On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,<a href="https://www.hfehays.org/"> Holy Family Elementary</a> principal Rachel Wentling discusses the end of the school year and the preparations for next year.

<div><iframe title="Holy Family Elementary wraps school year" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cggbj-140cf68-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,<a href="https://www.hfehays.org/"> Holy Family Elementary</a> principal Rachel Wentling discusses the end of the school year and the preparations for next year.

🎙 Post Podcast: Holy Family Elementary wraps school year

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board in a split vote Monday decided to keep student fees the same for the upcoming school year.&nbsp;

School administrators proposed keeping all school fees the same compared to the current school year, including the $90 textbook.

Board member Allen Park made a motion to decrease the textbook fee from $90 to $70. Last year the board reduced that fee from $115 to $90.

He argued the textbook fund had a continuing surplus.

However, Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, said the board was set to vote to spend&nbsp; $319,000 on a new math curriculum for elementary and middle school students in the next agenda item.

The district had been accumulating money in the textbook fund for several years. The administrators knew the district was facing a large textbook purchase this year.

In addition to student fees, surplus funds from the general fund have been transferred into the textbook fund in anticipation of the large purchase for the math curriculum and another purchase, which could be twice as large, for the English curriculum in two years.

About $160,000 per year is going into the textbook fund from the student textbook fee. That is down about $100,000 per year over the last four years as the board has voted to decrease the textbook fee.

Students who receive free lunches do not have to pay the textbook fee. Students who qualify for reduced-cost lunches pay half of the fee.

"$20 would not affect us all that much," Park said.

"At some point, we have to pay the piper," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "Bills come due. ... We are in a good spot now. I would love to reduce, but we know what is coming down the road."

"It would be great, but would it be fiscally irresponsible down the road?" Ken Brooks, board vice president, said.

He suggested reducing the fee by $5 per student instead.

Wilson said textbooks are not going to get any cheaper.

Board President Craig Pallister said inflation is likely going to be high for the immediate future, and the increase in the cost of textbooks is outpacing inflation.&nbsp;

Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she would rather keep the rate flat so that a future board would not have to make the difficult decision to make a steep increase.

Park said a reduction would save families money, especially those with multiple children. He said the district is in a good place financially in part because of federal COVID relief funds.&nbsp;

"I think it is time we drop it back," he said.

The motion to decrease the fee failed with Park and board member Curt Vajnar voting for the reduction.

The board also voted to approve $319,000 for new math textbooks for elementary and middle school students. The new curriculum will be implemented in the fall.

The board also reviewed a proposed school calendar for the 2023-24 school year. Instead of the early release days, district administrators and teachers have negotiated six full-day in-service days.

The calendar is subject to final approval by the teachers and school board as part of the teachers' contract.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663117067862.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays school board in a split vote Monday decided to keep student fees the same for the upcoming school year.&nbsp;School administrators proposed keeping all school fees the same compared to the current school year, including the $90 textbook.Board member Allen Park made a motion to decrease the textbook fee from $90 to $70. Last year the board reduced that fee from $115 to $90.He argued the textbook fund had a continuing surplus.However, Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, said the board was set to vote to spend&nbsp; $319,000 on a new math curriculum for elementary and middle school students in the next agenda item.The district had been accumulating money in the textbook fund for several years. The administrators knew the district was facing a large textbook purchase this year.In addition to student fees, surplus funds from the general fund have been transferred into the textbook fund in anticipation of the large purchase for the math curriculum and another purchase, which could be twice as large, for the English curriculum in two years.About $160,000 per year is going into the textbook fund from the student textbook fee. That is down about $100,000 per year over the last four years as the board has voted to decrease the textbook fee.Students who receive free lunches do not have to pay the textbook fee. Students who qualify for reduced-cost lunches pay half of the fee."$20 would not affect us all that much," Park said."At some point, we have to pay the piper," Superintendent Ron Wilson said. "Bills come due. ... We are in a good spot now. I would love to reduce, but we know what is coming down the road.""It would be great, but would it be fiscally irresponsible down the road?" Ken Brooks, board vice president, said.He suggested reducing the fee by $5 per student instead.Wilson said textbooks are not going to get any cheaper.Board President Craig Pallister said inflation is likely going to be high for the immediate future, and the increase in the cost of textbooks is outpacing inflation.&nbsp;Board member Tammy Wellbrock said she would rather keep the rate flat so that a future board would not have to make the difficult decision to make a steep increase.Park said a reduction would save families money, especially those with multiple children. He said the district is in a good place financially in part because of federal COVID relief funds.&nbsp;"I think it is time we drop it back," he said.The motion to decrease the fee failed with Park and board member Curt Vajnar voting for the reduction.The board also voted to approve $319,000 for new math textbooks for elementary and middle school students. The new curriculum will be implemented in the fall.The board also reviewed a proposed school calendar for the 2023-24 school year. Instead of the early release days, district administrators and teachers have negotiated six full-day in-service days.The calendar is subject to final approval by the teachers and school board as part of the teachers' contract.

Hays USD 489 votes to keep student fees same

The Fort Hays State University 2022-2023 Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting named its three annual student award winners during a graduation celebration dinner on May 2. Students graduating in the 2022-2023 academic year were eligible for the awards, and faculty from each discipline selected the award recipients.

Brett Loving, an accounting major from Wichita, was named the Accounting Student of the Year. The Finance Student of the Year Award recipient was Ethan Lang, a finance major from Hays. The 2022-2023 International Business and Economics Student of the Year Award recipient was Tevfik Ali Buğra Kara. Kara lives in Istanbul, Turkey, and completed his degree entirely online.

Learn more about the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtPapRtuqmrio7hTNxAStN1oPRTfFLoM1kYwSYxPO9n-2BfoSbE_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BcDacW2XkaFChoIwHfiqe1j87UpoHctxRncWx10dvo0t5RYgmaFlwZ2sBD8JH-2ByasxaB4uCJSRgHXLuRS3cabtnIFKcobz64PfTO2M10V1qK7XpoF-2FwU3s6IFiF6mfSDMZLEjAtZ9DjqOp83Q5pGbK7Q8PUrr473vfEV16h9ayKzKjnb1D7NyLfmZdyOoNg-2BKZOC1j-2BmGHdhL0RAIb2Kt4s8XC5cp74a6pTlAMNBumGVXKg6-2BwkAiz9swNGW7YZ9t" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/efa/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683826009453.png" alt="Brett Loving, Ethan Lang, and Tevfik Ali Buğra Kara" />
 <figcaption>Brett Loving, Ethan Lang, and Tevfik Ali Buğra Kara</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University RelationsThe Fort Hays State University 2022-2023 Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting named its three annual student award winners during a graduation celebration dinner on May 2. Students graduating in the 2022-2023 academic year were eligible for the awards, and faculty from each discipline selected the award recipients.Brett Loving, an accounting major from Wichita, was named the Accounting Student of the Year. The Finance Student of the Year Award recipient was Ethan Lang, a finance major from Hays. The 2022-2023 International Business and Economics Student of the Year Award recipient was Tevfik Ali Buğra Kara. Kara lives in Istanbul, Turkey, and completed his degree entirely online.Learn more about the Department of Economics, Finance, and Accounting at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtPapRtuqmrio7hTNxAStN1oPRTfFLoM1kYwSYxPO9n-2BfoSbE_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BcDacW2XkaFChoIwHfiqe1j87UpoHctxRncWx10dvo0t5RYgmaFlwZ2sBD8JH-2ByasxaB4uCJSRgHXLuRS3cabtnIFKcobz64PfTO2M10V1qK7XpoF-2FwU3s6IFiF6mfSDMZLEjAtZ9DjqOp83Q5pGbK7Q8PUrr473vfEV16h9ayKzKjnb1D7NyLfmZdyOoNg-2BKZOC1j-2BmGHdhL0RAIb2Kt4s8XC5cp74a6pTlAMNBumGVXKg6-2BwkAiz9swNGW7YZ9t" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/efa/</a>

Hays resident Ethan Lang named Finance Student of the Year 

ELLIS COUNTY - The Ellis County Wheat Plot Field Day will be Thursday, June 1 beginning at 6 p.m. 

