TREGO COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Tuesday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Honda Civic driven by Amber Renee Linden, 32, Overland Park, was eastbound on Interstate 70 at Voda Road.

The car entered the south ditch and came to a rest on the passenger side.

EMS transported Linden and a passenger William Ezra Arjuna&nbsp;Blakeley to&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Tuesday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Honda Civic driven by Amber Renee Linden, 32, Overland Park, was eastbound on Interstate 70 at Voda Road.The car entered the south ditch and came to a rest on the passenger side.EMS transported Linden and a passenger William Ezra Arjuna&nbsp;Blakeley to&nbsp;Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas man, woman hospitalized after I-70 crash

Acclaimed Celtic fingerstyle guitarist&nbsp;Jerry Barlow&nbsp;is a virtuoso musician, a warm and accessible performer, and a world-class storyteller. His repertoire is composed of a synthesis of traditional music from the British Isles and his own original Celtic-inspired compositions. On Sunday, March 26, Jerry&nbsp;will perform a show of medieval Irish &amp; Scottish history and music called&nbsp;“Of Castles and Kings." This show will take place in the Sharon Springs High School Auditorium at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26. (2:00p.m. MT).

Barlow’s music transports the listener across time and space on an imaginary journey to a rustic Irish fishing village or the misty Scottish Highlands or an enchanted English forest. He shares the history, legend and humor behind the music, bringing the songs alive. His expressive arrangements have been described as “music to soothe the soul, warm the heart, and lift the spirit." 

This program is sponsored in part by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Admission is with season ticket, or at the door; Adults, $10, Students, $5. There will be a school performance the following Monday in Sharon Springs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678714352092.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WPAAAcclaimed Celtic fingerstyle guitarist&nbsp;Jerry Barlow&nbsp;is a virtuoso musician, a warm and accessible performer, and a world-class storyteller. His repertoire is composed of a synthesis of traditional music from the British Isles and his own original Celtic-inspired compositions. On Sunday, March 26, Jerry&nbsp;will perform a show of medieval Irish &amp; Scottish history and music called&nbsp;“Of Castles and Kings." This show will take place in the Sharon Springs High School Auditorium at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26. (2:00p.m. MT).Barlow’s music transports the listener across time and space on an imaginary journey to a rustic Irish fishing village or the misty Scottish Highlands or an enchanted English forest. He shares the history, legend and humor behind the music, bringing the songs alive. His expressive arrangements have been described as “music to soothe the soul, warm the heart, and lift the spirit." This program is sponsored in part by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. Admission is with season ticket, or at the door; Adults, $10, Students, $5. There will be a school performance the following Monday in Sharon Springs.

Celtic guitarist Jerry Barlow to perform in northwest Kansas

<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/2023/3/1678734049632.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

The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Tuesday in the area of Vine St. to Hall St. between 27th St. and 33rd St. 

This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually.

 Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. 

Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. 

The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617817711819.jpeg" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays Fire Dept.The Hays Fire Department will be inspecting and flow testing fire hydrants Tuesday in the area of Vine St. to Hall St. between 27th St. and 33rd St. This is part of a coordinated effort by the City of Hays to inspect all fire hydrants in the city and flush all water mains annually. Inspecting fire hydrants ensures that the valves operate properly and that there is no damage or obstructions that will prevent or interfere with the prompt use of fire hydrants in an emergency. Firefighters are also checking the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood for firefighting purposes. The associated flushing of water mains allows chlorine to be distributed throughout the system to eliminate bio-filming in the water mains. Slight discoloration of the water supply may be encountered although there will be no health risks to the consumer. All reasonable efforts will be taken to minimize the inconvenience to the public.

Hays FD continues work on fire hydrant inspections west of Vine

LAWRENCE — Average groundwater 
levels across western and south-central Kansas fell by nearly 2 feet in 
2022, according to preliminary data compiled by the Kansas Geological 
Survey.

The KGS, based at the University of Kansas, and the 
Division of Water Resources of the Kansas Department of 
Agriculture measure about 1,400 wells every year to monitor the health 
of the High Plains aquifer and other aquifers in western and 
south-central Kansas. Those measurements showed an overall average 
decline of 1.89 feet last year.

Most parts of the region saw 
well-below-average precipitation throughout the year. Some areas in 
Kansas were the driest ever based on historical records, some of which 
go back to the late 1800s. Dry years lead to increased pumping demands, 
primarily for irrigation, which in turn typically cause greater declines
 in water levels.

“We anticipated and saw declines pretty much 
across the aquifer,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager. 
“Because of the ongoing drought, the pumping season lasted a little 
longer this past year, and there were a notable number of wells pumping 
in January and February. As such, some of the measured declines will 
likely be slightly excessive given the aquifer didn’t have its normal 
time to recover.”

The overall average decline of 1.89 feet in 2022
 is the third largest in 25 years, on a par with the last notable dry 
years of 2011 (when water levels fell 1.93 feet) and 2012 (a decline of 
2.01 feet). It also marked the third straight year of overall declines. 
Overall levels fell 1 foot in 2021 and 0.89 feet in 2020. Both 2020 and 
2021 were abnormally dry years.

At the end of 2022, all 105 
counties in Kansas were under a drought watch, warning or emergency 
status. As of the end of February, the western and southern parts of the
 state covered by the groundwater monitoring program were experiencing 
severe to exceptional drought, according to U.S. Drought Monitor maps 
produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of 
Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The High Plains aquifer is
 a network of water-bearing rock that extends into eight states. In 
Kansas, the aquifer comprises three components — the Ogallala aquifer, 
the Great Bend Prairie aquifer and the Equus Beds. Of these, the 
Ogallala aquifer underlies most of western Kansas and consists mainly of
 the Ogallala Formation, a geologic unit that formed from sediment 
eroded off the uplifting Rocky Mountains.

Most of the wells in the
 network monitored by the KGS and DWR are within the boundaries of the 
state's five Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs), which are 
organized and governed by area landowners and local water users to 
address water-resources issues.

In Southwest Kansas GMD 3, average
 groundwater levels dropped 2.77 feet in 2022, following declines of 
2.08 feet in 2021 and 1.25 feet in 2020. The region experienced the most
 severe drought conditions in the state in 2022, with widespread areas 
receiving 50 to 75 percent of long-term precipitation averages.

“Precipitation,
 or the lack thereof this year, is just one variable that goes into 
water-level changes,” said Wilson. “Soil types, evaporation, water 
availability and a variety of aquifer conditions are all key factors in 
how water is used across our state. Southwest Kansas tends to have 
higher rates of decline but also has some of the greatest thicknesses in
 the aquifer.”

Aquifer thickness is the vertical amount of aquifer
 that is saturated with water and is an indicator of how much water is 
in storage.

GMD 3 includes all or part of Grant, Haskell, Gray, 
Finney, Stanton, Ford, Morton, Stevens, Seward, Hamilton, Kearny and 
Meade counties. Most of the wells monitored in the district are drilled 
into the Ogallala aquifer, except in a few areas where they can also 
draw from the deeper Dakota aquifer.

Western Kansas GMD 1 saw the 
smallest drop in 2022 groundwater levels at 1.27 feet. Levels fell 0.57 
feet in 2021 and 0.59 in 2020. GMD 1 includes portions of Wallace, 
Greeley, Wichita, Scott and Lane counties, where the majority of wells 
are drilled into the Ogallala aquifer.

“The aquifer in GMD 1 was 
never overly thick compared to areas north and south and was one of the 
first areas of the state to have large-capacity wells drilled in the 
1940s and ’50s. There have been a lot of water conservation activities 
occurring recently in GMD 1 in response to water levels in much of the 
district falling to a point that yields from wells have greatly 
diminished,” Wilson said.

Northwest Kansas GMD 4, which saw 
well-below-average precipitation in 2022, experienced a drop of 1.31 
feet in 2022 groundwater levels after declines of 0.53 feet in 2021 and 
0.70 feet in 2020. GMD 4 covers Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan and parts of 
Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Graham, Wallace, Logan and Gove counties. 
Groundwater there is pumped from the Ogallala aquifer and shallow 
alluvial sources associated with streams. Even the well-known Sheridan 6
 Local Enhanced Management Area, the first area of its kind of 
organized, local groundwater conservation efforts, struggled this year 
with larger water-level declines.

