legal profession and to society.&nbsp;Stein served as a head Dean’s Fellow and the symposium editor for the Kansas Journal of Law &amp; Public Policy, where she coordinated their 2025 symposium “Cities of Tomorrow: Legal Approaches to Urban Health and Sustainability.” Stein is the daughter of Michael and Coleen Stein. She is a graduate of Dodge City High School and KU.Corrinne Yoder-Mulkey,&nbsp;of Eudora, received the Dru Mort Sampson Center for Diversity &amp; Inclusion Award of Distinction. This award is given to a student who has exhibited exemplary leadership and a commitment to promoting diversity and belonging – both in Green Hall and in the law school’s broader communities.&nbsp;They served as the president of OUTLaws &amp; Accomplices for two years and was a founding member of the first Trans Law Student Association of its kind. Yoder-Mulkey is the child of Christine Yoder and Kent Mulkey. They graduated from Eudora High School and Wellesley College.

KU law student from Ellis honored for scholarship, leadership, service

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight Kansas

Are Republicans the new infrequent voters?&nbsp; In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://catalist.us/whathappened2024/">new Catalist study,</a>&nbsp;researchers say yes. Big shifts may be coming in both political campaigning, and election laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unlike&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mpsanet.org/election-2024-political-science-first-takes/">mis-reported “horse race” polls</a>&nbsp;during election season, the Catalist study is public opinion polling done right. Catalist collects comprehensive data from a sample featuring a broad cross-section of Americans.&nbsp; This includes panel data, in which the same people are repeatedly interviewed over time to see how their opinions change. Political campaigns and academics both consider the for-profit firm to be a gold standard for well-collected data.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Catalist study found that in 2024, Democratic support increased markedly among frequent voters, that is, voters who regularly participate in elections. Support for Trump surged among infrequent voters, including a growing coalition–particularly of men–that was far more diverse than Trump’s traditional base of older, white voters.

Frequent voters could also be called “self sufficient” voters. They do not need much help from campaigns or get out the vote (GOTV) drives, and are less likely to be influenced by either.&nbsp; Frequent voters are more likely to make up their minds on their own, without reference to advertising or candidate appearances and well in advance of the election. They are more likely to be abreast of any changes in election laws, to keep their voter registrations up to date, to go to the right polling place, and to have the right documentation (such as state-issued Photo ID), without needing prompts or reminders.

In recent decades, Democrats have invested heavily in GOTV efforts, otherwise known as the “ground game,” particularly in battleground states and districts.&nbsp; These target infrequent voters.&nbsp; In 2024, the Trump campaign countered with more investment of their own in GOTV, and it paid off handsomely.&nbsp; If the Democrats’ base is now made up mostly of self-sufficient, unpersuadable voters, both parties’ strategies will shift.&nbsp; Democrats will have to target infrequent voters more carefully, in order to avoid accidentally mobilizing more Republicans.

Meanwhile, Republicans will increase their investment in the ground game more generally. They face major challenges.&nbsp; This spring, I attended the post-election symposium at the Dole Institute of Politics at KU, where panelists speculated that some voters in battleground states such as Arizona and Wisconsin simply voted for Trump and then left the rest of their ballots blank, enabling Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate to win. This behavior is consistent with infrequent voting, and the election results from these states suggest that the Dole panelists were at least partially correct in both.

What about election laws? For decades, Republicans have backed new laws that may lower turnout among infrequent voters, including Photo ID and proof of citizenship laws, the latter enthusiastically championed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. Since 2020, Republicans have added crackdowns on dropbox and mail in voting, such as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kwch.com/2025/03/25/kansas-lawmakers-end-three-day-grace-period-mail-in-ballots-override-governors-veto/">new Kansas law</a>&nbsp;eliminating the grace period for mail-in ballots.&nbsp; &nbsp;

What if the voters disenfranchised by these crackdowns are now mostly Republicans?&nbsp; Well before 2024, and despite Democrats’ objections, political science research has consistently shown that Photo ID laws have little impact on election results.&nbsp; Photo ID requirements may lower voter turnout by an average of about 2%, but those numbers include roughly equal numbers of Democratic and Republican voters. It is well-documented that these laws are unnecessary– there is no widespread election fraud.