A complimentary meal and refreshments will be provided courtesy of sponsors. RSVP Appreciated by Friday, May 26, to help with meal count. Please register at https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_77nUUU6CSmIqJN4 call 785-628-9430 or email Theresa tam3@ksu.edu

Neil Gottschalk is the farmer cooperator. Location is at the intersection of Golf Course Road and 180th Avenue, turn south onto 180th Avenue and go 1.5 miles.

In case of inclement weather, it will be held at the Agricultural Research Center, Hays auditorium, 1232 240th Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620849725737.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Wheat Plot Field Day. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Wheat Plot Field Day. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KSREELLIS COUNTY - The Ellis County Wheat Plot Field Day will be Thursday, June 1 beginning at 6 p.m. A complimentary meal and refreshments will be provided courtesy of sponsors. RSVP Appreciated by Friday, May 26, to help with meal count. Please register at https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_77nUUU6CSmIqJN4 call 785-628-9430 or email Theresa tam3@ksu.eduNeil Gottschalk is the farmer cooperator. Location is at the intersection of Golf Course Road and 180th Avenue, turn south onto 180th Avenue and go 1.5 miles.In case of inclement weather, it will be held at the Agricultural Research Center, Hays auditorium, 1232 240th Avenue.

Ellis County Wheat Demonstration Plot Field Day is June 1

HaysMed honored four individuals selected for top honors at the hospital. 

A reception was held for the winners of the Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award, the Sister Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award, the Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year Award and the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year Award. These awards are the highest level of recognition that an Associate of HaysMed can receive and are being celebrated during Hospital Week.

The Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual’s human kindness and dedication to medical excellence. The award was presented to Terry Siek, MSN, RN, NEA-BC. Siek is the vice president for Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer.

Recipient of the Sr. Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award is Debbie Bohm, RN, who is a surgical nurse. This award honors a nurse who displays excellence in the areas of job knowledge and performance, quality improvements, self-development and participation in hospital and community affairs. Bohm is a nurse on the Surgical Unit.

The Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Roger Dietz. The award recognizes a physician who displays a high level of clinical experience and an extraordinary dedication to improving healthcare delivery in the community. Dietz is a pathologist at the hospital.

Andrea Paul, PA-C, received the Advanced Practice Provider of the Year Award. This award recognizes an advanced practice provider that supports the vison, mission and goals of HaysMed and serves as a role model and mentor encouraging productive relationships. Paul provides patient care at Medical Specialists.

HaysMedHaysMed honored four individuals selected for top honors at the hospital. A reception was held for the winners of the Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award, the Sister Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award, the Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year Award and the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year Award. These awards are the highest level of recognition that an Associate of HaysMed can receive and are being celebrated during Hospital Week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683826956703.jpeg" alt="Terry Siek&nbsp; Photo by HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>Terry Siek&nbsp; Photo by HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure>The Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual’s human kindness and dedication to medical excellence. The award was presented to Terry Siek, MSN, RN, NEA-BC. Siek is the vice president for Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683827018616.jpeg" alt="Debbie Bohm&nbsp; Photo by HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>Debbie Bohm&nbsp; Photo by HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure>Recipient of the Sr. Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award is Debbie Bohm, RN, who is a surgical nurse. This award honors a nurse who displays excellence in the areas of job knowledge and performance, quality improvements, self-development and participation in hospital and community affairs. Bohm is a nurse on the Surgical Unit.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683827068719.jpeg" alt="Dr. Roger Dietz&nbsp; Photo by HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Roger Dietz&nbsp; Photo by HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure>The Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Roger Dietz. The award recognizes a physician who displays a high level of clinical experience and an extraordinary dedication to improving healthcare delivery in the community. Dietz is a pathologist at the hospital.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683827111575.jpeg" alt="Andrea Paul&nbsp; &nbsp;Photo by HaysMed" />
 <figcaption>Andrea Paul&nbsp; &nbsp;Photo by HaysMed</figcaption>
 </figure>Andrea Paul, PA-C, received the Advanced Practice Provider of the Year Award. This award recognizes an advanced practice provider that supports the vison, mission and goals of HaysMed and serves as a role model and mentor encouraging productive relationships. Paul provides patient care at Medical Specialists.

Four HaysMed employees recognized with hospital's highest honors

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684175867950.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

KHP: Woman driving 110mph on I-70 jailed for alleged DUI

The TMP baseball team is the seven-seed and will open play in the 2-1A Little River Regional Monday against Sacred Heart.

First pitch is set for approximately 5:30 p.m. from Mateson Field in Salina with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show at 5:15 p.m.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/571669">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP baseball team is the seven-seed and will open play in the 2-1A Little River Regional Monday against Sacred Heart.First pitch is set for approximately 5:30 p.m. from Mateson Field in Salina with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show at 5:15 p.m.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/571669">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/571669?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian @ Sacred Heart

Per Ellis
County Resolution 2017-4,
the Ellis County
Fire Department is announcing the relaxation of the temporary burn ban in all the
unincorporated areas of Ellis County, effective immediately.

The burn ban was implemented due to the increasing temperatures, lower levels of humidity, and a
long spell without significant measurable moisture. 

Although Ellis County has not received the forecasted amount of
rainfall throughout the county, the ban is being lifted due to the changing conditions.

If the drought continues
with the summer
temperatures, the burn ban may be implemented again later in the summer.

Ellis County Fire DepartmentPer Ellis
County Resolution 2017-4,
the Ellis County
Fire Department is announcing the relaxation of the temporary burn ban in all the
unincorporated areas of Ellis County, effective immediately.The burn ban was implemented due to the increasing temperatures, lower levels of humidity, and a
long spell without significant measurable moisture. Although Ellis County has not received the forecasted amount of
rainfall throughout the county, the ban is being lifted due to the changing conditions.If the drought continues
with the summer
temperatures, the burn ban may be implemented again later in the summer.

Ellis Co. burn ban lifted

The Hays Area Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.

Agenda items include a public hearing to consider approving changes to the Unified Development Code regulations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe Hays Area Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.Agenda items include a public hearing to consider approving changes to the Unified Development Code regulations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684168859799.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Public hearing today on Hays Unified Development Code proposed changes

NESS COUNTY - K-96 traffic will be reduced to one lane starting on Monday, May 15, from the U.S. 283/K-96 junction east 12 miles to the Ness/Rush county line. 

This K-96 resurfacing project consists of a shoulder widening and mill and overlay. Motorists should be aware of delays of up to 15 minutes as one-lane traffic will be directed by flaggers and a pilot car through the work zone. The lane reduction will be marked by signs and cones. 

K-96 will be open to normal traffic when construction is not taking place. 

 The map shows the approximate location of the project outlined in yellow.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683834951910.jpeg" alt="Ness County resurfacing project. KDOT map&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ness County resurfacing project. KDOT map&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KDOTNESS COUNTY - K-96 traffic will be reduced to one lane starting on Monday, May 15, from the U.S. 283/K-96 junction east 12 miles to the Ness/Rush county line. This K-96 resurfacing project consists of a shoulder widening and mill and overlay. Motorists should be aware of delays of up to 15 minutes as one-lane traffic will be directed by flaggers and a pilot car through the work zone. The lane reduction will be marked by signs and cones. K-96 will be open to normal traffic when construction is not taking place. The map shows the approximate location of the project outlined in yellow.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Resurfacing project to start Monday in Ness County

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

It's official. Nearly ten years after the regulatory process began to bring R9 Ranch water from Edwards County to Hays, contracts for designs of the wellfield and 65-mile pipeline were unanimously approved by the city commission Thursday.

Coincidentally, a brief thunderstorm passed overhead during the meeting, dropping a little more than a tenth of an inch of rain.

It wasn't enough moisture. Hays is several inches below normal for annual precipitation to date. All of Ellis County is in an exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor for Kansas. Many meteorological experts are predicting the region is headed into a lengthy drought cycle.&nbsp;

After hearing from Brian Meier, principal in charge, and Jeff Heidrick, project manager of Burns/McDonnell Engineers, Wichita, commissioners voted in favor of two contracts, professional services contracts for the wellfield and for the pipeline. 

The agreement costs are approximately $4 million each, for a total of a little more than $8 million. They will be paid for from the water sales tax reserve fund, which currently has about $40 million.

Flexibility and durability are two keys to the long-term water supply source for Hays and Russell, Meier told the commission.

