Legislative coffee April 1 in Ellis

Hungry Heartland documents the challenges — and triumphs — of Kansans when affordable food isn't easily accessible.

By&nbsp;MARCIA LOCKE <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">K-State College of Arts and Sciences</a>

MANHATTAN — The story of food insecurity in rural&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dightonkansas.com/">Dighton, Kansas</a>, isn't about when the town's only grocery store burned down in January 2024, but what happened next.

Neighbors immediately worked together to coordinate grocery runs to other towns, and those other grocery stores soon began offering food delivery service. A Dighton community member later opened a space on Main Street to provide access to fresh fruit and vegetables a few times a week.

It was an incredible story of a Kansas community's resilience in the face of potentially becoming a food desert, and one that Io Schmalzried, a recent graduate in social transformation studies and mass communications, got to tell about her hometown&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66d0e1ad5675d972ee5f4d8e/t/67c8909943bc73513f44741b/1741197475885/Hungry+Heartland+Dighton+Kansas+Photo+Essay-%28Io%29Tyler+Schmalzried+%281%29.pdf">through a photo essay</a>&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland storytelling project</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University.

The project, led by an interdisciplinary team of faculty members and students in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>, is asking—and showing—why healthy and affordable food is out of reach for many people in the nation’s breadbasket. The project aims to both educate about food insecurity and give students real-world experience producing impactful multimedia stories.“

The <a href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland project</a> not only tells moving stories of solutions to food access issues but also helps students learn more deeply how these issues affect their neighbors, classmates and families in every corner of Kansas,” said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/about/faculty/tom-hallaq.html">Tom Hallaq</a>, associate professor in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/">A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication</a>. “Students gain valuable, faculty-mentored experience as the stories and artwork they produce become catalysts to spark conversation and change in those communities.”

The six-year project has produced art exhibits, academic articles and a Silver Telly Award-winning documentary called, “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERIKtkIWpyM">The Empty Breadbasket: When the Land that Feeds the World Cannot Feed Itself</a>,” directed by Hallaq and the late Ian Punnett, professor in the Miller School. It aired on Topeka public television’s KTWU in 2022.

A more recent partnership with the social transformation studies department’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheEngagedStoriesLab">Engaged Stories Lab</a>&nbsp;has strengthened the project’s power of storytelling.

“The Hungry Heartland documentary is one of the star storytelling projects of the lab,” said Valerie Padilla Carroll, interim head of the social transformation studies department. “Through the work of engaged students and faculty, this documentary is collecting and archiving important Kansas stories of resilience and empowering Kansas community members to share their food access challenges and triumphs.”

The Hungry Heartland project&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=95400">recently received its second Interdisciplinary Research Grant</a>&nbsp;from the university’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/">Chapman Center for Rural Studies</a>. The grant encourages scholars to collaborate across different fields, showcase rural Kansas communities and bring awareness to obstacles faced by them.

Other project directors are Shreepad Joglekar, Lindy E. Bell Head of the department of art, and Han Yu, professor of English.“Projects like Hungry Heartland exemplify the College of Arts and Sciences’ mission to prepare students for responsible citizenry and career success and contribute to the betterment of society,’” said Chris Culbertson, dean of the college. “Our students and faculty examine some of society’s most pressing challenges—like food insecurity—to make a difference for Kansans, the nation and the world.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741882677511.jpeg" alt="As part of the Hungry Heartland storytelling project, Julia Alley — a 2021 K-State graduate in fine arts — documented food insecurity in Cuba, Kansas." />
 <figcaption>As part of the Hungry Heartland storytelling project, Julia Alley — a 2021 K-State graduate in fine arts — documented food insecurity in Cuba, Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Hungry Heartland documents the challenges — and triumphs — of Kansans when affordable food isn't easily accessible.</h2>By&nbsp;MARCIA LOCKE <a href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">K-State College of Arts and Sciences</a>MANHATTAN — The story of food insecurity in rural&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://dightonkansas.com/">Dighton, Kansas</a>, isn't about when the town's only grocery store burned down in January 2024, but what happened next.Neighbors immediately worked together to coordinate grocery runs to other towns, and those other grocery stores soon began offering food delivery service. A Dighton community member later opened a space on Main Street to provide access to fresh fruit and vegetables a few times a week.It was an incredible story of a Kansas community's resilience in the face of potentially becoming a food desert, and one that Io Schmalzried, a recent graduate in social transformation studies and mass communications, got to tell about her hometown&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66d0e1ad5675d972ee5f4d8e/t/67c8909943bc73513f44741b/1741197475885/Hungry+Heartland+Dighton+Kansas+Photo+Essay-%28Io%29Tyler+Schmalzried+%281%29.pdf">through a photo essay</a>&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland storytelling project</a>&nbsp;at Kansas State University.The project, led by an interdisciplinary team of faculty members and students in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>, is asking—and showing—why healthy and affordable food is out of reach for many people in the nation’s breadbasket. The project aims to both educate about food insecurity and give students real-world experience producing impactful multimedia stories.“The <a href="https://hungryheartland.com/">Hungry Heartland project</a> not only tells moving stories of solutions to food access issues but also helps students learn more deeply how these issues affect their neighbors, classmates and families in every corner of Kansas,” said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/about/faculty/tom-hallaq.html">Tom Hallaq</a>, associate professor in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/">A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication</a>. “Students gain valuable, faculty-mentored experience as the stories and artwork they produce become catalysts to spark conversation and change in those communities.”<div><iframe width="876" height="493" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/okAXLm0TKyA" title="Empty Breadbasket" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The six-year project has produced art exhibits, academic articles and a Silver Telly Award-winning documentary called, “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERIKtkIWpyM">The Empty Breadbasket: When the Land that Feeds the World Cannot Feed Itself</a>,” directed by Hallaq and the late Ian Punnett, professor in the Miller School. It aired on Topeka public television’s KTWU in 2022.A more recent partnership with the social transformation studies department’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheEngagedStoriesLab">Engaged Stories Lab</a>&nbsp;has strengthened the project’s power of storytelling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741882481542.jpeg" alt="Hungry Heartland, an interdisciplinary storytelling project at Kansas State University, documents the realities, challenges and triumphs of addressing food insecurity in Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Hungry Heartland, an interdisciplinary storytelling project at Kansas State University, documents the realities, challenges and triumphs of addressing food insecurity in Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Hungry Heartland documentary is one of the star storytelling projects of the lab,” said Valerie Padilla Carroll, interim head of the social transformation studies department. “Through the work of engaged students and faculty, this documentary is collecting and archiving important Kansas stories of resilience and empowering Kansas community members to share their food access challenges and triumphs.”The Hungry Heartland project&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/announcement/?id=95400">recently received its second Interdisciplinary Research Grant</a>&nbsp;from the university’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/chapman/">Chapman Center for Rural Studies</a>. The grant encourages scholars to collaborate across different fields, showcase rural Kansas communities and bring awareness to obstacles faced by them.Other project directors are Shreepad Joglekar, Lindy E. Bell Head of the department of art, and Han Yu, professor of English.“Projects like Hungry Heartland exemplify the College of Arts and Sciences’ mission to prepare students for responsible citizenry and career success and contribute to the betterment of society,’” said Chris Culbertson, dean of the college. “Our students and faculty examine some of society’s most pressing challenges—like food insecurity—to make a difference for Kansans, the nation and the world.”

