Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $16,900. The four-person scramble tournament was held on Friday, September 8 at the Ellis Golf Club. 

Proceeds are being used for window replacement at one of DSNWK’s group living homes in Hays. 

DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success.

DSNWK is a 501(c)3 non-profit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698850069051.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DSNWKDevelopmental Services of Northwest Kansas is pleased to announce that the Esther McMurtrie Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $16,900. The four-person scramble tournament was held on Friday, September 8 at the Ellis Golf Club. Proceeds are being used for window replacement at one of DSNWK’s group living homes in Hays. DSNWK would like to thank the many participants, contributors and supporters who made the event a success.DSNWK is a 501(c)3 non-profit serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 18 most northwestern Kansas counties.&nbsp;

McMurtrie Golf tournament raises $17,000 for DSNWK

The City of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with CC Steel, LLC to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the above map. 

Cleaning will begin today. The entire project should be completed by Dec. 8

Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to cleaning. 

Work will begin at the north end of the project area and proceed south until completed. 

During this process, residents may experience a rumbling sound, in addition to the possibility of water entering your sink, bathtub and/or toilet. Sewer lines can develop air pressure or a partial vacuum from the cleaning process. If you will not be home or on vacation during this time of sewer line cleaning, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down. 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact CC Steel LLC's onsite Supervisor at 701-318-0088, or the Water Resources Dept. at 785-628-7380.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699021752576.jpeg" alt="2023 sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection for the city of Hays" />
 <figcaption>2023 sanitary sewer cleaning and inspection for the city of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysThe City of Hays Water Resources Department has contracted with CC Steel, LLC to conduct sewer line cleaning and inspections at the locations shown on the above map. Cleaning will begin today. The entire project should be completed by Dec. 8Door hanger notices will be placed on homes and businesses affected prior to cleaning. Work will begin at the north end of the project area and proceed south until completed. During this process, residents may experience a rumbling sound, in addition to the possibility of water entering your sink, bathtub and/or toilet. Sewer lines can develop air pressure or a partial vacuum from the cleaning process. If you will not be home or on vacation during this time of sewer line cleaning, please protect your home by keeping your toilet lids down. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact CC Steel LLC's onsite Supervisor at 701-318-0088, or the Water Resources Dept. at 785-628-7380.

Sewer cleaning starts today in select areas of north Hays

The TMP Key Club and Kiwanis Club of Hays are proud to partner with each other for this year’s annual fall blood drive on Wednesday, November 8.

Nearly 20 spots for donating blood remain. 

To schedule an appointment, all able community members are encouraged to go to: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time. Enter 67601 for the area zip code and scroll down to November 8. Click on the TMP blood drive to access available time slots to donate.

Those wishing to donate blood are encouraged to arrive at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School at 1701 Hall St. at least ten minutes before the appointment time unless they are checking in throught the quick pass on the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross sponsors numerous scholarships annually for students who volunteer time to host successful blood drives.

Currently, there are over 50 students at TMP-Marian who are participating in Key Club. The Kiwanis Club of Hays is proud to be the sponsoring Kiwanis organization for the TMP-Marian Key Club each year.

Key Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.

The core values of Key Club International are leadership, character building, caring and inclusiveness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698788842252.jpeg" alt="American Red Cross" />
 <figcaption>American Red Cross</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe TMP Key Club and Kiwanis Club of Hays are proud to partner with each other for this year’s annual fall blood drive on Wednesday, November 8.Nearly 20 spots for donating blood remain. To schedule an appointment, all able community members are encouraged to go to: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time. Enter 67601 for the area zip code and scroll down to November 8. Click on the TMP blood drive to access available time slots to donate.Those wishing to donate blood are encouraged to arrive at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School at 1701 Hall St. at least ten minutes before the appointment time unless they are checking in throught the quick pass on the Blood Donor App.The American Red Cross sponsors numerous scholarships annually for students who volunteer time to host successful blood drives.Currently, there are over 50 students at TMP-Marian who are participating in Key Club. The Kiwanis Club of Hays is proud to be the sponsoring Kiwanis organization for the TMP-Marian Key Club each year.About Key Club of TMP-MarianKey Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.The core values of Key Club International are leadership, character building, caring and inclusiveness.

TMP Key Club to host Hays blood drive on Nov. 8

<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/2023/11/1699035323091.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

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation is pleased to announce the availability of funds in the form of cost share assistance and incentive payments to assist landowners with irrigation efficiency technology. The funding is provided through appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund and the program is administered by conservation districts across the state.

This initiative is designed to promote irrigation efficiency by providing cost share assistance to landowners for automated mobile drip irrigation systems, autonomous pivot systems, water meter monitoring software subscriptions, bubbler nozzle packages, and remote monitoring systems (soil moisture probes included as part of system).

Eligible projects must be located within Kansas groundwater management districts 1 through 5. Applications are currently being accepted, and projects will be approved beginning on November 1, 2023, until all funds have been allocated. Equipment purchases and subscriptions made before application approval are not eligible for this initiative.

Applications for this irrigation technology cost share funding must be made through local conservation districts. 

For application assistance and details about funding eligibility, along with more information concerning other available services, please contact your local conservation district office. A directory of Conservation Districts can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0NvbnNlcnZhdGlvbkRpc3RyaWN0cz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMDI3Ljg0NzE3MjIxIn0.fCG5blfibG3ofPV99x3tP8sou36Qkxf0YR0eas1J8Yk/s/1377890830/br/229089044213-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683983779557.png" alt=" A center-pivot irrigation system sits idle near Colby. File photo by Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption> A center-pivot irrigation system sits idle near Colby. File photo by Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>KDAMANHATTAN — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation is pleased to announce the availability of funds in the form of cost share assistance and incentive payments to assist landowners with irrigation efficiency technology. The funding is provided through appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund and the program is administered by conservation districts across the state.This initiative is designed to promote irrigation efficiency by providing cost share assistance to landowners for automated mobile drip irrigation systems, autonomous pivot systems, water meter monitoring software subscriptions, bubbler nozzle packages, and remote monitoring systems (soil moisture probes included as part of system).Eligible projects must be located within Kansas groundwater management districts 1 through 5. Applications are currently being accepted, and projects will be approved beginning on November 1, 2023, until all funds have been allocated. Equipment purchases and subscriptions made before application approval are not eligible for this initiative.Applications for this irrigation technology cost share funding must be made through local conservation districts. For application assistance and details about funding eligibility, along with more information concerning other available services, please contact your local conservation district office. A directory of Conservation Districts can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuYWdyaWN1bHR1cmUua3MuZ292L0NvbnNlcnZhdGlvbkRpc3RyaWN0cz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMDI3Ljg0NzE3MjIxIn0.fCG5blfibG3ofPV99x3tP8sou36Qkxf0YR0eas1J8Yk/s/1377890830/br/229089044213-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/ConservationDistricts</a>.

Cost share assistance available for irrigation technology

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Cancer Partnership are proud to announce a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NjYW5jZXJwYXJ0bmVyc2hpcC5vcmcvY2FuY2VyLXN1cnZpdm9yLXJlc291cmNlcy8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxMS44MzkwMjI2MSJ9.Gh6fUPv5P_R_NuimWc4QFeNgBEDIoN4-8qIjtZXa5PM/s/1305913542/br/227739392330-l" target="_blank">new online resource</a>&nbsp;for cancer survivors, caregivers, providers and anyone who loves someone with cancer. The map has over 20 categories and includes information on counseling and support groups, transportation, financial assistance, advanced care planning and more.