"We're talking about water production, collection, storage and transmission," Meier said as he explained the project on which he has worked with the city for 25 years.&nbsp;

Hays purchased the ranch in 1995; Russell bought an 18% share of the land in 1996.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/39d62580-9e3b-4536-85da-783f3cfe22bd">Commissioners were given a detailed overview of the project during their April 4 work session</a>.

"It will be constructed and designed according to standards of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment," Meier reminded them Thursday.

Commissioner Reese Barrick wondered about the pH level and hardness of the ranch water. 

"Will it have any effect on the 65 miles of pipeline?" Barrick asked Heidrick.

"With the initial look at the wells, we'll do water quality tests and do an analysis of the water age and how that's all going to blend into your existing system," Heidrick said. "That's part of what we'll look at."

"This is history for our community," newly elected mayor Shaun Musil said after the approval votes.&nbsp;"A lot of people have been working on this."&nbsp;

"We made history here," agreed Commissioner Alaina Cunningham.&nbsp;"We still have a little ways to go, but it's a big step."

The final design phase and review by the state is projected to be in the spring/summer of 2025.

"I almost cried," admitted Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor.

Seeing the R-9 project to fruition is one of the main platforms Commissioner Barrick ran on during his election campaign.

"I'll be more excited when I see some of that pipeline in the ground. I'll reserve my tears for then," he joked.

"It's happening. It's so exciting," said Commissioner Mason Ruder.

* Conducted the reorganization of the governing body, electing Shaun Musil as mayor and Sandy Jacobs as vice-mayor.

* Heard an update on financial matters from the Hays Area Children's Center.

<div><iframe title="R9 Design contracts approved" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=az5ru-140a62d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostIt's official. Nearly ten years after the regulatory process began to bring R9 Ranch water from Edwards County to Hays, contracts for designs of the wellfield and 65-mile pipeline were unanimously approved by the city commission Thursday.Coincidentally, a brief thunderstorm passed overhead during the meeting, dropping a little more than a tenth of an inch of rain.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684103066381.png" alt="Kansas drought map as of May 11, 2023. Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from upper left corner) is in the most severe category, D-5 Exceptional Drought. Map by U.S. Drought Monitor" />
 <figcaption>Kansas drought map as of May 11, 2023. Ellis County (3 down, 5 right from upper left corner) is in the most severe category, D-5 Exceptional Drought. Map by U.S. Drought Monitor</figcaption>
 </figure>It wasn't enough moisture. Hays is several inches below normal for annual precipitation to date. All of Ellis County is in an exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor for Kansas. Many meteorological experts are predicting the region is headed into a lengthy drought cycle.&nbsp;After hearing from Brian Meier, principal in charge, and Jeff Heidrick, project manager of Burns/McDonnell Engineers, Wichita, commissioners voted in favor of two contracts, professional services contracts for the wellfield and for the pipeline. The agreement costs are approximately $4 million each, for a total of a little more than $8 million. They will be paid for from the water sales tax reserve fund, which currently has about $40 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684104668123.jpeg" alt="Jeff Heidrick, Burns/McDonnell project manager&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Heidrick, Burns/McDonnell project manager&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684103804481.jpeg" alt="Brian Meier, Burns/McDonnell principal in charge" />
 <figcaption>Brian Meier, Burns/McDonnell principal in charge</figcaption>
 </figure>Flexibility and durability are two keys to the long-term water supply source for Hays and Russell, Meier told the commission."We're talking about water production, collection, storage and transmission," Meier said as he explained the project on which he has worked with the city for 25 years.&nbsp;Hays purchased the ranch in 1995; Russell bought an 18% share of the land in 1996.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683734259308.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683733781740.png" alt="R9 project design wellfield properties. Courtesy city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>R9 project design wellfield properties. Courtesy city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683734974982.png" alt="There are three potential pipeline routes between the R9 Ranch and the city of Hays. Each is approximately 65 miles long. Courtesy city of Hays " />
 <figcaption>There are three potential pipeline routes between the R9 Ranch and the city of Hays. Each is approximately 65 miles long. Courtesy city of Hays </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/39d62580-9e3b-4536-85da-783f3cfe22bd">Commissioners were given a detailed overview of the project during their April 4 work session</a>. "It will be constructed and designed according to standards of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment," Meier reminded them Thursday.Commissioner Reese Barrick wondered about the pH level and hardness of the ranch water. "Will it have any effect on the 65 miles of pipeline?" Barrick asked Heidrick."With the initial look at the wells, we'll do water quality tests and do an analysis of the water age and how that's all going to blend into your existing system," Heidrick said. "That's part of what we'll look at."<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/06mgzYRw-P46diVCW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="R9 Contracts Signed" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>"This is history for our community," newly elected mayor Shaun Musil said after the approval votes.&nbsp;"A lot of people have been working on this."&nbsp;"We made history here," agreed Commissioner Alaina Cunningham.&nbsp;"We still have a little ways to go, but it's a big step."The final design phase and review by the state is projected to be in the spring/summer of 2025."I almost cried," admitted Sandy Jacobs, vice-mayor.Seeing the R-9 project to fruition is one of the main platforms Commissioner Barrick ran on during his election campaign."I'll be more excited when I see some of that pipeline in the ground. I'll reserve my tears for then," he joked."It's happening. It's so exciting," said Commissioner Mason Ruder.In other business, the commission:* Conducted the reorganization of the governing body, electing Shaun Musil as mayor and Sandy Jacobs as vice-mayor.* Heard an update on financial matters from the Hays Area Children's Center.

🎙 🎥 $8M design contracts approved for R9 water project

For the third consecutive year, the Schmidt Foundation will provide full-ride scholarships to five exceptional Fort Hays State University students. Over the past several weeks, Fort Hays State representatives visited area high schools to surprise each student in person. These announcements included life-changing news that the Schmidt Foundation would cover a full-ride scholarship for them to attend FHSU beginning in the fall 2023 semester.

The selection committee looks for academically gifted students who demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to contribute significantly to Fort Hays State University, the Hays community, and the state of Kansas.

First-generation students from Kansas planning to major in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communications programs, receive scholarship preference. Though preferred, it is not required that a student major in one of these areas to be considered for the scholarship.

Schmidt Foundation scholars receive financial support to cover 30 hours of tuition and fees for fall and spring courses, books, and room and board. Once accepted, recipients can renew their scholarship for up to three additional years by maintaining their academic standing and meeting the scholarship requirements.

The first scholarship recipient to be surprised was Jared Reyes-Alvarado, a senior in Olathe at Spring Hill High School, who will study accounting at FHSU. As a first-generation student from an immigrant family, Reyes-Alvarado learned to face adversity from his hardworking parents, who bravely left their home country to provide their children with a better life. Reyes-Alvarado hopes his education at Fort Hays State will allow him to serve his community and help others who need it most.

Morgan Way, from Coffeyville, graduating from Field Kindley Memorial High School, was stunned by the news that the Schmidt Foundation would fully cover her plans to study animal science at FHSU. Way grew up in the foster care system, but competing in 4-H and serving as the president of FFA and SkillsUSA created a community for her when she needed it most. As the first in her family to attend college, she can’t wait to build upon her knowledge and begin a prosperous career working with animals.

Jayden Ashford, a Rawlins County High School senior in Atwood, was excited to tell his mom that he would attend Fort Hays State. Ashford will be the first in his family to obtain a college degree and credits his determination to his hardworking single mother. With her unyielding commitment, tireless efforts, and unwavering love for her two sons, she provided for her family financially, despite being unable to complete high school. Ashford believes attending FHSU will help him work toward a successful career as a marketing professional.

Oakley High School senior Ryley Sharpe’s acceptance as a Schmidt Foundation scholar was a relief after years of financial hardship. When her father passed away in 2019, her mother worked two jobs to make ends meet. Her 4-H and FFA involvement, along with the influence of an inspiring high school instructor, led her to consider a degree in agricultural education. She hopes that, as an educator, she can help other students grow despite their circumstances.&nbsp;

Paige Bell, a high school senior graduating from Quinter, aspires to follow in her parents' footsteps of helping others through her academic pursuits. Bell has worked multiple jobs to help her parents, who are full-time caretakers of her disabled older brother. Her parents’ dedication to her brother’s well-being inspired Bell to study health and human performance to assist others as an athletic trainer. She plans to conquer the challenges of being a first-generation college student with the&nbsp;same resolve as her hardworking parents.