In contrast to the overall 
long-term declines observed in western Kansas GMDs, increases and 
decreases in water levels in Great Bend GMD 5 and Equus Beds GMD 2 in 
the south-central part of the state tend to even out over time. This 
year, however, both districts saw larger than normal decline rates.

Water
 levels in Big Bend GMD 5, centered on the Great Bend Prairie aquifer, 
fell 2.45 feet, the biggest drop in the district since 2011, a drought 
year, when levels fell 2.92 feet. GMD 5 levels declined 0.82 feet in 
2021 and 0.69 feet in 2020 but increased 1.75 feet in 2019.

GMD 5 includes Stafford and Pratt counties and parts of Barton, Pawnee, Edwards, Kiowa, Reno and Rice counties.

Equus
 Beds GMD 2, a major source of water for Wichita, Hutchinson and 
surrounding towns, saw a decline of 2.03 feet, its largest drop since 
2016, when levels fell 2.12 feet. Levels fell 0.13 feet in 2021 and 1.8 
feet in 2020. GMD 2 covers portions of Reno, Sedgwick, Harvey and 
McPherson counties.

“The aquifer in GMDs 2 and 5 tends to be 
closer to the land surface, the area receives progressively more 
precipitation as you move eastward, and much of it is covered by dune 
sand. So even though both districts had notable drops this year, the 
area has a much greater potential to recharge itself once the rains 
return,” Wilson said.

The KGS measured 615 wells in western 
Kansas, and DWR staff from field offices in Stockton, Garden City and 
Stafford measured 221, 263 and 350 wells, respectively, in western and 
south-central Kansas. Most of the wells, spread over 49 counties, are 
used for irrigation and have been measured for decades with landowners' 
permission.

Measurements are taken primarily in January, when 
water levels are least likely to fluctuate due to seasonal irrigation. 
The measurement results, available on the KGS&nbsp;<a href="https://geohydro.kgs.ku.edu/geohydro/wizard/" target="_blank">Water Well Levels web page</a>, are provisional and subject to revision based on additional analysis.

University of KansasLAWRENCE — Average groundwater 
levels across western and south-central Kansas fell by nearly 2 feet in 
2022, according to preliminary data compiled by the Kansas Geological 
Survey.The KGS, based at the University of Kansas, and the 
Division of Water Resources of the Kansas Department of 
Agriculture measure about 1,400 wells every year to monitor the health 
of the High Plains aquifer and other aquifers in western and 
south-central Kansas. Those measurements showed an overall average 
decline of 1.89 feet last year.Most parts of the region saw 
well-below-average precipitation throughout the year. Some areas in 
Kansas were the driest ever based on historical records, some of which 
go back to the late 1800s. Dry years lead to increased pumping demands, 
primarily for irrigation, which in turn typically cause greater declines
 in water levels.“We anticipated and saw declines pretty much 
across the aquifer,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager. 
“Because of the ongoing drought, the pumping season lasted a little 
longer this past year, and there were a notable number of wells pumping 
in January and February. As such, some of the measured declines will 
likely be slightly excessive given the aquifer didn’t have its normal 
time to recover.”The overall average decline of 1.89 feet in 2022
 is the third largest in 25 years, on a par with the last notable dry 
years of 2011 (when water levels fell 1.93 feet) and 2012 (a decline of 
2.01 feet). It also marked the third straight year of overall declines. 
Overall levels fell 1 foot in 2021 and 0.89 feet in 2020. Both 2020 and 
2021 were abnormally dry years.At the end of 2022, all 105 
counties in Kansas were under a drought watch, warning or emergency 
status. As of the end of February, the western and southern parts of the
 state covered by the groundwater monitoring program were experiencing 
severe to exceptional drought, according to U.S. Drought Monitor maps 
produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of 
Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.The High Plains aquifer is
 a network of water-bearing rock that extends into eight states. In 
Kansas, the aquifer comprises three components — the Ogallala aquifer, 
the Great Bend Prairie aquifer and the Equus Beds. Of these, the 
Ogallala aquifer underlies most of western Kansas and consists mainly of
 the Ogallala Formation, a geologic unit that formed from sediment 
eroded off the uplifting Rocky Mountains.Most of the wells in the
 network monitored by the KGS and DWR are within the boundaries of the 
state's five Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs), which are 
organized and governed by area landowners and local water users to 
address water-resources issues.In Southwest Kansas GMD 3, average
 groundwater levels dropped 2.77 feet in 2022, following declines of 
2.08 feet in 2021 and 1.25 feet in 2020. The region experienced the most
 severe drought conditions in the state in 2022, with widespread areas 
receiving 50 to 75 percent of long-term precipitation averages.“Precipitation,
 or the lack thereof this year, is just one variable that goes into 
water-level changes,” said Wilson. “Soil types, evaporation, water 
availability and a variety of aquifer conditions are all key factors in 
how water is used across our state. Southwest Kansas tends to have 
higher rates of decline but also has some of the greatest thicknesses in
 the aquifer.”Aquifer thickness is the vertical amount of aquifer
 that is saturated with water and is an indicator of how much water is 
in storage.GMD 3 includes all or part of Grant, Haskell, Gray, 
Finney, Stanton, Ford, Morton, Stevens, Seward, Hamilton, Kearny and 
Meade counties. Most of the wells monitored in the district are drilled 
into the Ogallala aquifer, except in a few areas where they can also 
draw from the deeper Dakota aquifer.Western Kansas GMD 1 saw the 
smallest drop in 2022 groundwater levels at 1.27 feet. Levels fell 0.57 
feet in 2021 and 0.59 in 2020. GMD 1 includes portions of Wallace, 
Greeley, Wichita, Scott and Lane counties, where the majority of wells 
are drilled into the Ogallala aquifer.“The aquifer in GMD 1 was 
never overly thick compared to areas north and south and was one of the 
first areas of the state to have large-capacity wells drilled in the 
1940s and ’50s. There have been a lot of water conservation activities 
occurring recently in GMD 1 in response to water levels in much of the 
district falling to a point that yields from wells have greatly 
diminished,” Wilson said.Northwest Kansas GMD 4, which saw 
well-below-average precipitation in 2022, experienced a drop of 1.31 
feet in 2022 groundwater levels after declines of 0.53 feet in 2021 and 
0.70 feet in 2020. GMD 4 covers Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan and parts of 
Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Graham, Wallace, Logan and Gove counties. 
Groundwater there is pumped from the Ogallala aquifer and shallow 
alluvial sources associated with streams. Even the well-known Sheridan 6
 Local Enhanced Management Area, the first area of its kind of 
organized, local groundwater conservation efforts, struggled this year 
with larger water-level declines.In contrast to the overall 
long-term declines observed in western Kansas GMDs, increases and 
decreases in water levels in Great Bend GMD 5 and Equus Beds GMD 2 in 
the south-central part of the state tend to even out over time. This 
year, however, both districts saw larger than normal decline rates.Water
 levels in Big Bend GMD 5, centered on the Great Bend Prairie aquifer, 
fell 2.45 feet, the biggest drop in the district since 2011, a drought 
year, when levels fell 2.92 feet. GMD 5 levels declined 0.82 feet in 
2021 and 0.69 feet in 2020 but increased 1.75 feet in 2019.GMD 5 includes Stafford and Pratt counties and parts of Barton, Pawnee, Edwards, Kiowa, Reno and Rice counties.Equus
 Beds GMD 2, a major source of water for Wichita, Hutchinson and 
surrounding towns, saw a decline of 2.03 feet, its largest drop since 
2016, when levels fell 2.12 feet. Levels fell 0.13 feet in 2021 and 1.8 
feet in 2020. GMD 2 covers portions of Reno, Sedgwick, Harvey and 
McPherson counties.“The aquifer in GMDs 2 and 5 tends to be 
closer to the land surface, the area receives progressively more 
precipitation as you move eastward, and much of it is covered by dune 
sand. So even though both districts had notable drops this year, the 
area has a much greater potential to recharge itself once the rains 
return,” Wilson said.The KGS measured 615 wells in western 
Kansas, and DWR staff from field offices in Stockton, Garden City and 
Stafford measured 221, 263 and 350 wells, respectively, in western and 
south-central Kansas. Most of the wells, spread over 49 counties, are 
used for irrigation and have been measured for decades with landowners' 
permission.Measurements are taken primarily in January, when 
water levels are least likely to fluctuate due to seasonal irrigation. 
The measurement results, available on the KGS&nbsp;<a href="https://geohydro.kgs.ku.edu/geohydro/wizard/" target="_blank">Water Well Levels web page</a>, are provisional and subject to revision based on additional analysis.

