By BECKY KISER Hays Post

College students intermingled with community members at Thursday evening's town hall meeting to hear about the dangers of fentanyl and its impact on Kansas and Ellis County.&nbsp;

"It's a sad reality that there is no community in our state, that there is no demographic in Kansas that is immune from fentanyl," said Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

Mattivi, a former paramedic and prosecutor appointed in January by Gov. Laura Kelly, was the keynote speaker for the meeting hosted by High Plains Mental Health Center at Fort Hays State University.

"We have a very senior, very experienced agent at the KBI who woke up one morning to discover his 18-year-old son dead from an overdose of fentanyl," Mattivi said. "I tell you this because he wants to share his tragedy with Kansans. He wants you to become educated about the problem."

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain, according to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine; two milligrams is a fatal dose of fentanyl.

Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally-made fentanyl. It's sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect.

About three years ago, the fentanyl was coming from China. 

"We know the precursor chemicals are now being sent from China and India to Mexico," Mattivi said. "The drug cartels are manufacturing the fentanyl in Mexico - in pills, powders and liquids - and it's being brought into the U.S. across our southern border and it's being distributed from there through all the historical cartel supply lines."&nbsp;

It's the most profitable drug our society has ever seen, he said.

"In January, a fentanyl pill cost $20 to $30. We made a KBI purchase this week for $2.50 a pill, and it's getting cheaper.

"The cartels are trying to addict users, not kill them."&nbsp;

Dr. Steve Waring, who leads the Hays Medical Center Opioid Task Force, and Dr. Lee Smith, High Plains Mental Health psychiatry specialist, talked about the effects of fentanyl on the body, and how to obtain and use Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an overdose. Known as Narcan, the over-the-counter nasal spray is readily available and can be used on anyone.&nbsp;

Several of the night's speakers encouraged people, especially teens and young adults, to keep Narcan on their person.&nbsp;

Even with targeted enforcement efforts to combat fentanyl and to interrupt its trafficking, Mattivi said "we are not going to be able to enforce our way out of this problem."

"We have to educate. We need the public's help.&nbsp;

"We have to educate our kids. We need parents to understand how dangerous this is for their kids. We need them to understand how it's getting out there to the kids - that social media is being used to distribute fentanyl.

"This really does need to be a call on society response to this epidemic."

Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun asked for "the eyes and ears of young people particularly. You're out there. You see this stuff.

"Report it to someone who can make a difference. One life taken is too much."

Both the sheriff and police departments have anonymous crime tipping resources on their respective web sites.&nbsp;

Fentanyl is available in many different forms, and mixed with other illegal drugs including&nbsp;crack cocaine and  methamphetamine. It's even being sprayed on marijuana.

"We had someone in Kansas who died smoking a joint that they didn't know was laced with fentanyl," Mattivi said.

The drug is also sold in pill form as pure fentanyl.

"And then, tragically, we're seeing it mixed in with other (prescribed) drugs where you really wouldn't expect it like Percocet, or Adderall, or Xanax.

"So, if a young person takes a pill that they didn't get from a pharmacist, there's no way of knowing that there's not fentanyl in that pill."

The KBI recently formed the Joint Fentanyl Impact Team in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol and several federal partners.

"We're going after every modality by which fentanyl can be trafficked into and through our state," Mattivi said.

"The Highway Patrol has historically done a wonderful job of highway interdiction, which means intercepting the loads that are being transported on the highway but we need to go beyond that.

"We're gonna go after motor carriers. We believe they're transporting fentanyl on buses,&nbsp;on rail, by air, by package shipments."

Sitting at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Highway U.S. 183, Hays is located in the midst of a favored drug traffic corridor, Mattivi said.&nbsp;

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler has previously said that counterfeit pills and fentanyl are the biggest drug threat in the community and that overdoses and deaths are occurring in Hays.

In Kansas, it is now a felony to cause a drug death by illegal distribution of that drug.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695396780016.png" alt="Courtesy Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostCollege students intermingled with community members at Thursday evening's town hall meeting to hear about the dangers of fentanyl and its impact on Kansas and Ellis County.&nbsp;"It's a sad reality that there is no community in our state, that there is no demographic in Kansas that is immune from fentanyl," said Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;Mattivi, a former paramedic and prosecutor appointed in January by Gov. Laura Kelly, was the keynote speaker for the meeting hosted by High Plains Mental Health Center at Fort Hays State University."It's even hit the KBI," he said."We have a very senior, very experienced agent at the KBI who woke up one morning to discover his 18-year-old son dead from an overdose of fentanyl," Mattivi said. "I tell you this because he wants to share his tragedy with Kansans. He wants you to become educated about the problem."Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain, according to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine; two milligrams is a fatal dose of fentanyl.Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally-made fentanyl. It's sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W73wJNaxDX4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>About three years ago, the fentanyl was coming from China. "We know the precursor chemicals are now being sent from China and India to Mexico," Mattivi said. "The drug cartels are manufacturing the fentanyl in Mexico - in pills, powders and liquids - and it's being brought into the U.S. across our southern border and it's being distributed from there through all the historical cartel supply lines."&nbsp;It's the most profitable drug our society has ever seen, he said."In January, a fentanyl pill cost $20 to $30. We made a KBI purchase this week for $2.50 a pill, and it's getting cheaper."The cartels are trying to addict users, not kill them."&nbsp;Dr. Steve Waring, who leads the Hays Medical Center Opioid Task Force, and Dr. Lee Smith, High Plains Mental Health psychiatry specialist, talked about the effects of fentanyl on the body, and how to obtain and use Naloxone, a medication that can reverse an overdose. Known as Narcan, the over-the-counter nasal spray is readily available and can be used on anyone.&nbsp;Several of the night's speakers encouraged people, especially teens and young adults, to keep Narcan on their person.&nbsp;Even with targeted enforcement efforts to combat fentanyl and to interrupt its trafficking, Mattivi said "we are not going to be able to enforce our way out of this problem.""We have to educate. We need the public's help.&nbsp;"We have to educate our kids. We need parents to understand how dangerous this is for their kids. We need them to understand how it's getting out there to the kids - that social media is being used to distribute fentanyl."This really does need to be a call on society response to this epidemic."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695439397800.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun talks about the emerging public health crisis of fentanyl during Thursday's fentanyl town hall meeting in Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun talks about the emerging public health crisis of fentanyl during Thursday's fentanyl town hall meeting in Hays. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun asked for "the eyes and ears of young people particularly. You're out there. You see this stuff. "Report it to someone who can make a difference. One life taken is too much."Both the sheriff and police departments have anonymous crime tipping resources on their respective web sites.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695396626659.jpeg" alt="The audience listens to Bob Duffy, coordinator of the Fort Hays State University Drug and Alcohol Wellness Network. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The audience listens to Bob Duffy, coordinator of the Fort Hays State University Drug and Alcohol Wellness Network. Photo and video by Becky Kiser/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Fentanyl is available in many different forms, and mixed with other illegal drugs including&nbsp;crack cocaine and methamphetamine. It's even being sprayed on marijuana."We had someone in Kansas who died smoking a joint that they didn't know was laced with fentanyl," Mattivi said.The drug is also sold in pill form as pure fentanyl."And then, tragically, we're seeing it mixed in with other (prescribed) drugs where you really wouldn't expect it like Percocet, or Adderall, or Xanax."So, if a young person takes a pill that they didn't get from a pharmacist, there's no way of knowing that there's not fentanyl in that pill."The KBI recently formed the Joint Fentanyl Impact Team in collaboration with the Kansas Highway Patrol and several federal partners."We're going after every modality by which fentanyl can be trafficked into and through our state," Mattivi said."The Highway Patrol has historically done a wonderful job of highway interdiction, which means intercepting the loads that are being transported on the highway but we need to go beyond that."We're gonna go after motor carriers. We believe they're transporting fentanyl on buses,&nbsp;on rail, by air, by package shipments."Sitting at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Highway U.S. 183, Hays is located in the midst of a favored drug traffic corridor, Mattivi said.&nbsp;Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler has previously said that counterfeit pills and fentanyl are the biggest drug threat in the community and that overdoses and deaths are occurring in Hays.In Kansas, it is now a felony to cause a drug death by illegal distribution of that drug.

