Locals often overlook the charms of their own hometowns. I’d guess all Kansans share this guilt, me included. After several out-of-town road trips, I analyzed our village’s charms which involve more than a Christmas City of the High Plains promotion.

WaKeeney is worth a day trip and maybe an overnight stay. Start with Santa’s Village and snap a photo to reflect on small-town Christmas fun. This Main Street location leads to worthwhile stops nearby. To satisfy hunger, hit the Western Kansas Saloon for historic ambience including tin ceilings, western murals, wood floors, good food, and service.

Next door, visit Gibson’s Drug which sells medicine for what ails you, but it’s so much more. It reminds me of Grandma’s dime store with toys, household, school and office supplies, candy, greeting cards, floral arrangements, and best of all an old-fashioned soda fountain with sodas, malts, or flavored cokes.

Just north, find The Eagles Nest—a ceramic and wood working shop. Glaze a mug or trinket box or select a unique gift for someone special. Our oldest grand and I recently spent two hours creating family heirlooms.

After a paint session, cross the street to explore Queen of Stars quilt store. Quilting friends stop in regularly to purchase fabrics, talk shop, or sew in the company of like-minded souls. The building is worth a visit for sure.

Not far away, enjoy a nostalgic tour of the Trego County courthouse. The lighting and vintage woodwork link visitors to those who came before us. A peek in each office offers views of officials hard at work serving Trego County.

Pop down the west staircase and wonder whose hands that rail guided over past decades. Outside, head to the northwest corner of the square while looking for resident squirrels and birds that call this block home. Morning or evening arrivals can view one of several local buzzard flocks roosting on the water tower. Their presence inspires the annual Buzzard Bash.

Across the street, enjoy Mayberry-style shopping at Moeder Meats, Keyser Hardware, Hometown Bakery, and the recently reopened antique store. Speaking of vintage, check out the façade of the Kelly Theatre to see what changes lie in wait. While walking this street, you follow the steps of Milburn Stone of Gunsmoke fame who performed a vaudeville routine on the Kelly stage.

At the corner, turn west to sip The Well’s excellent coffee. A few steps further offers city hall, another WaKeeney architectural treasure.

South is local gold. Malay’s offers picnic basket supplies that include freshly cut fruits and veggies, deli salads, deviled eggs, lunch meats, cheeses, and homemade desserts. Before checking out, add love with a fresh bouquet. On a practical note, purchase hunting and fishing licenses before getting outdoorsy at Cedar Bluff Reservoir.

For in town picknickers, choose a park. I love the pool park where ample shade cools gramma while grandkids check out their options. To exercise dogs, head toward I-70 on Highway 283. Once there, explore local&nbsp;history, including a vintage jet, or refresh yourself at Rosie’s Bar and Grill or the nearby Brazen Bull. Go whole hog Laura Ingalls Wilder and sleep in a Conestoga.

These are only a few possibilities. A visit here is a Where’s Waldo search for charming overnight rentals, Shiloh’s stellar vineyard, wildflower loops, great fishing, car races, auctions, western and paleontological history in every direction, and welcoming locals to help tick items off your bucket list. 

I may live here, but it’s fun to play visitor.

Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462625526.jpeg" alt="Santa's Village, WaKeeney.&nbsp; Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Santa's Village, WaKeeney.&nbsp; Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORIN Locals often overlook the charms of their own hometowns. I’d guess all Kansans share this guilt, me included. After several out-of-town road trips, I analyzed our village’s charms which involve more than a Christmas City of the High Plains promotion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462723174.jpeg" alt="Santa's Village for small-town Christmas fun in WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Santa's Village for small-town Christmas fun in WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462881554.jpeg" alt="WaKeeney's North Pole. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>WaKeeney's North Pole. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>WaKeeney is worth a day trip and maybe an overnight stay. Start with Santa’s Village and snap a photo to reflect on small-town Christmas fun. This Main Street location leads to worthwhile stops nearby. To satisfy hunger, hit the Western Kansas Saloon for historic ambience including tin ceilings, western murals, wood floors, good food, and service.Next door, visit Gibson’s Drug which sells medicine for what ails you, but it’s so much more. It reminds me of Grandma’s dime store with toys, household, school and office supplies, candy, greeting cards, floral arrangements, and best of all an old-fashioned soda fountain with sodas, malts, or flavored cokes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462531110.jpeg" alt="Eagles Nest in WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Eagles Nest in WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Just north, find The Eagles Nest—a ceramic and wood working shop. Glaze a mug or trinket box or select a unique gift for someone special. Our oldest grand and I recently spent two hours creating family heirlooms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753462987145.jpeg" alt="Queen of Stars quilt shop in downtown WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Queen of Stars quilt shop in downtown WaKeeney. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>After a paint session, cross the street to explore Queen of Stars quilt store. Quilting friends stop in regularly to purchase fabrics, talk shop, or sew in the company of like-minded souls. The building is worth a visit for sure.Not far away, enjoy a nostalgic tour of the Trego County courthouse. The lighting and vintage woodwork link visitors to those who came before us. A peek in each office offers views of officials hard at work serving Trego County.Pop down the west staircase and wonder whose hands that rail guided over past decades. Outside, head to the northwest corner of the square while looking for resident squirrels and birds that call this block home. Morning or evening arrivals can view one of several local buzzard flocks roosting on the water tower. Their presence inspires the annual Buzzard Bash.Across the street, enjoy Mayberry-style shopping at Moeder Meats, Keyser Hardware, Hometown Bakery, and the recently reopened antique store. Speaking of vintage, check out the façade of the Kelly Theatre to see what changes lie in wait. While walking this street, you follow the steps of Milburn Stone of Gunsmoke fame who performed a vaudeville routine on the Kelly stage.At the corner, turn west to sip The Well’s excellent coffee. A few steps further offers city hall, another WaKeeney architectural treasure.South is local gold. Malay’s offers picnic basket supplies that include freshly cut fruits and veggies, deli salads, deviled eggs, lunch meats, cheeses, and homemade desserts. Before checking out, add love with a fresh bouquet. On a practical note, purchase hunting and fishing licenses before getting outdoorsy at Cedar Bluff Reservoir.For in town picknickers, choose a park. I love the pool park where ample shade cools gramma while grandkids check out their options. To exercise dogs, head toward I-70 on Highway 283. Once there, explore local&nbsp;history, including a vintage jet, or refresh yourself at Rosie’s Bar and Grill or the nearby Brazen Bull. Go whole hog Laura Ingalls Wilder and sleep in a Conestoga.These are only a few possibilities. A visit here is a Where’s Waldo search for charming overnight rentals, Shiloh’s stellar vineyard, wildflower loops, great fishing, car races, auctions, western and paleontological history in every direction, and welcoming locals to help tick items off your bucket list. I may live here, but it’s fun to play visitor.Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.

MADORIN: The not a road trip

<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/2025/7/1753882149084.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

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, 122 Burgundy Lane, Hays, public water supply system.&nbsp;

The advisory was issued due to the water supply well having to be shut down for repairs.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, Hays, indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 308-629-7874 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001985c09e3b6-e53ee928-80a2-48ef-bce9-942021a3a8ef-000000/xy0EI6cKgCjYxJdBXoUZiZ5R6zbTTeJx_KJLChMiHtc=416">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706371129693.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, 122 Burgundy Lane, Hays, public water supply system.&nbsp;The advisory was issued due to the water supply well having to be shut down for repairs.Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park, Hays, indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 308-629-7874 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001985c09e3b6-e53ee928-80a2-48ef-bce9-942021a3a8ef-000000/xy0EI6cKgCjYxJdBXoUZiZ5R6zbTTeJx_KJLChMiHtc=416">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Boil Water Advisory rescinded for Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park in Hays

By&nbsp;ZANE IRWIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-07-29/kansas-snap-funding-harvesters-food-banks">Kansas News Service</a>

State lawmakers must soon decide whether to cover the extra costs to provide food assistance. If they don’t, food banks and pantries alone can’t make up the difference.

On Steve Vossler’s 56th volunteer shift of the year at the Harvesters food bank distribution center in Lawrence, Kansas, he packed corn and cucumbers.

“I like the assembly line aspect of it,” he chuckled.

He was one of a dozen or so volunteers on a July morning cheerfully chatting and packing produce into red mesh bags, ready to stock the shelves at a local food pantry.

Aside from volunteer work, Vossler said, he reads the news. He knew that Congress just approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/03/nx-s1-5454841/house-republicans-trump-tax-bill-medicaid" target="_blank">historic changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>, which could cause many more low-income families to rely on food banks like Harvesters.