Groundwater levels fall across western, south-central Kansas

The TMP-Marian Monarchs took on the Moundridge Wildcats in the 2A state semifinals Thursday in Manhattan.

Due to KSHSAA regulations, Hays Post was not allowed to stream video of the game live. But you can watch the replay here!

You can also watch by clicking <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/544352">HERE</a>.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs took on the Moundridge Wildcats in the 2A state semifinals Thursday in Manhattan.Due to KSHSAA regulations, Hays Post was not allowed to stream video of the game live. But you can watch the replay here!<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/544352?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>You can also watch by clicking <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/544352">HERE</a>.

🏀🎥 REPLAY: Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Moundridge

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming events at the library.

<div><iframe title="Hays Public Library connects community through various events" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bruf2-13b6339-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Public Library communications coordinator Callie Kolacny shares information about upcoming events at the library.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Public Library connects community through various events

A Larned man was convicted on five counts of child sex crimes. Last Friday, a jury said 39-year-old Justin Hammond was guilty of five of the nine counts he faced.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred in Pawnee County between July 8, 2018, and December 15, 2018. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation following a referral by the Pawnee County Sheriff.

In a July 10, 2020, first appearance, Hammond was charged with five counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, to wit: sexual intercourse with a child 14 or 15 years of age; and three counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child, to wit; lewd fondling of a child 14 or 15 years of age.

Hammond turned himself in on July 10 to the Pawnee County Sheriff and was released from custody the same day after posting a $75,000 bond. Following the jury trial, Hammond was ordered to register as a sex offender, and he was remanded into the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff. He faces a presumptive prison sentence between 59 months and 247 months in prison at a later sentencing date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598462828879.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Larned man was convicted on five counts of child sex crimes. Last Friday, a jury said 39-year-old Justin Hammond was guilty of five of the nine counts he faced.The crimes are alleged to have occurred in Pawnee County between July 8, 2018, and December 15, 2018. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation following a referral by the Pawnee County Sheriff.In a July 10, 2020, first appearance, Hammond was charged with five counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, to wit: sexual intercourse with a child 14 or 15 years of age; and three counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child, to wit; lewd fondling of a child 14 or 15 years of age.Hammond turned himself in on July 10 to the Pawnee County Sheriff and was released from custody the same day after posting a $75,000 bond. Following the jury trial, Hammond was ordered to register as a sex offender, and he was remanded into the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff. He faces a presumptive prison sentence between 59 months and 247 months in prison at a later sentencing date.

Pawnee Co. jury convicts Larned man of child sex crimes

Expect a roller-coaster weather ride this week, the National Weather Service in Dodge City said.

With a high expected to be close to 40 on Monday, the mercury will rise to 60 Tuesday and is expected to jump to 70 on Wednesday. Winds will pick up both days, sustained at 18 to 24 mph and gusting nearly 40 mph.

In the early morning hours Thursday, a cold front will make its way to the area, bringing a slight chance of rain turning to snow into Thursday night.

The overnight low will drop to 20 degrees by Thursday night, the NWS said, a 50-degree drop from the Wednesday high.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678726590089.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Expect a roller-coaster weather ride this week, the National Weather Service in Dodge City said.With a high expected to be close to 40 on Monday, the mercury will rise to 60 Tuesday and is expected to jump to 70 on Wednesday. Winds will pick up both days, sustained at 18 to 24 mph and gusting nearly 40 mph.In the early morning hours Thursday, a cold front will make its way to the area, bringing a slight chance of rain turning to snow into Thursday night.The overnight low will drop to 20 degrees by Thursday night, the NWS said, a 50-degree drop from the Wednesday high.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A dramatic change in the weather is forecast Thursday. The warm Wednesday afternoon of temperatures in the 70s will be followed by wind chills in the 20s Thursday afternoon! Very strong north winds gusting over 50 mph appear likely along with light snow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/cOyfL2nrUM">pic.twitter.com/cOyfL2nrUM</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1635217767430516741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Wild temperature swings in store this week for NW. Kansas

TREGO COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 5 a.m. Monday in Trego County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota Camry driven by Paul R. Hunter, 23, Loveland, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 four miles west of Ellis.

The driver swerved to miss an animal in the roadway. The car entered the median and overturned.

EMS transported Hunter and a passenger Macy L.&nbsp;Carruthers, 23, Loveland, Colorado, to the Trego County Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

TREGO COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just before 5 a.m. Monday in Trego County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota Camry driven by Paul R. Hunter, 23, Loveland, Colorado, was eastbound on Interstate 70 four miles west of Ellis.The driver swerved to miss an animal in the roadway. The car entered the median and overturned.EMS transported Hunter and a passenger Macy L.&nbsp;Carruthers, 23, Loveland, Colorado, to the Trego County Hospital. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized after car overturns on I-70 

We are now in week 10 and running strong for first adjournment which will take place on April 6th. It seemed like the first few weeks were a little slow, as they usually are when we start a new biennium session but things are moving faster now. 

As of last Friday, the house has passed 114 bills. 

There will town hall meeting coming up on Saturday, March 25th throughout the district and they are in reverse order than we usually do. Here are the times and places: Graham County, 8:15 a.m.- 9:15 a.m. @ 305 E Main (Frontier State) Hill City ; Norton County, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 112 S. Kansas (Heaton Building) Norton , Phillips County, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center) Phillipsburg . Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m. 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center) Palco and Ellis County, 9007 Washington St (Ellis Public Library) Ellis. I will be joined by State Senator Rick Billinger and State Senator Elaine Bowers will join in Rooks and Phillips Counties. State Representative Barb Wasinger will join us in Ellis.

Here are some of the highlights of things that have been happening on the house side of the Kansas legislature:

Transparency in Property Tax Appraisals - We all are receiving our home valuations and seeing property taxes skyrocket. This past week, the House passed HB 2201, requiring that four years of valuations be disclosed to homeowners on one document. This provides property tax transparency and can aid homeowners when disputing the county appraisal. House Republicans are committed to putting the taxpayer first.

Social Security Taxes - Social Security income, at this time, faces no taxes until it surpasses $75,000. However, at even one dollar above that number, the entire income is taxable. Republicans are working to smooth that cliff, eventually leading to no income taxes for Social Security income. Kansas retirees have worked hard for our state and deserve a break.

Fairness in Women’s Sports Passes Both Chambers - The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act has officially passed the Senate with 28 votes and will now await the governor’s signature. I sincerely hope she will meet us in the middle and sign this legislation into law, honoring statements made during her campaign. However, if she decides to veto once again, we will be ready to override and move forward protecting a fair playing field for women and girls in Kansas.

Environmental, Social, and Governance - We are examining many different proposals to deal with ESG bad practices. We want to be careful and ensure that the bill we settle on will tackle the problem and not reach beyond to have negative, unforeseen consequences. One area we are focusing heavily on is proxy voting. We will look at utilizing proxy share voting organizations that do not follow ESG criteria. We want services that recommend how to vote our state’s shares based on maximizing investment profits, not playing ESG politics. The State Treasurer will review the recommendations and then the money managers must vote our recommendations. This will be done for most of the state’s investments. This is a problem we must address immediately. Investment groups are teaming up to force board members upon companies who are morally opposed to the objective of the business. For example, Exxon Mobil is at risk of getting a THIRD radical, green activist on their board. The worst part,&nbsp;they are currently utilizing our KPERS dollars to buy this influence. Kansas cannot and will not stand for this any longer.

Electronic Credential Management - As we bring new workers to Kansas, it’s critical that we have systems in place to allow them to get to work as soon as possible. HB 2388 advanced out of committee last week and begins the process of speeding up and automating license reciprocity by creating an electronic and centralized credential database. This will be a safe, secure, and verifiable system to streamline the process for everyone.