🎥 KBI director: 'No community in Kansas is immune from fentanyl epidemic'

Living Well Wednesday will begin its fall series in October. It will be the first Wednesday of the month at 12:10 p.m. 

Here is the amazing line up for October 2023-December 2023:

October 4: It's not so Kool to JUUL

Vaping is the new epidemic among youth. Twenty-five percent of Kansas high school students currently vape or have vaped. What do we know about vaping? What does it look like and who is behind this epidemic and why? So, how can we help educate the public and youth? We have learned many things about vaping in the past few years, it causes depression, is very addictive, and hard to quit. Kansas has several programs that are available to help combat this vaping problem among our youth. These topics will be discussed as well as the work going on in prevention.

Presenter: Donna Gerstner, LiveWell Finney County CDRR Grant Coordinator and the E- Cig Prevention Grant Coordinator

November 1: Teen Stress and Anxiety: How Worried Do Parents Need to Be?

This program will examine the current state of teen mental health and decipher for parents what is normal teen stress versus when professional help maybe needed. Parents want to say the right thing when their child talks about their stresses, but sometimes it is hard to find the words. This will give parents scripts and strategies to talk about these tricky topics. Christy Perez, a licensed clinical counselor, will be available to answer any of those hard questions parents may have.

Presenters: • Christine D. Perez, EdS, LCPC; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Director of Crisis Services @ Crawford County Mental Health Center •&nbsp;&nbsp;Erin Tynon, M.S in Family Life Education and Consultation; Family Consumer Science Agent, Pottawatomie County

December 6: Rapid Development of Baby Brains and Why it Matters

Offered in Spanish on Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m.

This session will describe the importance of early experiences for babies because of their rapid brain development. Discuss the effects of stress and trauma on brain development and actions that provide protective factors for healthy brain development in babies.

Presenters: • Dr. Bradford Wiles, Kansas State University Child Development Specialist • Monique Koerner, Community Wellness Extension Agent, Cottonwood District •&nbsp; Tristen Cope, Family and Youth Development Agent, Chisholm Trail District Presenter for Spanish: • Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Family Life &amp; Resource Management Agent, Sedgwick County

We are hoping to reach parents of all ages and those that interact with youth. Spanish versions will also be available through a live webinar on December 7; other topics will be offered through prerecording with links posted on website: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/</a>

Mark your calendars and join us! If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me.

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/2022/11/1668522176561.png" 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>Living Well Wednesday will begin its fall series in October. It will be the first Wednesday of the month at 12:10 p.m. Here is the amazing line up for October 2023-December 2023:October 4: It's not so Kool to JUULVaping is the new epidemic among youth. Twenty-five percent of Kansas high school students currently vape or have vaped. What do we know about vaping? What does it look like and who is behind this epidemic and why? So, how can we help educate the public and youth? We have learned many things about vaping in the past few years, it causes depression, is very addictive, and hard to quit. Kansas has several programs that are available to help combat this vaping problem among our youth. These topics will be discussed as well as the work going on in prevention.Presenter: Donna Gerstner, LiveWell Finney County CDRR Grant Coordinator and the E- Cig Prevention Grant CoordinatorNovember 1: Teen Stress and Anxiety: How Worried Do Parents Need to Be?This program will examine the current state of teen mental health and decipher for parents what is normal teen stress versus when professional help maybe needed. Parents want to say the right thing when their child talks about their stresses, but sometimes it is hard to find the words. This will give parents scripts and strategies to talk about these tricky topics. Christy Perez, a licensed clinical counselor, will be available to answer any of those hard questions parents may have.Presenters: • Christine D. Perez, EdS, LCPC; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Director of Crisis Services @ Crawford County Mental Health Center •&nbsp;&nbsp;Erin Tynon, M.S in Family Life Education and Consultation; Family Consumer Science Agent, Pottawatomie County December 6: Rapid Development of Baby Brains and Why it MattersOffered in Spanish on Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m.This session will describe the importance of early experiences for babies because of their rapid brain development. Discuss the effects of stress and trauma on brain development and actions that provide protective factors for healthy brain development in babies.Presenters: • Dr. Bradford Wiles, Kansas State University Child Development Specialist • Monique Koerner, Community Wellness Extension Agent, Cottonwood District •&nbsp; Tristen Cope, Family and Youth Development Agent, Chisholm Trail District Presenter for Spanish: • Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena, Family Life &amp; Resource Management Agent, Sedgwick County We are hoping to reach parents of all ages and those that interact with youth. Spanish versions will also be available through a live webinar on December 7; other topics will be offered through prerecording with links posted on website: <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/fcs/livingwellwed/</a>Mark your calendars and join us! If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me.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: Living Well Wednesday virtual learning series starts in Oct.

GREAT BEND — Barton Community College President Dr. Carl Heilman announced his intent to retire during the College’s Board of Trustees study session Sept. 12. Heilman will retire effective June 30, 2024.

Heilman has served as the college's fifth president for over 17 years, beginning his tenure in July of 2006. 