With these recent changes, restrictive laws may hurt&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;vote share.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/28/voting-rights-advocates-pan-kansas-republicans-invite-only-stage-for-election-conspiracies/">Conspiracy theories notwithstanding</a>, GOP legislators may want to do some serious soul-searching before passing any more voting restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745349371713.jpeg" alt="Michael A. Smith" />
 <figcaption>Michael A. Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL A. SMITH Insight KansasAre Republicans the new infrequent voters?&nbsp; In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://catalist.us/whathappened2024/">new Catalist study,</a>&nbsp;researchers say yes. Big shifts may be coming in both political campaigning, and election laws.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mpsanet.org/election-2024-political-science-first-takes/">mis-reported “horse race” polls</a>&nbsp;during election season, the Catalist study is public opinion polling done right. Catalist collects comprehensive data from a sample featuring a broad cross-section of Americans.&nbsp; This includes panel data, in which the same people are repeatedly interviewed over time to see how their opinions change. Political campaigns and academics both consider the for-profit firm to be a gold standard for well-collected data.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Catalist study found that in 2024, Democratic support increased markedly among frequent voters, that is, voters who regularly participate in elections. Support for Trump surged among infrequent voters, including a growing coalition–particularly of men–that was far more diverse than Trump’s traditional base of older, white voters.Frequent voters could also be called “self sufficient” voters. They do not need much help from campaigns or get out the vote (GOTV) drives, and are less likely to be influenced by either.&nbsp; Frequent voters are more likely to make up their minds on their own, without reference to advertising or candidate appearances and well in advance of the election. They are more likely to be abreast of any changes in election laws, to keep their voter registrations up to date, to go to the right polling place, and to have the right documentation (such as state-issued Photo ID), without needing prompts or reminders.In recent decades, Democrats have invested heavily in GOTV efforts, otherwise known as the “ground game,” particularly in battleground states and districts.&nbsp; These target infrequent voters.&nbsp; In 2024, the Trump campaign countered with more investment of their own in GOTV, and it paid off handsomely.&nbsp; If the Democrats’ base is now made up mostly of self-sufficient, unpersuadable voters, both parties’ strategies will shift.&nbsp; Democrats will have to target infrequent voters more carefully, in order to avoid accidentally mobilizing more Republicans.Meanwhile, Republicans will increase their investment in the ground game more generally. They face major challenges.&nbsp; This spring, I attended the post-election symposium at the Dole Institute of Politics at KU, where panelists speculated that some voters in battleground states such as Arizona and Wisconsin simply voted for Trump and then left the rest of their ballots blank, enabling Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate to win. This behavior is consistent with infrequent voting, and the election results from these states suggest that the Dole panelists were at least partially correct in both.What about election laws? For decades, Republicans have backed new laws that may lower turnout among infrequent voters, including Photo ID and proof of citizenship laws, the latter enthusiastically championed by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. Since 2020, Republicans have added crackdowns on dropbox and mail in voting, such as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kwch.com/2025/03/25/kansas-lawmakers-end-three-day-grace-period-mail-in-ballots-override-governors-veto/">new Kansas law</a>&nbsp;eliminating the grace period for mail-in ballots.&nbsp; &nbsp;What if the voters disenfranchised by these crackdowns are now mostly Republicans?&nbsp; Well before 2024, and despite Democrats’ objections, political science research has consistently shown that Photo ID laws have little impact on election results.&nbsp; Photo ID requirements may lower voter turnout by an average of about 2%, but those numbers include roughly equal numbers of Democratic and Republican voters. It is well-documented that these laws are unnecessary– there is no widespread election fraud.With these recent changes, restrictive laws may hurt&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;vote share.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/28/voting-rights-advocates-pan-kansas-republicans-invite-only-stage-for-election-conspiracies/">Conspiracy theories notwithstanding</a>, GOP legislators may want to do some serious soul-searching before passing any more voting restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Are Republicans suppressing their own voters?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748612928615.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>

9 a.m. June 1, Shady Bend Golf Course, Osborne - two Couple Tournament. To enter call or text 785-346-4654

9 to 11:30 a.m. June 2 to 6 Rocket Racers VBS at Bible Baptist Church, 119 S. 2nd&nbsp;St., Osborne. Games, snacks, skits, puppets, crafts, Bible lessons and more!