In the face of food insecurity, this K-State project tells of Dighton's resilience

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued red flag warnings for several southwest counties today and Tuesday, including Ellis County.

The warnings are in effect from 1 to 8 p.m. today and Tuesday. By mid-afternoon today, sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of up to 35 mph are expected.

Tuesday's forecast will consist of stronger winds, sustained at 25-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be higher, reaching up to 15%.

A Winter Storm Watch has also been issued for Wednesday. High winds are expected early in the morning to affect west-central and southwest Kansas, including Ellis County.

Strong winds and heavy snow, creating blizzard conditions, will be the primary threat. According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, the greatest chance for these impacts is along and north of KS-96.

Blizzard conditions are also possible in northwest Kansas Tuesday night and Wednesday, accroding to the National Weather Service in Goodland.

Total snow accumulation of 2 inches is expected. WInds could gust to 55 mph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742235913344.jpeg" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued red flag warnings for several southwest counties today and Tuesday, including Ellis County.The warnings are in effect from 1 to 8 p.m. today and Tuesday. By mid-afternoon today, sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts of up to 35 mph are expected.Tuesday's forecast will consist of stronger winds, sustained at 25-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Minimum relative humidity will be higher, reaching up to 15%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742236437421.jpeg" alt="National Weather Service, Dodge City" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Dodge City</figcaption>
 </figure>A Winter Storm Watch has also been issued for Wednesday. High winds are expected early in the morning to affect west-central and southwest Kansas, including Ellis County.Strong winds and heavy snow, creating blizzard conditions, will be the primary threat. According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, the greatest chance for these impacts is along and north of KS-96.Blizzard conditions are also possible in northwest Kansas Tuesday night and Wednesday, accroding to the National Weather Service in Goodland.Total snow accumulation of 2 inches is expected. WInds could gust to 55 mph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742236809176.png" alt="National Weather Service, Goodland" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service, Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellis County under red flag warning, winter storm watch this week

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission heard suggestions from a resident regarding road conditions in rural subdivisions during its meeting Tuesday.

The discussion focused on establishing a standardized approach to road maintenance and gathering feedback from residents in various subdivisions.

Ellis County resident Ty Wilson from Stonewood North Addition highlighted the need to address road deficiencies after consulting with various subdivisions.

"The solution is pretty simple. All you have to do is create a program or agenda," Wilson said. "That opens the doors to all kinds of funding and avenues to help get the program in place."

Wilson shared several images of subdivision roads, which he said need maintenance and improvements.

Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the commission is unable to allocate funds beyond the current budget year or commit future commissions to obligations.

"One thing that hinders a lot of commissions is we cannot impose something on future commissions," Leiker said.

Wilson suggested planning ahead while maintaining consistent communication during the process. The next commission meeting for further discussion is May 20.

An adjoining property owner has requested Ellis County Public Works vacate the right of way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catherine.

Public Works Director Brendan Mackay led the discussion. Mackay said the street has not been built. The request comes from someone planning to build a home on it.

The commissioners said they support vacating the right of way. A resolution will be presented for approval at the April 1 commission meeting.

Ellis County Library Board appointment and update

Commissioners&nbsp;reappointed Alisha Hammerschmidt's to the Ellis County Library Board for a new term ending April 30, 2029. They also approved $10,000 for 2025 expenses.

The funding will go toward software, training, legal fees and office supplies.

The initial funding request was $15,000, but the commissioners encouraged Ellis County Library Board President Benjamin Dome, who was in attendance, to attend future board meetings to request additional funds if needed.

The Ellis County Historical Society requested a letter of support from the county for two grant applications. One grant application to T-Mobile would fund the purchase of new exhibit displays.

Commissioners approved Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder's request to purchase a Stryker PowerPro Cot and Powerload system for $54,504. The equipment will be used in a newly acquired ambulance.

Commissioners also approved the purchase of a 2021 Caterpillar excavator for the Road and Bridge Division for $184,736. The county's current 2005 CAT excavator is limited in reaching specific project sites.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission heard suggestions from a resident regarding road conditions in rural subdivisions during its meeting Tuesday.The discussion focused on establishing a standardized approach to road maintenance and gathering feedback from residents in various subdivisions.Ellis County resident Ty Wilson from Stonewood North Addition highlighted the need to address road deficiencies after consulting with various subdivisions."The solution is pretty simple. All you have to do is create a program or agenda," Wilson said. "That opens the doors to all kinds of funding and avenues to help get the program in place."Wilson shared several images of subdivision roads, which he said need maintenance and improvements.Commissioner Nathan Leiker said the commission is unable to allocate funds beyond the current budget year or commit future commissions to obligations."One thing that hinders a lot of commissions is we cannot impose something on future commissions," Leiker said.Wilson suggested planning ahead while maintaining consistent communication during the process. The next commission meeting for further discussion is May 20.<h2>St. Jacobs street right of way</h2>An adjoining property owner has requested Ellis County Public Works vacate the right of way for a portion of St. Jacobs Street in Catherine.Public Works Director Brendan Mackay led the discussion. Mackay said the street has not been built. The request comes from someone planning to build a home on it.The commissioners said they support vacating the right of way. A resolution will be presented for approval at the April 1 commission meeting.<h2>Ellis County Library Board appointment and update</h2>Commissioners&nbsp;reappointed Alisha Hammerschmidt's to the Ellis County Library Board for a new term ending April 30, 2029. They also approved $10,000 for 2025 expenses.The funding will go toward software, training, legal fees and office supplies.The initial funding request was $15,000, but the commissioners encouraged Ellis County Library Board President Benjamin Dome, who was in attendance, to attend future board meetings to request additional funds if needed.<h2>Other business</h2>The Ellis County Historical Society requested a letter of support from the county for two grant applications. One grant application to T-Mobile would fund the purchase of new exhibit displays.Commissioners approved Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder's request to purchase a Stryker PowerPro Cot and Powerload system for $54,504. The equipment will be used in a newly acquired ambulance.Commissioners also approved the purchase of a 2021 Caterpillar excavator for the Road and Bridge Division for $184,736. The county's current 2005 CAT excavator is limited in reaching specific project sites.

Ellis County Commission discusses subdivision concerns

TOPEKA — The Senate completed their 2026 budget last week, which will be debated on the floor Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Both the Senate and the House passed SB14, which would prevent the state government from shutting down in the event the governor and legislature cannot come to an agreement on a budget prior to the end of the fiscal year. The bill would provide for continuing appropriations at the same level as the previous fiscal year. This bill would ensure that schools would never close and that state government operations would continue.

HB2043 passed and would allow an insurer or producer to request an extension of a pilot or testing program for a value-added product or service beyond a one-year period for any additional time needed to determine whether the value-added product or service meets the criteria in the case the insurer or producer is unable to determine sufficient evidence within the first year. The bill would clarify the time for an agent or insurer to respond to an inquiry concerning a consumer complaint from the Insurance Department to be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the inquiry, and the response time for all other inquiries from the Department would be within 15 business days. The bill would add the failure of an insurer to respond to an inquiry from the Department to the list of actions that could lead the Commissioner of Insurance to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse a new license or application for license.