Under his leadership, a focus on new and diverse programming and affordable, accessible options for all students established his commitment to students and the communities the college serves.

“My service to the College has been a highlight of my career,” Heilman said. “There is still much to accomplish, and I look forward to continuing to guide progress for the next nine months while also paving the way for new leadership to move forward.”

Prior to serving Barton, Heilman was campus president for Lincoln Trail College – Illinois Eastern Community College District; vice president for student services and then vice-president for instruction and student services at Northland Pioneer College in Arizona; and chairperson/faculty, Iowa Lakes Community College in Iowa.&nbsp;

The board will begin the process of searching for Heilman’s successor in the coming months. Further details of the search will be available at the upcoming board meeting on Sept. 26, along with regular updates throughout the process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694556719371.jpeg" alt="Carl Heilman" />
 <figcaption>Carl Heilman</figcaption>
 </figure>BCCGREAT BEND — Barton Community College President Dr. Carl Heilman announced his intent to retire during the College’s Board of Trustees study session Sept. 12. Heilman will retire effective June 30, 2024.Heilman has served as the college's fifth president for over 17 years, beginning his tenure in July of 2006. Under his leadership, a focus on new and diverse programming and affordable, accessible options for all students established his commitment to students and the communities the college serves.“My service to the College has been a highlight of my career,” Heilman said. “There is still much to accomplish, and I look forward to continuing to guide progress for the next nine months while also paving the way for new leadership to move forward.”Prior to serving Barton, Heilman was campus president for Lincoln Trail College – Illinois Eastern Community College District; vice president for student services and then vice-president for instruction and student services at Northland Pioneer College in Arizona; and chairperson/faculty, Iowa Lakes Community College in Iowa.&nbsp;The board will begin the process of searching for Heilman’s successor in the coming months. Further details of the search will be available at the upcoming board meeting on Sept. 26, along with regular updates throughout the process.

Barton Community College president announces retirement

The general target date for planting wheat for optimum grain yields in Kansas is within a week of the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. If forage production is the primary goal, earlier planting (mid-September) can increase forage yield. However, if grain yield is the primary goal, then waiting until the BPMP date to start planting is the best approach 

Planting in mid-September is ideal for dual-purpose wheat systems where forage yields need to be maximized while reducing the effects of early planting on reduced grain yields. However, due to the current dry conditions, coupled with the outlook of continued drought in Kansas, planting wheat for dual-purpose or for forage only does not seem like a viable option this year.

While the BPMP planting date on wheat yield will hold true for most years, they will largely depend on environmental conditions and disease pressure during the growing season.

 In some years, earlier-planted wheat does best and in some years the later-planted wheat does best, and these year-specific performances usually relate to the weather experienced in the fall and spring. For instance, early-planted fields in growing seasons with a warm fall might produce excessive biomass that will use an excessive amount of water during the fall. If the following spring is dry, soil water deficit during grain filling then can reduce grain yield. Conversely, a warm fall would favor tillering of a later-planted wheat crop, helping to compensate for this delay. 

The opposite is also true: in years with an early onset of cold temperatures during the fall, an earlier planted crop might perform better than a later-planted crop due to its ability to produce enough fall tillers to maximize grain yield. 

Research was conducted by Merle Witt with late-sown wheat in Garden City from 1985 through 1991. Averaged across all these years, delaying wheat sowing from October 1 to November 1 delayed heading date by 6 days and decreased wheat yields by 23%. The grain-filling period was progressively shortened by about 1.7 days and occurred under hotter temperatures (about 1.5°F) for every month of delay in sowing date.

In dry years, seedling emergence and stand establishment can be uneven. These dry conditions can also lead to poor crown root development and fall tillering. If fields become too wet to plant by mid-October and stay that way through the remainder of the fall, then producers end up planting much later than the optimum planting date.

 Following an unusual year, producers will often start planting earlier than the recommended date if soil conditions are good because the negative consequences of adverse conditions are fresh on their minds. However, planting early also increases the risk of other production problems including multiple diseases, insect pests, weed infestations, and undesirable growth of the crop, to name a few. 

To read the full article of the many risks associated with early planting and to see accompanying tables with other information related to this article (recommended planting dates, etc.) go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.

In summary, early sowing of wheat can lead to several problems, from increased chances of insect or mite-transmitted viral diseases to decreased emergence due to high temperatures and&nbsp;its consequences on wheat germination of particular varieties and reduced coleoptile length. 

Ideally, growers should consider planting around the optimum window; but, if planting early due to moisture availability or a dual-purpose system, growers should consider selecting wheat varieties with tolerance to the major yield-reducing factors in their respective region. Growers should strongly consider a seed treatment with both fungicides and insecticides if planting wheat early in Kansas.

Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The general target date for planting wheat for optimum grain yields in Kansas is within a week of the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. If forage production is the primary goal, earlier planting (mid-September) can increase forage yield. However, if grain yield is the primary goal, then waiting until the BPMP date to start planting is the best approach Planting in mid-September is ideal for dual-purpose wheat systems where forage yields need to be maximized while reducing the effects of early planting on reduced grain yields. However, due to the current dry conditions, coupled with the outlook of continued drought in Kansas, planting wheat for dual-purpose or for forage only does not seem like a viable option this year.While the BPMP planting date on wheat yield will hold true for most years, they will largely depend on environmental conditions and disease pressure during the growing season. In some years, earlier-planted wheat does best and in some years the later-planted wheat does best, and these year-specific performances usually relate to the weather experienced in the fall and spring. For instance, early-planted fields in growing seasons with a warm fall might produce excessive biomass that will use an excessive amount of water during the fall. If the following spring is dry, soil water deficit during grain filling then can reduce grain yield. Conversely, a warm fall would favor tillering of a later-planted wheat crop, helping to compensate for this delay. The opposite is also true: in years with an early onset of cold temperatures during the fall, an earlier planted crop might perform better than a later-planted crop due to its ability to produce enough fall tillers to maximize grain yield. Research was conducted by Merle Witt with late-sown wheat in Garden City from 1985 through 1991. Averaged across all these years, delaying wheat sowing from October 1 to November 1 delayed heading date by 6 days and decreased wheat yields by 23%. The grain-filling period was progressively shortened by about 1.7 days and occurred under hotter temperatures (about 1.5°F) for every month of delay in sowing date.In dry years, seedling emergence and stand establishment can be uneven. These dry conditions can also lead to poor crown root development and fall tillering. If fields become too wet to plant by mid-October and stay that way through the remainder of the fall, then producers end up planting much later than the optimum planting date. Following an unusual year, producers will often start planting earlier than the recommended date if soil conditions are good because the negative consequences of adverse conditions are fresh on their minds. However, planting early also increases the risk of other production problems including multiple diseases, insect pests, weed infestations, and undesirable growth of the crop, to name a few. To read the full article of the many risks associated with early planting and to see accompanying tables with other information related to this article (recommended planting dates, etc.) go to <a href="https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/">www.cottonwood.ksu.edu</a>.In summary, early sowing of wheat can lead to several problems, from increased chances of insect or mite-transmitted viral diseases to decreased emergence due to high temperatures and&nbsp;its consequences on wheat germination of particular varieties and reduced coleoptile length. Ideally, growers should consider planting around the optimum window; but, if planting early due to moisture availability or a dual-purpose system, growers should consider selecting wheat varieties with tolerance to the major yield-reducing factors in their respective region. Growers should strongly consider a seed treatment with both fungicides and insecticides if planting wheat early in Kansas.Stacy Campbell is a crop production extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension.&nbsp;