June 4 KWHA Fun Show, Bull City Roughriders Arena, Alton. Summer evenings riding horses with family &amp; friends.&nbsp; All ages. Wednesdays in June 4, 11, 18 and 25.

All June and July – Downs Free Swim Saturdays at the Downs Swimming Pool, 715 Railroad St, Downs 1:00 p.m.

8:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 9 to 13 VBS at Peace Lutheran Church, 722 N. 4th&nbsp;St., Natoma. Join us for an Epic Australian Adventure: An Unforgettable Journey with Jesus! Learn about Jesus in new and exciting ways each day with a Bible story, a game, songs, a craft, a snack and an in-depth challenge. Children ages 3-completed 7th grade. A special offering will be taken each day in support of Keren Comfort Dog. Call 885-4718 to register.

7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 15 Lance Burch Memorial Golf Tournament, Shady Bend Golf Course, Osborne, 1 Man Scramble. To enter please call or text 785-346-4654.

11 a.m. June 15 Outdoor Father’s Day Service &amp; Cookout, Osborne Free Methodist Church, 724 W. Main St., Osborne. Join us for a special Father's Day service followed by a cookout

June 19 to 21 Downs Celebration, downtown Downs – 3 days of fun for the whole family!

Celebration Fun Run - starts at 7 a.m. Registration at 6:30 a.m. in beer garden area June 21. Proceeds go towards Jr Chamber Scholarship.&nbsp;

Online form at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fforms.gle%252FD2zW2NXWpuK9PBxj9%253Ffbclid%253DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR61zSZ34t_q7uE3KWX0Jk2j1MdtNCYyl-QQrr6Lk3IaxJWpocvemnILVR8KRA_aem_reVeSusTqVTWmFyei0r83w%26h%3DAT0stVSa8UHZhq1JDSDJoUA2-OmcUGYfdP343hVwABneKT7fafwBiS865fIeNulUUJ35Lliw6BFLLkGSqP3JRYtDzFOMEQO7sFbbuKSpKGpyFkRxSfglP7I8fiLcEf8W3A%26__tn__%3Dq%26c%5B0%5D%3DAT0YKYfRBKOPYF0oajYDvuKBGC3AsUDKGvQQ4S_iZ8VNPUr5G-8AwDdBfUQFYkk1_u7pqDQoqsZqMd_iH580QHcGy1c8d_edzCBmiqXRoqTHtAyviMIhZ9sAVY7of2PZCOURqkkP-b2HCY114cWMiNZ0nk9pwAvnfdZJSw&amp;sa=D&amp;source=calendar&amp;usd=2&amp;usg=AOvVaw16yejfVaZx0zwZ7Cjq_lYj">https://forms.gle/D2zW2NXWpuK9PBxj9</a>&nbsp;or printable version online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.downschamber.com/?fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR5TKmobMzohS5djCgpKWEnWuU38_wErxWHYXeA3dxh75C0jkZ5SrPOss8tIqQ_aem_z9C6ZCvzxZ8xyXLYkAEOzw&amp;sa=D&amp;source=calendar&amp;usd=2&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XXYtf4JhnQNP-PtVHwzxt">www.downschamber.com</a>&nbsp;- under Downs Celebration events.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 21, Art in the Park at the Railroad Park.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21, Downs Celebration Car Show at Kansas St.

9 a.m. June 21,&nbsp;two Person Golf Tournament 9:00 AM, Downs Golf Course, Call or text 785-545-6043