“I don't like it and I'm sure there will be some changes,” Vossler said. “But who knows what they’ll be.”

In a major policy shift for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, individual states will have to shoulder some of the costs to help feed low-income families.

Administrative costs will jump for every state. New work eligibility requirements will shut some recipients out, while creating more work for state agencies that run the program. And states will face steep penalties if they don’t run SNAP to a certain degree of precision.

Supporters of those measures don’t see them as “cuts,” so much as policies that force states to run SNAP more responsibly. Critics, like the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, say the changes could cause millions of low-income people to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/senate-republican-leaders-proposal-risks-deep-cuts-to-food-assistance-some#states-snap-error-rates-vary-cbpp-anchor" target="_blank">lose some or all of their food assistance.</a>

Either way, individual states must figure out how to fill significant budget holes when the policies take effect in 2028. Those decisions will affect how many of&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-state-factsheet-ks.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas’ 180,000 SNAP recipients</a>&nbsp;are able to rely on federal food assistance to get by.

Faced with steep cost-sharing expectations, some states are feeling the same kind of financial panic as families who may see their food benefits dwindle.

SNAP costs for the state of Kansas will rise against the backdrop of an uncertain fiscal future. While the state&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2025/06/02/file_attachments/3279686/11_May_Revenue_FY2025_06-02-2025_Final.pdf" target="_blank">recently took in far more tax revenues</a>&nbsp;than expected, it is still slated to spend more money each year than it raises — leaving an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/roundup-state-budgets-increasingly-strained-as-house-senate#kansas-cbpp-anchor" target="_blank">estimated $731 million shortfall by 2029</a>.

Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said changes to SNAP in President Trump’s recent tax and spending package — known as the One Big Beautiful Bill — could mean more than $50 million in extra costs.

Part of that comes from the boring stuff: administrative expenses. It costs money to hire SNAP case workers, train them and invest in technology to make sure the program is running as it should.

Now, states will pay 75% of those costs rather than half — raising Kansas’ obligation by $15 million.

The bill also expands the range of people who must work or attend training programs for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.

Before, certain able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs, were exempt. Now, people in that category who are aged 55 to 64, parents with children aged 14 or older, veterans, former foster children and people experiencing homelessness must prove they meet new requirements — or lose access to food assistance.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/snap/characteristics-fy23" target="_blank">over two-thirds of recipients are children, elderly or disabled.</a>

Some analyses suggest stricter work requirements do not lead to increased work or earnings. Rather, such restrictions often keep eligible individuals from starting or remaining on food assistance,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20250407_THP_SNAPWorkRequirements_Paper.pdf" target="_blank">according to the center-left Brookings Institute</a>.

Work requirements do, however, create more work for state agencies. Kelly estimates Kansas will have to hire and train 40 new employees to keep up with new reporting requirements.

Of all the changes to SNAP, the most difficult to plan for involves payment error rates.

States sometimes overpay or underpay SNAP recipients. That’s usually due to incorrect applications or administrative mistakes.

Payment error rates surged throughout the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, topping 12% in Kansas and reaching as high as 60% in Alaska.

The problem has since eased. The 2024 error rate in Kansas dropped under 10%,&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-fy24QC-PER.pdf" target="_blank">below the national average</a>. But many state and federal officials remain dissatisfied, and Congress used its latest budget bill to penalize payment inaccuracies.

Now, states with error rates above 6% must pay anywhere from 5% to 15% of the cost of SNAP benefits themselves, on top of regular administrative expenses.

If Kansas keeps its current error rate when the penalty takes effect in 2028, it will need to pay an extra $41 million per year to operate SNAP at the same level. That would bring the total increased cost to $56 million — a total that could vary widely based on the error rate.

“It is part of the state having skin in the game,” said Republican Ty Masterson, president of the Kansas Senate.

He said the panic over added SNAP costs for states is overwrought, and that the Kansas Legislature can easily account for added costs — so long as the state gets its payment error rate down.

Kelly said Kansas has until October 2026 to reduce errors and avoid penalties.

“We are all hands on deck out there right now,” she said. “Hiring, training our folks, working on our technology systems, our computer systems, programming, to bring that down.

“Because if we don't, it'll just cost us so much more,” she said.

Stephen Davis, who is president and CEO of the food bank Harvesters, said his family relied on food assistance when he was young.

“We struggled the way that many other families struggle on a daily basis,” he said. “So I know firsthand what it means to be food insecure.”

Harvesters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harvesters.org/learn-about-hunger/hunger-in-our-region" target="_blank">defines food insecurity</a>&nbsp;as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.”

In the 17 counties that Harvesters serves in Kansas, Davis said 375,000 people, or 1 in 7 individuals, are food insecure.

Davis is concerned cuts to SNAP will make the state’s hunger problem more severe. Even if Kansas finds the funds to continue operating as before, he worries that work requirements will strip people of their benefits.

There’s only so much his organization can do to help. For every meal Harvesters provides, Davis said, SNAP provides nine.

At the same time, the Trump administration has scaled back federal assistance for food banks, in one recent instance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-03-28/harvesters-food-bank-deliveries-trump-administration-missouri-kansas" target="_blank">canceling dozens of truckloads of expected food shipments</a>&nbsp;for Harvesters.

Davis said all of those policies combined will result in more people going hungry.