CAMPBELL: Be cautious of planting wheat too early   

<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/2023/9/1695412936694.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

TMP-Marian (3-0, 3-0 MCL) at Scott City (2-1, 1-0 GWAC) Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m. Scott City, Kan. – O.L. Darner Field Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595455">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Scott City Friday night
for a matchup of a pair of old Mid-States Activities Association rivals.

The Monarchs have won three straight games to start the
season and are looking for their first four-game win streak since 2003. 

Scott City is looking to rebound from their first loss of
the season last week.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at O.L. Darner Field Lewis Field
in Scott City. Live coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.

The Beavers has won nine straight over TMP and lead the
all-time series 17-7-1 with the first game played between the two programs in
1940 (0-0).

The TMP victory over the Beavers came in the 2003 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian (3-0, 3-0 MCL) at Scott City (2-1, 1-0 GWAC) Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m. Scott City, Kan. – O.L. Darner Field Radio:&nbsp;KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;Monarchs Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595455">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Scott City Friday night
for a matchup of a pair of old Mid-States Activities Association rivals.The Monarchs have won three straight games to start the
season and are looking for their first four-game win streak since 2003. Scott City is looking to rebound from their first loss of
the season last week.Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at O.L. Darner Field Lewis Field
in Scott City. Live coverage includes The Monarchs Sports Network and radio.The Beavers has won nine straight over TMP and lead the
all-time series 17-7-1 with the first game played between the two programs in
1940 (0-0).The TMP victory over the Beavers came in the 2003 season.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595455?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 TMP renews old rivarly at Scott City

Garden City (2-1, 0-0 WAC) at Hays High (2-1, 1-0 WAC) Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595464">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians return home Friday night for a key Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Garden City Buffaloes.

The Indians are looking to rebound from their first loss of the season while the Buffaloes have won two straight.&nbsp;

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field in Hays. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.

For Hays, this is the third most played series with game
number 63 on the way. Garden City leads the series 34-28…with the Indians
winning two of the last three. Prior to 2020 though Garden City had won five
straight games. 25 of the 62 games have been decided by one
possession…including five of the last six. 

The two first started matching up in 1958 (a game Hays won
27-0) and played until 1973. The series was picked up again in 1977 and has
been played ever since. 

The most successful streak Hays ever had against Garden City
was from 1977 through 1987 when the Indians won 10 of 11 games. 

This series sits three games ahead of Larned and four in
front of Russell. The Indians last played Larned in 1991 and lead the series
36-21-2 in 59&nbsp; games and last competed
against Russell in 1986. Hays is ahead in that series with the Broncos
33-20-4…with one result not found.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Garden City (2-1, 0-0 WAC) at Hays High (2-1, 1-0 WAC) Friday, September 22 - 7 p.m. Hays, Kan. – Lewis Field Radio:&nbsp;KFIX (96.9)&nbsp;<a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;Hays High Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595464">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians return home Friday night for a key Western Athletic Conference matchup with the Garden City Buffaloes.The Indians are looking to rebound from their first loss of the season while the Buffaloes have won two straight.&nbsp;Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Lewis Field in Hays. Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and radio.For Hays, this is the third most played series with game
number 63 on the way. Garden City leads the series 34-28…with the Indians
winning two of the last three. Prior to 2020 though Garden City had won five
straight games. 25 of the 62 games have been decided by one
possession…including five of the last six. The two first started matching up in 1958 (a game Hays won
27-0) and played until 1973. The series was picked up again in 1977 and has
been played ever since. The most successful streak Hays ever had against Garden City
was from 1977 through 1987 when the Indians won 10 of 11 games. This series sits three games ahead of Larned and four in
front of Russell. The Indians last played Larned in 1991 and lead the series
36-21-2 in 59&nbsp; games and last competed
against Russell in 1986. Hays is ahead in that series with the Broncos
33-20-4…with one result not found.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/595464?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏈🎥 Indians return home for WAC showdown with Garden City

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hays-high" target="_blank">Hays High</a> StuCo president Brin and vice-president Addie discuss StuCo and Homecoming preparations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Hays High StuCo helps with Homecoming" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=z44ju-14b130d-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd489.com/o/hays-high" target="_blank">Hays High</a> StuCo president Brin and vice-president Addie discuss StuCo and Homecoming preparations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays High StuCo helps with Homecoming

TOPEKA — Four Kansas elementary schools have been designated 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona announced Sept. 19.

The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement, according to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.

There were 353 schools across the country designated as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including the four in Kansas.

Kansas schools that received the designation are&nbsp;Valley Heights Elementary School,&nbsp;Valley Heights Unified School District 498;&nbsp;Lakeside Elementary School,&nbsp;Waconda USD 272, Cawker City;&nbsp;Edgerton Elementary School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231; and&nbsp;Roesland Elementary School,&nbsp;Shawnee Mission USD 512.

The Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Schools are recognized on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.

Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among the state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students.

Schools nominated for the Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools must complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture, philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures and parent and community involvement.

In the Exemplary High-Performing Category, schools are recognized for being among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

All Kansas schools were recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.

Now in its 40th&nbsp;year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has presented about 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards.

In Kansas, 145 (137 public and eight private schools) have been designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools since the program’s inception in 1983.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215293223.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KS Dept. of EducationTOPEKA — Four Kansas elementary schools have been designated 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona announced Sept. 19.The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement, according to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.There were 353 schools across the country designated as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including the four in Kansas.Kansas schools that received the designation are&nbsp;Valley Heights Elementary School,&nbsp;Valley Heights Unified School District 498;&nbsp;Lakeside Elementary School,&nbsp;Waconda USD 272, Cawker City;&nbsp;Edgerton Elementary School, Gardner Edgerton USD 231; and&nbsp;Roesland Elementary School,&nbsp;Shawnee Mission USD 512.The Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Schools are recognized on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among the state’s highest-performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students.Schools nominated for the Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools must complete an extensive narrative application describing their school culture, philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures and parent and community involvement.In the Exemplary High-Performing Category, schools are recognized for being among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.All Kansas schools were recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.Now in its 40th&nbsp;year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has presented about 10,000 awards to more than 9,700 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards.In Kansas, 145 (137 public and eight private schools) have been designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools since the program’s inception in 1983.