Born-Alive Infants Protection Act - Last week House Republicans passed HB 2313 out of committee. This bill will ensure that any infant who is born alive is entitled to medical care, no matter the intention behind delivery. These children have an inalienable right to life and we must guarantee that they will be transferred to a hospital and offered the best care possible.

Providing Women with Alternatives to Abortion - It’s important that women experiencing unplanned pregnancies know they have many options and support available to them. HB 2429 honors our commitment to women in these tough decisions to offer alternatives that they may utilize. The bill provides resources to pregnancy centers that do not offer abortion services to support women’s health and wellness throughout pregnancy.

Standing with Law Enforcement - Law enforcement must know that we have their backs as they risk their lives to keep us safe each and every day. One potential way to assist law enforcement would be with SB 174, which establishes a crime for knowingly fleeing from an officer. This new crime has multiple levels of severity, from misdemeanor to level 5 felony, letting criminals know that we will prosecute this conduct to the fullest extent of the law.

You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org </a>and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>.

I'm located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.

Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;

* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678110420754.jpeg" alt="Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hello from Topeka. We are now in week 10 and running strong for first adjournment which will take place on April 6th. It seemed like the first few weeks were a little slow, as they usually are when we start a new biennium session but things are moving faster now. As of last Friday, the house has passed 114 bills. There will town hall meeting coming up on Saturday, March 25th throughout the district and they are in reverse order than we usually do. Here are the times and places: Graham County, 8:15 a.m.- 9:15 a.m. @ 305 E Main (Frontier State) Hill City ; Norton County, 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 112 S. Kansas (Heaton Building) Norton , Phillips County, 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. 860 Park (Huck Boyd Center) Phillipsburg . Rooks County, 1:30 p.m. -2:15 p.m. 311 Main Street (McKenna Youth Center) Palco and Ellis County, 9007 Washington St (Ellis Public Library) Ellis. I will be joined by State Senator Rick Billinger and State Senator Elaine Bowers will join in Rooks and Phillips Counties. State Representative Barb Wasinger will join us in Ellis.Here are some of the highlights of things that have been happening on the house side of the Kansas legislature:Transparency in Property Tax Appraisals - We all are receiving our home valuations and seeing property taxes skyrocket. This past week, the House passed HB 2201, requiring that four years of valuations be disclosed to homeowners on one document. This provides property tax transparency and can aid homeowners when disputing the county appraisal. House Republicans are committed to putting the taxpayer first.Social Security Taxes - Social Security income, at this time, faces no taxes until it surpasses $75,000. However, at even one dollar above that number, the entire income is taxable. Republicans are working to smooth that cliff, eventually leading to no income taxes for Social Security income. Kansas retirees have worked hard for our state and deserve a break.Fairness in Women’s Sports Passes Both Chambers - The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act has officially passed the Senate with 28 votes and will now await the governor’s signature. I sincerely hope she will meet us in the middle and sign this legislation into law, honoring statements made during her campaign. However, if she decides to veto once again, we will be ready to override and move forward protecting a fair playing field for women and girls in Kansas.Environmental, Social, and Governance - We are examining many different proposals to deal with ESG bad practices. We want to be careful and ensure that the bill we settle on will tackle the problem and not reach beyond to have negative, unforeseen consequences. One area we are focusing heavily on is proxy voting. We will look at utilizing proxy share voting organizations that do not follow ESG criteria. We want services that recommend how to vote our state’s shares based on maximizing investment profits, not playing ESG politics. The State Treasurer will review the recommendations and then the money managers must vote our recommendations. This will be done for most of the state’s investments. This is a problem we must address immediately. Investment groups are teaming up to force board members upon companies who are morally opposed to the objective of the business. For example, Exxon Mobil is at risk of getting a THIRD radical, green activist on their board. The worst part,&nbsp;they are currently utilizing our KPERS dollars to buy this influence. Kansas cannot and will not stand for this any longer.Electronic Credential Management - As we bring new workers to Kansas, it’s critical that we have systems in place to allow them to get to work as soon as possible. HB 2388 advanced out of committee last week and begins the process of speeding up and automating license reciprocity by creating an electronic and centralized credential database. This will be a safe, secure, and verifiable system to streamline the process for everyone.Born-Alive Infants Protection Act - Last week House Republicans passed HB 2313 out of committee. This bill will ensure that any infant who is born alive is entitled to medical care, no matter the intention behind delivery. These children have an inalienable right to life and we must guarantee that they will be transferred to a hospital and offered the best care possible.Providing Women with Alternatives to Abortion - It’s important that women experiencing unplanned pregnancies know they have many options and support available to them. HB 2429 honors our commitment to women in these tough decisions to offer alternatives that they may utilize. The bill provides resources to pregnancy centers that do not offer abortion services to support women’s health and wellness throughout pregnancy.Standing with Law Enforcement - Law enforcement must know that we have their backs as they risk their lives to keep us safe each and every day. One potential way to assist law enforcement would be with SB 174, which establishes a crime for knowingly fleeing from an officer. This new crime has multiple levels of severity, from misdemeanor to level 5 felony, letting criminals know that we will prosecute this conduct to the fullest extent of the law.You can read about all the bills that passed or could be considered in either chamber by going online to <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/">kslegislature.org </a>and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel</a>. I'm located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. When you call my assistant, Terry Benitis will answer you call and help you with you matter. If you would like to contact me, Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. which includes:&nbsp;* Graham, Norton, Phillips and Rooks Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis, Munjor and Schoenchen Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Freedom, Herzog (part), Lookout, Victoria (part) and Wheatland

RAHJES REPORT: March 13, 2023

NCK Tech March Mania 3-in-1 Bracket Challenge

Twelve Hays High DECA students competed at DECA’s Kansas Career Development Conference&nbsp;March 5-7 in Kansas City.

There were over 950 students competing in a variety of events.

Listed below are the students, their events, and how they finished.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

** Denotes International Career Development Conference qualification in Orlando, Fla.&nbsp;

Bradyn Dreher – Integrated Marketing Campaign Event – ninth place&nbsp;

Kiley Legleiter and Erika Linn – Business Services Operations Research – fourth place&nbsp;

**Cooper Kisner, Cyrus Vajnar and Peyton Zimmerman – Business Services Operations Research – second place &nbsp;

Blake Buckles – Franchise Business Plan – seventh place&nbsp;

Brenlynn Albers and Mika Zimmerman – Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research – sixth&nbsp;Place&nbsp;

Tanner Werth – Independent Business Plan – third place&nbsp;

**Evyn Cox – International Business Plan – second place&nbsp;

SubmittedState DECA 2023 Results&nbsp;Twelve Hays High DECA students competed at DECA’s Kansas Career Development Conference&nbsp;March 5-7 in Kansas City.There were over 950 students competing in a variety of events.Listed below are the students, their events, and how they finished.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;** Denotes International Career Development Conference qualification in Orlando, Fla.&nbsp;Bradyn Dreher – Integrated Marketing Campaign Event – ninth place&nbsp;Kiley Legleiter and Erika Linn – Business Services Operations Research – fourth place&nbsp;**Cooper Kisner, Cyrus Vajnar and Peyton Zimmerman – Business Services Operations Research – second place &nbsp;Blake Buckles – Franchise Business Plan – seventh place&nbsp;Brenlynn Albers and Mika Zimmerman – Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research – sixth&nbsp;Place&nbsp;Tanner Werth – Independent Business Plan – third place&nbsp;**Evyn Cox – International Business Plan – second place&nbsp;

Hays DECA students honored at career development conference

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

MANHATTAN — Troy Schulte and Dave Losey are both quite familiar with the mixed bag of emotions that go along with playing in a state basketball tournament.

Back in 1988, the standout duo helped lead Thomas More Prep-Marian to the Class 4A state tournament but lost in the first round.

They were again instrumental in helping the Monarchs advance to the Class 4A state championship game the next year.

Thirty-four years laster, the duo reunited at the Class 2A State Championships in Manhattan this past week.

There were a lot of ups and also some downs in 1989 for Schulte and Losey, who enjoyed a successful senior season but were disappointed about losing the championship game in that 4A state finale.