If you or someone you know is willing to go the extra mile for a full-ride Schmidt Foundation scholarship, more information can be found by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtPUrLTjW28lVttfnSUy1OFGxuXcVV9j-2BZ9sLwzdIs5qwDu2O_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BzLv6QNLtvp61yeyv2ANrnv-2BPB2Azwx3EUDTERHbuVrMyDHt-2B3Ktgp3nqE40AYCbnlBEbse2djP15aXchglezxNZsWxpO5CUBJkMG50siNpfVcEXnM6n4fqZkSEqTIcIhMzrvXZXaWq-2BQc5qVQKD0NIWfncXfv3zenBFdsdNpEjS8lFkh3dbyc2G5Q8ttpw7q-2BQKAkvXAYrzk19nk2GpHtwSxq-2BxPAquya0IB2tzlYOx02Lyc3nvsSRJSaLWhHE41" target="_blank">https://fhsu.edu/schmidtfoundation</a>.

The application for freshmen starting in the fall of 2024 will be open from midnight on September 4, 2023, to midnight on February 15, 2024. For questions regarding the Schmidt Foundation Scholars application process, please contact Jessica Albin with FHSU at 785-628-4401 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jkalbin@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">jkalbin@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683812271559.png" alt="Winners of&nbsp; Schmidt Foundation full-ride scholarships to FHSU. Photo by FHSU." />
 <figcaption>Winners of&nbsp; Schmidt Foundation full-ride scholarships to FHSU. Photo by FHSU.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Foundation For the third consecutive year, the Schmidt Foundation will provide full-ride scholarships to five exceptional Fort Hays State University students. Over the past several weeks, Fort Hays State representatives visited area high schools to surprise each student in person. These announcements included life-changing news that the Schmidt Foundation would cover a full-ride scholarship for them to attend FHSU beginning in the fall 2023 semester. The selection committee looks for academically gifted students who demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to contribute significantly to Fort Hays State University, the Hays community, and the state of Kansas.First-generation students from Kansas planning to major in healthcare, education, business, entrepreneurship, arts, or communications programs, receive scholarship preference. Though preferred, it is not required that a student major in one of these areas to be considered for the scholarship.Schmidt Foundation scholars receive financial support to cover 30 hours of tuition and fees for fall and spring courses, books, and room and board. Once accepted, recipients can renew their scholarship for up to three additional years by maintaining their academic standing and meeting the scholarship requirements.The first scholarship recipient to be surprised was Jared Reyes-Alvarado, a senior in Olathe at Spring Hill High School, who will study accounting at FHSU. As a first-generation student from an immigrant family, Reyes-Alvarado learned to face adversity from his hardworking parents, who bravely left their home country to provide their children with a better life. Reyes-Alvarado hopes his education at Fort Hays State will allow him to serve his community and help others who need it most.Morgan Way, from Coffeyville, graduating from Field Kindley Memorial High School, was stunned by the news that the Schmidt Foundation would fully cover her plans to study animal science at FHSU. Way grew up in the foster care system, but competing in 4-H and serving as the president of FFA and SkillsUSA created a community for her when she needed it most. As the first in her family to attend college, she can’t wait to build upon her knowledge and begin a prosperous career working with animals.Jayden Ashford, a Rawlins County High School senior in Atwood, was excited to tell his mom that he would attend Fort Hays State. Ashford will be the first in his family to obtain a college degree and credits his determination to his hardworking single mother. With her unyielding commitment, tireless efforts, and unwavering love for her two sons, she provided for her family financially, despite being unable to complete high school. Ashford believes attending FHSU will help him work toward a successful career as a marketing professional.Oakley High School senior Ryley Sharpe’s acceptance as a Schmidt Foundation scholar was a relief after years of financial hardship. When her father passed away in 2019, her mother worked two jobs to make ends meet. Her 4-H and FFA involvement, along with the influence of an inspiring high school instructor, led her to consider a degree in agricultural education. She hopes that, as an educator, she can help other students grow despite their circumstances.&nbsp;Paige Bell, a high school senior graduating from Quinter, aspires to follow in her parents' footsteps of helping others through her academic pursuits. Bell has worked multiple jobs to help her parents, who are full-time caretakers of her disabled older brother. Her parents’ dedication to her brother’s well-being inspired Bell to study health and human performance to assist others as an athletic trainer. She plans to conquer the challenges of being a first-generation college student with the&nbsp;same resolve as her hardworking parents.If you or someone you know is willing to go the extra mile for a full-ride Schmidt Foundation scholarship, more information can be found by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtPUrLTjW28lVttfnSUy1OFGxuXcVV9j-2BZ9sLwzdIs5qwDu2O_r-2BDMsuWuYVmb7-2F1Mu1QL1I-2FJ8-2BHR91nNNNGTTc38Ah0CWayiZL-2BkhdmA3sx0XGnG-2FN1jk6rVQRO9vN7U5rFC-2BcXi909IOPAdkr3SvXFdyn3Ag1h6-2F-2B6atf0vMUKxRgZ-2BzLv6QNLtvp61yeyv2ANrnv-2BPB2Azwx3EUDTERHbuVrMyDHt-2B3Ktgp3nqE40AYCbnlBEbse2djP15aXchglezxNZsWxpO5CUBJkMG50siNpfVcEXnM6n4fqZkSEqTIcIhMzrvXZXaWq-2BQc5qVQKD0NIWfncXfv3zenBFdsdNpEjS8lFkh3dbyc2G5Q8ttpw7q-2BQKAkvXAYrzk19nk2GpHtwSxq-2BxPAquya0IB2tzlYOx02Lyc3nvsSRJSaLWhHE41" target="_blank">https://fhsu.edu/schmidtfoundation</a>.The application for freshmen starting in the fall of 2024 will be open from midnight on September 4, 2023, to midnight on February 15, 2024. For questions regarding the Schmidt Foundation Scholars application process, please contact Jessica Albin with FHSU at 785-628-4401 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jkalbin@fhsu.edu" target="_blank">jkalbin@fhsu.edu</a>.

Three NWKS high school seniors awarded full-ride to FHSU by Schmidt Foundation

Seems like it is everywhere! You have probably heard about the risks of consuming too much sugar but what are some practical tips to reduce added sugars in our diet? Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods/ beverages when they are processed or prepared. Added sugar is in 80 percent of the products at the grocery store. Most of us eat and drink more sugar than we realize.

Adding sugar to processed foods makes them more appealing and tastier. Sugar gives baked items flavor, texture and color. It helps preserve foods and it fuels fermentation, enabling bread to rise. Sugar also serves as a bulking agent in baked goods and ice cream, and it balances the acidity of foods containing vinegar and tomatoes. Sugar is often added to foods advertised as low-fat because it gives the food more flavor after removing the fat.

So, how much added sugar is too much? The Dietary Guidelines for American recommend you limit added sugars to less than 10% of daily calories. If you eat about 2,000 calories a day, you should limit added sugars to about 12 teaspoons or 48 grams. To put this in perspective, a 12-ounce can of soda has about 10 teaspoons (40 grams) of sugar.

You will be surprised by products that contain high amounts of added sugar, so the best way to make informed decisions is to read labels. The Nutrition Facts label displays the total amount of all sugars (natural and added) found in a serving of the product. There is also a line for added sugars. Another option is to look at the ingredient list on the package. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so if sugar is one of the first few ingredients the product is likely high in added sugars.

· Start by drinking water and other beverages that don’t contain sugar or artificial sugars. One rule that many find useful is to not drink sugar. Add fresh fruit and herbs to your water for a bit of flavor.

· When you drink fruit juice, make sure it is 100% juice, and better yet, eat the fruit!

· Choose breakfast cereals with less sugar.

· Go for fresh or frozen fruit as dessert.

· Buy canned fruit packed in water or juice, not syrup.

· Choose nutrient-rich snacks like vegetables, fruits, low-fat cheese, nuts, whole grain crackers, and low-calorie yogurt instead of candy, pastries, and cookies.

· When you have a dessert high in sugar, share it with others. Sometimes all you need is a bite or two to satisfy a craving.

· Store-bought marinara sauces are often high in sugar and salt. The best is to make your own from fresh tomatoes.