Cawker City elementary school named National Blue Ribbon School   

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced the members of his 2023 Service Academy Selection Board. The board will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to the U.S. Service Academies.

Applicants will be interviewed by the selection board on Saturday, September 30, at Wichita State University. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“Nominating Kansas students to attend our service academies is one of my greatest honors as a U.S. Senator, and I appreciate the men and women who help with that selection by serving on the Service Academy Board,”&nbsp;said Moran. “The young Kansans applying for the academies demonstrate both academic success and a desire to dedicate their lives to serving their country. Thank you to the board for giving your time to invest in these students and the future of our country. I look forward to receiving the board’s recommendations.”

Sen. Moran’s 2023 Service Academy Selection Board:

· Lt. Col. (RET) Leslie Alford of Manhattan&nbsp;– Owner, Destiny Real Estate; U.S. Army veteran

·&nbsp; Judy Bauer of Leavenworth&nbsp;– Vice President, Henry Leavenworth Chapter Association of the U.S. Army

· Christian Bishop of Manhattan&nbsp;– Military Relations Manager, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce

· Lt. Col. (RET) Bob Brock of Topeka&nbsp;– Director of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation; U.S. Air Force veteran

· Myca Bunch of Garden City&nbsp;– President, Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce; U.S. Air Force veteran

· Col. (RET) David Dennis of Wichita&nbsp;– Sedgwick County Commissioner; U.S. Air Force veteran

· Ardith Dunn, Ph.D., of Satanta –&nbsp;Retired&nbsp;K-12 school superintendent; Parent of USAFA graduate

· Darryl Kelly of Wichita&nbsp;– Wichita Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Exceptional Young Leader; U.S. Air Force veteran

· Lindsay King, Ph.D., of Wichita&nbsp;– Director of College and Career Readiness, Maize Career Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy graduate

· Ryan Kriegshauser of Olathe&nbsp;– Partner, Kriegshauser Ney Law Group, U.S. Navy Reserve

· Marri Krupco of Blue Mound&nbsp;– Former Commander, Kansas American Legion; U.S. Marine Corps veteran

· Karla Lees of Dodge City&nbsp;– President, Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce; U.S. Navy veteran

· Sara Lewis of Fairway&nbsp;– Former Naval Aviator and former U.S. Naval Academy Adjunct Professor; U.S. Naval Academy graduate

· Steve Martinez of Garden City&nbsp;– Undersheriff, Finney County; U.S. Army veteran

· Jennifer Mathes of Bartlett&nbsp;– Labette County Farm Bureau Board member; Parent of two sons in U.S. Service Academies

· Col. (RET) Dean Mitchell of Tonganoxie&nbsp;– Management Consultant, Burns &amp; McDonnell; U.S. Army veteran

·&nbsp;Halley Roberson of Oberlin&nbsp;– City Administrator, City of Oberlin; U.S. Army veteran

· Col. (RET) Frank Siltman of Topeka&nbsp;– Former U.S. Military Academy faculty member; U.S. Army veteran

· Ron Whitney of Emporia&nbsp;– American Legion member, Veterans of Foreign Wars member, U.S. Army veteran

· Calvin Wright of Hutchinson&nbsp;– Vice President/Chief Information Officer, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center; U.S. Air Force Veteran.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604316319893.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Sen. MoranWASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced the members of his 2023 Service Academy Selection Board. The board will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to the U.S. Service Academies.Applicants will be interviewed by the selection board on Saturday, September 30, at Wichita State University. The U.S. Service Academies include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.“Nominating Kansas students to attend our service academies is one of my greatest honors as a U.S. Senator, and I appreciate the men and women who help with that selection by serving on the Service Academy Board,”&nbsp;said Moran. “The young Kansans applying for the academies demonstrate both academic success and a desire to dedicate their lives to serving their country. Thank you to the board for giving your time to invest in these students and the future of our country. I look forward to receiving the board’s recommendations.”Sen. Moran’s 2023 Service Academy Selection Board:· Lt. Col. (RET) Leslie Alford of Manhattan&nbsp;– Owner, Destiny Real Estate; U.S. Army veteran·&nbsp; Judy Bauer of Leavenworth&nbsp;– Vice President, Henry Leavenworth Chapter Association of the U.S. Army· Christian Bishop of Manhattan&nbsp;– Military Relations Manager, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce· Lt. Col. (RET) Bob Brock of Topeka&nbsp;– Director of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation; U.S. Air Force veteran· Myca Bunch of Garden City&nbsp;– President, Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce; U.S. Air Force veteran· Col. (RET) David Dennis of Wichita&nbsp;– Sedgwick County Commissioner; U.S. Air Force veteran· Ardith Dunn, Ph.D., of Satanta –&nbsp;Retired&nbsp;K-12 school superintendent; Parent of USAFA graduate· Darryl Kelly of Wichita&nbsp;– Wichita Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Exceptional Young Leader; U.S. Air Force veteran· Lindsay King, Ph.D., of Wichita&nbsp;– Director of College and Career Readiness, Maize Career Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy graduate· Ryan Kriegshauser of Olathe&nbsp;– Partner, Kriegshauser Ney Law Group, U.S. Navy Reserve· Marri Krupco of Blue Mound&nbsp;– Former Commander, Kansas American Legion; U.S. Marine Corps veteran· Karla Lees of Dodge City&nbsp;– President, Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce; U.S. Navy veteran· Sara Lewis of Fairway&nbsp;– Former Naval Aviator and former U.S. Naval Academy Adjunct Professor; U.S. Naval Academy graduate· Steve Martinez of Garden City&nbsp;– Undersheriff, Finney County; U.S. Army veteran· Jennifer Mathes of Bartlett&nbsp;– Labette County Farm Bureau Board member; Parent of two sons in U.S. Service Academies· Col. (RET) Dean Mitchell of Tonganoxie&nbsp;– Management Consultant, Burns &amp; McDonnell; U.S. Army veteran·&nbsp;Halley Roberson of Oberlin&nbsp;– City Administrator, City of Oberlin; U.S. Army veteran· Col. (RET) Frank Siltman of Topeka&nbsp;– Former U.S. Military Academy faculty member; U.S. Army veteran· Ron Whitney of Emporia&nbsp;– American Legion member, Veterans of Foreign Wars member, U.S. Army veteran· Calvin Wright of Hutchinson&nbsp;– Vice President/Chief Information Officer, Hutchinson Regional Medical Center; U.S. Air Force Veteran.