“Trying to find survivorship resources when you or somebody you love is going through cancer can be overwhelming,” said&nbsp;Olivia Burzoni, comprehensive cancer program manager, KDHE. “We wanted to make something accessible that people can use to easily find the information they need.”

It is essential to know that cancer survivorship begins from diagnosis until the end of life. There are resources that people can find while getting treatment for their cancer. There are also many resources for people who have completed their cancer treatment. Resources may include support groups, transportation services, financial assistance and more.

Resources are also available for caregivers, family and loved ones supporting someone with cancer. These resources include but are not limited to, counseling and support groups, insurance information, caretaker guidance, and even programs that help children affected by a parent’s cancer.

The interactive map allows users to view the resources available statewide, nationwide, or in each region of Kansas (Northeast, North Central, Northwest, South Central, Southeast and Southwest). The interactive map can also filter the available resources based on their categories.&nbsp;

Updates to the website will be made as more resources become available. Organizations and individuals who are aware of any resources that are available and not already listed can send an email to the&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdhe.cancerkansas@ks.gov">Cancer Prevention and Control program</a>.

To view the new interactive survivorship map, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NjYW5jZXJwYXJ0bmVyc2hpcC5vcmcvY2FuY2VyLXN1cnZpdm9yLXJlc291cmNlcy8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxMS44MzkwMjI2MSJ9.hKgw-qxNDzcyXRnaCDyFLrAicBACF5ccYE6yzlKFDOY/s/1305913542/br/227739392330-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697747273235.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Cancer Partnership are proud to announce a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NjYW5jZXJwYXJ0bmVyc2hpcC5vcmcvY2FuY2VyLXN1cnZpdm9yLXJlc291cmNlcy8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxMS44MzkwMjI2MSJ9.Gh6fUPv5P_R_NuimWc4QFeNgBEDIoN4-8qIjtZXa5PM/s/1305913542/br/227739392330-l" target="_blank">new online resource</a>&nbsp;for cancer survivors, caregivers, providers and anyone who loves someone with cancer. The map has over 20 categories and includes information on counseling and support groups, transportation, financial assistance, advanced care planning and more.“Trying to find survivorship resources when you or somebody you love is going through cancer can be overwhelming,” said&nbsp;Olivia Burzoni, comprehensive cancer program manager, KDHE. “We wanted to make something accessible that people can use to easily find the information they need.”It is essential to know that cancer survivorship begins from diagnosis until the end of life. There are resources that people can find while getting treatment for their cancer. There are also many resources for people who have completed their cancer treatment. Resources may include support groups, transportation services, financial assistance and more.Resources are also available for caregivers, family and loved ones supporting someone with cancer. These resources include but are not limited to, counseling and support groups, insurance information, caretaker guidance, and even programs that help children affected by a parent’s cancer.The interactive map allows users to view the resources available statewide, nationwide, or in each region of Kansas (Northeast, North Central, Northwest, South Central, Southeast and Southwest). The interactive map can also filter the available resources based on their categories.&nbsp;Updates to the website will be made as more resources become available. Organizations and individuals who are aware of any resources that are available and not already listed can send an email to the&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdhe.cancerkansas@ks.gov">Cancer Prevention and Control program</a>.To view the new interactive survivorship map, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NjYW5jZXJwYXJ0bmVyc2hpcC5vcmcvY2FuY2VyLXN1cnZpdm9yLXJlc291cmNlcy8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAxMS44MzkwMjI2MSJ9.hKgw-qxNDzcyXRnaCDyFLrAicBACF5ccYE6yzlKFDOY/s/1305913542/br/227739392330-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

New interactive map released of cancer survivorship resources in Kansas regions

NATOMA — In celebrating Veterans Day, men and women of the United States Armed forces, past or present service, will be honored during the 14th annual Veterans Day Musical Salute in Natoma, Thursday, November 9.

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109, American Legion Post 109, with Natoma-Paradise-Waldo USD 399 will host the event in the Natoma Elementary Gymnasium, 610 N. Third Street.

“Every Hero Has a Story”, 9:00 a.m. Veteran-Student panel discussion, 9:30 a.m. Patriotic Veterans Musical Salute, 10:15 a.m.

Veterans and their families are invited to participate in “Every Hero Has a Story" by sharing veterans’ photographs, uniforms, artifacts, and memorabilia. 

Junior high and high school students will participate in a panel discussion with veterans as they describe first hand stories of intrigue and sacrifice as soldiers in defending freedom.

The American Legion Post 109 will present the colors. Bagpipes will be played. Voices, percussion, and band in pre-K, elementary, junior high through high school will present a repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs and hymns. 

The program will include Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essay winners plus special guests. Elementary students will gift each veteran with hand-crafted cards and an invitation to join them for lunch.

For more than 104 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has continued the legacy of women serving veterans, their families, children, youth, and community through a myriad of annual projects. 

In the spirit of freedom, the annual Veterans Day Salute brings together the community in gratitude. 

In the spirit of Christmas, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues to join in the annual Ft. Dodge Soldiers Home Christmas Store. Soldier veterans can shop free of charge in a safe, festive environment. For information on donations, or Veterans Salute lunch reservations, call Shawna Dunlap, 785-885-4478.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698419890889.jpeg" alt="Natoma Veterans Salute, Every Hero Has a Story, Nov. 10, 2022. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Natoma Veterans Salute, Every Hero Has a Story, Nov. 10, 2022. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedNATOMA — In celebrating Veterans Day, men and women of the United States Armed forces, past or present service, will be honored during the 14th annual Veterans Day Musical Salute in Natoma, Thursday, November 9.The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109, American Legion Post 109, with Natoma-Paradise-Waldo USD 399 will host the event in the Natoma Elementary Gymnasium, 610 N. Third Street.Activities include:“Every Hero Has a Story”, 9:00 a.m. Veteran-Student panel discussion, 9:30 a.m. Patriotic Veterans Musical Salute, 10:15 a.m. Veterans and their families are invited to participate in “Every Hero Has a Story" by sharing veterans’ photographs, uniforms, artifacts, and memorabilia. Junior high and high school students will participate in a panel discussion with veterans as they describe first hand stories of intrigue and sacrifice as soldiers in defending freedom.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698419721423.jpeg" alt="Natoma Veterans Salute, color guard, Nov. 10, 2022. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Natoma Veterans Salute, color guard, Nov. 10, 2022. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698419830102.jpeg" alt="Natoma Veterans Salute with "You're a Grand Old Flag,"&nbsp; Nov. 10, 2022. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Natoma Veterans Salute with "You're a Grand Old Flag,"&nbsp; Nov. 10, 2022. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The American Legion Post 109 will present the colors. Bagpipes will be played. Voices, percussion, and band in pre-K, elementary, junior high through high school will present a repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs and hymns. The program will include Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essay winners plus special guests. Elementary students will gift each veteran with hand-crafted cards and an invitation to join them for lunch.For more than 104 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has continued the legacy of women serving veterans, their families, children, youth, and community through a myriad of annual projects. In the spirit of freedom, the annual Veterans Day Salute brings together the community in gratitude. In the spirit of Christmas, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 continues to join in the annual Ft. Dodge Soldiers Home Christmas Store. Soldier veterans can shop free of charge in a safe, festive environment. For information on donations, or Veterans Salute lunch reservations, call Shawna Dunlap, 785-885-4478.