“Those families that lose their SNAP benefits ... will likely try to turn to the charitable food system,” he said. “And we already don't have the capacity to meet the current need.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753888739773.png" alt="Steve Vossler, left, volunteers at the Harvesters distribution center in Lawrence, Kansas.&nbsp;Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Steve Vossler, left, volunteers at the Harvesters distribution center in Lawrence, Kansas.&nbsp;Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;ZANE IRWIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-07-29/kansas-snap-funding-harvesters-food-banks">Kansas News Service</a><h2>State lawmakers must soon decide whether to cover the extra costs to provide food assistance. If they don’t, food banks and pantries alone can’t make up the difference.</h2>On Steve Vossler’s 56th volunteer shift of the year at the Harvesters food bank distribution center in Lawrence, Kansas, he packed corn and cucumbers.“I like the assembly line aspect of it,” he chuckled.He was one of a dozen or so volunteers on a July morning cheerfully chatting and packing produce into red mesh bags, ready to stock the shelves at a local food pantry.Aside from volunteer work, Vossler said, he reads the news. He knew that Congress just approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/07/03/nx-s1-5454841/house-republicans-trump-tax-bill-medicaid" target="_blank">historic changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>, which could cause many more low-income families to rely on food banks like Harvesters.“I don't like it and I'm sure there will be some changes,” Vossler said. “But who knows what they’ll be.”In a major policy shift for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, individual states will have to shoulder some of the costs to help feed low-income families.Administrative costs will jump for every state. New work eligibility requirements will shut some recipients out, while creating more work for state agencies that run the program. And states will face steep penalties if they don’t run SNAP to a certain degree of precision.Supporters of those measures don’t see them as “cuts,” so much as policies that force states to run SNAP more responsibly. Critics, like the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, say the changes could cause millions of low-income people to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/senate-republican-leaders-proposal-risks-deep-cuts-to-food-assistance-some#states-snap-error-rates-vary-cbpp-anchor" target="_blank">lose some or all of their food assistance.</a>Either way, individual states must figure out how to fill significant budget holes when the policies take effect in 2028. Those decisions will affect how many of&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-state-factsheet-ks.pdf" target="_blank">Kansas’ 180,000 SNAP recipients</a>&nbsp;are able to rely on federal food assistance to get by.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753888418253.png" alt="At the Harvesters food bank distribution center in Lawrence, Kansas, volunteers pack produce destined for a local food pantry.&nbsp;Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>At the Harvesters food bank distribution center in Lawrence, Kansas, volunteers pack produce destined for a local food pantry.&nbsp;Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>How will SNAP change?&nbsp;</h2>Faced with steep cost-sharing expectations, some states are feeling the same kind of financial panic as families who may see their food benefits dwindle.SNAP costs for the state of Kansas will rise against the backdrop of an uncertain fiscal future. While the state&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/KSOG/2025/06/02/file_attachments/3279686/11_May_Revenue_FY2025_06-02-2025_Final.pdf" target="_blank">recently took in far more tax revenues</a>&nbsp;than expected, it is still slated to spend more money each year than it raises — leaving an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/roundup-state-budgets-increasingly-strained-as-house-senate#kansas-cbpp-anchor" target="_blank">estimated $731 million shortfall by 2029</a>.Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said changes to SNAP in President Trump’s recent tax and spending package — known as the One Big Beautiful Bill — could mean more than $50 million in extra costs.Part of that comes from the boring stuff: administrative expenses. It costs money to hire SNAP case workers, train them and invest in technology to make sure the program is running as it should.Now, states will pay 75% of those costs rather than half — raising Kansas’ obligation by $15 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753888505214.png" alt="SNAP cuts will cost the state millions to keep the program running at the same level. If the funds aren’t made up, charity won’t be able to fill the gap.&nbsp;Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>SNAP cuts will cost the state millions to keep the program running at the same level. If the funds aren’t made up, charity won’t be able to fill the gap.&nbsp;Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The bill also expands the range of people who must work or attend training programs for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits.Before, certain able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs, were exempt. Now, people in that category who are aged 55 to 64, parents with children aged 14 or older, veterans, former foster children and people experiencing homelessness must prove they meet new requirements — or lose access to food assistance.According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/snap/characteristics-fy23" target="_blank">over two-thirds of recipients are children, elderly or disabled.</a>Some analyses suggest stricter work requirements do not lead to increased work or earnings. Rather, such restrictions often keep eligible individuals from starting or remaining on food assistance,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20250407_THP_SNAPWorkRequirements_Paper.pdf" target="_blank">according to the center-left Brookings Institute</a>.Work requirements do, however, create more work for state agencies. Kelly estimates Kansas will have to hire and train 40 new employees to keep up with new reporting requirements.<h2>Margin for error</h2>Of all the changes to SNAP, the most difficult to plan for involves payment error rates.States sometimes overpay or underpay SNAP recipients. That’s usually due to incorrect applications or administrative mistakes.Payment error rates surged throughout the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, topping 12% in Kansas and reaching as high as 60% in Alaska.The problem has since eased. The 2024 error rate in Kansas dropped under 10%,&nbsp;<a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/snap-fy24QC-PER.pdf" target="_blank">below the national average</a>. But many state and federal officials remain dissatisfied, and Congress used its latest budget bill to penalize payment inaccuracies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753888579365.png" alt="Carla Whiteside-Hicks is the director of economic and employment services at the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which administers SNAP in the state. She appeared before state lawmakers at an April committee hearing on payment error rates.&nbsp;Screenshot of legislative hearing." />
 <figcaption>Carla Whiteside-Hicks is the director of economic and employment services at the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which administers SNAP in the state. She appeared before state lawmakers at an April committee hearing on payment error rates.&nbsp;Screenshot of legislative hearing.</figcaption>
 </figure>Now, states with error rates above 6% must pay anywhere from 5% to 15% of the cost of SNAP benefits themselves, on top of regular administrative expenses.If Kansas keeps its current error rate when the penalty takes effect in 2028, it will need to pay an extra $41 million per year to operate SNAP at the same level. That would bring the total increased cost to $56 million — a total that could vary widely based on the error rate.“It is part of the state having skin in the game,” said Republican Ty Masterson, president of the Kansas Senate.He said the panic over added SNAP costs for states is overwrought, and that the Kansas Legislature can easily account for added costs — so long as the state gets its payment error rate down.Kelly said Kansas has until October 2026 to reduce errors and avoid penalties.“We are all hands on deck out there right now,” she said. “Hiring, training our folks, working on our technology systems, our computer systems, programming, to bring that down.“Because if we don't, it'll just cost us so much more,” she said.<h2>Fewer options on the table&nbsp;</h2>Stephen Davis, who is president and CEO of the food bank Harvesters, said his family relied on food assistance when he was young.“We struggled the way that many other families struggle on a daily basis,” he said. “So I know firsthand what it means to be food insecure.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753888646966.png" alt="In 2023, Harvesters said it partnered with 900 nonprofit organizations to provide more than 52.5 million meals.&nbsp;Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>In 2023, Harvesters said it partnered with 900 nonprofit organizations to provide more than 52.5 million meals.&nbsp;Photo by Zane Irwin/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Harvesters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harvesters.org/learn-about-hunger/hunger-in-our-region" target="_blank">defines food insecurity</a>&nbsp;as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.”In the 17 counties that Harvesters serves in Kansas, Davis said 375,000 people, or 1 in 7 individuals, are food insecure.Davis is concerned cuts to SNAP will make the state’s hunger problem more severe. Even if Kansas finds the funds to continue operating as before, he worries that work requirements will strip people of their benefits.There’s only so much his organization can do to help. For every meal Harvesters provides, Davis said, SNAP provides nine.At the same time, the Trump administration has scaled back federal assistance for food banks, in one recent instance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-03-28/harvesters-food-bank-deliveries-trump-administration-missouri-kansas" target="_blank">canceling dozens of truckloads of expected food shipments</a>&nbsp;for Harvesters.Davis said all of those policies combined will result in more people going hungry.“Those families that lose their SNAP benefits ... will likely try to turn to the charitable food system,” he said. “And we already don't have the capacity to meet the current need.”

Kansas could lose millions after Congress cut SNAP funds. Thousands may go hungry

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has announced $25 million for 30 projects to improve intersections and roads across the state. The projects were selected for funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP).&nbsp;

“Enhancing the safety and accessibility of our local highways is made possible by grants through this essential program,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“In turn, these roadway improvements help bring in resources and improve connectivity in various regions of the state.”&nbsp;

CCLIP provides funds for cities to make improvements on city connecting links that are on state highways. Selected projects are funded for the state fiscal years 2027 and 2028 selection cycle.&nbsp;

Under CCLIP, cities with populations above 2,500 have local minimum contribution requirements, and cities with populations over 100,000 are required to have a 25% match. Local contributions significantly expanded the scope and total impact of the selected projects, bringing their combined value to over $39 million.&nbsp;

“The essence of the City Connecting Links program lies in the shared commitment between KDOT and our communities,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.&nbsp;“It's through this vital partnership that we can address both state and local transportation needs, fostering economic growth and connectivity across Kansas.”&nbsp;

Projects in this program may fall into one of three categories: Surface Preservation (SP), Pavement Restoration (PR), or Geometric Improvement (GI).&nbsp;

SP projects extend the life of the driving surface, such as overlays or joint repair, and are funded up to $400,000 per project. PR projects typically involve extensive pavement rehabilitation or full-depth pavement. GI projects focus on roadway geometrics that address safety, capacity, or operational needs, such as adding turn lanes or improving intersections. The PR and GI categories are funded up to $1.5 million per project.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689603343931.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Office of GovernorTOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has announced $25 million for 30 projects to improve intersections and roads across the state. The projects were selected for funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP).&nbsp;“Enhancing the safety and accessibility of our local highways is made possible by grants through this essential program,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“In turn, these roadway improvements help bring in resources and improve connectivity in various regions of the state.”&nbsp;CCLIP provides funds for cities to make improvements on city connecting links that are on state highways. Selected projects are funded for the state fiscal years 2027 and 2028 selection cycle.&nbsp;Under CCLIP, cities with populations above 2,500 have local minimum contribution requirements, and cities with populations over 100,000 are required to have a 25% match. Local contributions significantly expanded the scope and total impact of the selected projects, bringing their combined value to over $39 million.&nbsp;“The essence of the City Connecting Links program lies in the shared commitment between KDOT and our communities,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.&nbsp;“It's through this vital partnership that we can address both state and local transportation needs, fostering economic growth and connectivity across Kansas.”&nbsp;Projects in this program may fall into one of three categories: Surface Preservation (SP), Pavement Restoration (PR), or Geometric Improvement (GI).&nbsp;SP projects extend the life of the driving surface, such as overlays or joint repair, and are funded up to $400,000 per project. PR projects typically involve extensive pavement rehabilitation or full-depth pavement. GI projects focus on roadway geometrics that address safety, capacity, or operational needs, such as adding turn lanes or improving intersections. The PR and GI categories are funded up to $1.5 million per project.&nbsp;Regional projects include:<figure>
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New road improvement state projects planned for the region

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

If you think you want to leave your business anytime soon, you need to start now, according to an economic specialist.

Michael Aumack,&nbsp;economic specialist and public information officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration Wichita District, spoke at a Chamber in Hays luncheon on Friday.

He said it might take years for a business owner to develop a succession plan.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6b771370-52d1-4f43-ae23-a9eab000691f">More than half of business owners are 55 years or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey. The youngest Baby Boomers are set to reach retirement age in 2030.</a>

Aumack echoed in his talk on Friday the importance of succession planning during a time when many business owners are aging and looking toward retirement.