Oberlin resident, veteran appointed to Sen. Moran's Service Academy Selection Board

PFEIFER — Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer will be hosting a mass to commemorate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 3:00 p.m. 

Bishop Jerry Vincke, Fr. Jim Moster and Fr. Reggie Urban will be concelebrants. Music will be provided by Trilogy. Seed wheat will be blessed. 

BBQ social following mass. Everyone is welcome.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695141160443.png" alt="Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer. Photo by Kansas Tourism" />
 <figcaption>Holy Cross Church, Pfeifer. Photo by Kansas Tourism</figcaption>
 </figure>PFEIFER — Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer will be hosting a mass to commemorate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 3:00 p.m. Bishop Jerry Vincke, Fr. Jim Moster and Fr. Reggie Urban will be concelebrants. Music will be provided by Trilogy. Seed wheat will be blessed. BBQ social following mass. Everyone is welcome.

Blessing of the wheat Sunday at Holy Cross Church in Pfeifer

NORTON COUNTY —Some area of northwest Kansas were under a&nbsp; tornado warning Thursday evening. The sheriff's office in Norton said there are no reports of damage and no confirmed tornado in the county.

Norton county did have winds over 50 miles per hour, large hail and over two inches of rain from the storm. The National Weather Service also issued a flash flood warning for&nbsp;Norton, Almena and  Dellvale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695386274193.png" alt="NWS image" />
 <figcaption>NWS image</figcaption>
 </figure>NORTON COUNTY —Some area of northwest Kansas were under a&nbsp; tornado warning Thursday evening. The sheriff's office in Norton said there are no reports of damage and no confirmed tornado in the county.Norton county did have winds over 50 miles per hour, large hail and over two inches of rain from the storm. The National Weather Service also issued a flash flood warning for&nbsp;Norton, Almena and Dellvale.

Strong winds, hail but no confirmed tornado in NW Kansas

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released its&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNlbnN1cy5nb3YvcHJvZ3JhbXMtc3VydmV5cy9hY3MvbmV3cy9kYXRhLXJlbGVhc2VzLzIwMjIvcmVsZWFzZS5odG1sI29uZXllYXIiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTIxLjgyOTU5ODMxIn0.z1aMR8a_3sVEFlg--K2BepgDDrI1guZ945uwDf3iyHA/s/1303161001/br/226596011466-l" target="_blank">American Community Survey one-year estimates</a>, indicating nearly 250,000 Kansans lack health insurance.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is determined to change that, despite the wall of opposition she's been up against, fronted by Republican leadership in the Kansas legislature.

The survey reflects data collected in 2022 to assess health insurance coverage rates across Kansas and the United States.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Kansas is one of just ten states that has not taken advantage of expansion. It is surrounded by states that have done so.

"That makes a lot of difference in where people are going to set up shop. Just getting affordable healthcare into the hands of working Kansans is incredibly important," Kelly said in a telephone interview with Hays Post. "But it's also what it will do for our economy, particularly in our rural communities.

"It's estimated it would create about 23,000 jobs if we were to expand Medicaid. It would bring millions, if not billions, of dollars back into the state."&nbsp;

By law, 90% of the costs to expand Medicaid would be funded by the federal government with the state providing 10% of funds to match.

"We've had 10 years now of opportunity to expand Medicaid, and in that time, we have left over $6.5 billion back in Washington, D.C., money paid in by Kansas taxpayers. That money is supposed to come back to Kansas. Instead, it's going to all the other different states that have expanded it.&nbsp;

"We're shooting ourselves in our foot by not getting this money back into our state," the governor said.

Kelly also referenced the worker shortage in Kansas. "By expanding Medicaid, you ensure that you'll have more healthy people who can work."

She said it would also save rural hospitals, which hugely influence the economy of many small western Kansas towns.&nbsp;

"We know that Medicaid expansion can sometimes make the difference between staying open and having to close.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We've had six or seven hospitals close in our rural areas close since Medicaid expansion became an option. And about 50% of our hospitals right now are really close and just hanging on.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We know from many, many visits to different hospitals that the one, or two, or three million dollars that Medicaid expansion would bring into those hospitals would make a world of difference in their ability to operate."&nbsp;

"If you're a physician, are you going to set up an office or clinic in a state that doesn't pay for Medicaid patients? Or are you just going to see them for nothing? I doubt it, not when you can go across the border and get reimbursed for that kind of stuff."

Kelly, a longtime supporter of Medicaid expansion dating back to when she was a state senator, said it would reduce costs for every Kansan.

On Wednesday, the governor announced that <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e18ec6bc-ec69-423e-b373-969360e19ee1">expanding Medicaid, known as KanCare, is her top priority</a> for the upcoming 2024 legislative session.

This fall, she will make stops around the state to hear from Kansans how Medicaid expansion would directly impact them.

"We've estimated around 75% of the people who don't have health insurance are working, but they're working in jobs like fast foods or a child care center or a nursing home, places where they work hourly and they don't have benefits.&nbsp;

"A lot of the people who would be covered by Medicare expansion are already working; in fact, most of them are.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Those who are not working could be for reasons such as they're taking care of an elderly parent or young child. They may have mental health issues.