June 25 PBS Share-A-Story will be at the Natoma Community Library &amp; Art Center, 505 Elm St., Natoma at 2:30. Mark your calendars! PBS will read a story to the kids, have an activity, and the kids will receive a FREE book! Please plan to be there!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745947347148.png" alt="Osborne County Community Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Osborne County Community Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted9 a.m. June 1, Shady Bend Golf Course, Osborne - two Couple Tournament. To enter call or text 785-346-46549 to 11:30 a.m. June 2 to 6 Rocket Racers VBS at Bible Baptist Church, 119 S. 2nd&nbsp;St., Osborne. Games, snacks, skits, puppets, crafts, Bible lessons and more!June 4 KWHA Fun Show, Bull City Roughriders Arena, Alton. Summer evenings riding horses with family &amp; friends.&nbsp; All ages. Wednesdays in June 4, 11, 18 and 25.All June and July – Downs Free Swim Saturdays at the Downs Swimming Pool, 715 Railroad St, Downs 1:00 p.m.8:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 9 to 13 VBS at Peace Lutheran Church, 722 N. 4th&nbsp;St., Natoma. Join us for an Epic Australian Adventure: An Unforgettable Journey with Jesus! Learn about Jesus in new and exciting ways each day with a Bible story, a game, songs, a craft, a snack and an in-depth challenge. Children ages 3-completed 7th grade. A special offering will be taken each day in support of Keren Comfort Dog. Call 885-4718 to register.7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 15 Lance Burch Memorial Golf Tournament, Shady Bend Golf Course, Osborne, 1 Man Scramble. To enter please call or text 785-346-4654.11 a.m. June 15 Outdoor Father’s Day Service &amp; Cookout, Osborne Free Methodist Church, 724 W. Main St., Osborne. Join us for a special Father's Day service followed by a cookoutJune 19 to 21 Downs Celebration, downtown Downs – 3 days of fun for the whole family!Celebration Fun Run - starts at 7 a.m. Registration at 6:30 a.m. in beer garden area June 21. Proceeds go towards Jr Chamber Scholarship.&nbsp;

Online form at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fforms.gle%252FD2zW2NXWpuK9PBxj9%253Ffbclid%253DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR61zSZ34t_q7uE3KWX0Jk2j1MdtNCYyl-QQrr6Lk3IaxJWpocvemnILVR8KRA_aem_reVeSusTqVTWmFyei0r83w%26h%3DAT0stVSa8UHZhq1JDSDJoUA2-OmcUGYfdP343hVwABneKT7fafwBiS865fIeNulUUJ35Lliw6BFLLkGSqP3JRYtDzFOMEQO7sFbbuKSpKGpyFkRxSfglP7I8fiLcEf8W3A%26__tn__%3Dq%26c%5B0%5D%3DAT0YKYfRBKOPYF0oajYDvuKBGC3AsUDKGvQQ4S_iZ8VNPUr5G-8AwDdBfUQFYkk1_u7pqDQoqsZqMd_iH580QHcGy1c8d_edzCBmiqXRoqTHtAyviMIhZ9sAVY7of2PZCOURqkkP-b2HCY114cWMiNZ0nk9pwAvnfdZJSw&amp;sa=D&amp;source=calendar&amp;usd=2&amp;usg=AOvVaw16yejfVaZx0zwZ7Cjq_lYj">https://forms.gle/D2zW2NXWpuK9PBxj9</a>&nbsp;or printable version online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.downschamber.com/?fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR5TKmobMzohS5djCgpKWEnWuU38_wErxWHYXeA3dxh75C0jkZ5SrPOss8tIqQ_aem_z9C6ZCvzxZ8xyXLYkAEOzw&amp;sa=D&amp;source=calendar&amp;usd=2&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XXYtf4JhnQNP-PtVHwzxt">www.downschamber.com</a>&nbsp;- under Downs Celebration events.10 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 21, Art in the Park at the Railroad Park.9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21, Downs Celebration Car Show at Kansas St.9 a.m. June 21,&nbsp;two Person Golf Tournament 9:00 AM, Downs Golf Course, Call or text 785-545-6043June 25 PBS Share-A-Story will be at the Natoma Community Library &amp; Art Center, 505 Elm St., Natoma at 2:30. Mark your calendars! PBS will read a story to the kids, have an activity, and the kids will receive a FREE book! Please plan to be there!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Osborne County events for June

By RYLEE COY <a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/about/departments-units/service-units/admin-finance/units/marketing/team.html?_gl=1*1ofmlys*_gcl_au*MTMzOTk4NzIxMC4xNzQyMzA3NzE3*_ga*MjY3MzIxMDA1LjE3NDE3MjI4OTA.*_ga_LN1LMYMEK9*MTc0MjMxNzUzMC4zLjEuMTc0MjMxNzgyMy42MC4wLjEyMzE4NDE3Mjg.">K-State College of Veterinary Medicine</a>

MANHATTAN — Not all household items are as harmless as they seem — some can unexpectedly impact pet health. 