&nbsp;"Succession, think of it as keeping your success rolling," Aumack said.

"Your entity, your business, is always growing, and the world is always changing," he said. ... "You need to look at your business as nothing remains the same. 

"Everything is dynamic. It is a way to look at all of the critical things: your key employees, your markets, key roles in your business and your role in your business. What happens if one of those things changes?"

He said business owners need to have plans to keep their businesses rolling through market fluctuations or unforeseen incidents.

The other aspect of succession is plans to leave a business, hopefully, voluntarily.

"It's never too early to start, and it sometimes takes years to get things lined up, so your business is at its greatest valuation," Aumack said.

"And you as a business owner can walk away and say, 'This baby is going to hum, and keep growing without me like a turn-key business," he said. "The closer you get it to turn-key, the more valuable it is.

"If you are the magic that keeps it going, and the magic walks out the door, so does the business."

Reasons owners are forced to quit: • Distress-financial or personal • Disability-physical or mental impairment • Divorce-full of consequences for all parties • Dynamics-changing markets, models and technology • Disputes-between partners • Death-of principal owner

Aumack said there are trade-offs and rarely win-wins.

"It's you getting a really good idea of just how valuable the business is and how much someone is willing to pay for it," he said.

Aumack provided worksheets available through the Small Business Administration that business owners can use to calculate an approximate value for their businesses.

He said it's essential for business owners to separate themselves from their businesses, both on paper and in terms of labor.

He said business owners need to consider if they want to leave their businesses intact for their neighbors, and then what they need financially to carry on after they leave those businesses.

There are three ways to exit a business: Liquidate-No planning needed, yields the least value Sell-Understanding how the business will be valued at exit is essential to this plan. Continue as an absentee owner-Seller financed-exit in stages

Aumack said you need to look at your employees and identify the key employees who drive results.&nbsp;

"How can I incentivize them to keep doing what they're doing and keep them happy and productive?" he said.

Business owners might need to reconsider their debt structure. Service-based business owners might consider purchasing instead of leasing their buildings. This will allow them to build equity in real property.

You could also acquire a smaller competitor or initiate a merger.

Documenting procedures will also help you show value to potential buyers.

He also recommended developing an advisory team. This could include your banker, accountant, CPA or a close friend who can advise you.

You can access more resources through the Small Business Administration at <a href="http://www.sba.gov/ks">www.sba.gov/ks</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753819882547.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIf you think you want to leave your business anytime soon, you need to start now, according to an economic specialist.Michael Aumack,&nbsp;economic specialist and public information officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration Wichita District, spoke at a Chamber in Hays luncheon on Friday.He said it might take years for a business owner to develop a succession plan.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/6b771370-52d1-4f43-ae23-a9eab000691f">More than half of business owners are 55 years or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey. The youngest Baby Boomers are set to reach retirement age in 2030.</a>Aumack echoed in his talk on Friday the importance of succession planning during a time when many business owners are aging and looking toward retirement.&nbsp;"Succession, think of it as keeping your success rolling," Aumack said."Your entity, your business, is always growing, and the world is always changing," he said. ... "You need to look at your business as nothing remains the same. "Everything is dynamic. It is a way to look at all of the critical things: your key employees, your markets, key roles in your business and your role in your business. What happens if one of those things changes?"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753820037359.jpeg" alt="Michael Aumack, economic specialist and public information officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration Wichita District, spoke at a Chamber in Hays luncheon on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Michael Aumack, economic specialist and public information officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration Wichita District, spoke at a Chamber in Hays luncheon on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>He said business owners need to have plans to keep their businesses rolling through market fluctuations or unforeseen incidents.The other aspect of succession is plans to leave a business, hopefully, voluntarily."It's never too early to start, and it sometimes takes years to get things lined up, so your business is at its greatest valuation," Aumack said."And you as a business owner can walk away and say, 'This baby is going to hum, and keep growing without me like a turn-key business," he said. "The closer you get it to turn-key, the more valuable it is."If you are the magic that keeps it going, and the magic walks out the door, so does the business."Reasons owners are forced to quit: • Distress-financial or personal • Disability-physical or mental impairment • Divorce-full of consequences for all parties • Dynamics-changing markets, models and technology • Disputes-between partners • Death-of principal ownerAumack said there are trade-offs and rarely win-wins."It's you getting a really good idea of just how valuable the business is and how much someone is willing to pay for it," he said.Aumack provided worksheets available through the Small Business Administration that business owners can use to calculate an approximate value for their businesses.He said it's essential for business owners to separate themselves from their businesses, both on paper and in terms of labor.He said business owners need to consider if they want to leave their businesses intact for their neighbors, and then what they need financially to carry on after they leave those businesses.There are three ways to exit a business: Liquidate-No planning needed, yields the least value Sell-Understanding how the business will be valued at exit is essential to this plan. Continue as an absentee owner-Seller financed-exit in stagesAumack said you need to look at your employees and identify the key employees who drive results.&nbsp;"How can I incentivize them to keep doing what they're doing and keep them happy and productive?" he said.Business owners might need to reconsider their debt structure. Service-based business owners might consider purchasing instead of leasing their buildings. This will allow them to build equity in real property.You could also acquire a smaller competitor or initiate a merger.Documenting procedures will also help you show value to potential buyers.He also recommended developing an advisory team. This could include your banker, accountant, CPA or a close friend who can advise you.You can access more resources through the Small Business Administration at <a href="http://www.sba.gov/ks">www.sba.gov/ks</a>.

As Boomers retire, economist says plan now for future of your business

ELLSWORTH – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will host a free four-hour public tour of a wild horse off-range pasture in Ellsworth, Saturday, August 9.

The purpose of the tour is to allow public access to the private facility and learn more about BLM’s wild horse and burro management responsibilities. 

Tour attendees will have the opportunity to view more than 220 horses roaming approximately 1,700 acres of grassland in central Kansas. These animals were gathered from overpopulated herds on western public rangelands as part of BLM’s mission to protect and manage America’s wild horse and burro herds. 

The off-range pasture, known as Svaty Ranch, is a private ranch under contract with the government to feed and care for federally protected wild horses in a natural free-roaming environment. 

No registration is needed, and parking is available on site. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Cameras and video recorders are welcomed and encouraged. Other personal items may also be brought along, including non-alcoholic drinks in sealable containers. Attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the summer season. Restrooms will be available.

Event Details Tour time: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Address and directions: Svaty Ranch, 1016 Avenue J, Ellsworth, KS 67439. From I-70 proceed south on Highway 14 into and through the town of Ellsworth (main street), cross the river bridge and take an immediate right onto Avenue K. Take Avenue K and proceed west for 3 miles, at the "T" intersection stay right at the intersection and go 1/2-mile north, bear left for 3/4 of a mile. Then, the corrals are on the left at 1016 Avenue J.

The BLM manages and protects wild horses and burros across 175 herd management areas spanning 25.5 million acres in 10 western states, aiming to maintain healthy herds and rangelands. With few natural predators, herds can double in size every four to five years, leading to overpopulation that threatens the land, wildlife and other authorized uses. 

As of March 2025, the on-range population was estimated at 73,130, far exceeding the appropriate management level of 25,556. To achieve balance on the range, BLM gathers and removes excess animals, placing many into private care through adoption or sale, while unadopted animals are provided space on contracted pastures like the Svaty Ranch for long-term care. Approximately 62,853 animals are in off-range corrals and pastures as of June 2025. 