"There will always be people who are not able to work who would benefit from Medicaid expansion," Kelly said, "but the vast majority are already working and don't have insurance."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695239791031.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, R-KS, announced Wednesday in Winfield&nbsp; at William Newton Hospital that expanding Medicaid is her number one priority in the upcoming legislative session. Photo courtesy Gov. Kelly's office." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, R-KS, announced Wednesday in Winfield&nbsp; at William Newton Hospital that expanding Medicaid is her number one priority in the upcoming legislative session. Photo courtesy Gov. Kelly's office.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe U.S. Census Bureau recently released its&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNlbnN1cy5nb3YvcHJvZ3JhbXMtc3VydmV5cy9hY3MvbmV3cy9kYXRhLXJlbGVhc2VzLzIwMjIvcmVsZWFzZS5odG1sI29uZXllYXIiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwOTIxLjgyOTU5ODMxIn0.z1aMR8a_3sVEFlg--K2BepgDDrI1guZ945uwDf3iyHA/s/1303161001/br/226596011466-l" target="_blank">American Community Survey one-year estimates</a>, indicating nearly 250,000 Kansans lack health insurance. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is determined to change that, despite the wall of opposition she's been up against, fronted by Republican leadership in the Kansas legislature.The survey reflects data collected in 2022 to assess health insurance coverage rates across Kansas and the United States.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas is one of just ten states that has not taken advantage of expansion. It is surrounded by states that have done so."That makes a lot of difference in where people are going to set up shop. Just getting affordable healthcare into the hands of working Kansans is incredibly important," Kelly said in a telephone interview with Hays Post. "But it's also what it will do for our economy, particularly in our rural communities."It's estimated it would create about 23,000 jobs if we were to expand Medicaid. It would bring millions, if not billions, of dollars back into the state."&nbsp;By law, 90% of the costs to expand Medicaid would be funded by the federal government with the state providing 10% of funds to match."We've had 10 years now of opportunity to expand Medicaid, and in that time, we have left over $6.5 billion back in Washington, D.C., money paid in by Kansas taxpayers. That money is supposed to come back to Kansas. Instead, it's going to all the other different states that have expanded it.&nbsp;"We're shooting ourselves in our foot by not getting this money back into our state," the governor said.Kelly also referenced the worker shortage in Kansas. "By expanding Medicaid, you ensure that you'll have more healthy people who can work."She said it would also save rural hospitals, which hugely influence the economy of many small western Kansas towns.&nbsp; "We know that Medicaid expansion can sometimes make the difference between staying open and having to close.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We've had six or seven hospitals close in our rural areas close since Medicaid expansion became an option. And about 50% of our hospitals right now are really close and just hanging on.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We know from many, many visits to different hospitals that the one, or two, or three million dollars that Medicaid expansion would bring into those hospitals would make a world of difference in their ability to operate."&nbsp;"If you're a physician, are you going to set up an office or clinic in a state that doesn't pay for Medicaid patients? Or are you just going to see them for nothing? I doubt it, not when you can go across the border and get reimbursed for that kind of stuff."Kelly, a longtime supporter of Medicaid expansion dating back to when she was a state senator, said it would reduce costs for every Kansan.On Wednesday, the governor announced that <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e18ec6bc-ec69-423e-b373-969360e19ee1">expanding Medicaid, known as KanCare, is her top priority</a> for the upcoming 2024 legislative session.This fall, she will make stops around the state to hear from Kansans how Medicaid expansion would directly impact them."We've estimated around 75% of the people who don't have health insurance are working, but they're working in jobs like fast foods or a child care center or a nursing home, places where they work hourly and they don't have benefits.&nbsp;"A lot of the people who would be covered by Medicare expansion are already working; in fact, most of them are.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Those who are not working could be for reasons such as they're taking care of an elderly parent or young child. They may have mental health issues."There will always be people who are not able to work who would benefit from Medicaid expansion," Kelly said, "but the vast majority are already working and don't have insurance."

Gov. Kelly: 'We're shooting ourselves in the foot' by not expanding Medicaid 

HaysMed’s annual drive-thru flu shot clinic has been scheduled for Sunday, September 24. The event will offer free flu shots for all residents older than six months. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It will be the 24th year the hospital has offered the community service, and approximately 3,500 people are expected to be vaccinated during the free clinic. The event is sponsored by the Hays Medical Center Foundation. 

While there is no cost for flu shots, participants are asked to bring a canned food item to benefit the Community Assistance Center.

People age 10 and up can receive their free flu shot without leaving their vehicles. HaysMed volunteers will direct traffic during the event. 

If you want to fill out the forms and bring them with you, please go to <a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu">haysmedfoundation.org/flu</a> and make copies to complete.

• Children 6 months through 9 years of age will be vaccinated on the west side of the Center for Health Improvement. Adults attending with children can also receive their shots in the same location.

• High-dose flu vaccine will not be available for 65 and over. The CDC has not expressed a preference for any flu vaccine indicated for people 65 years and older. It's most important for everyone to get the annual seasonal flu vaccine, whether it's a standard-dose or high-dose flu vaccine.

• There will be no nasal flu vaccine at the drive-thru flu shot clinic.

• There will be no egg free vaccines available at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. People with a severe egg allergy will need to contact their local healthcare provider for their flu vaccine. 

• No COVID vaccine available at the drive thru. The flu vaccine will contain no COVID booster.

More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to help with the event. HaysMed partners with Fort Hays State University and North Central Kansas Vo-Tech as both facilities provide students to help with the shots.

The vaccine also is available at HaysMed clinics for patients who are unable to attend the drive-thru flu shot event. Charges will apply at regular clinic visits, though the vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670421920356.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedHaysMed’s annual drive-thru flu shot clinic has been scheduled for Sunday, September 24. The event will offer free flu shots for all residents older than six months. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.It will be the 24th year the hospital has offered the community service, and approximately 3,500 people are expected to be vaccinated during the free clinic. The event is sponsored by the Hays Medical Center Foundation. While there is no cost for flu shots, participants are asked to bring a canned food item to benefit the Community Assistance Center.People age 10 and up can receive their free flu shot without leaving their vehicles. HaysMed volunteers will direct traffic during the event. If you want to fill out the forms and bring them with you, please go to <a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu">haysmedfoundation.org/flu</a> and make copies to complete.• Children 6 months through 9 years of age will be vaccinated on the west side of the Center for Health Improvement. Adults attending with children can also receive their shots in the same location.• High-dose flu vaccine will not be available for 65 and over. The CDC has not expressed a preference for any flu vaccine indicated for people 65 years and older. It's most important for everyone to get the annual seasonal flu vaccine, whether it's a standard-dose or high-dose flu vaccine.• There will be no nasal flu vaccine at the drive-thru flu shot clinic.• There will be no egg free vaccines available at the drive-thru flu shot clinic. People with a severe egg allergy will need to contact their local healthcare provider for their flu vaccine. • No COVID vaccine available at the drive thru. The flu vaccine will contain no COVID booster.More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to help with the event. HaysMed partners with Fort Hays State University and North Central Kansas Vo-Tech as both facilities provide students to help with the shots.The vaccine also is available at HaysMed clinics for patients who are unable to attend the drive-thru flu shot event. Charges will apply at regular clinic visits, though the vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans.

Drive-thru flu shots available Sunday at HaysMed

SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 466 officials are investigating a reported threat at the high school in Scott City, according to a statement from principal Matt Bayer released by the Scott City Police Department.

Police were notified and immediately began investigating. They determined the threat was not credible and did not believe there was any immediate danger to students and staff at the high school.