SB213 was passed by the Senate. It would prohibit non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and in certain places. It changes the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.

Last week, the Kansas Senate took a bold step to ensure pregnant women receive child support. HB2062&nbsp;would make amendments to law regarding child support guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to require the guidelines to consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother. Expenses for children begin early in pregnancy, expenses that a woman might need to undertake prior to the birth of the child. Part of being pro-life means ensuring that pregnant women need and deserve the most support. HB2062 recognizes that fathers are still fathers even when a child is not born yet and would bring consistency to our child support laws by recognizing this reality. The Senate amended the bill to also include a personal exemption of $2,320 for any unborn child, as defined by the bill, starting in tax year 2025.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and families who have been deeply affected by the recent tragedies in western Kansas. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with you, and we share in your sorrow. We also extend our profound gratitude&nbsp;to the first responders, nurses, and doctors whose dedication and tireless efforts have been a beacon of hope and care for those impacted. Your strength and compassion are truly inspiring, and we stand with you all as we navigate this painful moment together.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785- 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610490291573.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The Senate completed their 2026 budget last week, which will be debated on the floor Tuesday, March 18, 2025.Both the Senate and the House passed SB14, which would prevent the state government from shutting down in the event the governor and legislature cannot come to an agreement on a budget prior to the end of the fiscal year. The bill would provide for continuing appropriations at the same level as the previous fiscal year. This bill would ensure that schools would never close and that state government operations would continue.HB2043 passed and would allow an insurer or producer to request an extension of a pilot or testing program for a value-added product or service beyond a one-year period for any additional time needed to determine whether the value-added product or service meets the criteria in the case the insurer or producer is unable to determine sufficient evidence within the first year. The bill would clarify the time for an agent or insurer to respond to an inquiry concerning a consumer complaint from the Insurance Department to be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the inquiry, and the response time for all other inquiries from the Department would be within 15 business days. The bill would add the failure of an insurer to respond to an inquiry from the Department to the list of actions that could lead the Commissioner of Insurance to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse a new license or application for license.SB213 was passed by the Senate. It would prohibit non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and in certain places. It changes the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.Last week, the Kansas Senate took a bold step to ensure pregnant women receive child support. HB2062&nbsp;would make amendments to law regarding child support guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to require the guidelines to consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother. Expenses for children begin early in pregnancy, expenses that a woman might need to undertake prior to the birth of the child. Part of being pro-life means ensuring that pregnant women need and deserve the most support. HB2062 recognizes that fathers are still fathers even when a child is not born yet and would bring consistency to our child support laws by recognizing this reality. The Senate amended the bill to also include a personal exemption of $2,320 for any unborn child, as defined by the bill, starting in tax year 2025.My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and families who have been deeply affected by the recent tragedies in western Kansas. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with you, and we share in your sorrow. We also extend our profound gratitude&nbsp;to the first responders, nurses, and doctors whose dedication and tireless efforts have been a beacon of hope and care for those impacted. Your strength and compassion are truly inspiring, and we stand with you all as we navigate this painful moment together.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785- 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

BILLINGER: Senate Update March 18, 2025

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA Associated Press</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A gust of wind sweeps over bare soil, kicking up enough dirt and dust to cut visibility to nearly zero, and for drivers, the dust storm seems to come out of nowhere.

Such conditions resulted in a pileup on Interstate 70 last week in western Kansas involving dozens of cars and trucks that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-wildfires-deaths-eb53f6b2463a96b18a08ca9e2db266ab">left eight people dead</a>. Blinding dust also prompted New Mexico's transportation department to close Interstate 25 from the Colorado border southwest to Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Hazy or dust-darkened skies have recalled the “Dust Bowl” of the 1930s, when millions of tons of blowing soil buried farms and coated towns across the Great Plains. Lesser storms occur every year, particularly in the western U.S., particularly when farmland hasn't been planted yet in the spring. Some scientists worry that many motorists don't take them seriously enough.

“We have a very low level of public awareness of a dust storm and what damage it can cause,” said Daniel Tong, an associate professor of atmospheric chemistry at George Mason University who is among the authors of a 2023 paper on dust storm deaths.

Dust storms have a history of causing fatalities

The High Plains Museum in Goodland displays a photo of a tractor buried in blown soil in the 1930s, a reminder of the consequences of a severe drought across the Great Plains that came after farming had destroyed native grasses.

The fatalities Friday near Goodland were the first in the area in a dust storm since 2014, said Jeremy Martin, the Weather Service meteorologist in charge there.

But they came less than a month after an 11-car pileup on I-25 left three people dead, with heavy dust cited as a factor, according&nbsp;<a href="https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/three-killed-in-11-car-pileup-west-of-lordsburg/">to Albuquerque TV's KRQE.</a>&nbsp;Similarly, a dust storm on I-55 between St. Louis and Springfield, Illinois, in 2023 led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-highway-wind-dust-storm-crashes-14cf5174d293741f94a17eed9d8f4a2d">a fatal pileup</a>&nbsp;involving dozens of vehicles.

In 1991, 17 people died in an accident involving more than 100 vehicles on I-5 in California's San Joaquin Valley, blamed on blowing dust.

Tong and four co-authors concluded in their paper published in 2023 in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society that there were&nbsp;<a href="https://research.noaa.gov/how-deadly-are-dust-storms/">232 deaths</a>&nbsp;from “windblown dust events” from 2007 through 2017, far higher than the number recorded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association data.

<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01506-4">In January,</a>&nbsp;he and four colleagues concluded that the economic damaged caused by wind erosion and dust is four times higher than previously calculated and more than $154 billion a year.

A cold front carries dust through western Kansas

Martin said a cold front moved through the area of the pileup after it had been warm and dry for six hours. Winds that reached 70 miles per hour (113 kph) kicked up dust that then became trapped in the cold front.

“That's when you get that classic wall of dust," he said.

As blowing dust cut visibility on the road to almost zero, drivers slowed down, causing collisions, authorities said.

A preliminary investigation found that 71 vehicles were involved, said Kansas Highway Patrol spokesperson April McCollum. Aerial photos showed at least 10 were semis.

“It was hard to even keep your eyes open outside because there was so much dust in the air,” said Jeremy Martin, the National Weather Service meteorologist in charge in Goodland. “It kind of stung to even breathe out in it.”

Similar conditions in eastern Colorado prompted the Colorado State Patrol to warn drivers: “Zero visibility due to high winds and blowing dirt.”

“You couldn’t see,” said Jerry Burkhart, the fire and emergency services chief in Lamar, Colorado. “The best thing to do is get way off the road in a parking lot or something like that.”

A lack of visibility is not the only problem

Martin said it's hard to tell how thick dust is from a distance, so motorists often don't know they won't able to see until they're in it.

Weather Service forecasters also said some of the advice for motorists in a dust storm is counter-intuitive. Michael Anand, a NWS meteorologist in Albuquerque, said motorists should pull off the road as safely as possible, turn off all lights and never use their high beams.

“You don’t want people behind you to think you’re going in the road,” Martin said. “That light from your tail light might be the only thing they can see. They’re thinking the road suddenly curves.”

High winds make cars harder to control, and a dust storm coats the road with fine particles that slow breaking, and drivers panic, Tong said.