It was an emotional roller-coaster ride for them again this weekend.

Schulte is now the activities director at TMP, and Losey is the head basketball coach at Horton in northeast Kansas.&nbsp;

As luck would have it, when the brackets for this year’s 2A state tourney were released, TMP and Horton were paired together in the first round.

Losey, in his first year as the Chargers’ head coach, was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that his team had dominated Riverside in the sub-state title game.

Horton hadn’t had a winning season since 2016 and had endured back-to-back two-win seasons during that stretch.&nbsp;

Under Losey this year, the Chargers rebounded from a midseason slump when they lost six of seven games to win nine of their last 10 and advance to state.

“It was all pretty surreal, even getting to state,” admitted Losey, who started three juniors and two sophomores this season. “Then when I saw we were opening state with TMP, I was stunned.”

TMP was entering state on a 20-game winning streak with its senior-laden squad, and Losey knew his young team was in for a battle in the first round.

The more experienced TMP won that game, 52-27, ending Horton’s late-season run.

Nonetheless, Losey knew he would return to Manhattan for the tournament later in the weekend to support the Monarchs.

TMP seemed to have the game in hand late in both Friday’s semifinals and again in Saturday’s third-place game before coming up on the short end of both close contests.

The former teammates are now in their early 50s, carrying a few more pounds and sporting a little less hair.

But they have had mutual respect for each other since Schulte’s eighth-grade team at Kennedy Middle School in Hays handed Losey’s Plainville squad its only loss during the 1984-85 season.

Following graduation from college, they both went into teaching and coaching and even coached together at the same school in Missouri one year.

“We’ve known each other for a long time,” Schulte said. “So it was really nice to reconnect.”

Losey and Schulte met in the arena before the first-round game, and Losey made the trip to Manhattan again for Friday’s semifinals.

“We knew that was going to be a tough game against TMP,” Losey said. “But I still wanted to see (the Monarchs) do well the rest of the tournament. It’s always great to see your alma mater succeed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677528504039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678568245673.jpeg" alt="Dave Losey and Troy Schulte, teammates on TMP-Marian's 1989 state runner-up team, reconnected at this past weekend's Class 2A season finale at Manhattan. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dave Losey and Troy Schulte, teammates on TMP-Marian's 1989 state runner-up team, reconnected at this past weekend's Class 2A season finale at Manhattan. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostMANHATTAN — Troy Schulte and Dave Losey are both quite familiar with the mixed bag of emotions that go along with playing in a state basketball tournament.Back in 1988, the standout duo helped lead Thomas More Prep-Marian to the Class 4A state tournament but lost in the first round.They were again instrumental in helping the Monarchs advance to the Class 4A state championship game the next year.Thirty-four years laster, the duo reunited at the Class 2A State Championships in Manhattan this past week.There were a lot of ups and also some downs in 1989 for Schulte and Losey, who enjoyed a successful senior season but were disappointed about losing the championship game in that 4A state finale.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678568275775.jpeg" alt="Dave Losey, far left, and Troy Schulte, far right, were senior starters for the Monarchs. Photo courtesy of TMP-Marian" />
 <figcaption>Dave Losey, far left, and Troy Schulte, far right, were senior starters for the Monarchs. Photo courtesy of TMP-Marian</figcaption>
 </figure>It was an emotional roller-coaster ride for them again this weekend.Schulte is now the activities director at TMP, and Losey is the head basketball coach at Horton in northeast Kansas.&nbsp;As luck would have it, when the brackets for this year’s 2A state tourney were released, TMP and Horton were paired together in the first round.Losey, in his first year as the Chargers’ head coach, was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that his team had dominated Riverside in the sub-state title game.Horton hadn’t had a winning season since 2016 and had endured back-to-back two-win seasons during that stretch.&nbsp;Under Losey this year, the Chargers rebounded from a midseason slump when they lost six of seven games to win nine of their last 10 and advance to state.“It was all pretty surreal, even getting to state,” admitted Losey, who started three juniors and two sophomores this season. “Then when I saw we were opening state with TMP, I was stunned.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678568305406.jpeg" alt="Dave Losey, right (No. 23), and Troy Schulte, left, helped lead the Monarchs to back-to-back state tournament appearances their junior and senior years at TMP. Photo courtesy of TMP-Marian" />
 <figcaption>Dave Losey, right (No. 23), and Troy Schulte, left, helped lead the Monarchs to back-to-back state tournament appearances their junior and senior years at TMP. Photo courtesy of TMP-Marian</figcaption>
 </figure>TMP was entering state on a 20-game winning streak with its senior-laden squad, and Losey knew his young team was in for a battle in the first round.The more experienced TMP won that game, 52-27, ending Horton’s late-season run.Nonetheless, Losey knew he would return to Manhattan for the tournament later in the weekend to support the Monarchs.TMP seemed to have the game in hand late in both Friday’s semifinals and again in Saturday’s third-place game before coming up on the short end of both close contests.The former teammates are now in their early 50s, carrying a few more pounds and sporting a little less hair.But they have had mutual respect for each other since Schulte’s eighth-grade team at Kennedy Middle School in Hays handed Losey’s Plainville squad its only loss during the 1984-85 season.Following graduation from college, they both went into teaching and coaching and even coached together at the same school in Missouri one year.“We’ve known each other for a long time,” Schulte said. “So it was really nice to reconnect.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678568341426.jpeg" alt="Troy Schulte, TMP class of '89. Photo courtesy of TMP-Marian" />
 <figcaption>Troy Schulte, TMP class of '89. Photo courtesy of TMP-Marian</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678573555177.jpeg" alt="Dave Losey, TMP class '89. Photo courtesy of TMP-Marian" />
 <figcaption>Dave Losey, TMP class '89. Photo courtesy of TMP-Marian</figcaption>
 </figure>Losey and Schulte met in the arena before the first-round game, and Losey made the trip to Manhattan again for Friday’s semifinals.“We knew that was going to be a tough game against TMP,” Losey said. “But I still wanted to see (the Monarchs) do well the rest of the tournament. It’s always great to see your alma mater succeed.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677528504039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

NWester: State tournament reunites former Monarch teammates

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

"Body and Place," an interdisciplinary exhibition of drawing, painting and printmaking students and faculty, is on display now through March 15 at the Hays Arts Center.

FHSU faculty Amy Schmierbach, Jee Hwang and Juana Estrada-Hernandez developed lesson plans around the themes body and place.

Schmierbach's lecture focused on body as place. She encouraged students to seek self-awareness through meditation and drawing. She wanted them to focus on self-love and self-reflection.&nbsp;

Hwang's lecture focused on the exploration of cultural identity through the image of body of place in art. Hwang introduced the concept of diaspora, which means "the dispersion or spread of any people from their original homeland."

Estrada-Hernandez based her lecture on her experience in Lands Arts of the American West at the Univeristy of New Mexico. The course took students to sites in the southwest to create site-specific art.&nbsp;

Senior in art Katie Vaughn's mixed media piece "Flight of Art and Bee of Heart," is featured in the exhibit.&nbsp; She described "Flight of Art."

"The concept is that you can look super calm and serene on the outside, but you can have all of this running through your head 24/7," she said.

Vaughn of Hays developed the concept for "Bee of Heart" during meditation for the body and place lecture. "Bee of Heart" represents the body.

"The concept of it was to be more centered," she said, "and to take the time to refocus on self when I'm starting to feel more anxious and have those random chaotic thoughts."

The canvases consists of cardboard, layered paper and fabric to which pastels and ink have been applied.

Amiyah Gonzalez, FHSU senior in drawing and art history of Hays, said she interpreted place and body as her own female body.

"I immediately went to how I feel in my body," she said. "Sometimes women's bodies are viewed as their only place that has value and how they have to build up their body for other people."

"I thought of what happens when that place deteriorates after years of trying to fit into the societal norm of having your body sexualized and exploited,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Gonzalez said.

Emily Schoeppner, junior in art from Wichita, painted an image of her and a friend having a mud fight in a pond in a piece she calls "Pond Girl Soul."

"When I thought about body and place, I thought about the place I felt most connected," she said. "I was thinking of a time I felt most connected and grounded in my body."