Natoma to present 14th-annual Veterans Day Musical Salute on Nov. 9

Daylight saving time ends on November 5 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the alarms are working.

 “Home fires claim more lives every year than all natural disasters combined, but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half,” said Shannon Wedge, executive director of the Kansas and Oklahoma region of the Red Cross. 

“The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. When you turn your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.” 

Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 1,200 people in Kansas affected by 370 home fires, which account for most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country. 

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit <a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html">redcross.org/fire</a> for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores. • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. &nbsp;• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions. • Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. • Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

IF YOU NEED HELP If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved almost 2,000 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country.

To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit <a href="http://redcross.org/homefires">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699021052776.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>American Red CrossDaylight saving time ends on November 5 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the alarms are working. “Home fires claim more lives every year than all natural disasters combined, but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half,” said Shannon Wedge, executive director of the Kansas and Oklahoma region of the Red Cross. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. When you turn your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.” Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 1,200 people in Kansas affected by 370 home fires, which account for most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country. SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit <a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html">redcross.org/fire</a> for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores. • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. &nbsp;• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions. • Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late. • Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.IF YOU NEED HELP If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help.HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved almost 2,000 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit <a href="http://redcross.org/homefires">redcross.org/homefires</a>.&nbsp;

RED CROSS: Test your smoke alarms as you turn back your clocks Sunday

Just the other day, I was reminiscing with someone else my age the days of our youth, and though I’ve told this story before, it came to my mind amidst the memories, and is just too good not to repeat. So, grab a snack, sit back and enjoy “Wimpy and the Woodchuck.”

As a kid growing up in the farm country of central Ohio, my summer income came from the same source as all other farm boys near and far -&nbsp; baling hay! I know I’m aging myself here, but we’re talking pre-round bale days; we’re talking wagon load after wagon load of at least 100 small square bales apiece, loaded on wagons pulled behind the baler, taken to the barn, unloaded onto an elevator and stacked into the loft. 

The farm boys in our neighborhood were the usual ornery, free-spirited lot, but we all knew how to work hard, and come hayin’ time each year we became a necessary commodity to most local farmers. 

Such was the case with Chester Campbell. “Chet” as he was known, lived across the road from me, was a grouchy ol’ cuss and for reasons unknown, didn’t seem to care much for us neighborhood boys. I think the feelings were mutual, but like I said, once his hay was down, we became “golden.”

Ohio has groundhogs like Kansas has coyotes; wherever there is ground there are groundhogs. 

Groundhogs, best known as woodchucks, look like overgrown prairie dogs, short stumpy tail and all, and can easily grow to weigh ten pounds or more. They have two sharp incisor teeth in the front of their mouth, much like a beaver, and eat all types of green plant life. They dig their burrows in fence rows and woodlots where they can easily sneak out into fields of young growing crops and wreak havoc. Like mini-combines, they choose a row of tender young soybean plants, straddle the row and eat every plant off to the ground for several feet.

We had a dog named “Silly” who was a groundhog slayin’ machine. Silly knew just how and where to grab them, and would shake them till their teeth rattled. One day we heard a huge ruckus coming from the cornfield by the house. Upon investigation, it was Silly who had caught a groundhog, probably sneaking through the cornfield on its way back to the safety of its den. When the fight was over, Silly was victorious as usual, the groundhog was dead and a patch of corn the size of a pickup was flattened from the fray.

Now old man Campbell also had a dog, sort of a cross between a beagle and a basset, named Wimpy. As I remember Wimpy was a good old dog, just not the “sharpest knife in the drawer,” if you know what I mean. 

This particular day, Campbell’s hay was ready to bale, and, as usual, three of us neighbor boys suddenly became handier to him than sliced bread! The hay field was bordered by a creek on one side and by woods on one end, and those borders were riddled with woodchuck dens.

Empty wagons were pulled behind the baler, and when one was loaded, we stopped long enough to unhook the loaded one, hook up to the empty behind us and go again. In the middle of one such exchange, we heard the most awful wailing, screeching and thrashing imaginable coming from the nearby field edge. The three of us ran to investigate and found Wimpy in the weeds with a big groundhog fastened securely to the end of his snout! Around and around they went, the woodchuck showing no intentions of letting go.

We all knew better than to try and interrupt the festivities barehanded, so we scrambled to find something to end the brawl and save Wimpy’s snout. The back of all the hay wagons had metal “pockets” welded to them into which wooden racks could be inserted to provide something solid to stack the back row of hay bales against. One wagon happened to have just single 2x4’s in those pockets, so someone grabbed one and ran back to the brawl. After taking careful aim amidst the ball of thrashing fur, a well placed wallop across the groundhogs back dropped it to the ground and sent it diving for its burrow minus Wimpy, who raced shrieking toward the house. So ended Wimpy's close encounter with the woodchuck, and I sincerely doubt he ever saw one that close again.

Although I’ve not heard of groundhogs in my neck of the woods, they are in eastern Kansas and will probably someday make their way here much like the armadillos have. Each time I go to Hutchinson I marvel at the prairie dog “city” there around the mall, and I think to myself that if our commercial food supply was ever cut off and I wanted something different than fish or venison, I’d simply head to the mall with a pellet gun and fill my freezer; I’m sure prairie dog tastes just like chicken!

Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="Steve Gilliland" />
 <figcaption>Steve Gilliland</figcaption>
 </figure>Just the other day, I was reminiscing with someone else my age the days of our youth, and though I’ve told this story before, it came to my mind amidst the memories, and is just too good not to repeat. So, grab a snack, sit back and enjoy “Wimpy and the Woodchuck.”As a kid growing up in the farm country of central Ohio, my summer income came from the same source as all other farm boys near and far -&nbsp; baling hay! I know I’m aging myself here, but we’re talking pre-round bale days; we’re talking wagon load after wagon load of at least 100 small square bales apiece, loaded on wagons pulled behind the baler, taken to the barn, unloaded onto an elevator and stacked into the loft. The farm boys in our neighborhood were the usual ornery, free-spirited lot, but we all knew how to work hard, and come hayin’ time each year we became a necessary commodity to most local farmers. Such was the case with Chester Campbell. “Chet” as he was known, lived across the road from me, was a grouchy ol’ cuss and for reasons unknown, didn’t seem to care much for us neighborhood boys. I think the feelings were mutual, but like I said, once his hay was down, we became “golden.”Ohio has groundhogs like Kansas has coyotes; wherever there is ground there are groundhogs. Groundhogs, best known as woodchucks, look like overgrown prairie dogs, short stumpy tail and all, and can easily grow to weigh ten pounds or more. They have two sharp incisor teeth in the front of their mouth, much like a beaver, and eat all types of green plant life. They dig their burrows in fence rows and woodlots where they can easily sneak out into fields of young growing crops and wreak havoc. Like mini-combines, they choose a row of tender young soybean plants, straddle the row and eat every plant off to the ground for several feet.We had a dog named “Silly” who was a groundhog slayin’ machine. Silly knew just how and where to grab them, and would shake them till their teeth rattled. One day we heard a huge ruckus coming from the cornfield by the house. Upon investigation, it was Silly who had caught a groundhog, probably sneaking through the cornfield on its way back to the safety of its den. When the fight was over, Silly was victorious as usual, the groundhog was dead and a patch of corn the size of a pickup was flattened from the fray.Now old man Campbell also had a dog, sort of a cross between a beagle and a basset, named Wimpy. As I remember Wimpy was a good old dog, just not the “sharpest knife in the drawer,” if you know what I mean. This particular day, Campbell’s hay was ready to bale, and, as usual, three of us neighbor boys suddenly became handier to him than sliced bread! The hay field was bordered by a creek on one side and by woods on one end, and those borders were riddled with woodchuck dens.Empty wagons were pulled behind the baler, and when one was loaded, we stopped long enough to unhook the loaded one, hook up to the empty behind us and go again. In the middle of one such exchange, we heard the most awful wailing, screeching and thrashing imaginable coming from the nearby field edge. The three of us ran to investigate and found Wimpy in the weeds with a big groundhog fastened securely to the end of his snout! Around and around they went, the woodchuck showing no intentions of letting go.We all knew better than to try and interrupt the festivities barehanded, so we scrambled to find something to end the brawl and save Wimpy’s snout. The back of all the hay wagons had metal “pockets” welded to them into which wooden racks could be inserted to provide something solid to stack the back row of hay bales against. One wagon happened to have just single 2x4’s in those pockets, so someone grabbed one and ran back to the brawl. After taking careful aim amidst the ball of thrashing fur, a well placed wallop across the groundhogs back dropped it to the ground and sent it diving for its burrow minus Wimpy, who raced shrieking toward the house. So ended Wimpy's close encounter with the woodchuck, and I sincerely doubt he ever saw one that close again.Although I’ve not heard of groundhogs in my neck of the woods, they are in eastern Kansas and will probably someday make their way here much like the armadillos have. Each time I go to Hutchinson I marvel at the prairie dog “city” there around the mall, and I think to myself that if our commercial food supply was ever cut off and I wanted something different than fish or venison, I’d simply head to the mall with a pellet gun and fill my freezer; I’m sure prairie dog tastes just like chicken!Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.Steve Gilliland, Inman, can be contacted by email at&nbsp;stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