He said dust storms are frequent and widespread enough across the U.S. that states should test prospective drivers on what to do in a dust storm on license exams.

“That could be, actually, a very easy way to educate drivers,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742057657995.png" alt="-Photos by Brian James, Goodland Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>-Photos by Brian James, Goodland Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA Associated Press</a>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A gust of wind sweeps over bare soil, kicking up enough dirt and dust to cut visibility to nearly zero, and for drivers, the dust storm seems to come out of nowhere.Such conditions resulted in a pileup on Interstate 70 last week in western Kansas involving dozens of cars and trucks that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-wildfires-deaths-eb53f6b2463a96b18a08ca9e2db266ab">left eight people dead</a>. Blinding dust also prompted New Mexico's transportation department to close Interstate 25 from the Colorado border southwest to Las Vegas, New Mexico.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742075593579.png" alt="-Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>-Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>Hazy or dust-darkened skies have recalled the “Dust Bowl” of the 1930s, when millions of tons of blowing soil buried farms and coated towns across the Great Plains. Lesser storms occur every year, particularly in the western U.S., particularly when farmland hasn't been planted yet in the spring. Some scientists worry that many motorists don't take them seriously enough.“We have a very low level of public awareness of a dust storm and what damage it can cause,” said Daniel Tong, an associate professor of atmospheric chemistry at George Mason University who is among the authors of a 2023 paper on dust storm deaths.<h2>Dust storms have a history of causing fatalities</h2>The High Plains Museum in Goodland displays a photo of a tractor buried in blown soil in the 1930s, a reminder of the consequences of a severe drought across the Great Plains that came after farming had destroyed native grasses.The fatalities Friday near Goodland were the first in the area in a dust storm since 2014, said Jeremy Martin, the Weather Service meteorologist in charge there.But they came less than a month after an 11-car pileup on I-25 left three people dead, with heavy dust cited as a factor, according&nbsp;<a href="https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/three-killed-in-11-car-pileup-west-of-lordsburg/">to Albuquerque TV's KRQE.</a>&nbsp;Similarly, a dust storm on I-55 between St. Louis and Springfield, Illinois, in 2023 led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/illinois-highway-wind-dust-storm-crashes-14cf5174d293741f94a17eed9d8f4a2d">a fatal pileup</a>&nbsp;involving dozens of vehicles.In 1991, 17 people died in an accident involving more than 100 vehicles on I-5 in California's San Joaquin Valley, blamed on blowing dust.Tong and four co-authors concluded in their paper published in 2023 in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society that there were&nbsp;<a href="https://research.noaa.gov/how-deadly-are-dust-storms/">232 deaths</a>&nbsp;from “windblown dust events” from 2007 through 2017, far higher than the number recorded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association data.<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01506-4">In January,</a>&nbsp;he and four colleagues concluded that the economic damaged caused by wind erosion and dust is four times higher than previously calculated and more than $154 billion a year.<h2>A cold front carries dust through western Kansas</h2>Martin said a cold front moved through the area of the pileup after it had been warm and dry for six hours. Winds that reached 70 miles per hour (113 kph) kicked up dust that then became trapped in the cold front.“That's when you get that classic wall of dust," he said.As blowing dust cut visibility on the road to almost zero, drivers slowed down, causing collisions, authorities said.A preliminary investigation found that 71 vehicles were involved, said Kansas Highway Patrol spokesperson April McCollum. Aerial photos showed at least 10 were semis.“It was hard to even keep your eyes open outside because there was so much dust in the air,” said Jeremy Martin, the National Weather Service meteorologist in charge in Goodland. “It kind of stung to even breathe out in it.”Similar conditions in eastern Colorado prompted the Colorado State Patrol to warn drivers: “Zero visibility due to high winds and blowing dirt.”“You couldn’t see,” said Jerry Burkhart, the fire and emergency services chief in Lamar, Colorado. “The best thing to do is get way off the road in a parking lot or something like that.”<h2>A lack of visibility is not the only problem</h2>Martin said it's hard to tell how thick dust is from a distance, so motorists often don't know they won't able to see until they're in it.Weather Service forecasters also said some of the advice for motorists in a dust storm is counter-intuitive. Michael Anand, a NWS meteorologist in Albuquerque, said motorists should pull off the road as safely as possible, turn off all lights and never use their high beams.“You don’t want people behind you to think you’re going in the road,” Martin said. “That light from your tail light might be the only thing they can see. They’re thinking the road suddenly curves.”High winds make cars harder to control, and a dust storm coats the road with fine particles that slow breaking, and drivers panic, Tong said.He said dust storms are frequent and widespread enough across the U.S. that states should test prospective drivers on what to do in a dust storm on license exams.“That could be, actually, a very easy way to educate drivers,” he said.

Highway pileup in NW Kan. shows how dust storms can turn deadly

Melissa Hunsicker Walburn, the Interim Dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University, was selected to lead the college as its next dean.

Hunsicker-Walburn has served as interim dean of the college on two occasions and brings more than a decade of experience as a senior higher education administrator and teacher to the position. Hunsicker-Walburn brings a diverse professional background, strategic vision, and entrepreneurial mindset to the role.&nbsp; Her experiences prior to higher education include working as litigation counsel and technical staff in highly complex and competitive industries of telecommunications and public utilities, as well as directing Kansas’ 529 college-savings plan. In addition to her work for Fort Hays State University, she currently serves as an appointed director on the board of High Plains Farm Credit.

“Melissa’s agile and authenticity-centered leadership drove the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship to continued growth in the MBA program, record student scholarship awards, and several new global academic partnership opportunities,” said FHSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs&nbsp;Jill&nbsp;Arensdorf. “She cares deeply about the faculty, staff, and students at FHSU.&nbsp; I look forward to working with Melissa to finalize the RCOBE strategic plan and vision for the future.”

Hunsicker-Walburn led the effort to secure two renewals of a National Security Administration Center for Academic Excellence accreditation for the Information Enterprise Institute at FHSU. She also envisioned and led the establishment of FHSU’s innovative Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator, which today serves small and mid-sized businesses in Kansas by providing critical information security consulting services and targeted student microinternship support.

She was also instrumental in creating and expanding experiential student learning opportunities, including FHSU’s student multimedia news agency, the Tiger Media Network, and the New Media Institute, which empowers students to explore the intersection of culture, communication, and technology, study abroad, innovative business entrepreneurship-focused student competitions, and in the university’s efforts to advance workforce development and economic prosperity across the state of Kansas.