For more information, please contact the Wild Horse and Burro Program National Information Center at 866-468-7826 or email wildhorse@blm.gov.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753781329676.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Bureau of Land ManagementELLSWORTH – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will host a free four-hour public tour of a wild horse off-range pasture in Ellsworth, Saturday, August 9.The purpose of the tour is to allow public access to the private facility and learn more about BLM’s wild horse and burro management responsibilities. Tour attendees will have the opportunity to view more than 220 horses roaming approximately 1,700 acres of grassland in central Kansas. These animals were gathered from overpopulated herds on western public rangelands as part of BLM’s mission to protect and manage America’s wild horse and burro herds. The off-range pasture, known as Svaty Ranch, is a private ranch under contract with the government to feed and care for federally protected wild horses in a natural free-roaming environment. No registration is needed, and parking is available on site. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Cameras and video recorders are welcomed and encouraged. Other personal items may also be brought along, including non-alcoholic drinks in sealable containers. Attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the summer season. Restrooms will be available. Event Details Tour time: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Address and directions: Svaty Ranch, 1016 Avenue J, Ellsworth, KS 67439. From I-70 proceed south on Highway 14 into and through the town of Ellsworth (main street), cross the river bridge and take an immediate right onto Avenue K. Take Avenue K and proceed west for 3 miles, at the "T" intersection stay right at the intersection and go 1/2-mile north, bear left for 3/4 of a mile. Then, the corrals are on the left at 1016 Avenue J. The BLM manages and protects wild horses and burros across 175 herd management areas spanning 25.5 million acres in 10 western states, aiming to maintain healthy herds and rangelands. With few natural predators, herds can double in size every four to five years, leading to overpopulation that threatens the land, wildlife and other authorized uses. As of March 2025, the on-range population was estimated at 73,130, far exceeding the appropriate management level of 25,556. To achieve balance on the range, BLM gathers and removes excess animals, placing many into private care through adoption or sale, while unadopted animals are provided space on contracted pastures like the Svaty Ranch for long-term care. Approximately 62,853 animals are in off-range corrals and pastures as of June 2025. For more information, please contact the Wild Horse and Burro Program National Information Center at 866-468-7826 or email wildhorse@blm.gov.&nbsp;

Free tour of wild horse off-range pasture in Ellsworth offered by Bureau of Land Management

Fort Hays State University Sigma Chi's first annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 21,&nbsp; features an outdoor concert with Logan Mize as the headliner. 

The concert starts at 6 p.m. in the FHSU quad, and will be open to students and the general public for a $5 admission charge per head. This concert will be a dry event.

For more information, contact Hunter at htaphorn24@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752760537023.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedFort Hays State University Sigma Chi's first annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 21,&nbsp; features an outdoor concert with Logan Mize as the headliner. The concert starts at 6 p.m. in the FHSU quad, and will be open to students and the general public for a $5 admission charge per head. This concert will be a dry event.For more information, contact Hunter at htaphorn24@gmail.com.

Logan Mize featured at FHSU Sigma Chi Back to School Bash on Aug. 21 

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College has announced its list of graduates who earned associate degrees or certificates for career training during the spring semester of 2025.

Albert Kolton Maneth, A.S. Tavish Tracy, Welding Technology Certificate&nbsp;&nbsp;

Claflin Emma Hickel, A.S. Tyler Holmes, Agriculture Mechanics CNH Certificate Megan Khalidi, A.A. Luis Pando, A.A.S. Laney Shireman, Nursing Certificate

Colby Cynthia Romero, A.A.S. Downs Tonna Hampton, Medical Coding Certificate&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellinwood Justice Batt, A.A. Courtney Dillon, A.A.S. Bailey Harner, A.A.S. Neesa Komarek, Welding Technology Certificate Sierra Marley, Nursing Certificate Cody Ruble, Nursing Certificate Madison Sauer, A.S. Brittany Simpson, A.S. Kiley Stevenson, A.S. Madison Ward, Nursing Certificate

Ellis Jarret Mader, A.S. Stephanie McCarthy, A.A.S. Great Bend Selena Armstrong, A.G.S. Roselyn Bayona, Pharmacy Technician Certificate Anna Campbell, A.A.S. Brissa Caro, A.S. Cristian Cervantes, Welding Technology Certificate Shae Cox, A.A.S. Jalen Daniels, A.S. Braya Darnall, A.S. Kaden Deines, Plumbing Certificate Ciera Depenbusch, A.A.S. Karlee Dougherty, A.A.S. Rylie Duvall, A.S. Jayson Effertz, A.S. Tuff Elliott-Wittman, Plumbing Certificate Crystal Ellis, Medical Coding Certificate Blaine Ensley, Welding Technology Certificate Vanessa Flores-Cabrales, Nursing Certificate Dixie Gallant, Welding Technology Certificate Adison Galusha, A.S. Javier Gonzalez, A.A.S. Yadhira Gonzalez, A.S. Yuleidi Gonzalez Perez, Nursing Certificate Madelynn Gregg, A.A.S. Gavin Griffith, Agriculture Mechanics CNH Certificate Emilee Hall, Nursing Certificate Ethan Hammeke, Construction Technology Certificate Gisela Jaquez, A.S. Kadynce Jean, A.S. Kamryn Johns, A.S. Tiffany Lewing, Nursing Certificate Savannah Lohr, A.A.S. Skyler McMullen, A.S. Charlene Melson, A.S. Daegan Miller, Welding Technology Certificate Jessy Moeder, Nursing Certificate Esten Moore, Construction Technology Certificate Ethan Newman, A.S. Evan Newman, A.A. Daniel Nieto, A.S. Aiden Noblitt, A.A.S. Alexa Overman, A.A. Blaike Parsons, A.S. Dru Penka, A.S. Johana Perales, A.S. Nineth Pereyra Zuany, A.S. Valeria Piedra, A.A. Dominick Price, Construction Technology Certificate Carolina Ramirez Hernandez, A.S. Kimberly Reyes Pilo, A.S. Florence Rose, A.A.S. Ryan Rossouw, Welding Technology Certificate Charley Sander, A.S. Kennedy Sandy, A.A.S. Lacey Steffan, A.A.S. Makeila Straub, A.S. Elena Taboada, A.A.S. Aracely Talamantes Flores, A.S. Luz Maria Villegas Muniz, Nursing Certificate Christina Wells, A.G.S. Cody Wells, A.A.S. Barbara Wilder, A.A.S. Matthew Williams, Welding Technology Certificate Karter Wolf, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hays Alexie Chairez, A.A. Justin Esner, A.A.S. Samantha Fisher, A.A.S. Madison Ryker, A.S. Amanda Welcher, Medical Coding Certificate Asher White, A.A.S.

Hoisington Elliott Copp, A.S. Kiana Grandclair, A.S. Lexus Petersilie, Agriculture Mechanics CNH Certificate Logan Philbern, A.S. Deryk Yott, A.S.

Larned Trey Alford, Welding Technology Certificate Trae Anthony, Welding Technology Certificate Lance Bowley, Welding Technology Certificate Anthony Clubine, Welding Technology Certificate Cortney Craft, A.S. DaQuan Dean, Welding Technology Certificate David Denney, Welding Technology Certificate Michelle East, A.A.S. Easton Fitzpatrick, A.S. Jesse Gutierrez, Welding Technology Certificate Hannah Hall, A.A.S. James Harper, Welding Technology Certificate Michael Jenkins, Welding Technology Certificate Jeremy Lardner, Welding Technology Certificate Cagney Lemuz, A.A.S. Enrique Martinez Renteria, A.A.S. Johnathon Mccoy, A.S. Creighton Murray, A.S. Teresa Reason, Nursing Certificate Keldon Reynolds, Welding Technology Certificate Miguel Solis, Welding Technology Certificate Layne Sporleder, Welding Technology Certificate KeAndre Summers, Welding Technology Certificate Jordan Sweet, Welding Technology Certificate Jerry Thach, Welding Technology Certificate Raymond Voth, Welding Technology Certificate Shannon Zink, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Luray Katlyn Homewood, A.A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; McCracken Carson North, Scales Technician Certificate&nbsp; 

Ness City Andrea Lopez, A.A.S.

&nbsp; Norton David Porter, A.A.S. Matthew Rushton, Paramedic Certificate&nbsp;&nbsp;

Olmitz Alix Schneider, A.G.S. Clayton Schneider, A.A.S.

Otis Taylor Alloway, Nursing Certificate Chloe Schenk, A.A.S.

Pawnee Rock Sadi Strain-Shepherd, A.A.S.

Portis Elizabeth Ducote, A.S. Russell Hannah Dapogny, Nursing Certificate Baily Dauer-Cable, A.A.S. Makyla Griffin, Nursing Certificate Madison Sohm, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Scott City Kayla Esquivel, A.S.