I hope you find these tips useful as we navigate the next few weeks of celebrations. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sugar!Seems like it is everywhere! You have probably heard about the risks of consuming too much sugar but what are some practical tips to reduce added sugars in our diet? Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods/ beverages when they are processed or prepared. Added sugar is in 80 percent of the products at the grocery store. Most of us eat and drink more sugar than we realize.Adding sugar to processed foods makes them more appealing and tastier. Sugar gives baked items flavor, texture and color. It helps preserve foods and it fuels fermentation, enabling bread to rise. Sugar also serves as a bulking agent in baked goods and ice cream, and it balances the acidity of foods containing vinegar and tomatoes. Sugar is often added to foods advertised as low-fat because it gives the food more flavor after removing the fat.So, how much added sugar is too much? The Dietary Guidelines for American recommend you limit added sugars to less than 10% of daily calories. If you eat about 2,000 calories a day, you should limit added sugars to about 12 teaspoons or 48 grams. To put this in perspective, a 12-ounce can of soda has about 10 teaspoons (40 grams) of sugar.You will be surprised by products that contain high amounts of added sugar, so the best way to make informed decisions is to read labels. The Nutrition Facts label displays the total amount of all sugars (natural and added) found in a serving of the product. There is also a line for added sugars. Another option is to look at the ingredient list on the package. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so if sugar is one of the first few ingredients the product is likely high in added sugars.To reduce added sugars in your diet:· Start by drinking water and other beverages that don’t contain sugar or artificial sugars. One rule that many find useful is to not drink sugar. Add fresh fruit and herbs to your water for a bit of flavor.· When you drink fruit juice, make sure it is 100% juice, and better yet, eat the fruit!· Choose breakfast cereals with less sugar.· Go for fresh or frozen fruit as dessert.· Buy canned fruit packed in water or juice, not syrup.· Choose nutrient-rich snacks like vegetables, fruits, low-fat cheese, nuts, whole grain crackers, and low-calorie yogurt instead of candy, pastries, and cookies.· When you have a dessert high in sugar, share it with others. Sometimes all you need is a bite or two to satisfy a craving.· Store-bought marinara sauces are often high in sugar and salt. The best is to make your own from fresh tomatoes.I hope you find these tips useful as we navigate the next few weeks of celebrations. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

KOERNER: Reduce your sugar 

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Some Hays voters learned this past week that they would cast
their ballot in a new location this fall.

On Tuesday, Ellis Count Election Officer and Clerk Bobbi
Dreiling informed the county commission of her plan to close two polling locations
in Hays and combine them in a new location, giving the county nine total
polling locations.

Dreiling is closing the polling location on 601 Main St.,
the Cottonwood Extension District Office in Hays and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church,
2900 Canal Blvd. in Hays. 

Those voters, who were notified via a postcard in the mail recently
of the location change, will now cast their ballots at Messiah Lutheran Church,
2000 Main St. in Hays.

Dreiling told the commission Tuesday, the decision to close the
601 Main St. location was due to the low voter turnout.

According to Dreiling, the average voter turnout in the last
eight elections was less the 10 percent. Voter turnout at St. Michael’s Church
averages between 25 and 35 percent.

There were 1,332 registered voters in Ward 1 Precincts 1 and 2,
according to Dreiling’s statistics. That area covers residents who live south of Eighth St. from the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex east to Southridge Drive. That includes the Fort Hays State University campus.

The number of registered voters in that area was the
smallest number of registered voters at polling sites in Ellis County.

Now combined with the registered voters in Ward 3, Precincts
1 and 2, who voted at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Messiah Lutheran Church
will have the third most registered voters, at approximately 2,838.

Dreiling said the decision to no longer use St. Michael’s
Episcopal Church was an effort to comply with the Americans with Disabilities
Act.

“Because voters that can't climb three stairs vote
downstairs, and with the new machines that produce a (paper) ballot, they're
not able to go up the stairs to deposit their ballots,” Dreiling said. “So,
it's given to a poll worker, and that's kind of giving up voter privacy.”

While looking for a new location, Dreiling said she was
contacted by the American Democracy Project at Fort Hays State about placing a
polling location on the FHSU Campus.

Dreiling told the commission they researched two
possible locations on campus. The first was a location upstairs in the student
union.

But she said both she and the students identified issues
with the location, including the distance of the location where voters would
cast their ballot and the parking lot.

“It was not a great polling location, especially for our
elderly,” Dreiling said.

Voters would have had to cross a street, go up two stories
and walk down a hallway just to get to the polling location.

They also looked at Gross Memorial Coliseum as a potential
location, but there were concerns about the security of polling equipment
leading up to the election and the availability of the coliseum in the event of
a special election.

“Obviously, we had a special election last year and when I
told them, if I call you 60 days out, can you guarantee me this place at that
time, they said no, they could not guarantee me,” Dreiling said.

Dreiling said one of the common misconceptions is that if
there is a polling location on campus, any student or staff member would be
allowed to vote on campus.

“You’ve got to take into consideration the students that do
not live on campus, and they don't live in Ward 1, Precinct 1 and 2, they can't
vote on campus. Neither can any faculty that does not live in that area,”
Dreiling said. “So, as much as I would love to accommodate the students, I just
found that it wasn't feasible for us since we do have early voting right here
at the admin center (718 Main St.). And not only do we have early voting, we
also have advanced mail voting, and then Election Day voting.”

Tuesday, Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges said moving
a polling location to campus and having residents that live as far away from campus
as 37th Street to the north of 32nd Street and Vine Street to the
east puts a burden on those residents. 

“So, to tell 8,000 people that live in their residences
there, that they need to drive down to campus, find parking on campus, even if
it's at Gross Memorial that has tons of parking, that they need to navigate
campus when students should be able to navigate to Main Street and go vote. I just
think that's not that difficult thing,” Berges said.

Berges added, “Students are students, they have jobs,
everything. Adults also have jobs. I have kids that have sports. I’ve got to get
them to things. My wife works. So, if it's important to go vote, you will find
a way to go vote.”

Berges also echoed Dreiling’s statement that even though you
are a student, that does not mean that you would necessarily vote on campus.

“If you're a student, and you live (on) Ninth, 10th,
11th and 12th Street, which is a lot of student apartments and
those kinds of things, you're in Ward 2 anyway, you're going to go vote at the
VFW.”

Dreiling said in her response to statements that she needs
to continue to make elections free and fair in Ellis County and that her office
continues to focus on the three ways voters could cast their ballots.

“I feel like, for the 10 years I've been here, I have done
free and fair elections. One of the things that kind of make a free and fair
election is accessible voting for voters. I feel like we offer that with early
voting, advanced mail, voting and polling site, Election Day voting,” Dreiling
said.

She&nbsp;said she would continue to discuss possible
locations with the American Democracy Project and students on campus. She also urged those with concerns to reach out to her office, and they
will continue those discussions.

The next election in Ellis County will be the city and school
elections on Nov. 7. 

You can find information on that election, including
deadlines, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ed6604f9-1957-4218-9ade-630743fe343b">HERE</a>.