"As a first-generation college graduate, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education to open doors and change lives, said Hunsicker-Walburn. “I look forward to working with our exceptional faculty to deliver programs that equip today’s learners with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in a dynamic and rapidly evolving workforce. I am honored to step into this role and remain committed to ensuring that high-quality, accessible business education is within reach for all students.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741882903798.jpeg" alt="Melissa Hunsicker Walburn. Photo by Fort Hays State University" />
 <figcaption>Melissa Hunsicker Walburn. Photo by Fort Hays State University</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsMelissa Hunsicker Walburn, the Interim Dean of the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Fort Hays State University, was selected to lead the college as its next dean.Hunsicker-Walburn has served as interim dean of the college on two occasions and brings more than a decade of experience as a senior higher education administrator and teacher to the position. Hunsicker-Walburn brings a diverse professional background, strategic vision, and entrepreneurial mindset to the role.&nbsp; Her experiences prior to higher education include working as litigation counsel and technical staff in highly complex and competitive industries of telecommunications and public utilities, as well as directing Kansas’ 529 college-savings plan. In addition to her work for Fort Hays State University, she currently serves as an appointed director on the board of High Plains Farm Credit.“Melissa’s agile and authenticity-centered leadership drove the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship to continued growth in the MBA program, record student scholarship awards, and several new global academic partnership opportunities,” said FHSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs&nbsp;Jill&nbsp;Arensdorf. “She cares deeply about the faculty, staff, and students at FHSU.&nbsp; I look forward to working with Melissa to finalize the RCOBE strategic plan and vision for the future.”Hunsicker-Walburn led the effort to secure two renewals of a National Security Administration Center for Academic Excellence accreditation for the Information Enterprise Institute at FHSU. She also envisioned and led the establishment of FHSU’s innovative Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator, which today serves small and mid-sized businesses in Kansas by providing critical information security consulting services and targeted student microinternship support.She was also instrumental in creating and expanding experiential student learning opportunities, including FHSU’s student multimedia news agency, the Tiger Media Network, and the New Media Institute, which empowers students to explore the intersection of culture, communication, and technology, study abroad, innovative business entrepreneurship-focused student competitions, and in the university’s efforts to advance workforce development and economic prosperity across the state of Kansas."As a first-generation college graduate, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education to open doors and change lives, said Hunsicker-Walburn. “I look forward to working with our exceptional faculty to deliver programs that equip today’s learners with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in a dynamic and rapidly evolving workforce. I am honored to step into this role and remain committed to ensuring that high-quality, accessible business education is within reach for all students.”

Hunsicker-Walburn named dean of the FHSU Robbins College of Business, Entrepreneurship

Office of Speaker Hawkins TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins established the Select Committee on Government Oversight on March 6.

This select committee will monitor and ensure the proper functioning, transparency, and accountability of government agencies, programs, and regulations. 

Using their subpoena power, committee members will investigate potential misconduct or inefficiency, holding Kansas’ government entities more accountable to the people. By conducting hearings and investigations, the committee will work to identify areas for improvement and recommend reforms in meetings that are open to public viewing—pulling back the curtain on the inner workings of the Kansas government. 

The committee will consist of 13 members of the Kansas House of Representatives and will meet on call of the chairperson or when directed by the Speaker. 

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins issued the following statement regarding the formation of the Select Committee on Government Oversight: “This committee’s work will help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that government actions align with the best interests of the citizens of Kansas. I look forward to seeing the increase in government accountability that the Select Committee on Government Oversight will most certainly bring.” 

Under House Rule 1103, Speaker Hawkins has appointed the following representatives to the Select Committee on Government Oversight. Chair- Representative Kristey Williams Vice Chair- Representative Bob Lewis Representative Susan Humphries Representative Troy Waymaster Representative Will Carpenter Representative Francis Awerkamp Representative Bill Sutton Representative Sean Tarwater Representative Shannon Francis Ranking Minority Member- Representative Barbara Ballard Representative Tom Sawyer Representative Dan Osman Representative Jo Ella Hoye&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Speaker Hawkins TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins established the Select Committee on Government Oversight on March 6. This select committee will monitor and ensure the proper functioning, transparency, and accountability of government agencies, programs, and regulations. Using their subpoena power, committee members will investigate potential misconduct or inefficiency, holding Kansas’ government entities more accountable to the people. By conducting hearings and investigations, the committee will work to identify areas for improvement and recommend reforms in meetings that are open to public viewing—pulling back the curtain on the inner workings of the Kansas government. The committee will consist of 13 members of the Kansas House of Representatives and will meet on call of the chairperson or when directed by the Speaker. Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins issued the following statement regarding the formation of the Select Committee on Government Oversight: “This committee’s work will help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that government actions align with the best interests of the citizens of Kansas. I look forward to seeing the increase in government accountability that the Select Committee on Government Oversight will most certainly bring.” Under House Rule 1103, Speaker Hawkins has appointed the following representatives to the Select Committee on Government Oversight. Chair- Representative Kristey Williams Vice Chair- Representative Bob Lewis Representative Susan Humphries Representative Troy Waymaster Representative Will Carpenter Representative Francis Awerkamp Representative Bill Sutton Representative Sean Tarwater Representative Shannon Francis Ranking Minority Member- Representative Barbara Ballard Representative Tom Sawyer Representative Dan Osman Representative Jo Ella Hoye&nbsp;

Rep. Waymaster tabbed for Select Committee on Government Oversight

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

We often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!

The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. 

During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. 

Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. 

Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! 

Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.

As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. 

Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. 

This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.

This past Friday, 4-H members from seven counties gathered at Great Bend High School for Regional 4-H Day. 

Each participant was the top placing individual or group in a variety of categories from club skits to project talks to public speaking. Preparing for their local event requires good preparation and planning, as well as a lot of practice as they improve their communication skills about a topic important to the individual youth.

Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.

Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project!&nbsp;These are lifetime skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran, 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran, 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictWe often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.This past Friday, 4-H members from seven counties gathered at Great Bend High School for Regional 4-H Day. Each participant was the top placing individual or group in a variety of categories from club skits to project talks to public speaking. Preparing for their local event requires good preparation and planning, as well as a lot of practice as they improve their communication skills about a topic important to the individual youth.Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project!&nbsp;These are lifetime skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Life skills all year

BROOKINGS, South Dakota — South Dakota State University announces Katelyn Marie Engel of Hays, has graduated following the summer and fall 2024 semesters.

Engel graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an undergraduate certificate from SDSU's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Overall, nearly 950 SDSU students from 36 states and 23 nations graduated in the summer and fall 2024 semesters.&nbsp;

Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is the state's Morrill Act land-grant institution as well as its largest, most comprehensive school of higher education.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643818892515.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SDSUBROOKINGS, South Dakota — South Dakota State University announces Katelyn Marie Engel of Hays, has graduated following the summer and fall 2024 semesters.Engel graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an undergraduate certificate from SDSU's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.Overall, nearly 950 SDSU students from 36 states and 23 nations graduated in the summer and fall 2024 semesters.&nbsp;Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is the state's Morrill Act land-grant institution as well as its largest, most comprehensive school of higher education.&nbsp;

Hays student graduates from South Dakota State University

Women Who Lead's annual scholarship application period is now open. 

The scholarship is for female residents of Ellis County.

At least three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded for 2025 to women who will be attending Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech North Central or Hays Academy of Hair Design.

Applications are due by March 31. Students find the application at <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">https://womenwholead.org/</a>.

If you have any questions, you can call Women Who Lead Scholarship Committee chairwoman Cristina Janney at 785-301-2077, cjanney@eaglemedia.com or Nancy Jeter at 785-623-1660, nancyjeter5@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742263915237.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Women Who LeadWomen Who Lead's annual scholarship application period is now open. The scholarship is for female residents of Ellis County.At least three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded for 2025 to women who will be attending Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech North Central or Hays Academy of Hair Design.Applications are due by March 31. Students find the application at <a href="https://womenwholead.org/">https://womenwholead.org/</a>.If you have any questions, you can call Women Who Lead Scholarship Committee chairwoman Cristina Janney at 785-301-2077, cjanney@eaglemedia.com or Nancy Jeter at 785-623-1660, nancyjeter5@gmail.com.