In recognition of National&nbsp;Poison&nbsp;Prevention Week, Kansas State University's Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksvhc.org/services/pet-health-center/">Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center</a>, highlights everyday items pet owners should be mindful of to keep their animals safe.

Medications — both human and veterinary — pose serious risks to pets, Nelson said. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including vitamins, ibuprofen and naproxen, are common culprits for accidental ingestion, either from dropped pills or chewed-up bottles. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug overdoses can lead to kidney and liver failure.

"ADHD meds, heart medications, inhalers and, most recently, GLP-1 injectable medications can be deadly if ingested or injected in some cases," Nelson said. "There have now been several cases of diabetic pets being accidentally injected with GLP-1 medications instead of their insulin due to the similar look of the injection devices. This results in severe vomiting, diarrhea and life-threatening low blood sugar levels."

Veterinary medications can also be dangerous, especially flavored chewable prescriptions that may encourage accidental overdoses."

It is common for pet parents to accidentally apply canine flea and tick products containing permethrins to their cats, which can lead to death for our feline friends," Nelson said.

She added that many common foods are toxic to pets, including chocolate, xylitol-sweetened products, grapes, raisins, yeast bread dough, protein bars, onions and garlic. Beverages such as protein shakes and alcohol can also be harmful.

"Beverages can be lapped up when spilled, ingested when the container is chewed up or intentionally given by people," Nelson said. "The protein shakes contain more vitamins than your pet needs and often include milk and xylitol for sweetening — the latter can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure."

Cleaning supplies and everyday household products also pose risks to pets.

"Pets are often harmed by household cleaners when they lick the liquid off their feet after walking through wet areas or when the cleaner spills onto their fur," Nelson said. "Many of these products are very corrosive and can damage the mouth, esophagus or gastrointestinal tract. Others can cause organ damage when ingested. Some can cause respiratory and eye irritation when pets are exposed to the fumes."

Rat poison can be fatal to pets if ingested. If used in the home, it should be placed in areas completely inaccessible to animals.

"Gorilla Glue can also be problematic if ingested," Nelson said. "When this type of glue mixes with stomach fluid or acid, it rapidly expands into a very large, firm foreign body obstruction in the stomach that, if not surgically removed, can be life threatening."