<div><iframe title="Changes announced to two Hays voting sites" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ri8en-140a60d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315"></iframe></div>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostSome Hays voters learned this past week that they would cast
their ballot in a new location this fall.On Tuesday, Ellis Count Election Officer and Clerk Bobbi
Dreiling informed the county commission of her plan to close two polling locations
in Hays and combine them in a new location, giving the county nine total
polling locations.Dreiling is closing the polling location on 601 Main St.,
the Cottonwood Extension District Office in Hays and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church,
2900 Canal Blvd. in Hays. Those voters, who were notified via a postcard in the mail recently
of the location change, will now cast their ballots at Messiah Lutheran Church,
2000 Main St. in Hays.Dreiling told the commission Tuesday, the decision to close the
601 Main St. location was due to the low voter turnout.According to Dreiling, the average voter turnout in the last
eight elections was less the 10 percent. Voter turnout at St. Michael’s Church
averages between 25 and 35 percent.There were 1,332 registered voters in Ward 1 Precincts 1 and 2,
according to Dreiling’s statistics. That area covers residents who live south of Eighth St. from the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex east to Southridge Drive. That includes the Fort Hays State University campus.The number of registered voters in that area was the
smallest number of registered voters at polling sites in Ellis County.Now combined with the registered voters in Ward 3, Precincts
1 and 2, who voted at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Messiah Lutheran Church
will have the third most registered voters, at approximately 2,838.Dreiling said the decision to no longer use St. Michael’s
Episcopal Church was an effort to comply with the Americans with Disabilities
Act.“Because voters that can't climb three stairs vote
downstairs, and with the new machines that produce a (paper) ballot, they're
not able to go up the stairs to deposit their ballots,” Dreiling said. “So,
it's given to a poll worker, and that's kind of giving up voter privacy.”While looking for a new location, Dreiling said she was
contacted by the American Democracy Project at Fort Hays State about placing a
polling location on the FHSU Campus.Dreiling told the commission they researched two
possible locations on campus. The first was a location upstairs in the student
union.But she said both she and the students identified issues
with the location, including the distance of the location where voters would
cast their ballot and the parking lot.“It was not a great polling location, especially for our
elderly,” Dreiling said.Voters would have had to cross a street, go up two stories
and walk down a hallway just to get to the polling location.They also looked at Gross Memorial Coliseum as a potential
location, but there were concerns about the security of polling equipment
leading up to the election and the availability of the coliseum in the event of
a special election.“Obviously, we had a special election last year and when I
told them, if I call you 60 days out, can you guarantee me this place at that
time, they said no, they could not guarantee me,” Dreiling said.Dreiling said one of the common misconceptions is that if
there is a polling location on campus, any student or staff member would be
allowed to vote on campus.“You’ve got to take into consideration the students that do
not live on campus, and they don't live in Ward 1, Precinct 1 and 2, they can't
vote on campus. Neither can any faculty that does not live in that area,”
Dreiling said. “So, as much as I would love to accommodate the students, I just
found that it wasn't feasible for us since we do have early voting right here
at the admin center (718 Main St.). And not only do we have early voting, we
also have advanced mail voting, and then Election Day voting.”Tuesday, Ellis County Commissioner Michael Berges said moving
a polling location to campus and having residents that live as far away from campus
as 37th Street to the north of 32nd Street and Vine Street to the
east puts a burden on those residents. “So, to tell 8,000 people that live in their residences
there, that they need to drive down to campus, find parking on campus, even if
it's at Gross Memorial that has tons of parking, that they need to navigate
campus when students should be able to navigate to Main Street and go vote. I just
think that's not that difficult thing,” Berges said.Berges added, “Students are students, they have jobs,
everything. Adults also have jobs. I have kids that have sports. I’ve got to get
them to things. My wife works. So, if it's important to go vote, you will find
a way to go vote.”Berges also echoed Dreiling’s statement that even though you
are a student, that does not mean that you would necessarily vote on campus.“If you're a student, and you live (on) Ninth, 10th,
11th and 12th Street, which is a lot of student apartments and
those kinds of things, you're in Ward 2 anyway, you're going to go vote at the
VFW.”Dreiling said in her response to statements that she needs
to continue to make elections free and fair in Ellis County and that her office
continues to focus on the three ways voters could cast their ballots.“I feel like, for the 10 years I've been here, I have done
free and fair elections. One of the things that kind of make a free and fair
election is accessible voting for voters. I feel like we offer that with early
voting, advanced mail, voting and polling site, Election Day voting,” Dreiling
said.She&nbsp;said she would continue to discuss possible
locations with the American Democracy Project and students on campus. She also urged those with concerns to reach out to her office, and they
will continue those discussions.The next election in Ellis County will be the city and school
elections on Nov. 7. You can find information on that election, including
deadlines, <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ed6604f9-1957-4218-9ade-630743fe343b">HERE</a>.

🎙 Changes announced to two Hays voting sites

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683920464252.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>

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher

The saying “April showers bring May flowers” is what runs through my mind every spring. It’s a saying that has held true for almost every year I have lived on our Kansas farm.&nbsp; &nbsp; Like clockwork, the crocus and daffodils are the first to appear followed by my tulips, lilacs and peonies. Add in the fruit trees blooming and you have a beautiful spring floral assortment.&nbsp; &nbsp; Generally, by the time my peonies and lilacs bloom, I can’t help but attempt to capture the aromas and beauty by arranging cuttings of these flowers into a table-top display to be enjoyed in my kitchen as a precursor of June’s wheat harvest. &nbsp; However, this year’s blooms never went on display to be enjoyed at my kitchen table. The sweet smells from one of my lilacs have been enjoyed only when I walk up to the bush and bring my nose close to the smaller-than-normal white blooms. &nbsp; I’m still waiting on my peonies to appear. Like normal, the plant has grown and buds have formed; but as I’ve kept watch over this plant anticipating its May bloom, I’ve been left wondering if we’ve somehow missed the last step and the flowers will not come this year. &nbsp; Perhaps it is just a little late to bloom this year, but I can’t help but wonder if the delay of my peonies and stunted lilacs are signs of what our wheat harvest will look like. &nbsp; It’s no secret that we experienced an incredibly dry 2022. The drought stressed our crops, stressed our water sources and stressed us. We had hoped for a wet winter, but instead it remained mild. It feels as if the first five months of 2023 is a continuation of last year’s drought.&nbsp; &nbsp; The ponds in our pastures, which would normally be filled by now, are totally dry. We’ve been watching our wheat slowly grow. We hesitated to begin the spring planting of our fall crops in hopes it would rain; and when we did begin planting, we planted the seeds deeper than we’ve ever planted them to ensure they had some moisture to begin their growth.&nbsp; &nbsp; My husband has always half-joked that when a farmer prays for rain, there’s more people praying for the opposite. He’s probably right. After all, people have parades, picnics, car shows, golf outings, garage sales, field trips and weekend plans that call for nice, sunny days to be enjoyed in the spring.&nbsp; &nbsp; Even though my prayers for rain might be outnumbered, I will continue to pray for it multiple times daily.&nbsp; &nbsp; I generally keep my daily prayers between God and myself, but like many other farmers, I’m openly calling for others to join me in our request. &nbsp; Please Lord, let it rain.

&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin. Photo courtesy Kansas Farm Bureau&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancherThe saying “April showers bring May flowers” is what runs through my mind every spring. It’s a saying that has held true for almost every year I have lived on our Kansas farm.&nbsp; &nbsp; Like clockwork, the crocus and daffodils are the first to appear followed by my tulips, lilacs and peonies. Add in the fruit trees blooming and you have a beautiful spring floral assortment.&nbsp; &nbsp; Generally, by the time my peonies and lilacs bloom, I can’t help but attempt to capture the aromas and beauty by arranging cuttings of these flowers into a table-top display to be enjoyed in my kitchen as a precursor of June’s wheat harvest. &nbsp; However, this year’s blooms never went on display to be enjoyed at my kitchen table. The sweet smells from one of my lilacs have been enjoyed only when I walk up to the bush and bring my nose close to the smaller-than-normal white blooms. &nbsp; I’m still waiting on my peonies to appear. Like normal, the plant has grown and buds have formed; but as I’ve kept watch over this plant anticipating its May bloom, I’ve been left wondering if we’ve somehow missed the last step and the flowers will not come this year. &nbsp; Perhaps it is just a little late to bloom this year, but I can’t help but wonder if the delay of my peonies and stunted lilacs are signs of what our wheat harvest will look like. &nbsp; It’s no secret that we experienced an incredibly dry 2022. The drought stressed our crops, stressed our water sources and stressed us. We had hoped for a wet winter, but instead it remained mild. It feels as if the first five months of 2023 is a continuation of last year’s drought.&nbsp; &nbsp; The ponds in our pastures, which would normally be filled by now, are totally dry. We’ve been watching our wheat slowly grow. We hesitated to begin the spring planting of our fall crops in hopes it would rain; and when we did begin planting, we planted the seeds deeper than we’ve ever planted them to ensure they had some moisture to begin their growth.&nbsp; &nbsp; My husband has always half-joked that when a farmer prays for rain, there’s more people praying for the opposite. He’s probably right. After all, people have parades, picnics, car shows, golf outings, garage sales, field trips and weekend plans that call for nice, sunny days to be enjoyed in the spring.&nbsp; &nbsp; Even though my prayers for rain might be outnumbered, I will continue to pray for it multiple times daily.&nbsp; &nbsp; I generally keep my daily prayers between God and myself, but like many other farmers, I’m openly calling for others to join me in our request. &nbsp; Please Lord, let it rain.&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

INSIGHT: Let it rain

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares updates on area projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.growhays.com/" target="_blank">Grow Hays</a> executive director Doug Williams shares updates on area projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director shares area project updates" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ch9rf-1408cd7-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director shares area project updates

By ZACHARY ROTH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

A top Republican election lawyer recently caused a stir when she told GOP donors that the party should work to make it harder for college students to vote in key states.