 Stockton Cecelia Barnard, Nursing Certificate Tierra Yohon, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; WaKeeney Kya O'Banion, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; Wilson Hadleigh Davis, A.A.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653491444657.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community CollegeGREAT BEND — Barton Community College has announced its list of graduates who earned associate degrees or certificates for career training during the spring semester of 2025.Area students include Albert Kolton Maneth, A.S. Tavish Tracy, Welding Technology Certificate&nbsp;&nbsp;Claflin Emma Hickel, A.S. Tyler Holmes, Agriculture Mechanics CNH Certificate Megan Khalidi, A.A. Luis Pando, A.A.S. Laney Shireman, Nursing CertificateColby Cynthia Romero, A.A.S. Downs Tonna Hampton, Medical Coding Certificate&nbsp;&nbsp;Ellinwood Justice Batt, A.A. Courtney Dillon, A.A.S. Bailey Harner, A.A.S. Neesa Komarek, Welding Technology Certificate Sierra Marley, Nursing Certificate Cody Ruble, Nursing Certificate Madison Sauer, A.S. Brittany Simpson, A.S. Kiley Stevenson, A.S. Madison Ward, Nursing CertificateEllis Jarret Mader, A.S. Stephanie McCarthy, A.A.S. Great Bend Selena Armstrong, A.G.S. Roselyn Bayona, Pharmacy Technician Certificate Anna Campbell, A.A.S. Brissa Caro, A.S. Cristian Cervantes, Welding Technology Certificate Shae Cox, A.A.S. Jalen Daniels, A.S. Braya Darnall, A.S. Kaden Deines, Plumbing Certificate Ciera Depenbusch, A.A.S. Karlee Dougherty, A.A.S. Rylie Duvall, A.S. Jayson Effertz, A.S. Tuff Elliott-Wittman, Plumbing Certificate Crystal Ellis, Medical Coding Certificate Blaine Ensley, Welding Technology Certificate Vanessa Flores-Cabrales, Nursing Certificate Dixie Gallant, Welding Technology Certificate Adison Galusha, A.S. Javier Gonzalez, A.A.S. Yadhira Gonzalez, A.S. Yuleidi Gonzalez Perez, Nursing Certificate Madelynn Gregg, A.A.S. Gavin Griffith, Agriculture Mechanics CNH Certificate Emilee Hall, Nursing Certificate Ethan Hammeke, Construction Technology Certificate Gisela Jaquez, A.S. Kadynce Jean, A.S. Kamryn Johns, A.S. Tiffany Lewing, Nursing Certificate Savannah Lohr, A.A.S. Skyler McMullen, A.S. Charlene Melson, A.S. Daegan Miller, Welding Technology Certificate Jessy Moeder, Nursing Certificate Esten Moore, Construction Technology Certificate Ethan Newman, A.S. Evan Newman, A.A. Daniel Nieto, A.S. Aiden Noblitt, A.A.S. Alexa Overman, A.A. Blaike Parsons, A.S. Dru Penka, A.S. Johana Perales, A.S. Nineth Pereyra Zuany, A.S. Valeria Piedra, A.A. Dominick Price, Construction Technology Certificate Carolina Ramirez Hernandez, A.S. Kimberly Reyes Pilo, A.S. Florence Rose, A.A.S. Ryan Rossouw, Welding Technology Certificate Charley Sander, A.S. Kennedy Sandy, A.A.S. Lacey Steffan, A.A.S. Makeila Straub, A.S. Elena Taboada, A.A.S. Aracely Talamantes Flores, A.S. Luz Maria Villegas Muniz, Nursing Certificate Christina Wells, A.G.S. Cody Wells, A.A.S. Barbara Wilder, A.A.S. Matthew Williams, Welding Technology Certificate Karter Wolf, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hays Alexie Chairez, A.A. Justin Esner, A.A.S. Samantha Fisher, A.A.S. Madison Ryker, A.S. Amanda Welcher, Medical Coding Certificate Asher White, A.A.S.Hoisington Elliott Copp, A.S. Kiana Grandclair, A.S. Lexus Petersilie, Agriculture Mechanics CNH Certificate Logan Philbern, A.S. Deryk Yott, A.S.Larned Trey Alford, Welding Technology Certificate Trae Anthony, Welding Technology Certificate Lance Bowley, Welding Technology Certificate Anthony Clubine, Welding Technology Certificate Cortney Craft, A.S. DaQuan Dean, Welding Technology Certificate David Denney, Welding Technology Certificate Michelle East, A.A.S. Easton Fitzpatrick, A.S. Jesse Gutierrez, Welding Technology Certificate Hannah Hall, A.A.S. James Harper, Welding Technology Certificate Michael Jenkins, Welding Technology Certificate Jeremy Lardner, Welding Technology Certificate Cagney Lemuz, A.A.S. Enrique Martinez Renteria, A.A.S. Johnathon Mccoy, A.S. Creighton Murray, A.S. Teresa Reason, Nursing Certificate Keldon Reynolds, Welding Technology Certificate Miguel Solis, Welding Technology Certificate Layne Sporleder, Welding Technology Certificate KeAndre Summers, Welding Technology Certificate Jordan Sweet, Welding Technology Certificate Jerry Thach, Welding Technology Certificate Raymond Voth, Welding Technology Certificate Shannon Zink, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luray Katlyn Homewood, A.A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; McCracken Carson North, Scales Technician Certificate&nbsp; 

Ness City Andrea Lopez, A.A.S.

&nbsp; Norton David Porter, A.A.S. Matthew Rushton, Paramedic Certificate&nbsp;&nbsp; Olmitz Alix Schneider, A.G.S. Clayton Schneider, A.A.S.Osborne Stasha Conway, A.A.Otis Taylor Alloway, Nursing Certificate Chloe Schenk, A.A.S. Pawnee Rock Sadi Strain-Shepherd, A.A.S.Phillipsburg Leyla Karim, A.A.Portis Elizabeth Ducote, A.S. Russell Hannah Dapogny, Nursing Certificate Baily Dauer-Cable, A.A.S. Makyla Griffin, Nursing Certificate Madison Sohm, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Scott City Kayla Esquivel, A.S.

 Stockton Cecelia Barnard, Nursing Certificate Tierra Yohon, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; WaKeeney Kya O'Banion, A.S.&nbsp;&nbsp; Wilson Hadleigh Davis, A.A.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Community College announces spring 2025 graduates from the area

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

GOVE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Kenworth semi driven by Cody Roy, 40, Lenora, was westbound on Interstate 70 approximately one and one half miles east of the Old 40 Highway exit.

The semi rear-ended a 2020 Nissan Leaf driven by James&nbsp; Boyd, 50,&nbsp; Denver, Colorado, who had slowed down.&nbsp; After impact the Nissan entered the north ditch and rolled onto its top.

EMS transported Boyd to the Gove County Hospital. Roy was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GOVE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Kenworth semi driven by Cody Roy, 40, Lenora, was westbound on Interstate 70 approximately one and one half miles east of the Old 40 Highway exit.The semi rear-ended a 2020 Nissan Leaf driven by James&nbsp; Boyd, 50,&nbsp; Denver, Colorado, who had slowed down.&nbsp; After impact the Nissan entered the north ditch and rolled onto its top.EMS transported Boyd to the Gove County Hospital. Roy was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after rear-end crash on Interstate 70

COLBY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Colby Community College is proud to announce the hiring of Sandra Glover as the new head coach for the Trojan Track and Field program.

Glover is a former Olympian, world medalist, and decorated collegiate coach who brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and championship pedigree to Colby's athletics department.

A 2000 U.S. Olympian and University of Houston graduate, Glover boasts an exceptional resume as both an athlete and a coach. She is a World Championships silver medalist (2003) and bronze medalist (2005) in the 400-meter hurdles and was a four-time USA Track &amp; Field Trials Champion (1999–2002). Glover was also an NCAA All-American in 1991 during her collegiate career.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Glover to Colby," said Colby Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez. "Her background as an elite competitor and a mentor to dozens of high-performing student-athletes makes her the perfect fit to lead our program. Her commitment to academic and athletic excellence aligns with the mission of Colby Community College."

Glover most recently served as an assistant track &amp; field coach at Western New Mexico University, where she oversaw sprints, hurdles, jumps, and mid-distance events. Prior to that, she spent five highly successful years at her alma mater, the University of Houston (2019–2024), coaching long sprinters, hurdlers, and middle-distance athletes.

During her tenure with the Cougars, she played a key role in developing elite talent, coaching nine NCAA First Team All-Americans, four NCAA Second Team All-Americans, and seven NCAA National Qualifiers. She also guided three athletes to Big 12 Conference championships and helped produce 30 American Conference First Team selections.

Among her standout athletes was Kelly-Ann Beckford, the 2024 Big 12 Female Indoor Athlete of the Year, who set a University of Houston school record in the 800m with a time of 2:00.70. She also coached Sydni Townsend, who represented Houston in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials and is the program's 400m hurdles record holder (55.00). Another standout, Lloyd Frilot, captured the American Conference 800m title and school record under Glover's guidance.