If a pet encounters a harmful substance and a veterinarian is unavailable or unfamiliar with the specific toxin, Nelson recommends contacting the Pet&nbsp;Poison&nbsp;Helpline from the 24/7 Animal&nbsp;Poison&nbsp;Control Center at 855-764-7661 or the Animal&nbsp;Poison&nbsp;Control hotline from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 888-426-4435.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742395556483.png" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYLEE COY <a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/about/departments-units/service-units/admin-finance/units/marketing/team.html?_gl=1*1ofmlys*_gcl_au*MTMzOTk4NzIxMC4xNzQyMzA3NzE3*_ga*MjY3MzIxMDA1LjE3NDE3MjI4OTA.*_ga_LN1LMYMEK9*MTc0MjMxNzUzMC4zLjEuMTc0MjMxNzgyMy42MC4wLjEyMzE4NDE3Mjg.">K-State College of Veterinary Medicine</a>MANHATTAN — Not all household items are as harmless as they seem — some can unexpectedly impact pet health. In recognition of National&nbsp;Poison&nbsp;Prevention Week, Kansas State University's Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksvhc.org/services/pet-health-center/">Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center</a>, highlights everyday items pet owners should be mindful of to keep their animals safe.Medications — both human and veterinary — pose serious risks to pets, Nelson said. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including vitamins, ibuprofen and naproxen, are common culprits for accidental ingestion, either from dropped pills or chewed-up bottles. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug overdoses can lead to kidney and liver failure."ADHD meds, heart medications, inhalers and, most recently, GLP-1 injectable medications can be deadly if ingested or injected in some cases," Nelson said. "There have now been several cases of diabetic pets being accidentally injected with GLP-1 medications instead of their insulin due to the similar look of the injection devices. This results in severe vomiting, diarrhea and life-threatening low blood sugar levels."Veterinary medications can also be dangerous, especially flavored chewable prescriptions that may encourage accidental overdoses."It is common for pet parents to accidentally apply canine flea and tick products containing permethrins to their cats, which can lead to death for our feline friends," Nelson said.She added that many common foods are toxic to pets, including chocolate, xylitol-sweetened products, grapes, raisins, yeast bread dough, protein bars, onions and garlic. Beverages such as protein shakes and alcohol can also be harmful."Beverages can be lapped up when spilled, ingested when the container is chewed up or intentionally given by people," Nelson said. "The protein shakes contain more vitamins than your pet needs and often include milk and xylitol for sweetening — the latter can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure."Cleaning supplies and everyday household products also pose risks to pets."Pets are often harmed by household cleaners when they lick the liquid off their feet after walking through wet areas or when the cleaner spills onto their fur," Nelson said. "Many of these products are very corrosive and can damage the mouth, esophagus or gastrointestinal tract. Others can cause organ damage when ingested. Some can cause respiratory and eye irritation when pets are exposed to the fumes."Rat poison can be fatal to pets if ingested. If used in the home, it should be placed in areas completely inaccessible to animals."Gorilla Glue can also be problematic if ingested," Nelson said. "When this type of glue mixes with stomach fluid or acid, it rapidly expands into a very large, firm foreign body obstruction in the stomach that, if not surgically removed, can be life threatening."If a pet encounters a harmful substance and a veterinarian is unavailable or unfamiliar with the specific toxin, Nelson recommends contacting the Pet&nbsp;Poison&nbsp;Helpline from the 24/7 Animal&nbsp;Poison&nbsp;Control Center at 855-764-7661 or the Animal&nbsp;Poison&nbsp;Control hotline from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 888-426-4435.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State veterinarian warns of common pet poisons

The <a href="https://www.echshays.org/">Ellis County Historical Society</a> received a $35,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce on Thursday for the renovation of a portion of St. John's Place in Victoria.

The historical society is renovating space in the former nursing home as a satellite campus.

Amanda Rupp, historical society executive director, said the second floor of the society's space is complete and is already being used to store collection items. More items from the collection will be moved to that space this summer.

The lower floor has been gutted, the roof repaired and gas lines installed. Asbestos has also been removed from the building.

The society plans to use the grant funds to install a new HVAC system, install new floor coverings and restrooms. Rupp said she hopes the society can have at least this much of the renovations complete by next summer, when Ellis County will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Volga Germans first settling in the area.

One of the rooms in the Victoria location will be dedicated to the Volga German settlement of Ellis County. 

Rupp, a descendant of those Volga Germans, said, "I look forward to telling that story to people who don't know and to people walking into the front entrance and realizing that America was this great place to come to."

Plaques commemorating the first settlers of Ellis County are being reserved by donation, with the proceeds supporting the renovations at the St. John's location.

Eleven large plaques, which will be installed in the new space, have already been sold. Twenty smaller plaques are in the works, some of which are still available for a donation of $5,000 each. If you are interested in reserving a plaque for your family, contact Cynthia Stone at 785-893-1431.

Each plaque will list the first generation of settlers in Ellis County, along with family history submitted by the families. The society has the last say on the content of the plaques to reduce replication, Rupp said.

The satellite location will also include: • Children's discovery center • Space for traveling exhibits • Gift shop featuring Kansas-made products &nbsp;• Room dedicated to the county's military history, including Walker Army Airfield • Room dedicated to the oil and agriculture industries in Ellis County. This will include a section dedicated to the introduction of Angus cattle in the U.S. by Ellis County settler George Grant in 1873. The Grant homestead, which is in Ellis County, is a&nbsp;National Historic Site.