Exploring Kansas Outdoors: Wimpy and the woodchuck

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The public hearing for a tax increment financing district requested by the developer of a proposed Hays 24/7 Travel Store travel plaza had one commenter.&nbsp;

Diana Pantle, city commission candidate, said she was concerned about groundwater contamination from possible leakage of the underground storage fuel tanks.

"I don't know what sort of provisions that they've made to mitigate that. We already have issues with water usage here, and contamination from oil and gas — I'm very concerned about that."

Although there was no representation on behalf of the developer, Triplett, Inc., Salina, Toby Dougherty, city manager, said the underground storage tanks, their installation, and their inspections are monitored by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

"If there are any preliminary issues to hopefully prevent any sort of contamination, they will over see that, and then they do periodic inspections," Dougherty said.

Commissioner Mason Ruder, former Ellis County Environmental Services director, said they'd have to be KDHE-approved storage containers, be inspected upon installation, and then have post-inspections.

Commissioners unanimously approved the financing district, which the developer estimates would&nbsp;generate approximately $4.5 million in revenues over a 20-year term.&nbsp;

The $11-million project is expected to open as soon as spring 2025.&nbsp;

The developer estimates total annual retail sales of the 24/7 Travel Store will be $5 million. At the city’s current sales tax rate of 2.25 percent, that would generate about $112,500 in annual sales tax revenue for Hays.&nbsp;

In a separate project, the Kansas Department of Transportation has plans to realign the Interstate 70 Exit 157, and the city must move its waterline. KDOT has offered to pay the city half the cost. Commissioners agreed to award a $289,061 bid to Nowak Construction, Goddard, for the reconstruction of the water main.&nbsp;

Commissioners also approved an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas to renew its triple-option employee health insurance plan for 2024. Despite current inflation, the premium cost was down slightly, by 0.4 percent.&nbsp;

Erin Giebler, human resources director, said the city will also provide up to $2,500 for each employee health savings account, not to exceed $1.98 million. The funds will come from the employee benefit levy.&nbsp;

Commissioners also heard an update on the R9 Ranch long-term water project from John Braun, project manager, and Chris Smith, R9 property manager. Details will be included in a forthcoming Hays Post news story.&nbsp;

During residents' comments, members of Women Who Lead, formerly the Wonder Women League, presented a "Top Dog" award to Jeff Boyle, director of parks, for his assistance in helping the group with its project to have <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7cd334d0-76d7-4928-bb77-2e7f93647a29">lighting installed at the Hays Dog Park</a>.&nbsp;

The community is invited to attend the lighting ceremony and ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the meeting.

<div><iframe title="Hays City Commission approves tax incentive district for travel plaza" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=sye4z-14e58dd-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=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe public hearing for a tax increment financing district requested by the developer of a proposed Hays 24/7 Travel Store travel plaza had one commenter.&nbsp;Diana Pantle, city commission candidate, said she was concerned about groundwater contamination from possible leakage of the underground storage fuel tanks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699031630873.jpeg" alt="Diana Pantle,&nbsp;city commission candidate, expressed concern about potential groundwater contamination from the planned 24/7 Travel Store travel plaza. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Diana Pantle,&nbsp;city commission candidate, expressed concern about potential groundwater contamination from the planned 24/7 Travel Store travel plaza. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"I don't know what sort of provisions that they've made to mitigate that. We already have issues with water usage here, and contamination from oil and gas — I'm very concerned about that."Although there was no representation on behalf of the developer, Triplett, Inc., Salina, Toby Dougherty, city manager, said the underground storage tanks, their installation, and their inspections are monitored by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment."If there are any preliminary issues to hopefully prevent any sort of contamination, they will over see that, and then they do periodic inspections," Dougherty said.Commissioner Mason Ruder, former Ellis County Environmental Services director, said they'd have to be KDHE-approved storage containers, be inspected upon installation, and then have post-inspections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699042230976.png" alt="Proposed travel plaza project area north of I-70 Exit 157 west.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Proposed travel plaza project area north of I-70 Exit 157 west.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699042366393.png" alt="TIF eligible projects" />
 <figcaption>TIF eligible projects</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners unanimously approved the financing district, which the developer estimates would&nbsp;generate approximately $4.5 million in revenues over a 20-year term.&nbsp;The $11-million project is expected to open as soon as spring 2025.&nbsp;The developer estimates total annual retail sales of the 24/7 Travel Store will be $5 million. At the city’s current sales tax rate of 2.25 percent, that would generate about $112,500 in annual sales tax revenue for Hays.&nbsp;In a separate project, the Kansas Department of Transportation has plans to realign the Interstate 70 Exit 157, and the city must move its waterline. KDOT has offered to pay the city half the cost. Commissioners agreed to award a $289,061 bid to Nowak Construction, Goddard, for the reconstruction of the water main.&nbsp;Commissioners also approved an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas to renew its triple-option employee health insurance plan for 2024. Despite current inflation, the premium cost was down slightly, by 0.4 percent.&nbsp;Erin Giebler, human resources director, said the city will also provide up to $2,500 for each employee health savings account, not to exceed $1.98 million. The funds will come from the employee benefit levy.&nbsp;Commissioners also heard an update on the R9 Ranch long-term water project from John Braun, project manager, and Chris Smith, R9 property manager. Details will be included in a forthcoming Hays Post news story.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699046412999.jpeg" alt="Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>During residents' comments, members of Women Who Lead, formerly the Wonder Women League, presented a "Top Dog" award to Jeff Boyle, director of parks, for his assistance in helping the group with its project to have <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/7cd334d0-76d7-4928-bb77-2e7f93647a29">lighting installed at the Hays Dog Park</a>.&nbsp;The community is invited to attend the lighting ceremony and ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.Commissioner Reese Barrick was absent from the meeting.