Law enforcement and school officials will continue to work together to maintain a safe environment for all students. There will continue to be a police presence at the school Friday to provide peace of mind for students and staff, according to Bayer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695338174658.png" alt="-Scott City High School-Google image" />
 <figcaption>-Scott City High School-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 466 officials are investigating a reported threat at the high school in Scott City, according to a statement from principal Matt Bayer released by the Scott City Police Department.Police were notified and immediately began investigating. They determined the threat was not credible and did not believe there was any immediate danger to students and staff at the high school.Law enforcement and school officials will continue to work together to maintain a safe environment for all students. There will continue to be a police presence at the school Friday to provide peace of mind for students and staff, according to Bayer.

School threat: Police presence continues at Scott City High School 

By ALICIA FEYERHERM <a href="https://tigermedianet.com/?p=73940">Tiger Media Network</a>

As the morning sun breaks through the trees on Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation (FLMR), Fort Hays State University graduate student Jacob Alexander picks up a Sherman trap and carefully removes a white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). Undergraduate student Isaac Fox documents species, sex, hind-foot and tail-length measurements before Alexander marks the specimen with a permanent marker and releases it back into the wild.&nbsp;

This is a typical morning for FHSU biology researchers at Fort Leavenworth. Through a partnership with the Department of Defense, this group conducted ecological surveys on the reservation over the summer. FLMR intends to construct a wetland in the lower Missouri River basin area, but before doing so, an inventory of species needs to be collected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s a really good opportunity for us to support some student research activity and also to help the Department of Defense meet the mandates they have to consider environmental impacts as they modify and use the resources on the military base,” FHSU Biology Professor Bill Stark said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The most recent records of reptiles and amphibians on base date back to the late 1930s and 1940s. The most recent mammal records are from the 1950s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Usually, you want to keep a five or ten-year cycle on documenting specimens,” Alexander said. “Timely monitoring makes it possible to identify changes that occur and allow us to investigate why the change occurred.”&nbsp;

Checking the 150 mammal traps is just the start of the researchers’ day. The group also installed arrays of pitfall traps to collect insects – which is Fox’s specialty.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’ve always been interested in entomology,” Fox said. “When I was 9 or 10, I got involved with 4-H entomology and from there, it just kind of snowballed.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The arrays are set up in areas with native vegetation as well as areas with non-native vegetation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“With pitfall traps, you can answer a lot of different questions,” Biology Instructor Nora Lazerus said. “It would be interesting to see if there’s differences in the diversity of insects in the native areas versus areas with invasive Bush Honeysuckle.”

After the insects are collected, they are transported back to Hays where Fox cleans, identifies and catalogs them in the collections in the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695072596661.png" alt="FHSU biology researchers conducted ecological surveys at the Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation over the summer through a partnership with the Department of Defense. Photo by Alicia Feyerherm" />
 <figcaption>FHSU biology researchers conducted ecological surveys at the Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation over the summer through a partnership with the Department of Defense. Photo by Alicia Feyerherm</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALICIA FEYERHERM <a href="https://tigermedianet.com/?p=73940">Tiger Media Network</a>As the morning sun breaks through the trees on Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation (FLMR), Fort Hays State University graduate student Jacob Alexander picks up a Sherman trap and carefully removes a white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). Undergraduate student Isaac Fox documents species, sex, hind-foot and tail-length measurements before Alexander marks the specimen with a permanent marker and releases it back into the wild.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695072968143.png" alt="FHSU graduate student Jacob Alexander holds a Sherman trap. These folding metal traps are used to catch mammals. Photo by Alicia Feyerherm" />
 <figcaption>FHSU graduate student Jacob Alexander holds a Sherman trap. These folding metal traps are used to catch mammals. Photo by Alicia Feyerherm</figcaption>
 </figure>This is a typical morning for FHSU biology researchers at Fort Leavenworth. Through a partnership with the Department of Defense, this group conducted ecological surveys on the reservation over the summer. FLMR intends to construct a wetland in the lower Missouri River basin area, but before doing so, an inventory of species needs to be collected.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s a really good opportunity for us to support some student research activity and also to help the Department of Defense meet the mandates they have to consider environmental impacts as they modify and use the resources on the military base,” FHSU Biology Professor Bill Stark said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The most recent records of reptiles and amphibians on base date back to the late 1930s and 1940s. The most recent mammal records are from the 1950s.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Usually, you want to keep a five or ten-year cycle on documenting specimens,” Alexander said. “Timely monitoring makes it possible to identify changes that occur and allow us to investigate why the change occurred.”&nbsp;Checking the 150 mammal traps is just the start of the researchers’ day. The group also installed arrays of pitfall traps to collect insects – which is Fox’s specialty.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I’ve always been interested in entomology,” Fox said. “When I was 9 or 10, I got involved with 4-H entomology and from there, it just kind of snowballed.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The arrays are set up in areas with native vegetation as well as areas with non-native vegetation.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With pitfall traps, you can answer a lot of different questions,” Biology Instructor Nora Lazerus said. “It would be interesting to see if there’s differences in the diversity of insects in the native areas versus areas with invasive Bush Honeysuckle.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695073047806.png" alt="FHSU undergraduate student Isaac Fox pins an insect to a Styrofoam board. After collecting insects at the military reservation, Fox cleans the specimens and picks the best ones to pin. Photo by Alicia Feyerherm" />
 <figcaption>FHSU undergraduate student Isaac Fox pins an insect to a Styrofoam board. After collecting insects at the military reservation, Fox cleans the specimens and picks the best ones to pin. Photo by Alicia Feyerherm</figcaption>
 </figure>After the insects are collected, they are transported back to Hays where Fox cleans, identifies and catalogs them in the collections in the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.&nbsp;The third part of the research is focused on herpetology. Through Visual Encounter Surveys, the researchers methodically walk through the forested areas looking for reptiles and amphibians.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695073189296.png" alt="Alexander uses a snake hook to turn over a log during a Visual Encounter Survey. Researchers conducted VES surveys to get a baseline understanding of the reptiles and amphibians currently on the military reservation. Photo by Alicia Feyerherm" />
 <figcaption>Alexander uses a snake hook to turn over a log during a Visual Encounter Survey. Researchers conducted VES surveys to get a baseline understanding of the reptiles and amphibians currently on the military reservation. Photo by Alicia Feyerherm</figcaption>
 </figure>“Then we can get a bit of an idea of what we want to do in the future,” Alexander said. “What we’ll probably end up doing is setting out coverboards.”&nbsp;These coverboards are large pieces of plywood that reptiles and amphibians like to crawl under. Once the coverboards are set out, the researchers can go back and flip the coverboards to see what is underneath.&nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on grant funding, the partnership between the FHSU Biology Department and Fort Leavenworth Military Reservation could continue for several years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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