Rupp said a garden outside of the building will highlight life in the Volga region of Russia. Then, when visitors enter the building, they will learn about the Volga Germans' life and settlement in America.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748631263784.jpeg" alt="The Ellis County Historical Society received a grant Thursday from the Kansas Department of Commerce for work on its Victoria satellite campus. The group is standing in a room dedicated to the history of Ellis County's Volga German settlers. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Ellis County Historical Society received a grant Thursday from the Kansas Department of Commerce for work on its Victoria satellite campus. The group is standing in a room dedicated to the history of Ellis County's Volga German settlers. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe <a href="https://www.echshays.org/">Ellis County Historical Society</a> received a $35,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce on Thursday for the renovation of a portion of St. John's Place in Victoria.The historical society is renovating space in the former nursing home as a satellite campus.Amanda Rupp, historical society executive director, said the second floor of the society's space is complete and is already being used to store collection items. More items from the collection will be moved to that space this summer.The lower floor has been gutted, the roof repaired and gas lines installed. Asbestos has also been removed from the building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748631065024.jpeg" alt="The Ellis County Historical Society entrance to the St. John's Place satellite campus in Victoria. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Ellis County Historical Society entrance to the St. John's Place satellite campus in Victoria. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The society plans to use the grant funds to install a new HVAC system, install new floor coverings and restrooms. Rupp said she hopes the society can have at least this much of the renovations complete by next summer, when Ellis County will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Volga Germans first settling in the area.One of the rooms in the Victoria location will be dedicated to the Volga German settlement of Ellis County. Rupp, a descendant of those Volga Germans, said, "I look forward to telling that story to people who don't know and to people walking into the front entrance and realizing that America was this great place to come to."Plaques commemorating the first settlers of Ellis County are being reserved by donation, with the proceeds supporting the renovations at the St. John's location.Eleven large plaques, which will be installed in the new space, have already been sold. Twenty smaller plaques are in the works, some of which are still available for a donation of $5,000 each. If you are interested in reserving a plaque for your family, contact Cynthia Stone at 785-893-1431.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748632320642.jpeg" alt="A mock-up of what one of the Volga German family plaques for the new museum satellite location will look like. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A mock-up of what one of the Volga German family plaques for the new museum satellite location will look like. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Each plaque will list the first generation of settlers in Ellis County, along with family history submitted by the families. The society has the last say on the content of the plaques to reduce replication, Rupp said.The satellite location will also include: • Children's discovery center • Space for traveling exhibits • Gift shop featuring Kansas-made products &nbsp;• Room dedicated to the county's military history, including Walker Army Airfield • Room dedicated to the oil and agriculture industries in Ellis County. This will include a section dedicated to the introduction of Angus cattle in the U.S. by Ellis County settler George Grant in 1873. The Grant homestead, which is in Ellis County, is a&nbsp;National Historic Site.Rupp said a garden outside of the building will highlight life in the Volga region of Russia. Then, when visitors enter the building, they will learn about the Volga Germans' life and settlement in America.The Volga German exhibit will highlight the various cities in the area founded by Volga Germans, as well as the beautiful churches they built.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748632613751.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Historical Society collection items stored on the second floor of the St. John's Place building in Victoria. More items are scheduled to be moved to the space this summer.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Historical Society collection items stored on the second floor of the St. John's Place building in Victoria. More items are scheduled to be moved to the space this summer.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748632715795.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Historical Society collection items stored on the second floor of the St. John's Place building in Victoria. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Historical Society collection items stored on the second floor of the St. John's Place building in Victoria. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The society is also in talks with the county library board to establish a branch library at the location. Victoria does not have a public library at this time.Timing for completion of the rest of the renovations depends on fundraising, Rupp said.Rupp said the society is accepting donations and is applying for grants.The Victoria Community Coalition owns the property. The Ellis County Historical Society pays no rent as long as it pays its utilities and maintains insurance and upkeep on its portion of the building.You can also follow the society of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ECHSHays">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748632871121.jpeg" alt="The Ellis County Historical Society is planning a children's discovery center on the left side of this room in the St. John's Place building in Victoria. The society is in discussions with the Ellis County Library Board to house a satellite library in the rear right-hand corner. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Ellis County Historical Society is planning a children's discovery center on the left side of this room in the St. John's Place building in Victoria. The society is in discussions with the Ellis County Library Board to house a satellite library in the rear right-hand corner. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The coalition has just finished moderate-income apartments for seniors on the other side of the building. See more on that project in the Hays Post next week.&nbsp;The coalition has plans to also renovate part of the former nursing home for use as a child care and a community center.

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