Before her time at Houston, Glover coached at Alcorn State University (2015–2018), where she produced two SWAC Conference Champions and helped set 11 school records, and Prairie View A&amp;M University (2014–2015), where she focused on sprints, hurdles, and jumps. She began her collegiate coaching journey at Houston Christian University (2011–2013) as a volunteer assistant.

When asked about what excites her about this new opportunity, Glover shared, "At the junior college level, you're building a foundation. You're preparing student-athletes for the next step in their journey, and it's important to develop a strong, competitive product that encourages four-year coaches to keep coming back for more."

Glover is a USATF Level 1 certified coach and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston (1993). Beyond her athletic and coaching accolades, she brings strong leadership skills and a passion for mentorship. She is known for fostering student-athlete development both on the track and in the classroom, emphasizing effective communication, goal setting, and accountability.

Looking ahead, Glover expressed her vision for the program, stating, "I'm excited to develop exceptional talent and help elevate Colby into a highly respected and competitive program."

At Colby, Glover will lead both the men's and women's track &amp; field programs. She will be responsible for recruiting, training, competition scheduling, and building on the Trojans' growing tradition of athletic and academic success.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753797210784.jpeg" alt="Sandra Glover. Photo by Colby Community College" />
 <figcaption>Sandra Glover. Photo by Colby Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>Colby Community CollegeCOLBY&nbsp;—&nbsp;Colby Community College is proud to announce the hiring of Sandra Glover as the new head coach for the Trojan Track and Field program. Glover is a former Olympian, world medalist, and decorated collegiate coach who brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and championship pedigree to Colby's athletics department.A 2000 U.S. Olympian and University of Houston graduate, Glover boasts an exceptional resume as both an athlete and a coach. She is a World Championships silver medalist (2003) and bronze medalist (2005) in the 400-meter hurdles and was a four-time USA Track &amp; Field Trials Champion (1999–2002). Glover was also an NCAA All-American in 1991 during her collegiate career."We are excited to welcome Coach Glover to Colby," said Colby Athletic Director Kenny Hernandez. "Her background as an elite competitor and a mentor to dozens of high-performing student-athletes makes her the perfect fit to lead our program. Her commitment to academic and athletic excellence aligns with the mission of Colby Community College."Glover most recently served as an assistant track &amp; field coach at Western New Mexico University, where she oversaw sprints, hurdles, jumps, and mid-distance events. Prior to that, she spent five highly successful years at her alma mater, the University of Houston (2019–2024), coaching long sprinters, hurdlers, and middle-distance athletes.During her tenure with the Cougars, she played a key role in developing elite talent, coaching nine NCAA First Team All-Americans, four NCAA Second Team All-Americans, and seven NCAA National Qualifiers. She also guided three athletes to Big 12 Conference championships and helped produce 30 American Conference First Team selections.Among her standout athletes was Kelly-Ann Beckford, the 2024 Big 12 Female Indoor Athlete of the Year, who set a University of Houston school record in the 800m with a time of 2:00.70. She also coached Sydni Townsend, who represented Houston in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials and is the program's 400m hurdles record holder (55.00). Another standout, Lloyd Frilot, captured the American Conference 800m title and school record under Glover's guidance.Before her time at Houston, Glover coached at Alcorn State University (2015–2018), where she produced two SWAC Conference Champions and helped set 11 school records, and Prairie View A&amp;M University (2014–2015), where she focused on sprints, hurdles, and jumps. She began her collegiate coaching journey at Houston Christian University (2011–2013) as a volunteer assistant.When asked about what excites her about this new opportunity, Glover shared, "At the junior college level, you're building a foundation. You're preparing student-athletes for the next step in their journey, and it's important to develop a strong, competitive product that encourages four-year coaches to keep coming back for more."Glover is a USATF Level 1 certified coach and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston (1993). Beyond her athletic and coaching accolades, she brings strong leadership skills and a passion for mentorship. She is known for fostering student-athlete development both on the track and in the classroom, emphasizing effective communication, goal setting, and accountability.Looking ahead, Glover expressed her vision for the program, stating, "I'm excited to develop exceptional talent and help elevate Colby into a highly respected and competitive program."At Colby, Glover will lead both the men's and women's track &amp; field programs. She will be responsible for recruiting, training, competition scheduling, and building on the Trojans' growing tradition of athletic and academic success.

Olympian Sandra Glover hired as head track and field coach

GOVE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Tuesday in Gove County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Cruz driven by Luis Mario&nbsp;Gonzalez Perez, 17, Great Bend, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Oakley. The car traveled off the roadway to the right and struck a road closure sign.

EMS transported a passenger Marissa Ann&nbsp;Esparza , 18, Great Bend to the Logan County Hospital. The driver was not injured.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GOVE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Tuesday in Gove County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Cruz driven by Luis Mario&nbsp;Gonzalez Perez, 17, Great Bend, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Oakley. The car traveled off the roadway to the right and struck a road closure sign.EMS transported a passenger Marissa Ann&nbsp;Esparza , 18, Great Bend to the Logan County Hospital. The driver was not injured.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen hospitalized after I-70 crash

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Crude oil production on federal lands set a record last year, topping all but two states. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports record high production of 1.7 million barrels per day on federal lands, which would would place onshore federal leases third in the rankings of crude-producing states. 

Total U.S. output has nearly tripled in the last 16 years, while output from federal lands is nearly six times higher during that same period. Most of the growth came in New Mexico within the Permian Basin.

Total U.S. crude production drops for the fourth week in a row. EIA reports average output of 13.27 million barrels a day, down 102,000 barrels from last week. The four-week average is still up slightly from a year ago. Output so far this year is two percent higher than last year at this time, at over 13.4 million barrels a day.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) increased by 200,000 barrels to 402.5 million. 

The government has not yet updated its announcement last week of the Emergency Exchange with ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where the sixth largest refinery in the U.S. is dealing with supply complications brought on by tropical storms. Meanwhile maintenance issues at the SPR that could delay future refills. 

Commercial crude oil inventories, excluding those in the SPR, dropped to 419 million barrels as of July 18. That's down by 3.2 million barrels from last week. EIA says U.S. crude oil inventories are about nine percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The U.S. is a net petroleum exporter by nearly three million barrels a day.&nbsp; The government says crude oil imports surpass exports by 2.1 million barrels a day, but exports of refined products outpace imports by nearly five million. &nbsp;

Crude imports drop nearly half a million barrels a day from last week to just under six million.&nbsp; The four-week average is down seven percent from last year. Weekly exports are up more than 300-thousand barrels a day to nearly 3.86 million.

There are some big swings among the details in this week's Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes. The total of 415 oil rigs is down by seven from a week ago, while the gas tally of 122 rigs is up five. The report from Texas is down four rigs, New Mexico is down one, Wyoming is down two. Colorado is up three rigs, while Louisiana rose by two rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down 18 percent from a week ago, up 64% from a month ago and down 33% from a year ago. In western Kansas, the tally was up three rigs a week ago, but it's down four rigs today at seven active rigs.

Kansas operators completed 27 wells this week including three in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Completions are down 18 wells from a year ago.

Regulators okayed 18 new drilling locations in Kansas, including one in Ellis County out of eight located in the western half of the state.

Permits, year-to-date, total 409 statewide, which is down from 570 a year ago. 

The top ten operators in western Kansas for the first half of this year account for 79 wells and more than 342,000 feet of well bore drilled between them. Independent Oil and Gas Service ranks the most prolific Western Kansas operators for the first six months of 2025. The top five are Merit Energy, Berexco, Murfin Drilling, American Warrior, and Darrah Oil. The next five: Ritchie Exploration, Grand Mesa, Downing-Nelson, Carmen Schmidt and Shakespeare Oil.