But the comments from Cleta Mitchell, who worked closely with then-President Donald Trump to try to overturn the 2020 election, are perhaps less surprising than they seem.&nbsp;

They follow numerous efforts in recent years by Republican lawmakers across the country to restrict voting by college students, a group that leans Democratic. And they come at a time when the youth vote has been surging.

At an April 15 retreat for donors to the Republican National Committee, Mitchell, a leader in the broader conservative push to impose new voting restrictions, called on her party to find ways to tighten the rules for student voting in several battleground states.

Mitchell’s comments were first&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/lawindsor/status/1649075730687352833">posted online</a>&nbsp;by the independent progressive journalist Lauren Windsor.

With Republicans now enjoying veto-proof majorities in both of North Carolina’s chambers, Mitchell said, the party has a chance to crack down on voting by students there.&nbsp;

“We need to be looking at, what are these college campus locations and polling, what is this young people effort that (Democrats) do?” said Mitchell. “They basically put the polling place next to the student dorm, so they just have to roll out of bed, vote, and go back to bed.”&nbsp;

“And we need to build strong election integrity task forces in those counties,” Mitchell added, naming Durham, Wake, and Mecklenburg counties — all of which are Democratic strongholds and are home to large colleges.

The Election Integrity Network, which Mitchell chairs, works to build what it calls Election Integrity Task Forces, in which volunteers aim to root out fraud and illegal voting.

Mitchell also lamented that in Wisconsin and Michigan, both of which offer same-day voter registration, polling sites are located on campuses, making it easy for students to register and vote in one trip.&nbsp;

“So they’ve registered them in one line, and then they vote them in the second line,” Mitchell said.

“Wisconsin is a big problem, because of the polling locations on college campuses,” Mitchell continued. “Their goal for the Supreme Court race was to turn out 240,000 college students in that Supreme Court race. And we don’t have anything like that, and we need to figure out how to do that, and how to combat that.”

The recent race for a seat on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, which was won by the liberal candidate backed by Democrats, saw&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/11/wisconsin-liberal-youth-vote/">record campus turnout</a>.

Mitchell also brought up New Hampshire, which has a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.asumag.com/research/top-10s/article/20856007/states-with-most-college-students-as-a-percentage-of-population">higher share</a>&nbsp;of college students than any other state, as well as statewide elections that are often decided by just a few thousand votes, The Granite State has seen a series of efforts in recent years to impose stricter rules for student voting, despite no evidence of illegal voting by students.&nbsp;

“I just talked to Governor Sununu, and asked him about the college student voting issue that has been a problem,” Mitchell said, referring to the state’s Republican governor, Chris Sununu.&nbsp;

“He thinks it’s fixed. We just need to have an active task force to make sure it’s fixed, and do our look back about whether or not they did go back and make sure those college students who presented, who said they were residents, really were.”

Finally, Mitchell falsely claimed that, thanks to President Joe Biden, people who apply for federal student loan aid are required to fill out a voter registration form.&nbsp;

A White House executive order does&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-agencies-lag-registering-voters-despite-biden-executive-order-advocates-say">urge</a>&nbsp;federal agencies, including the Department of Education, to offer voter registration opportunities. But&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://electionlawblog.org/?p=135773">no one is required to register</a>.

Mitchell’s remarks weren’t focused only on student voting.&nbsp;

She also declared that if Republicans win full control of Virginia state government this year, they should eliminate early voting and same-day registration in the state. And she&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/lawindsor/status/1650499628809302016">said</a>&nbsp;that any group “that’s got democracy in their name — those are not friends of ours.”

But the comments about voting by college students deserve particular scrutiny because of an ongoing multi-state push to tighten the rules for student voters — including by banning student IDs for voting.&nbsp;

Mike Burns, the national director for the Campus Vote Project, which works as an arm of the nonpartisan Fair Elections Center to expand access to voting for college students, said the tens of millions of students enrolled in higher education across the country already face a unique set of hurdles in casting a ballot: They’re less likely than other voters to have a driver’s license or utility bill to use as ID; they’re less likely to have a car to get to an off-campus polling site; and they often move each year, requiring them to go through the registration process anew each time.

Few states, Burns added, design their election systems to address these challenges. Despite Mitchell’s fear about students rolling out of bed to vote, a 2022 Duke University&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.campusvoteproject.org/post/mtv-partners-with-campus-vote-project-on-early-vote-program">study</a>&nbsp;that looked at 35 states found that nearly three quarters of colleges did not have voting sites on campus.

Given this backdrop, “it’s just that much more exasperating,” Burns said, “to hear someone talk about intentionally trying to make that even harder, and to do it for political reasons.”

The issue of student voting has flared lately thanks to a recent surge in the youth vote. The midterm elections of 2018 and 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2022/11/10/1135810302/turnout-among-young-voters-was-the-second-highest-for-a-midterm-in-past-30-years">saw</a>&nbsp;the two highest turnout rates for voters younger than 30 in the last three decades.&nbsp;And in 2020, half of all eligible voters younger than 30 turned out, a stunning&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2021/04/30/analysis-youth-voter-turnout-rose-substantially-2020">11-point increase&nbsp;</a>from 2016.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2021/04/30/analysis-youth-voter-turnout-rose-substantially-2020">&nbsp;</a>