She said she thinks of her body as a shell with a dark interior, but as she was at a camp as a counselor she said she felt very connected to her body in part through just feeling tired and sore.

"It was the most joyful and dismal time in my life," she said.

The other camp counselors didn't like being in that pond because it was basically a glorified toilet because of the fish, frogs and algae, she said.

"I wanted it to look like a secret, magical window that you were peeking into," she said.

Megan Roy, junior in art of Palco, explored body out of place. Her set of three drawings depicted her in an elevator and a disembodied figure in a room that is filling with water.&nbsp;

"It's about disassociation and feeling uncomfortable with anxiety," she said.&nbsp;

Participating artists include Lexis Beesley, Jenny Cox, Taygan Daisy, Mariah Dechant, Isabel Dixon, Juana Estrada-Hernandez, Brooklyn Vasquez, Kaylee Eubanks, Madison Gleason, Amiyah Gonzalez, Courtney Hancock, Jee Hwang, Emily Schoeppner, Katie Vaughn, James Jay, Kiernan McCarty, Maddy Otter, Katie Petersen, Megan Roy, PJ Stauffer and Russell Wells.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678388842551.jpeg" alt="Senior in art Katie Vaughn's mixed media piece "Flight of Art and Bee of Heart," is featured in the "Body and Place"&nbsp;exhibition on display now through March 15 at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Senior in art Katie Vaughn's mixed media piece "Flight of Art and Bee of Heart," is featured in the "Body and Place"&nbsp;exhibition on display now through March 15 at the Hays Arts Center. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post"Body and Place," an interdisciplinary exhibition of drawing, painting and printmaking students and faculty, is on display now through March 15 at the Hays Arts Center.FHSU faculty Amy Schmierbach, Jee Hwang and Juana Estrada-Hernandez developed lesson plans around the themes body and place.Schmierbach's lecture focused on body as place. She encouraged students to seek self-awareness through meditation and drawing. She wanted them to focus on self-love and self-reflection.&nbsp;Hwang's lecture focused on the exploration of cultural identity through the image of body of place in art. Hwang introduced the concept of diaspora, which means "the dispersion or spread of any people from their original homeland."Estrada-Hernandez based her lecture on her experience in Lands Arts of the American West at the Univeristy of New Mexico. The course took students to sites in the southwest to create site-specific art.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678401725450.jpeg" alt=""Pond Girl Soul" by&nbsp;Emily Schoeppner, FHSU junior in art from Wichita.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Pond Girl Soul" by&nbsp;Emily Schoeppner, FHSU junior in art from Wichita.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior in art Katie Vaughn's mixed media piece "Flight of Art and Bee of Heart," is featured in the exhibit.&nbsp; She described "Flight of Art.""The concept is that you can look super calm and serene on the outside, but you can have all of this running through your head 24/7," she said.Vaughn of Hays developed the concept for "Bee of Heart" during meditation for the body and place lecture. "Bee of Heart" represents the body."The concept of it was to be more centered," she said, "and to take the time to refocus on self when I'm starting to feel more anxious and have those random chaotic thoughts."The canvases consists of cardboard, layered paper and fabric to which pastels and ink have been applied.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678401755282.jpeg" alt=""Reaching Out, Falling Back In" by Mariah Dechant. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Reaching Out, Falling Back In" by Mariah Dechant. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Amiyah Gonzalez, FHSU senior in drawing and art history of Hays, said she interpreted place and body as her own female body."I immediately went to how I feel in my body," she said. "Sometimes women's bodies are viewed as their only place that has value and how they have to build up their body for other people.""I thought of what happens when that place deteriorates after years of trying to fit into the societal norm of having your body sexualized and exploited,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Gonzalez said.Emily Schoeppner, junior in art from Wichita, painted an image of her and a friend having a mud fight in a pond in a piece she calls "Pond Girl Soul."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678401774282.jpeg" alt=""Barren" by&nbsp;Amiyah Gonzalez.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>"Barren" by&nbsp;Amiyah Gonzalez.&nbsp;Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"When I thought about body and place, I thought about the place I felt most connected," she said. "I was thinking of a time I felt most connected and grounded in my body."She said she thinks of her body as a shell with a dark interior, but as she was at a camp as a counselor she said she felt very connected to her body in part through just feeling tired and sore."It was the most joyful and dismal time in my life," she said.The other camp counselors didn't like being in that pond because it was basically a glorified toilet because of the fish, frogs and algae, she said."I wanted it to look like a secret, magical window that you were peeking into," she said.Megan Roy, junior in art of Palco, explored body out of place. Her set of three drawings depicted her in an elevator and a disembodied figure in a room that is filling with water.&nbsp;"It's about disassociation and feeling uncomfortable with anxiety," she said.&nbsp;Participating artists include Lexis Beesley, Jenny Cox, Taygan Daisy, Mariah Dechant, Isabel Dixon, Juana Estrada-Hernandez, Brooklyn Vasquez, Kaylee Eubanks, Madison Gleason, Amiyah Gonzalez, Courtney Hancock, Jee Hwang, Emily Schoeppner, Katie Vaughn, James Jay, Kiernan McCarty, Maddy Otter, Katie Petersen, Megan Roy, PJ Stauffer and Russell Wells.

FHSU student, faculty exhibit explores 'Body and Place' at Hays Arts Center

Decades&nbsp;ago, we bought a little bungalow on two acres outside of Ellis. This starter home had many charms,&nbsp;but&nbsp;my favorite&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;fenced&nbsp;garden spot behind the old barn.&nbsp;It&nbsp;planted&nbsp;a lifelong&nbsp;love for growing food&nbsp;and flowers&nbsp;in yours truly. Since&nbsp;then,&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;learned a thing or two, including what I wish I’d known then—horseradish&nbsp;is a top-shelf&nbsp;condiment&nbsp;with the added bonus of&nbsp;clearing&nbsp;sinuses better than&nbsp;a&nbsp;saline rinse.&nbsp;You can also companion plant&nbsp;its&nbsp;interesting leaves&nbsp;near fruiting trees and&nbsp;bushes&nbsp;to&nbsp;deter&nbsp;pests.

​That&nbsp;home&nbsp;had long&nbsp;stood&nbsp;empty&nbsp;before&nbsp;we&nbsp;took possession&nbsp;in October.&nbsp;Not surprisingly, chest-high&nbsp;weeds&nbsp;had overtaken&nbsp;the garden. I spent weeks&nbsp;pulling deep-rooted pigweed and other noxious&nbsp;growth&nbsp;from the barb-wire enclosed&nbsp;site.&nbsp;As I filled&nbsp;towering burn piles with my efforts, I&nbsp;spied a corner filled with&nbsp;large,&nbsp;wrinkly, saw-tooth leaves&nbsp;surrounding a fence post. Tangled roots&nbsp;delayed&nbsp;removal,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I noted&nbsp;a pungent odor. &nbsp;I asked an experienced green thumb to identify this mystery plant before I&nbsp;dug into the mess. She called it horseradish and told me to leave it.&nbsp;At that time, I’d only smelled horseradish&nbsp;but&nbsp;never tasted it, and since&nbsp;those plants occupied such&nbsp;a small portion of our big garden, I&nbsp;followed her advice.

​Our cottage sat near Big Creek&nbsp;on&nbsp;flood plain-enriched soil. Year after year, we grew&nbsp;an&nbsp;abundance of&nbsp;tomatoes, peppers, melons, corn, cucumbers, okra, potatoes, onions, spinach, and other veggies.&nbsp;Planting&nbsp;a seed or tucking&nbsp;a tomato&nbsp;or pepper&nbsp;plant in that rich, dark&nbsp;loam guaranteed rooting. Our toughest job&nbsp;required&nbsp;pick off&nbsp;horn worms&nbsp;and&nbsp;beetles&nbsp;before the&nbsp;bugs destroyed our plants.&nbsp;

​As predictable as the calendar, that corner of horseradish returned&nbsp;every year. Oddly,&nbsp;I never thought&nbsp;to&nbsp;learn&nbsp;how to use it. Keep in mind,&nbsp;I&nbsp;couldn’t look something up on&nbsp;a&nbsp;phone with the click of a button,&nbsp;I saw no fruit&nbsp;on the plant,&nbsp;and&nbsp;no one I knew&nbsp;used these roots.