🎙 Potential water contamination concern raised at planned travel plaza public hearing

As a Kansas&nbsp;specialty clinic nurse manager with over 17 years of experience in the healthcare field,&nbsp;I have grown concerned about SB 234.

SB 234, if passed, would weaken the Kansas public's health providers’ ability to respond to state residents' healthcare needs and concerns.&nbsp;

As it stands, patients may produce their consent for providers to refer them to other care professionals. However, this bill would mandate providers initially go through an overly bureaucratic, time-consuming approval process that could add several weeks of time before an individual&nbsp;receives the help he or she desperately needs.&nbsp;

Speed is often our top concern when it comes to making referrals. Ordinarily, individuals solicit&nbsp;care only after they have become remarkably vulnerable and their circumstances become dire. All the referrals we make for them first require the patient’s consent, so extending&nbsp;another time-consuming layer of bureaucracy into an already bureaucratic process is entirely&nbsp;unnecessary and counterproductive.&nbsp;

The federal government, coupled with&nbsp;the state of Kansas, already thoroughly protect patients’ personal information through HIPAA and other time-tested measures. Additionally, the current referral system has several layers of built-in security measures to prevent their documents from being viewed by those who are not privileged. 

The care delays that SB 234 would belabor on this process would be subtractive, not addictive, to Kansans’ welfare.&nbsp;

Today, Kansans already suffer tremendously from a lack of speedy healthcare. Kansas ranks dead last in the nation for access to mental health resources. Further, rural and metropolitan counties only have an average of 0.8 and 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, respectively.&nbsp;

A study at the National Library of Medicine, published by Kansas State University, indicates that, “Kansas public health practitioners identified several barriers to public health and marginalized populations, suggestion an important lack of public health nationally in the U.S. are reflected in local public health in Kansas.” On the authority of the Kansas care providers interviewed, affordable care access and long travel times are two of the top barriers to access.

The responsibility to navigate these barriers and sensitivities falls on the state’s care facilities and organizations working with the Kansas Health Department. Patients already have enough on their minds to worry about, and they do not have the same industry of information and knowledge that we do, which allows them to rise above these state barriers to care access. 

The referrals we provide are what allow&nbsp;them to get the help they need. However, should SB 234 pass,&nbsp;it will become significantly harder for us to refer Kansans to care providers who can meet their unique circumstances.

The Kansas Association of Local Health Departments, Kansas Association of School Boards, and a slew of county governments and health departments oppose SB 234. 

The bill is misguided and does not consider the current dynamics of the Kansas healthcare industry. Our elected representatives need to reject the measure while they still can.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091063975.png" alt="Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>As a Kansas&nbsp;specialty clinic nurse manager with over 17 years of experience in the healthcare field,&nbsp;I have grown concerned about SB 234. SB 234, if passed, would weaken the Kansas public's health providers’ ability to respond to state residents' healthcare needs and concerns.&nbsp;As it stands, patients may produce their consent for providers to refer them to other care professionals. However, this bill would mandate providers initially go through an overly bureaucratic, time-consuming approval process that could add several weeks of time before an individual&nbsp;receives the help he or she desperately needs.&nbsp;Speed is often our top concern when it comes to making referrals. Ordinarily, individuals solicit&nbsp;care only after they have become remarkably vulnerable and their circumstances become dire. All the referrals we make for them first require the patient’s consent, so extending&nbsp;another time-consuming layer of bureaucracy into an already bureaucratic process is entirely&nbsp;unnecessary and counterproductive.&nbsp;The federal government, coupled with&nbsp;the state of Kansas, already thoroughly protect patients’ personal information through HIPAA and other time-tested measures. Additionally, the current referral system has several layers of built-in security measures to prevent their documents from being viewed by those who are not privileged. The care delays that SB 234 would belabor on this process would be subtractive, not addictive, to Kansans’ welfare.&nbsp;Today, Kansans already suffer tremendously from a lack of speedy healthcare. Kansas ranks dead last in the nation for access to mental health resources. Further, rural and metropolitan counties only have an average of 0.8 and 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, respectively.&nbsp;A study at the National Library of Medicine, published by Kansas State University, indicates that, “Kansas public health practitioners identified several barriers to public health and marginalized populations, suggestion an important lack of public health nationally in the U.S. are reflected in local public health in Kansas.” On the authority of the Kansas care providers interviewed, affordable care access and long travel times are two of the top barriers to access.The responsibility to navigate these barriers and sensitivities falls on the state’s care facilities and organizations working with the Kansas Health Department. Patients already have enough on their minds to worry about, and they do not have the same industry of information and knowledge that we do, which allows them to rise above these state barriers to care access. The referrals we provide are what allow&nbsp;them to get the help they need. However, should SB 234 pass,&nbsp;it will become significantly harder for us to refer Kansans to care providers who can meet their unique circumstances.The Kansas Association of Local Health Departments, Kansas Association of School Boards, and a slew of county governments and health departments oppose SB 234. The bill is misguided and does not consider the current dynamics of the Kansas healthcare industry. Our elected representatives need to reject the measure while they still can.&nbsp;Rachael Rushton Norton

LETTER: Need for speedy health and social care in Kansas 

The Central Kansas Beef Summit program will be held in Beloit on Tuesday, November 14, from 9:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m. 

The event will be highlighted by a presentation on marketing strategies for beef cattle by Lynn Langvardt of JCCC Livestock Sales and a market outlook and update from K-State specialist, Dr. Glynn Tonsor. 

In addition to the speakers, the program will offer breakout sessions where attendees can pick and choose which topics apply to them. 

This year’s topics will include a presentation and demonstration of the Ag Manager decision tools by Robin Reid with the KSU Agricultural Economics Department, Rob Paxson with 701x will present on the company’s record keeping system and products, and Will Boyer with KSU will discuss utilizing drones as a way to manage your pasture. 

We will end the program with a Q&amp;A panel where we’ll hear from local livestock producers and industry professionals discuss technologies and strategies that are being implemented in the beef industry. 

The summit will be held in Beloit at the Beloit Methodist Church, 801 N. Bell St. 

This program will be a collaboration among numerous K-State Research and Extension districts and will give producers a better chance to not only hear from industry leaders, but to also take part in conversation with one another. 

Make sure to RSVP by November 7th to reserve a meal. The cost to attend is $10 or late registration will be $15 at the door. 

For more information on the event, or to register, visit our Post Rock Extension website or call Livestock Production Agent, Blaire Todd, at 785-738-3597. 