Deadline for Women Who Lead scholarships March 31

The United Way of Ellis County extends a heartfelt thank you to our incredible community for making the Dueling Pianos event a resounding success! 

Held on Saturday, February 8 in the Unrein Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, the night was filled with high-energy performances, generous giving, and an overwhelming spirit of support for our mission.

Thanks to the enthusiasm of our attendees, the incredible talent of the dueling pianists, and the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we raised $10,000 to help support our 14 partner agencies. Every dollar contributed will go directly toward improving lives and strengthening our community through vital education, financial stability, and health programs.

"We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community," said Erica Berges, executive director. "The energy in the room was electric, and it was inspiring to see everyone come together for a night of fun, music, and philanthropy."

A special thank you goes out to our sponsors, volunteers, and event partners who played a key role in making this event possible. Your dedication to United Way’s mission helps us create lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.

We look forward to hosting more exciting events in the future and continuing to work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

For more information on how to get involved with United Way and our initiatives, visit www.liveunited.us or follow us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">/unitedwayofelliscounty</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741801588977.png" alt="The Dueling Pianos event raised $10,000 for the United Way of Ellis County. Photos by Guy Windholz" />
 <figcaption>The Dueling Pianos event raised $10,000 for the United Way of Ellis County. Photos by Guy Windholz</figcaption>
 </figure>United Way of Ellis CountyThe United Way of Ellis County extends a heartfelt thank you to our incredible community for making the Dueling Pianos event a resounding success! Held on Saturday, February 8 in the Unrein Building at the Ellis County Fairgrounds, the night was filled with high-energy performances, generous giving, and an overwhelming spirit of support for our mission.Thanks to the enthusiasm of our attendees, the incredible talent of the dueling pianists, and the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we raised $10,000 to help support our 14 partner agencies. Every dollar contributed will go directly toward improving lives and strengthening our community through vital education, financial stability, and health programs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741800782256.jpeg" alt="The crowd enjoys the dinner, drinks, and music at Dueling Pianos. Photos courtesy Guy Windholz" />
 <figcaption>The crowd enjoys the dinner, drinks, and music at Dueling Pianos. Photos courtesy Guy Windholz</figcaption>
 </figure>"We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community," said Erica Berges, executive director. "The energy in the room was electric, and it was inspiring to see everyone come together for a night of fun, music, and philanthropy."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741801256369.jpeg" alt="CASA of the High Plains is one of the 14 United Way partner agencies. Photos by Guy Windholz" />
 <figcaption>CASA of the High Plains is one of the 14 United Way partner agencies. Photos by Guy Windholz</figcaption>
 </figure>A special thank you goes out to our sponsors, volunteers, and event partners who played a key role in making this event possible. Your dedication to United Way’s mission helps us create lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.We look forward to hosting more exciting events in the future and continuing to work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.For more information on how to get involved with United Way and our initiatives, visit www.liveunited.us or follow us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayofelliscounty">/unitedwayofelliscounty</a>.

United Way thanks community for successful Dueling Pianos event

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

US crude prices eked out a weekly gain of 14 cents a barrel, with the near-month NYMEX contract for light sweet crude closing the day Friday at $67.18 per barrel, up 63 cents on the day, but still down more than a dollar from the first of the month and nearly three dollars lower than at the first of the year.

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $57.50 per barrel, after gaining 75 cents on Friday.&nbsp; Prices are down $2.50 a barrel from the first of the month, and down $4.50 per barrel from the first of the year.

US crude-oil production rose to the highest level this year and the third highest ever. The Energy Information Administration reports output averaged 13,575,000 barrels per day in the week through March 7. The all-time high over 13.6 million barrels a day was achieved in the first week of December last year. Cumulative production this year averages over 13.4 million daily barrels, up nearly three percent over the same period a year ago.

Annual US Production increased to 13.2 million barrels per day (bpd) &nbsp;in 2024, marking the first time the yearly average has topped 13 million. The government reports output jumped more than 300,000 bpd from the year before and more than two million bpd in the last five years. Texas accounted for 41% of US production, according to the Energy Information Administration report.

Montana surpasses Kansas in annual production for the first time, dropping the Sunflower State to number 13 in the state rankings. Texas tops the list at 5.4 million bpd, followed by New Mexico (2.03M), North Dakota (1.1M), Colorado (471k), and Alaska (420k). Oklahoma is number six (395k), ahead of Wyoming (292k), California (285k), Utah (179k) and Ohio (100k). Next come Louisiana (84k), Montana (74k) and Kansas (73k).

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rise to 18 active rigs.&nbsp; The tally in eastern Kansas is up one at five rigs, while the count west of Wichita is up one at 12 rigs. Rig counts are up 20 percent from a month ago but down nearly 38% from last year. Drilling was underway Friday on two leases in Stafford County. Operators are drilling two wells in Finney County and are about to spud a third. Drilling continues on a lease in Haskell County.

Friday's Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 592 active rigs nationwide, an increase of one oil rig but a decrease of one seeking natural gas. The count in New Mexico was down three rigs from last week. Oklahoma was up two.

Kansas regulators okayed 12 new drilling permits in Kansas last week. That's 136 new drilling locations so far this year. All 12 permits are west of Wichita, including two in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and one in Haskell County.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 18 new well completions, with six in Western Kansas including one in Stafford County. That's 251 completions so far this year.

US crude imports are down 343,000 barrels a day from last week to 5.5 million daily barrels. The four-week average is down more than ten percent from a year ago. Product imports are down slightly. Crude and product exports each dropped last week. Crude exports dropped nearly 25 percent. The four-week average is down a million barrels a day from a year ago.

The Energy Department reports delivery of 300,000 barrels of crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the first such addition in four weeks. The total in the SPR is up to 395.3 million barrels, up 9.4 percent from a year ago.

Commercial crude inventories rose by 1.4 million barrels last week to just over 435 million as of March 7. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The government says two years of low natural gas prices and advanced completion techniques have prompted a dramatic reduction in drilling rigs targeting natural gas in the US. The Energy Information Administration and Baker Hughes report the number of active US gas rigs dropped by 32%, or 50 rigs, since December of 2022. The decline has been concentrated in the natural gas plays in Louisiana and the northeastern United States.