The top operators east of Wichita include R-J Energy, Colt Energy, A-G-V Corp. HYT Operating, and VAL Energy. Those are followed by RH Capital-Beets, L&amp;A Energy, MLT Energy. Altavista Energy and Utah Oil.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747760831756.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaCrude oil production on federal lands set a record last year, topping all but two states. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports record high production of 1.7 million barrels per day on federal lands, which would would place onshore federal leases third in the rankings of crude-producing states. Total U.S. output has nearly tripled in the last 16 years, while output from federal lands is nearly six times higher during that same period. Most of the growth came in New Mexico within the Permian Basin.Total U.S. crude production drops for the fourth week in a row. EIA reports average output of 13.27 million barrels a day, down 102,000 barrels from last week. The four-week average is still up slightly from a year ago. Output so far this year is two percent higher than last year at this time, at over 13.4 million barrels a day.The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) increased by 200,000 barrels to 402.5 million. The government has not yet updated its announcement last week of the Emergency Exchange with ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where the sixth largest refinery in the U.S. is dealing with supply complications brought on by tropical storms. Meanwhile maintenance issues at the SPR that could delay future refills. Commercial crude oil inventories, excluding those in the SPR, dropped to 419 million barrels as of July 18. That's down by 3.2 million barrels from last week. EIA says U.S. crude oil inventories are about nine percent below the five-year average for this time of year.The U.S. is a net petroleum exporter by nearly three million barrels a day.&nbsp; The government says crude oil imports surpass exports by 2.1 million barrels a day, but exports of refined products outpace imports by nearly five million. &nbsp;Crude imports drop nearly half a million barrels a day from last week to just under six million.&nbsp; The four-week average is down seven percent from last year. Weekly exports are up more than 300-thousand barrels a day to nearly 3.86 million.There are some big swings among the details in this week's Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes. The total of 415 oil rigs is down by seven from a week ago, while the gas tally of 122 rigs is up five. The report from Texas is down four rigs, New Mexico is down one, Wyoming is down two. Colorado is up three rigs, while Louisiana rose by two rigs.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down 18 percent from a week ago, up 64% from a month ago and down 33% from a year ago. In western Kansas, the tally was up three rigs a week ago, but it's down four rigs today at seven active rigs.Kansas operators completed 27 wells this week including three in Barton County and one in Stafford County. Completions are down 18 wells from a year ago.Regulators okayed 18 new drilling locations in Kansas, including one in Ellis County out of eight located in the western half of the state.Permits, year-to-date, total 409 statewide, which is down from 570 a year ago. The top ten operators in western Kansas for the first half of this year account for 79 wells and more than 342,000 feet of well bore drilled between them. Independent Oil and Gas Service ranks the most prolific Western Kansas operators for the first six months of 2025. The top five are Merit Energy, Berexco, Murfin Drilling, American Warrior, and Darrah Oil. The next five: Ritchie Exploration, Grand Mesa, Downing-Nelson, Carmen Schmidt and Shakespeare Oil.The top operators east of Wichita include R-J Energy, Colt Energy, A-G-V Corp. HYT Operating, and VAL Energy. Those are followed by RH Capital-Beets, L&amp;A Energy, MLT Energy. Altavista Energy and Utah Oil.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude production on public lands surges to record

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Russell County Rural Water District 3 public water supply system located in Russell County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on July 28 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 620-653-2649, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019852f13906-7103a035-e9e9-4412-a2b9-b37f6c5b5ce2-000000/B7Jukr0PIg60Xj1doyrzAzUe7uUS_PICua6dDa8wKXQ=415">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753780591198.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Russell County Rural Water District 3 public water supply system located in Russell County.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on July 28 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 620-653-2649, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019852f13906-7103a035-e9e9-4412-a2b9-b37f6c5b5ce2-000000/B7Jukr0PIg60Xj1doyrzAzUe7uUS_PICua6dDa8wKXQ=415">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Russell County Rural Water District 3

After a lengthy discussion about discipline at the high school and policy revisions, the Hays USD school board approved the Hays High School handbook on July 21.

Board member Jayme Goetz requested revisions to the handbook when it was presented to the board in June. Her primary concern was the policy on discipline.

See copies of Hays High's civility policy and discipline point system at the end of this story.&nbsp;

Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal, said at a board meeting in June the handbook had been edited for clarity and to provide administrators more flexibility in addressing individual students and circumstances.

However, Goetz argued the handbook needed to contain specific consequences for violations to maintain consistency. The handbook was revised again and brought back to the board on July 21.

Goetz&nbsp;said she had at least six complaints leading up to the meeting regarding the handbook and a lack of consistency in discipline at the high school.

Goetz taught one year at Hays High under Henderson before taking a job teaching at Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753475334412.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter a lengthy discussion about discipline at the high school and policy revisions, the Hays USD school board approved the Hays High School handbook on July 21.Board member Jayme Goetz requested revisions to the handbook when it was presented to the board in June. Her primary concern was the policy on discipline.See copies of Hays High's civility policy and discipline point system at the end of this story.&nbsp;Shawn Henderson, Hays High principal, said at a board meeting in June the handbook had been edited for clarity and to provide administrators more flexibility in addressing individual students and circumstances.However, Goetz argued the handbook needed to contain specific consequences for violations to maintain consistency. The handbook was revised again and brought back to the board on July 21.Goetz&nbsp;said she had at least six complaints leading up to the meeting regarding the handbook and a lack of consistency in discipline at the high school.Goetz taught one year at Hays High under Henderson before taking a job teaching at Fort Hays State University."All discipline is teamwork," Henderson told the board, "and we have to work together and we have to understand where and how the experience is implemented for our families, stakeholders and students."He added, "We want to be as clear as we possibly can be. Behavior is communication."Goetz said the changes brought to the July meeting put the administrators all on the same page."This is going to come up again next year, and I would encourage you this year to lead from the middle and create a little committee of teachers ... so you can come up with a handbook that works for everyone," she said."You probably know this, but before a teachers sends a student to the office, they have already tried to create a relationship with them, cut them some slack talked about what's going on in their day, given them a break, sent them on a walk to cool down, done all of these things," she said."So when a teacher is sending a student to you, all of those boxes should already be checked, and your job ... your part of this is to take it to the next level,"&nbsp;Goetz said."I don't see administrators as someone who is supposed to create a friendship with a student," Goetz said. "It's more of a professional relationship. It is more, 'This is what you did, and this is the consequence.'"Board member Ruth Ruder, whose daughter is a Hays High student, said, "Every scenario is going to be different."Ruder said administrators can't anticipate all of the different scenarios that they will have to deal with."I appreciate your staff looking into it," she said. "I didn't have an issue with it the first time."Ruder urged teachers who had issues to come to Henderson or board members. However, she said teachers are not reaching out to her with issues."Until I do, I'm on the administration's side," she said.Henderson said, "We want the communication, and we want the collaboration. I would echo that across all of our buildings. We feel that there is a lot of detail here in this handbook, and we are always open for conversation. I can't speak to every scenario."Henderson said the high school has already been working under the same discipline framework described in the handbook for five years.Board Vice President Ken Brooks said he thought Henderson had gone above and beyond in revising the handbook.Allen Park asked about procedures for bathrooms at the high school.Although some bathrooms share a common sink area, half of those restrooms will be labeled for girls and half will be labeled for boys.The handbook states that only one person can be in a stall at a time. The bathrooms will continue to be monitored during passing periods by teachers. Cameras will also monitor the sink areas.Goetz continued to ask questions about the discipline section of the handbook.Ruder asked, "What does that have to do with the board?"Goetz said, "It's policy.""It's their policy," Ruder said, referring to Henderson and the other high school administration.Ruder argued the board hires the superintendent, and it is up to the superintendent to manage his staff and the principals to manage their schools, not the board."I do not want to be involved in every disciplinary action that any kid has at Hays High School," Ruder said. "I don't have that kind of time, and I bet you don't either. That is [Henderson's] job to handle discipline, not ours."Goetz said to Ruder, "You have a really good kid."Henderson said he is unable to share what happens during discipline procedures with specific students because he is barred from doing so by privacy laws.Henderson said a student might say they had no repercussions, but they did, and Henderson can't release anything to the contrary.He compared these laws to HIPAA, which prevents doctors from releasing medical information."When we start with someone's bad day, we start with privacy, dignity and respect," Henderson said."To Dr. Yarmer, I'm one more patient, but [a student is] someone's kid, friend, dad, and I don't approach education any differently, and I can't," Henderson said."I'm passionate about this because the things that happen in the office are super private, but I promise you, board of education and anyone listening, we function as a team," Henderson said."From my point of view as a principal, I can't always share all of the things that are going on," he said.Henderson said he would appreciate it if issues were directed through the chain of command. He added that the most common complaint the administration receives is from parents who don't want their students held accountable.Henderson said he, as a non-elected school staff member, is being put in a difficult place if he is going to be called out in a public meeting every time someone calls a board member."There will always be comments about the person who holds people accountable for a living. I know that. I know that is going to come," he said.&nbsp;"If anyone who stands here is going to be talked about in this way, I don't know if this is the right way," Henderson said.The school board approved the elementary, middle and virtual school handbooks without discussion during the June meeting.The high school handbook was approved at the July 21 meeting on a vote of 6-1, with Allen Park voting against.<figure>
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