This event has been generously sponsored by several agribusinesses in collaboration with K-State Research and Extension Districts, Central KS, Cottonwood, Midway, River Valley, Phillips/Rooks, and Post Rock.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682262753.jpeg" alt="Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The Central Kansas Beef Summit program will be held in Beloit on Tuesday, November 14, from 9:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m. The event will be highlighted by a presentation on marketing strategies for beef cattle by Lynn Langvardt of JCCC Livestock Sales and a market outlook and update from K-State specialist, Dr. Glynn Tonsor. In addition to the speakers, the program will offer breakout sessions where attendees can pick and choose which topics apply to them. This year’s topics will include a presentation and demonstration of the Ag Manager decision tools by Robin Reid with the KSU Agricultural Economics Department, Rob Paxson with 701x will present on the company’s record keeping system and products, and Will Boyer with KSU will discuss utilizing drones as a way to manage your pasture. We will end the program with a Q&amp;A panel where we’ll hear from local livestock producers and industry professionals discuss technologies and strategies that are being implemented in the beef industry. The summit will be held in Beloit at the Beloit Methodist Church, 801 N. Bell St. This program will be a collaboration among numerous K-State Research and Extension districts and will give producers a better chance to not only hear from industry leaders, but to also take part in conversation with one another. Make sure to RSVP by November 7th to reserve a meal. The cost to attend is $10 or late registration will be $15 at the door. For more information on the event, or to register, visit our Post Rock Extension website or call Livestock Production Agent, Blaire Todd, at 785-738-3597. This event has been generously sponsored by several agribusinesses in collaboration with K-State Research and Extension Districts, Central KS, Cottonwood, Midway, River Valley, Phillips/Rooks, and Post Rock.We look forward to you joining us!Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698682095659.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

BOOR: Central Kansas Beef Summit program to be held Nov. 14 in Beloit; RSVP by Tuesday

In a few days, voters across Kansas will choose members of their city’s governing councils. In some cases they’ll also be voting for mayors; when they aren’t, it’s because their city elected a mayor during the previous odd-year cycle, or because the mayor is chosen from among those elected to the city council by an internal vote.

But whether the mayor is separately elected or not, there are two things nearly all of these elections have in common. First, not very many voters will participate in them. Second, those who do participate aren’t really voting for who will be in charge of where they live.

That’s a broad claim, and not an entirely fair one. Those elected to municipal positions truly do have the responsibility to make decisions about taxes, spending, investment, infrastructure, public safety, and more. Since those decisions profoundly affect Kansas towns and cities, doesn’t that mean they deserve to be called “in charge” of those localities?

Well, yes. But still: who drafted the budgets which framed the available options for possible taxes and spending? Who studied the proposals and made investment recommendations? Who worked out plans and priorities for infrastructure maintenance? While those elected to city governments can, through their decisions, enable cities to pursue various agendas, in the end they are mostly not deciding what goes onto those agendas in the first place.

Who does? City managers and their staff, that’s who.

A hundred years ago, broad disgust with corruption in municipal governments, along with the great faith many felt in the power of specialization and expertise, led to a wave of reforms across the United States. Specific executive power was often taken away from municipal officials and given to professionals who were hired to take care of the fine details of taxation, development, and more. Many would argue that this led to great practical improvements in how cities and towns are administered, and there is some evidence in support of that claim. But it also led to an abiding democratic deficit: so much of the day-to-day decisions in cities across America are made, or at least defined, by unelected professionals, not those who seek the people’s votes.

Kansas municipalities overwhelmingly maintain these kind of council-manager governments, where the mayor is equal to all other members of city council, discussing and voting up or down on what the city manager and their permanent city staff put before them. The contrary governing system—a “strong mayor” system, such as was preserved in cities like Tulsa, Omaha, and elsewhere—is one where the mayor is the true chief executive of the city, who appoints a staff and negotiates with the city council, which in turn serves as genuine legislative body, advancing the specific (admittedly, often partisan) interests of those who elected them in their districts.

Many defenders of Kansas’s dominant council-manager approach insist that it is appropriate for sewers, roads, parks, and more to be overseen by professionals; they assume that returning detailed executive responsibility to elected politicians would only polarize city governments the way America’s state and national governments are polarized. That’s a fair point.

But it is also fair to point out that one possible reason that participation in local elections is often so often low is because many voters may realize that those they are electing are sometimes almost more an oversight body to the professionals who actually run their city, rather than the other way around. If we want local turnout to change, perhaps government structures need to change too.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586443443315.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>In a few days, voters across Kansas will choose members of their city’s governing councils. In some cases they’ll also be voting for mayors; when they aren’t, it’s because their city elected a mayor during the previous odd-year cycle, or because the mayor is chosen from among those elected to the city council by an internal vote.But whether the mayor is separately elected or not, there are two things nearly all of these elections have in common. First, not very many voters will participate in them. Second, those who do participate aren’t really voting for who will be in charge of where they live.That’s a broad claim, and not an entirely fair one. Those elected to municipal positions truly do have the responsibility to make decisions about taxes, spending, investment, infrastructure, public safety, and more. Since those decisions profoundly affect Kansas towns and cities, doesn’t that mean they deserve to be called “in charge” of those localities?Well, yes. But still: who drafted the budgets which framed the available options for possible taxes and spending? Who studied the proposals and made investment recommendations? Who worked out plans and priorities for infrastructure maintenance? While those elected to city governments can, through their decisions, enable cities to pursue various agendas, in the end they are mostly not deciding what goes onto those agendas in the first place.Who does? City managers and their staff, that’s who.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A hundred years ago, broad disgust with corruption in municipal governments, along with the great faith many felt in the power of specialization and expertise, led to a wave of reforms across the United States. Specific executive power was often taken away from municipal officials and given to professionals who were hired to take care of the fine details of taxation, development, and more. Many would argue that this led to great practical improvements in how cities and towns are administered, and there is some evidence in support of that claim. But it also led to an abiding democratic deficit: so much of the day-to-day decisions in cities across America are made, or at least defined, by unelected professionals, not those who seek the people’s votes.Kansas municipalities overwhelmingly maintain these kind of council-manager governments, where the mayor is equal to all other members of city council, discussing and voting up or down on what the city manager and their permanent city staff put before them. The contrary governing system—a “strong mayor” system, such as was preserved in cities like Tulsa, Omaha, and elsewhere—is one where the mayor is the true chief executive of the city, who appoints a staff and negotiates with the city council, which in turn serves as genuine legislative body, advancing the specific (admittedly, often partisan) interests of those who elected them in their districts.Many defenders of Kansas’s dominant council-manager approach insist that it is appropriate for sewers, roads, parks, and more to be overseen by professionals; they assume that returning detailed executive responsibility to elected politicians would only polarize city governments the way America’s state and national governments are polarized. That’s a fair point.But it is also fair to point out that one possible reason that participation in local elections is often so often low is because many voters may realize that those they are electing are sometimes almost more an oversight body to the professionals who actually run their city, rather than the other way around. If we want local turnout to change, perhaps government structures need to change too.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Who governs Kansas cities after those cities vote?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699035276945.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>

CALIFORNIA DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS IS OWNED BY MIKE AND MARLA KNAUS FROM QUINTER, KANSAS!&nbsp; 

THEIR PRODUCT COMES FROM CALIFORNIA AND IS THIS YEAR'S CROP!&nbsp; THEY HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 7 YEARS AND STRIVE TO BRING YOU QUALITY DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS!

California Dried Fruit and Nuts WILL BE SELLING AT THE WHISKEY CREEK BANQUET ROOM (3203 VINE, USE THE SOUTH BACK DOOR) ON NOVEMBER 10 &amp; 11.&nbsp; 

COME AND GET YOUR GOODIES FOR THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!&nbsp; 

They HAVE SOME NEW PRODUCTS THIS YEAR!&nbsp; 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698773520907.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>CALIFORNIA DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS IS OWNED BY MIKE AND MARLA KNAUS FROM QUINTER, KANSAS!&nbsp; THEIR PRODUCT COMES FROM CALIFORNIA AND IS THIS YEAR'S CROP!&nbsp; THEY HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 7 YEARS AND STRIVE TO BRING YOU QUALITY DRIED FRUIT AND NUTS!California Dried Fruit and Nuts WILL BE SELLING AT THE WHISKEY CREEK BANQUET ROOM (3203 VINE, USE THE SOUTH BACK DOOR) ON NOVEMBER 10 &amp; 11.&nbsp; HOURS ARE 9:00 AM TO 6:00 PM!&nbsp; COME AND GET YOUR GOODIES FOR THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!&nbsp; They HAVE SOME NEW PRODUCTS THIS YEAR!&nbsp; You won't want to miss it!<figure>
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Mayor of Russell to proclaim city as a 'Purple Heart City'

By&nbsp; TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Students at Victoria High School scored below state averages on state assessment tests for 2022 and 2023, whereas the eighth-grade students fared somewhat better.