The state oil company in Mexico continues to expand operations from its new Olmeca refinery, causing new headaches in US import and export markets. Reuters reports that as refining operations expand, PEMEX is increasingly shifting barrels of heavy crude away from US Gulf Coast refineries. Mexico's government has been working for nearly a decade to wean the country off its longstanding dependence on imported motor fuels. Robust output from the new refinery has also begun to spike PEMEX product exports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685114004842.jpg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle MediaUS crude prices eked out a weekly gain of 14 cents a barrel, with the near-month NYMEX contract for light sweet crude closing the day Friday at $67.18 per barrel, up 63 cents on the day, but still down more than a dollar from the first of the month and nearly three dollars lower than at the first of the year.Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $57.50 per barrel, after gaining 75 cents on Friday.&nbsp; Prices are down $2.50 a barrel from the first of the month, and down $4.50 per barrel from the first of the year.US crude-oil production rose to the highest level this year and the third highest ever. The Energy Information Administration reports output averaged 13,575,000 barrels per day in the week through March 7. The all-time high over 13.6 million barrels a day was achieved in the first week of December last year. Cumulative production this year averages over 13.4 million daily barrels, up nearly three percent over the same period a year ago.Annual US Production increased to 13.2 million barrels per day (bpd) &nbsp;in 2024, marking the first time the yearly average has topped 13 million. The government reports output jumped more than 300,000 bpd from the year before and more than two million bpd in the last five years. Texas accounted for 41% of US production, according to the Energy Information Administration report.Montana surpasses Kansas in annual production for the first time, dropping the Sunflower State to number 13 in the state rankings. Texas tops the list at 5.4 million bpd, followed by New Mexico (2.03M), North Dakota (1.1M), Colorado (471k), and Alaska (420k). Oklahoma is number six (395k), ahead of Wyoming (292k), California (285k), Utah (179k) and Ohio (100k). Next come Louisiana (84k), Montana (74k) and Kansas (73k).The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rise to 18 active rigs.&nbsp; The tally in eastern Kansas is up one at five rigs, while the count west of Wichita is up one at 12 rigs. Rig counts are up 20 percent from a month ago but down nearly 38% from last year. Drilling was underway Friday on two leases in Stafford County. Operators are drilling two wells in Finney County and are about to spud a third. Drilling continues on a lease in Haskell County.Friday's Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 592 active rigs nationwide, an increase of one oil rig but a decrease of one seeking natural gas. The count in New Mexico was down three rigs from last week. Oklahoma was up two.Kansas regulators okayed 12 new drilling permits in Kansas last week. That's 136 new drilling locations so far this year. All 12 permits are west of Wichita, including two in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and one in Haskell County.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 18 new well completions, with six in Western Kansas including one in Stafford County. That's 251 completions so far this year.US crude imports are down 343,000 barrels a day from last week to 5.5 million daily barrels. The four-week average is down more than ten percent from a year ago. Product imports are down slightly. Crude and product exports each dropped last week. Crude exports dropped nearly 25 percent. The four-week average is down a million barrels a day from a year ago.The Energy Department reports delivery of 300,000 barrels of crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the first such addition in four weeks. The total in the SPR is up to 395.3 million barrels, up 9.4 percent from a year ago.Commercial crude inventories rose by 1.4 million barrels last week to just over 435 million as of March 7. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.The government says two years of low natural gas prices and advanced completion techniques have prompted a dramatic reduction in drilling rigs targeting natural gas in the US. The Energy Information Administration and Baker Hughes report the number of active US gas rigs dropped by 32%, or 50 rigs, since December of 2022. The decline has been concentrated in the natural gas plays in Louisiana and the northeastern United States.The state oil company in Mexico continues to expand operations from its new Olmeca refinery, causing new headaches in US import and export markets. Reuters reports that as refining operations expand, PEMEX is increasingly shifting barrels of heavy crude away from US Gulf Coast refineries. Mexico's government has been working for nearly a decade to wean the country off its longstanding dependence on imported motor fuels. Robust output from the new refinery has also begun to spike PEMEX product exports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude production tops this year

The Ellis County Commission will hear suggestions from a resident regarding road conditions in rural subdivisions during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The discussion will focus on establishing a standardized approach to road maintenance, gathering feedback from residents in various subdivisions and exploring potential solutions.

Due to technical issues from the previous commission meeting, the subdevelopment road discussion was postponed to this Tuesday.

An adjoining property owner has requested Ellis County Public Works vacate the right of way for St. Jacobs Street in Catherine.

According to state statute, the county commissioners may vacate the right of way if the road is impassable due to neglect or nonuse and is no longer necessary for public utility.

Public Works Director Brendan Mackay will present the discussion.

The Ellis County Library Board will request Alisha Hammerschmidt's reappointment for a new term ending April 30, 2029, and approval of funding for 2025 expenses.

Commissioner Michael Berges will lead the discussion. If approved, the county administrator will allocate funds from the contingency budget to the general fund.

The Ellis County Historical Society is seeking a letter of support from the county to include with its grant application to T-Mobile. The grant would fund the purchase of new exhibit displays.

Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder will request approval to purchase a Stryker PowerPro Cot and Powerload system for $54,504. The equipment will be used in a newly acquired ambulance.

The Ellis County Road and Bridge Division will seek approval to purchase a 2021 Caterpillar excavator for $184,736. The county's current 2005 CAT excavator has limitations in reaching specific project sites.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182025-661">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684183971486.png" alt="Ellis County" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Ellis County Commission will hear suggestions from a resident regarding road conditions in rural subdivisions during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.The discussion will focus on establishing a standardized approach to road maintenance, gathering feedback from residents in various subdivisions and exploring potential solutions.Due to technical issues from the previous commission meeting, the subdevelopment road discussion was postponed to this Tuesday.<h2>St. Jacobs street right of way</h2>An adjoining property owner has requested Ellis County Public Works vacate the right of way for St. Jacobs Street in Catherine.According to state statute, the county commissioners may vacate the right of way if the road is impassable due to neglect or nonuse and is no longer necessary for public utility.Public Works Director Brendan Mackay will present the discussion.<h2>Ellis County Library Board appointment and update</h2>The Ellis County Library Board will request Alisha Hammerschmidt's reappointment for a new term ending April 30, 2029, and approval of funding for 2025 expenses.Commissioner Michael Berges will lead the discussion. If approved, the county administrator will allocate funds from the contingency budget to the general fund.<h2>Other business</h2>The Ellis County Historical Society is seeking a letter of support from the county to include with its grant application to T-Mobile. The grant would fund the purchase of new exhibit displays.Ellis County EMS Director Danita Schroeder will request approval to purchase a Stryker PowerPro Cot and Powerload system for $54,504. The equipment will be used in a newly acquired ambulance.The Ellis County Road and Bridge Division will seek approval to purchase a 2021 Caterpillar excavator for $184,736. The county's current 2005 CAT excavator has limitations in reaching specific project sites.You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182025-661">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to hear subdivisions concerns

Friends of a Salina man who died in the multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in the dust storm on Friday established a fundraiser to assist the family.

Dawson Hogan, 20, was one of eight who died in the crash.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/dawson-hogan-memorial-fund?attribution_id=sl:3093ab8d-992b-47d4-8d9d-b96ab541d876&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=copy_link">Click here to view</a> the fundraiser.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic loss of one of our Electrical Technology students, Dawson Hogan. Dawson was traveling home to Salina to spend time with his family over spring break," wrote Ben Schears, President of Fort Hays Tech, Northwest.&nbsp;

"Dawson was a vibrant presence on campus—a dedicated member of the Men’s Wrestling program, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and involved in student life events. He excelled academically, recently earning a nomination for the National Technical Honor Society. As a sophomore, he was on track to earn his Journeyman license, graduate this semester, and embark on a career in the electrical industry."

"We ask our campus community to keep Dawson’s family, friends, classmates, and teammates in their thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time. He will be missed by many. Continued prayers to all of the individuals and their families involved in the tragedy."