​Fast forward 42 years. We went to&nbsp;a&nbsp;restaurant that served prime beef with&nbsp;a&nbsp;side-dollop of&nbsp;freshly grated horseradish. Despite its spicy-hot scent, my husband and I&nbsp;curiously&nbsp;dabbed some&nbsp;on a bite of meat.&nbsp;Oh,&nbsp;my goodness, what had&nbsp;we&nbsp;missed out on all those years!&nbsp;That little dip of grated root added intense flavor&nbsp;and a sinus cleaning at the same time.&nbsp;Not long afterward,&nbsp;a foodie friend gave us a jar of Porubsky&nbsp;pickles&nbsp;processed&nbsp;with horseradish.&nbsp;What a rush of&nbsp;sensory overload&nbsp;followed by unstuffed nasal passages!

​Several decades and houses later, we will plant our first horseradish roots&nbsp;this spring.&nbsp;I found several&nbsp;internet&nbsp;sites offering guidance&nbsp;for&nbsp;first growing and then&nbsp;grinding this spicy mustard-family root.&nbsp;These experienced horseradish users recommend&nbsp;processing&nbsp;in&nbsp;a well-ventilated area&nbsp;while&nbsp;wearing&nbsp;protective&nbsp;gloves&nbsp;and eye gear.&nbsp;After&nbsp;irritating&nbsp;my fingers processing jalapeños, I’ll follow their&nbsp;directions.&nbsp;The stunner with horseradish is that once you grate or grind peeled roots, you&nbsp;simply&nbsp;add vinegar to preserve it.&nbsp;

​Come late fall, we’ll&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;a&nbsp;batch&nbsp;of&nbsp;freshly&nbsp;ground horseradish and the clearest sinuses in town.&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;guessing I’ll add a little to a jar of okra pickles just for kicks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678468053000.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>​By KAREN MADORINDecades&nbsp;ago, we bought a little bungalow on two acres outside of Ellis. This starter home had many charms,&nbsp;but&nbsp;my favorite&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;fenced&nbsp;garden spot behind the old barn.&nbsp;It&nbsp;planted&nbsp;a lifelong&nbsp;love for growing food&nbsp;and flowers&nbsp;in yours truly. Since&nbsp;then,&nbsp;I’ve&nbsp;learned a thing or two, including what I wish I’d known then—horseradish&nbsp;is a top-shelf&nbsp;condiment&nbsp;with the added bonus of&nbsp;clearing&nbsp;sinuses better than&nbsp;a&nbsp;saline rinse.&nbsp;You can also companion plant&nbsp;its&nbsp;interesting leaves&nbsp;near fruiting trees and&nbsp;bushes&nbsp;to&nbsp;deter&nbsp;pests.​That&nbsp;home&nbsp;had long&nbsp;stood&nbsp;empty&nbsp;before&nbsp;we&nbsp;took possession&nbsp;in October.&nbsp;Not surprisingly, chest-high&nbsp;weeds&nbsp;had overtaken&nbsp;the garden. I spent weeks&nbsp;pulling deep-rooted pigweed and other noxious&nbsp;growth&nbsp;from the barb-wire enclosed&nbsp;site.&nbsp;As I filled&nbsp;towering burn piles with my efforts, I&nbsp;spied a corner filled with&nbsp;large,&nbsp;wrinkly, saw-tooth leaves&nbsp;surrounding a fence post. Tangled roots&nbsp;delayed&nbsp;removal,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I noted&nbsp;a pungent odor. &nbsp;I asked an experienced green thumb to identify this mystery plant before I&nbsp;dug into the mess. She called it horseradish and told me to leave it.&nbsp;At that time, I’d only smelled horseradish&nbsp;but&nbsp;never tasted it, and since&nbsp;those plants occupied such&nbsp;a small portion of our big garden, I&nbsp;followed her advice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​Our cottage sat near Big Creek&nbsp;on&nbsp;flood plain-enriched soil. Year after year, we grew&nbsp;an&nbsp;abundance of&nbsp;tomatoes, peppers, melons, corn, cucumbers, okra, potatoes, onions, spinach, and other veggies.&nbsp;Planting&nbsp;a seed or tucking&nbsp;a tomato&nbsp;or pepper&nbsp;plant in that rich, dark&nbsp;loam guaranteed rooting. Our toughest job&nbsp;required&nbsp;pick off&nbsp;horn worms&nbsp;and&nbsp;beetles&nbsp;before the&nbsp;bugs destroyed our plants.&nbsp;​As predictable as the calendar, that corner of horseradish returned&nbsp;every year. Oddly,&nbsp;I never thought&nbsp;to&nbsp;learn&nbsp;how to use it. Keep in mind,&nbsp;I&nbsp;couldn’t look something up on&nbsp;a&nbsp;phone with the click of a button,&nbsp;I saw no fruit&nbsp;on the plant,&nbsp;and&nbsp;no one I knew&nbsp;used these roots.​Fast forward 42 years. We went to&nbsp;a&nbsp;restaurant that served prime beef with&nbsp;a&nbsp;side-dollop of&nbsp;freshly grated horseradish. Despite its spicy-hot scent, my husband and I&nbsp;curiously&nbsp;dabbed some&nbsp;on a bite of meat.&nbsp;Oh,&nbsp;my goodness, what had&nbsp;we&nbsp;missed out on all those years!&nbsp;That little dip of grated root added intense flavor&nbsp;and a sinus cleaning at the same time.&nbsp;Not long afterward,&nbsp;a foodie friend gave us a jar of Porubsky&nbsp;pickles&nbsp;processed&nbsp;with horseradish.&nbsp;What a rush of&nbsp;sensory overload&nbsp;followed by unstuffed nasal passages!​Several decades and houses later, we will plant our first horseradish roots&nbsp;this spring.&nbsp;I found several&nbsp;internet&nbsp;sites offering guidance&nbsp;for&nbsp;first growing and then&nbsp;grinding this spicy mustard-family root.&nbsp;These experienced horseradish users recommend&nbsp;processing&nbsp;in&nbsp;a well-ventilated area&nbsp;while&nbsp;wearing&nbsp;protective&nbsp;gloves&nbsp;and eye gear.&nbsp;After&nbsp;irritating&nbsp;my fingers processing jalapeños, I’ll follow their&nbsp;directions.&nbsp;The stunner with horseradish is that once you grate or grind peeled roots, you&nbsp;simply&nbsp;add vinegar to preserve it.&nbsp;​Come late fall, we’ll&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;a&nbsp;batch&nbsp;of&nbsp;freshly&nbsp;ground horseradish and the clearest sinuses in town.&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;guessing I’ll add a little to a jar of okra pickles just for kicks.

MADORIN: Clearest sinuses in town

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678467093801.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>

Shayla Peck will remove Interim from her title as she becomes the City of Russell's Treasurer effective March 8, 2023

Shayla was born and raised in Russell, graduated from Russell High School, and attended Fort Hays State University, where in 2012, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting Degree. Shayla has financial accounting and management experience in the private and public sectors. 

Shayla is a St. John Lutheran Church member and has been the church bookkeeper for the past three years. She is married to Dustin Peck, with whom she has three&nbsp;girls – Reece, Alana and Beckett. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678398245593.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the City of Russell...Shayla Peck will remove Interim from her title as she becomes the City of Russell's Treasurer effective March 8, 2023Shayla was born and raised in Russell, graduated from Russell High School, and attended Fort Hays State University, where in 2012, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting Degree. Shayla has financial accounting and management experience in the private and public sectors. Shayla is a St. John Lutheran Church member and has been the church bookkeeper for the past three years. She is married to Dustin Peck, with whom she has three&nbsp;girls – Reece, Alana and Beckett.

Shayla Peck appointed Russell City Treasurer

Registration
is open now for the K-State Research and Extension’s Walk Kansas program.

The annual
eight-week activity challenge is designed to encourage activity in children and
adults, set to begin on March 26.

“We try
to change things up a little bit each year,” said Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent Monique Koerner. 

This
year, participants can select from several team challenges, from 435 to 1,200 miles.