The State Department of Education issued a report card for the 2022 and 2023 school years, showcasing the academic performance of students both at Victoria Junior-Senior High and across the state.

The report card shows test scores for math, English language arts and science. The Kansas assessment results are reported across four levels.

Level one stipulates that a student possesses limited ability to understand and utilize the skills necessary for success after graduation. Level two represents a basic understanding, level three signifies an effective understanding, and level four indicates an excellent comprehension of the subject, according to the Kansas State Department of Education.

In the 2022-2023 school year for math, 52.63 percent of students between ninth and 12th grade fall under having limited ability to understand. According to the test scores, 36.84 percent of students have a basic understanding, and 10.52 percent show an effective ability to understand.

Fewer students statewide fell in the lower two levels on their math tests.

The state-wide performance for math in the same grade levels consists of 45.61 percent of students showing limited ability, 33.33 percent having a basic understanding and 13.71 percent having an excellent understanding.

Less than 10 students at Victoria High School demonstrate an excellent understanding of math, whereas 7.33 percent of high school students across Kansas fall into that category for math excellence.

Students at the high school show better performance in English than they do in math for 2022-2023.

47.36 percent of students show limited ability to understand English, 36.84 percent have a basic understanding and 15.78 percent of students possess an effective ability to understand, according to the report. Less than 10 students proved to have an excellent understanding in the school year.&nbsp;

More Victoria high school students also fall in the lowest performing level on English test scores compared to the state numbers.

State performance of high school students for English in the school year includes 35.77 percent of students showing a limited ability to understand, 37.46 percent having a basic ability, 21.67 percent possessing an effective understanding and 5.07 percent being excellent in the subject.

Science has the most students with limited skills at Victoria Junior High.

In the 2022-2023 school year, 76.47 percent of students have a limited understanding of science based on test scores. 17.64 percent of students have a basic understanding and 5.88 percent have an excellent understanding. Less than 10 students at the high school have an effective ability to understand science.

To protect student privacy, when a subgroup has fewer than 10 students the data is not displayed.&nbsp;

Victoria High was separated by 30 percentage points compared to the state numbers when looking at students falling in the lowest tier for science in 2023.

For 2023, 43.54 percent of high school students in the state had a limited ability to understand science, 27.54 percent had a basic understanding, 17.86 percent had an effective understanding and 11.03 percent showed excellence in understanding, according to the state report card.

Reports on the eighth-grade level at Victoria Junior High were better in some subjects, according to the state report card.

In the 2022-2023 school year, 23.07 percent of eighth-grade students at Victoria Junior High showed limited ability to understand science. 46.15 percent had a basic understanding, 23.07 percent showed an effective ability to understand and 7.69 percent were excellent in the subject.

48.72 percent of all eighth graders in Kansas showed a limited ability to understand science, 28.57 percent had a basic understanding, 15.3 percent proved to be effective at understanding and 7.4 percent had an excellent understanding in the school year.

For eighth-grade students at Victoria Junior High, less than 10 students showed an excellent understanding of English in the same school year.

Some students may be excluded from the reporting because of small class size because of state efforts to protect student privacy.

15.38 percent of eighth-grade students at the high school had a limited understanding of English while 61.53 percent had a basic understanding and 23.07 percent had an effective understanding of the subject.

Eighth-grade students in the state of Kansas consisted of 2.85 percent of students having an excellent ability to understand English. 17.93 percent had an effective ability to understand, 42.27 percent had a basic understanding and 36.93 percent were limited in understanding.

In Victoria, less than 10 students showed an excellent understanding of math at the high school in 2022-2023.

46.15 percent of students had a limited ability to grasp the subject, 7.69 percent had a basic understanding and 46.15 percent showed an effective understanding of math.&nbsp;

Across the state in the same school year, 47.74 percent of eighth-grade students had a limited understanding of math, 29.43 percent had a basic understanding, 17.85 percent were effective at the subject and 4.96 percent were excellent&nbsp;

The latest report of postsecondary success for Victoria Junior High is from 2021. The success rate is 59.1 percent, the effective rate is 56.5 percent and the graduation rate is at 95.7 percent.&nbsp;

The graduation rate average across five years is 95 percent, the average success rate is 61 percent and the effectiveness average is 58 percent between 2017 and 2021.

The Kansas Department of Education considers post-secondary success based on a student meeting one of four criteria within two years of high school graduation. A student must achieve one of these four outcomes:

• Earned an approved certification during high school • Attained a postsecondary certificate • Obtained a postsecondary degree • Enrolled in postsecondary education in both the first and second years after high school graduation

A closer look at the graduation rate will show a slight decrease from 2021 to 2022 at the high school but still above the graduation average for Kansas.

At the state level, the four-year graduation rate in 2021 was 89.3 percent and 89.8 percent in 2022.&nbsp;

The last years Kansas administered state-level history, government and social studies assessments were in 2017 to 2018.

For the start of the 2022-2023 school year, a new history, government, and social studies classroom-based assessment was mandatory for students in at least grades four and seven. However, the results from this assessment were not included in the report card.

All of the current members of the Victoria USD 432 Board of Education were contacted for comment about the state report card. Some did not respond. The rest referred the Hays Post back to the superintendent for comment.

The Hays Post contacted Victoria Superintendent Kimberly Woolf. She declined to comment for this story.

The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.&nbsp;

Candidates were asked what they think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance.

"I don’t advocate for making testing easier, but instead for making teaching more effective. Effective teachers make the students better, and better students do better things," candidate Jake Hunter said.