In 2018, those voters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/06/30/behind-bidens-2020-victory/">went for</a>&nbsp;Democratic candidates by a 49-point margin, and in 2020 they went for Biden over Trump by 24 points — making them easily the most Democratic-leaning age group in both years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683664113362.jpeg" alt="Anja Bartels, left, and Melanie Cervantes stop at a League of Women Voters of Topeka and Shawnee County voter registration booth Aug. 30, 2022, on the campus lawn. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Anja Bartels, left, and Melanie Cervantes stop at a League of Women Voters of Topeka and Shawnee County voter registration booth Aug. 30, 2022, on the campus lawn. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ZACHARY ROTH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>A top Republican election lawyer recently caused a stir when she told GOP donors that the party should work to make it harder for college students to vote in key states.But the comments from Cleta Mitchell, who worked closely with then-President Donald Trump to try to overturn the 2020 election, are perhaps less surprising than they seem.&nbsp;They follow numerous efforts in recent years by Republican lawmakers across the country to restrict voting by college students, a group that leans Democratic. And they come at a time when the youth vote has been surging.At an April 15 retreat for donors to the Republican National Committee, Mitchell, a leader in the broader conservative push to impose new voting restrictions, called on her party to find ways to tighten the rules for student voting in several battleground states.Mitchell’s comments were first&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/lawindsor/status/1649075730687352833">posted online</a>&nbsp;by the independent progressive journalist Lauren Windsor.With Republicans now enjoying veto-proof majorities in both of North Carolina’s chambers, Mitchell said, the party has a chance to crack down on voting by students there.&nbsp;“We need to be looking at, what are these college campus locations and polling, what is this young people effort that (Democrats) do?” said Mitchell. “They basically put the polling place next to the student dorm, so they just have to roll out of bed, vote, and go back to bed.”&nbsp;“And we need to build strong election integrity task forces in those counties,” Mitchell added, naming Durham, Wake, and Mecklenburg counties — all of which are Democratic strongholds and are home to large colleges.<h2>Wisconsin ‘is a big problem’</h2>The Election Integrity Network, which Mitchell chairs, works to build what it calls Election Integrity Task Forces, in which volunteers aim to root out fraud and illegal voting.Mitchell also lamented that in Wisconsin and Michigan, both of which offer same-day voter registration, polling sites are located on campuses, making it easy for students to register and vote in one trip.&nbsp;“So they’ve registered them in one line, and then they vote them in the second line,” Mitchell said.“Wisconsin is a big problem, because of the polling locations on college campuses,” Mitchell continued. “Their goal for the Supreme Court race was to turn out 240,000 college students in that Supreme Court race. And we don’t have anything like that, and we need to figure out how to do that, and how to combat that.”The recent race for a seat on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, which was won by the liberal candidate backed by Democrats, saw&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/11/wisconsin-liberal-youth-vote/">record campus turnout</a>.Mitchell also brought up New Hampshire, which has a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.asumag.com/research/top-10s/article/20856007/states-with-most-college-students-as-a-percentage-of-population">higher share</a>&nbsp;of college students than any other state, as well as statewide elections that are often decided by just a few thousand votes, The Granite State has seen a series of efforts in recent years to impose stricter rules for student voting, despite no evidence of illegal voting by students.&nbsp;“I just talked to Governor Sununu, and asked him about the college student voting issue that has been a problem,” Mitchell said, referring to the state’s Republican governor, Chris Sununu.&nbsp;“He thinks it’s fixed. We just need to have an active task force to make sure it’s fixed, and do our look back about whether or not they did go back and make sure those college students who presented, who said they were residents, really were.”Finally, Mitchell falsely claimed that, thanks to President Joe Biden, people who apply for federal student loan aid are required to fill out a voter registration form.&nbsp;A White House executive order does&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-agencies-lag-registering-voters-despite-biden-executive-order-advocates-say">urge</a>&nbsp;federal agencies, including the Department of Education, to offer voter registration opportunities. But&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://electionlawblog.org/?p=135773">no one is required to register</a>.<h2>Banning student IDs for voting</h2>Mitchell’s remarks weren’t focused only on student voting.&nbsp;She also declared that if Republicans win full control of Virginia state government this year, they should eliminate early voting and same-day registration in the state. And she&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/lawindsor/status/1650499628809302016">said</a>&nbsp;that any group “that’s got democracy in their name — those are not friends of ours.”But the comments about voting by college students deserve particular scrutiny because of an ongoing multi-state push to tighten the rules for student voters — including by banning student IDs for voting.&nbsp;Mike Burns, the national director for the Campus Vote Project, which works as an arm of the nonpartisan Fair Elections Center to expand access to voting for college students, said the tens of millions of students enrolled in higher education across the country already face a unique set of hurdles in casting a ballot: They’re less likely than other voters to have a driver’s license or utility bill to use as ID; they’re less likely to have a car to get to an off-campus polling site; and they often move each year, requiring them to go through the registration process anew each time.Few states, Burns added, design their election systems to address these challenges. Despite Mitchell’s fear about students rolling out of bed to vote, a 2022 Duke University&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.campusvoteproject.org/post/mtv-partners-with-campus-vote-project-on-early-vote-program">study</a>&nbsp;that looked at 35 states found that nearly three quarters of colleges did not have voting sites on campus.Given this backdrop, “it’s just that much more exasperating,” Burns said, “to hear someone talk about intentionally trying to make that even harder, and to do it for political reasons.”<h2>Surging youth vote</h2>The issue of student voting has flared lately thanks to a recent surge in the youth vote. The midterm elections of 2018 and 2022&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2022/11/10/1135810302/turnout-among-young-voters-was-the-second-highest-for-a-midterm-in-past-30-years">saw</a>&nbsp;the two highest turnout rates for voters younger than 30 in the last three decades.&nbsp;And in 2020, half of all eligible voters younger than 30 turned out, a stunning&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2021/04/30/analysis-youth-voter-turnout-rose-substantially-2020">11-point increase&nbsp;</a>from 2016.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2021/04/30/analysis-youth-voter-turnout-rose-substantially-2020">&nbsp;</a>In 2018, those voters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/06/30/behind-bidens-2020-victory/">went for</a>&nbsp;Democratic candidates by a 49-point margin, and in 2020 they went for Biden over Trump by 24 points — making them easily the most Democratic-leaning age group in both years.That’s spurred Republican legislators to take action. This year alone, three GOP-controlled states — Missouri, Montana, and Idaho — have tightened their voter ID laws to remove student IDs from the list of documents voters can use to prove their identity.&nbsp;Montana’s law was struck down as a violation of the state constitution. Idaho’s is being&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/LOWV-student-id-idaho.pdf">challenged</a>&nbsp;in court by voting rights groups.One of the Idaho bill’s backers, state Rep. Tina Lambert,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/2023/01/30/idaho-republicans-push-another-new-bill-to-outlaw-the-use-of-student-ids-in-elections/">said</a>&nbsp;she was concerned that students from neighboring Oregon or Washington might use their student IDs to vote in Idaho, then also vote in their home state. In fact, there has not been a single instance of fraud linked to student IDs in the state.Idaho saw a 66 percent increase in registration by 18- and 19-year-olds between November 2018 and September 2022, by far the highest in the country, a Tufts University study&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/youth-voter-registration-has-surpassed-2018-levels-many-states-its-lagging-youngest">found</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/youth-voter-registration-has-surpassed-2018-levels-many-states-its-lagging-youngest">&nbsp;</a>A fourth state, Ohio, passed a strict voter ID law with a similar impact. Ohio doesn’t allow student IDs for voting, but previously it did allow utility bills. So colleges would issue students zero-dollar utility bills to be used for voter ID purposes. The new law, which is also being challenged in court, eliminates that option by requiring a photo ID.In Texas, where growing numbers of young and non-white voters threaten to upend the state’s politics, one Republican bill introduced this session would ban polling places on college campuses. The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Carrie Isaac, has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/bill-ban-voting-college-campuses-texas-legislature/">described</a>&nbsp;it as a safety measure aimed at keeping outsiders off campus since campus polling places also serve the wider voting public.Voter advocates charged in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021.06.22_-TX-SB-1111_-Complaint-FILED-wm.pdf">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;that a 2021 Texas law establishing strict residency requirements would particularly burden college students, by preventing them from registering at their prior home address when they temporarily move away for college. A federal judge last year struck down much of the law, but the decision was reversed on appeal.<h2>‘They just vote their feelings’</h2>Efforts to make it difficult for students and other young people to vote are almost as old as the 26th Amendment, which went into effect in 1971, enfranchising Americans aged 18 to 20.&nbsp;In one Texas county with a large, historically Black university, the chief voting official responded to the measure by requiring students to answer questions about their employment status and property ownership, before being stopped by a federal court in a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/439/1105/">key ruling</a>&nbsp;for student voting rights.Following the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision weakening the Voting Rights Act, Texas imposed a voter ID law that didn’t allow student IDs, even those from state universities, though it did include handgun licenses. And North Carolina passed a sweeping 2013 voting law that, among other steps, ended pre-registration of high-school students.&nbsp;Two years earlier, Wisconsin passed a voter ID law that does allow student IDs from state universities but mandates that the ID have an expiration date and have been issued within the last two years — requirements that many student IDs don’t meet. Though some colleges have created special voter IDs, advocates say the issue still generates significant confusion among students.New Hampshire has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://thebaffler.com/salvos/the-people-no-roth">often</a>&nbsp;been a hotspot for efforts to restrict student voting. Backers of these efforts have at times argued that students don’t have as much stake in the community as other voters, since they might not stick around after college.A 2021 bill that died in committee would have barred students from using their campus addresses to register. “People who go to college in New Hampshire, unless they are really bona fide permanent residents … should vote by absentee ballot in their home states,” the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Norman Silver,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2022/12/30/college-students-push-to-ease-voting-access-after-midterm-barriers/">told</a>&nbsp;Stateline. “It’s a matter of simple equity.”Back in 2011, Rep. William O’Brien, then the House speaker and advocating for a bill to tighten residency requirements, was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/nh-gop-seeks-to-disenfranchise-students-who-just-vote-their-feelings-video">even blunter</a>.&nbsp;“They go into these general elections, they’ll have 900 same-day registrations, which are the kids coming out of the schools and basically doing what I did when I was a kid, which is voting as a liberal,” O’Brien said. “That’s what kids do. They don’t have life experience, and they just vote their feelings and they’re taking away the towns’ ability to govern themselves. It’s not fair.”Burns, of the Campus Vote Project, said that kind of sentiment not only runs counter to the purpose of the 26th Amendment but to any notion of voting as a civic good.&nbsp;This is a formative process,” said Burns. “We know from research that if people start to vote at a younger age, they will stay involved. It puts them on a trajectory of being more involved in civic life for the rest of their life, and I think that’s a good thing.”“Every community is better when more people have their voices heard. And that includes young people,” Burns added. “So regardless of who someone’s going to vote for, we think they should have equal access.”

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