&nbsp;“Typically, it's a group activity,” Koerner
said. “So, people get teams of four to six people together – you can also do it
solo as well – but there are typically three different trails that people can
choose from based on the activity challenge that they want for those eight
weeks.”

Whether
in a team or solo, she said the goal of the program is to help participants stay
healthy.

“Staying
active and having healthy eating habits can actually reduce our chances of
developing some of those chronic diseases, heart disease, diabetes, those types
of things,” Koerner said. “As we get older, it's important to focus a little
bit more on those things and maybe be more intentional. And so I think that's
what Walk Kansas brings to the table.”

The
program has a dedicated website, <a href="https://www.walkkansasonline.org/">walkkansasonline.org</a>,
where participants register and track the progress of area teams.

“You can
watch your trail on the map as well,” Koerner said. &nbsp;“So, it just makes it a little more fun when
you're doing it together as a team and can choose a trail and watch your
progress on the map and see what other teams are doing.”

There's
a whole health breakdown on it as well with tabs for physical activity
guidelines, basics of exercise and strength training, healthy eating guidelines
including nutritional recipes, stress management, relationship and memory improvement
tips, she said.

While
the website has various tools for encouraging healthy behaviors, only tracking
walk time or steps is required.

“You
also get the weekly newsletter, and you'll have access to all the events I have
planned,” Koerner said. ”And in Ellis County, you'll have access to the online
tracking system, and there's also an app too, so you can sync your devices. So,
that makes it super easy to keep track of your activity.”

Along with the statewide program, the Cottonwood
District participants will have the opportunity to attend a six-week virtual learning series focused on Mediterranean-style eating patterns.

“It's
called Med instead of meds,” Koerner said. “It's just focusing on healthier
eating habits rather than using medications to stay healthy.”

“I'll be
doing some programming around Walk Kansas as well. What we decided to do was
some watch parties and walk parties. The watch parties will meet up at the
office and watch the webinars on Mediterranean-style eating habits, and then
we'll also take some walks together.”

Registration
is not locked into a location, and participants from outside Kansas are welcome,
but participants will be able to see area activities after selecting an Extension
district.

In the
Cottonwood District, the program will wrap up with a taste of what participants learned.

“We will
have like a taste testing event at the end of the program in May, where we'll
be able to gather and mix some of the recipes and see what they taste like,”
Koerner said.

<div><iframe title="Registration open for Walk Kansas" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=d3yhp-13b25aa-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>By JAMES BELL Hays PostRegistration
is open now for the K-State Research and Extension’s Walk Kansas program.The annual
eight-week activity challenge is designed to encourage activity in children and
adults, set to begin on March 26.“We try
to change things up a little bit each year,” said Cottonwood Extension District Family and Community Wellness agent Monique Koerner. This
year, participants can select from several team challenges, from 435 to 1,200 miles.&nbsp;“Typically, it's a group activity,” Koerner
said. “So, people get teams of four to six people together – you can also do it
solo as well – but there are typically three different trails that people can
choose from based on the activity challenge that they want for those eight
weeks.”Whether
in a team or solo, she said the goal of the program is to help participants stay
healthy.“Staying
active and having healthy eating habits can actually reduce our chances of
developing some of those chronic diseases, heart disease, diabetes, those types
of things,” Koerner said. “As we get older, it's important to focus a little
bit more on those things and maybe be more intentional. And so I think that's
what Walk Kansas brings to the table.”The
program has a dedicated website, <a href="https://www.walkkansasonline.org/">walkkansasonline.org</a>,
where participants register and track the progress of area teams.“You can
watch your trail on the map as well,” Koerner said. &nbsp;“So, it just makes it a little more fun when
you're doing it together as a team and can choose a trail and watch your
progress on the map and see what other teams are doing.”There's
a whole health breakdown on it as well with tabs for physical activity
guidelines, basics of exercise and strength training, healthy eating guidelines
including nutritional recipes, stress management, relationship and memory improvement
tips, she said.While
the website has various tools for encouraging healthy behaviors, only tracking
walk time or steps is required.Registration
is $10. “You
also get the weekly newsletter, and you'll have access to all the events I have
planned,” Koerner said. ”And in Ellis County, you'll have access to the online
tracking system, and there's also an app too, so you can sync your devices. So,
that makes it super easy to keep track of your activity.”Along with the statewide program, the Cottonwood
District participants will have the opportunity to attend a six-week virtual learning series focused on Mediterranean-style eating patterns.“It's
called Med instead of meds,” Koerner said. “It's just focusing on healthier
eating habits rather than using medications to stay healthy.”“I'll be
doing some programming around Walk Kansas as well. What we decided to do was
some watch parties and walk parties. The watch parties will meet up at the
office and watch the webinars on Mediterranean-style eating habits, and then
we'll also take some walks together.”Registration
is not locked into a location, and participants from outside Kansas are welcome,
but participants will be able to see area activities after selecting an Extension
district.In the
Cottonwood District, the program will wrap up with a taste of what participants learned.“We will
have like a taste testing event at the end of the program in May, where we'll
be able to gather and mix some of the recipes and see what they taste like,”
Koerner said.

🎙 Walk Kansas registration open now

As one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.&nbsp;

In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Kansas&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;to legalize the medical use of cannabis.&nbsp;

Using&nbsp;the&nbsp;personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with&nbsp;chronic pain, seizure disorders, and&nbsp;Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).&nbsp;

This&nbsp;call to action, however, faces&nbsp;uncertainty&nbsp;in the&nbsp;legislature.&nbsp;

A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.&nbsp;

This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.&nbsp;

Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.&nbsp;

Last week, the&nbsp;Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs&nbsp;held hearings&nbsp;on&nbsp;legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.&nbsp;

The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.

During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis&nbsp;and&nbsp;warned of&nbsp;criminal activity that may result from legalization.

They also&nbsp;argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678373196929.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University." />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>As one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.&nbsp;In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Kansas&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;to legalize the medical use of cannabis.&nbsp;Using&nbsp;the&nbsp;personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with&nbsp;chronic pain, seizure disorders, and&nbsp;Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).&nbsp;This&nbsp;call to action, however, faces&nbsp;uncertainty&nbsp;in the&nbsp;legislature.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.&nbsp;This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.&nbsp;Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.&nbsp;Last week, the&nbsp;Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs&nbsp;held hearings&nbsp;on&nbsp;legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.&nbsp;The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis&nbsp;and&nbsp;warned of&nbsp;criminal activity that may result from legalization.They also&nbsp;argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.Proponents, on the other hand, argued it was time for Kansas to move on this issue.The&nbsp;federal nature of the U.S. system has created a complicated patchwork of state policies with regard to controlled substances, such as marijuana.Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal under federal law, but this has not stopped states from adopting their own approaches.In recent years, many states have liberalized their laws on the regulation&nbsp;of marijuana&nbsp;sale and&nbsp;use.Currently,&nbsp;37 states&nbsp;and the District of Columbia allow the use of cannabis for&nbsp;medically&nbsp;qualified individuals, leaving Kansas in the minority.&nbsp;States that&nbsp;allow&nbsp;the sale&nbsp;and use of marijuana&nbsp;collect&nbsp;tax revenue that goes&nbsp;to a variety of sources from education funds to public safety and corrections departments.&nbsp;In addition, public support&nbsp;for&nbsp;legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational&nbsp;use&nbsp;has increased in recent years. An October 2022 Pew Research&nbsp;survey&nbsp;indicates that 89% of Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use.&nbsp;Kansas may feel pressure&nbsp;from growing public&nbsp;support&nbsp;to legalize&nbsp;marijuana for&nbsp;medicinal and recreational use, as well as&nbsp;from neighboring states&nbsp;changing their policies.This year,&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;legalized&nbsp;recreational sale and use of cannabis and estimates suggest&nbsp;individuals spent nearly $13 million on cannabis products during the first weekend of sales alone.&nbsp;Kansas border cities could face unique challenges as dispensaries open up on the other side of the Kansas-Missouri line.&nbsp;Conversely,&nbsp;Oklahoma voters, who previously approved of a medical marijuana system in 2018,&nbsp;voted against the legalizations of&nbsp;recreational use on Tuesday, March 7.With the politics of marijuana continually changing, the question remains, what will Kansas do on medical cannabis?Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.