Candidate Haley Gagnon said, "The board should take heed of the teachers's suggestions and concerns when it comes to these issues because they are the ones with the education and experience to lead our students to academic success."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699057737318.jpeg" alt="Victoria High School" />
 <figcaption>Victoria High School</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp; TONY GUERRERO Hays PostStudents at Victoria High School scored below state averages on state assessment tests for 2022 and 2023, whereas the eighth-grade students fared somewhat better.The State Department of Education issued a report card for the 2022 and 2023 school years, showcasing the academic performance of students both at Victoria Junior-Senior High and across the state.The report card shows test scores for math, English language arts and science. The Kansas assessment results are reported across four levels.Level one stipulates that a student possesses limited ability to understand and utilize the skills necessary for success after graduation. Level two represents a basic understanding, level three signifies an effective understanding, and level four indicates an excellent comprehension of the subject, according to the Kansas State Department of Education.In the 2022-2023 school year for math, 52.63 percent of students between ninth and 12th grade fall under having limited ability to understand. According to the test scores, 36.84 percent of students have a basic understanding, and 10.52 percent show an effective ability to understand.Fewer students statewide fell in the lower two levels on their math tests.The state-wide performance for math in the same grade levels consists of 45.61 percent of students showing limited ability, 33.33 percent having a basic understanding and 13.71 percent having an excellent understanding.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698868727828.png" alt="High school Performance Level Report for math from USD 432 and state level." />
 <figcaption>High school Performance Level Report for math from USD 432 and state level.</figcaption>
 </figure>Less than 10 students at Victoria High School demonstrate an excellent understanding of math, whereas 7.33 percent of high school students across Kansas fall into that category for math excellence.Students at the high school show better performance in English than they do in math for 2022-2023.47.36 percent of students show limited ability to understand English, 36.84 percent have a basic understanding and 15.78 percent of students possess an effective ability to understand, according to the report. Less than 10 students proved to have an excellent understanding in the school year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698868867535.png" alt="High school Performance Level Report of English from USD 432 and state level." />
 <figcaption>High school Performance Level Report of English from USD 432 and state level.</figcaption>
 </figure>More Victoria high school students also fall in the lowest performing level on English test scores compared to the state numbers.State performance of high school students for English in the school year includes 35.77 percent of students showing a limited ability to understand, 37.46 percent having a basic ability, 21.67 percent possessing an effective understanding and 5.07 percent being excellent in the subject.Science has the most students with limited skills at Victoria Junior High.In the 2022-2023 school year, 76.47 percent of students have a limited understanding of science based on test scores. 17.64 percent of students have a basic understanding and 5.88 percent have an excellent understanding. Less than 10 students at the high school have an effective ability to understand science.To protect student privacy, when a subgroup has fewer than 10 students the data is not displayed.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698869115287.png" alt="High school Performance Level Report of science from USD 432 and state level for 2022 and 2023." />
 <figcaption>High school Performance Level Report of science from USD 432 and state level for 2022 and 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>Victoria High was separated by 30 percentage points compared to the state numbers when looking at students falling in the lowest tier for science in 2023.For 2023, 43.54 percent of high school students in the state had a limited ability to understand science, 27.54 percent had a basic understanding, 17.86 percent had an effective understanding and 11.03 percent showed excellence in understanding, according to the state report card.Reports on the eighth-grade level at Victoria Junior High were better in some subjects, according to the state report card.In the 2022-2023 school year, 23.07 percent of eighth-grade students at Victoria Junior High showed limited ability to understand science. 46.15 percent had a basic understanding, 23.07 percent showed an effective ability to understand and 7.69 percent were excellent in the subject.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698949974287.png" alt="Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of science from USD 432 and state level." />
 <figcaption>Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of science from USD 432 and state level.</figcaption>
 </figure>48.72 percent of all eighth graders in Kansas showed a limited ability to understand science, 28.57 percent had a basic understanding, 15.3 percent proved to be effective at understanding and 7.4 percent had an excellent understanding in the school year.For eighth-grade students at Victoria Junior High, less than 10 students showed an excellent understanding of English in the same school year.Some students may be excluded from the reporting because of small class size because of state efforts to protect student privacy.15.38 percent of eighth-grade students at the high school had a limited understanding of English while 61.53 percent had a basic understanding and 23.07 percent had an effective understanding of the subject.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698950736647.png" alt="Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of&nbsp; English from USD 432 and state level." />
 <figcaption>Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of&nbsp; English from USD 432 and state level.</figcaption>
 </figure>Eighth-grade students in the state of Kansas consisted of 2.85 percent of students having an excellent ability to understand English. 17.93 percent had an effective ability to understand, 42.27 percent had a basic understanding and 36.93 percent were limited in understanding.In Victoria, less than 10 students showed an excellent understanding of math at the high school in 2022-2023.46.15 percent of students had a limited ability to grasp the subject, 7.69 percent had a basic understanding and 46.15 percent showed an effective understanding of math.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698951793885.png" alt="Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of math from USD 432 and state level for 2022 and 2023." />
 <figcaption>Eighth-grade Performance Level Report of math from USD 432 and state level for 2022 and 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>Across the state in the same school year, 47.74 percent of eighth-grade students had a limited understanding of math, 29.43 percent had a basic understanding, 17.85 percent were effective at the subject and 4.96 percent were excellent&nbsp;The latest report of postsecondary success for Victoria Junior High is from 2021. The success rate is 59.1 percent, the effective rate is 56.5 percent and the graduation rate is at 95.7 percent.&nbsp;The graduation rate average across five years is 95 percent, the average success rate is 61 percent and the effectiveness average is 58 percent between 2017 and 2021.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698952766691.png" alt="Four-year adjusted cohort Postsecondary Progress for USD 432" />
 <figcaption>Four-year adjusted cohort Postsecondary Progress for USD 432</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Education considers post-secondary success based on a student meeting one of four criteria within two years of high school graduation. A student must achieve one of these four outcomes:• Earned an approved certification during high school • Attained a postsecondary certificate • Obtained a postsecondary degree • Enrolled in postsecondary education in both the first and second years after high school graduationA closer look at the graduation rate will show a slight decrease from 2021 to 2022 at the high school but still above the graduation average for Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698954128014.png" alt="Four-year graduation rate for USD 432" />
 <figcaption>Four-year graduation rate for USD 432</figcaption>
 </figure>At the state level, the four-year graduation rate in 2021 was 89.3 percent and 89.8 percent in 2022.&nbsp;The last years Kansas administered state-level history, government and social studies assessments were in 2017 to 2018.For the start of the 2022-2023 school year, a new history, government, and social studies classroom-based assessment was mandatory for students in at least grades four and seven. However, the results from this assessment were not included in the report card.All of the current members of the Victoria USD 432 Board of Education were contacted for comment about the state report card. Some did not respond. The rest referred the Hays Post back to the superintendent for comment.The Hays Post contacted Victoria Superintendent Kimberly Woolf. She declined to comment for this story.The Hays Post sent questionnaires to all the candidates who are running for seats on the Victoria USD 432 school board.&nbsp;Candidates were asked what they think the school district should do to improve student test scores and academic performance."I don’t advocate for making testing easier, but instead for making teaching more effective. Effective teachers make the students better, and better students do better things," candidate Jake Hunter said.Candidate Haley Gagnon said, "The board should take heed of the teachers's suggestions and concerns when it comes to these issues because they are the ones with the education and experience to lead our students to academic success."&nbsp;Candidate Tammy Lee Schumacher said, "A major requirement is hiring more paras&nbsp;per capita of students in our school system, especially to support those children that have special scholastic needs."Not all candidates returned responses to the Hays Post questionnaire. Links to responses for those who did are below.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/59c70adf-b54c-4c33-85be-44c10e7d6af2">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Gregory Sander</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3308acd-0982-4e55-8fa4-678d8f2568af">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Matt Orr</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b2209a41-cbd4-4d63-a87c-c7617ad4a02f">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Terry Dinkel</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c3a5c688-2db2-40c2-a2d9-c3b584501c9d">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Janea Dinkel</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e2623634-577d-4c48-8273-1a211292b447">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Tammy Lichter</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/af7c4939-32d8-46b0-a9be-fd97da4cea92">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Haley Gagnon</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/0d3c7f07-6255-4d75-801f-73a1f45b8c63">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Jake Hunter</a><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/b6a0cac8-db01-44d4-90bc-5c6c6800c847">RELATED STORY: Victoria USD 432 BOE candidate: Tammy Lee Schumacher</a>Other candidates who will appear on the ballot include&nbsp;Brenton Hoffman,&nbsp;Douglas Kuh and&nbsp;Morgan Pfeifer.&nbsp;Election Day is Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.To find your polling location,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/432/Polling-Site-Locations">click here</a>.