Those who started the fundraiser wrote, "Please remember to lift up his parents&nbsp;Steve and Dana Bonilla Hogan and his siblings including sisters Sydney, Jasmine and Selena and brothers Chance and Dakota."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742215393127.png" alt="-Dawson Hogan photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>-Dawson Hogan photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Friends of a Salina man who died in the multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in the dust storm on Friday established a fundraiser to assist the family.Dawson Hogan, 20, was one of eight who died in the crash.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/dawson-hogan-memorial-fund?attribution_id=sl:3093ab8d-992b-47d4-8d9d-b96ab541d876&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t2&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=copy_link">Click here to view</a> the fundraiser."It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic loss of one of our Electrical Technology students, Dawson Hogan. Dawson was traveling home to Salina to spend time with his family over spring break," wrote Ben Schears, President of Fort Hays Tech, Northwest.&nbsp;"Dawson was a vibrant presence on campus—a dedicated member of the Men’s Wrestling program, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and involved in student life events. He excelled academically, recently earning a nomination for the National Technical Honor Society. As a sophomore, he was on track to earn his Journeyman license, graduate this semester, and embark on a career in the electrical industry.""We ask our campus community to keep Dawson’s family, friends, classmates, and teammates in their thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time. He will be missed by many. Continued prayers to all of the individuals and their families involved in the tragedy."Those who started the fundraiser wrote, "Please remember to lift up his parents&nbsp;Steve and Dana Bonilla Hogan and his siblings including sisters Sydney, Jasmine and Selena and brothers Chance and Dakota."

Online fundraiser supports family of student killed in I-70 crash

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: March 9-15, 2025

Ellis County Jail bookings: March 9-15, 2025

The Hays Regional Airport saw record passenger enplanements last year. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser visits with Jamie Salter, airport director. Joining the discussion is Melissa Dixon, director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, who talks about the economic impacts of airport.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Record enplanements at Hays Regional Airport in 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=gj7dy-1842fe2-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>The Hays Regional Airport saw record passenger enplanements last year. On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser visits with Jamie Salter, airport director. Joining the discussion is Melissa Dixon, director of the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, who talks about the economic impacts of airport.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 POST PODCAST: Record enplanements at Hays Regional Airport in 2024

Hill City native Jerry Garrison began his career in the automotive glass industry shortly after high school, eventually securing a position at Kenny Chapman Auto Glass in Wichita.

"At that time, I got to meet Carter Collier. He became a great friend, he mentored me and taught me a lot about the glass business," Jerry said.

Advantage Glass Plus marked its grand reopening and customer appreciation day on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber in Hays. Jerry and his son Nathan Garrison were showered with love from family and customers.

Jerry's longtime friend, Collier, passed away in 2014 after they worked together at the family-owned Massa Glass in Colorado. After some persuasion, the two relocated once more to open a store in Hays.

Safelite Auto Glass, a national chain, later acquired Massa Glass, where Jerry continued working until he decided to take a different route.

"I did not like the corporate world or the way they operated," Jerry said. "Between Collier and another investor, we started Advantage Glass Plus in 1992 and have been going ever since."

Jerry prioritized customer care and meeting their needs in any way possible. With the support of his family, Jerry and his wife, Dee Garrison, opened Advantage Glass Plus at 4310 Vine St. In 2005, it relocated to its current address at 1005 Vine St.

Construction for the expansion and remodel began in spring 2023. The project added 800 square feet to the showroom and front offices, and about 4,000 square feet to the north side of the original shop.

"We finally decided to expand, offer more services and help everybody else so we needed a bigger building," Nathan said.

The business has grown to offer automotive and truck accessories, window tinting, golf carts, trailer sales and rhino linings. Jerry’s son, Branden Garrison, does paintless dent repair.

These expansions also include new services like windshield calibration, which is essential for keeping up with the latest automotive technology, driven by Nathan and his younger mindset.

"A lot of newer vehicles these days, some will drive themselves... a lot of people don't realize the camera is built into the windshield or it's mounted inside the windshield," Nathan said.

Several customers, including Ellis County Commissioner Neal Younger, praised Advantage Glass Plus for its reliability, outstanding service and long-standing commitment to the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742059468253.jpeg" alt="Advantage Glass Plus owner Jerry Garrison surrounded by his family and attendees at the 32nd anniversary and grand reopening ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Advantage Glass Plus owner Jerry Garrison surrounded by his family and attendees at the 32nd anniversary and grand reopening ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostHill City native Jerry Garrison began his career in the automotive glass industry shortly after high school, eventually securing a position at Kenny Chapman Auto Glass in Wichita."At that time, I got to meet Carter Collier. He became a great friend, he mentored me and taught me a lot about the glass business," Jerry said.Advantage Glass Plus marked its grand reopening and customer appreciation day on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber in Hays. Jerry and his son Nathan Garrison were showered with love from family and customers.Jerry's longtime friend, Collier, passed away in 2014 after they worked together at the family-owned Massa Glass in Colorado. After some persuasion, the two relocated once more to open a store in Hays.Safelite Auto Glass, a national chain, later acquired Massa Glass, where Jerry continued working until he decided to take a different route."I did not like the corporate world or the way they operated," Jerry said. "Between Collier and another investor, we started Advantage Glass Plus in 1992 and have been going ever since."Jerry prioritized customer care and meeting their needs in any way possible. With the support of his family, Jerry and his wife, Dee Garrison, opened Advantage Glass Plus at 4310 Vine St. In 2005, it relocated to its current address at 1005 Vine St.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742059511696.jpeg" alt="The front entrance of Advantage Glass Plus in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The front entrance of Advantage Glass Plus in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Construction for the expansion and remodel began in spring 2023. The project added 800 square feet to the showroom and front offices, and about 4,000 square feet to the north side of the original shop."We finally decided to expand, offer more services and help everybody else so we needed a bigger building," Nathan said.The business has grown to offer automotive and truck accessories, window tinting, golf carts, trailer sales and rhino linings. Jerry’s son, Branden Garrison, does paintless dent repair.These expansions also include new services like windshield calibration, which is essential for keeping up with the latest automotive technology, driven by Nathan and his younger mindset."A lot of newer vehicles these days, some will drive themselves... a lot of people don't realize the camera is built into the windshield or it's mounted inside the windshield," Nathan said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742059660882.jpeg" alt="Family and customers in attendance for the Advantage Glass Plus 32nd anniversary and grand reopening in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Family and customers in attendance for the Advantage Glass Plus 32nd anniversary and grand reopening in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Several customers, including Ellis County Commissioner Neal Younger, praised Advantage Glass Plus for its reliability, outstanding service and long-standing commitment to the community."Whenever I needed anything, Jerry and Nathan were there. Thank you guys for being so supportive of Hays and all the things you do," Younger said.Family members reflected on Advantage Glass's influence on their lives, with one of Jerry's grandchildren showing gratitude for the business as a foundation for her and other young relatives' personal growth."I think all of us grandkids can thank Grandpa Jerry and Uncle Nate for all this," she said. "We all worked here where we've taken some kind of role. That kind of got us started and showed us leadership."The grand reopening featured raffle prizes and lunch from Smokin Co. BBQ. To celebrate, the shop is offering 10% off window tinting for the rest of the month, along with limited-time discounts of 5% off bed covers and 5% off running boards and nerf bars.You can visit Advantage Glass Plus of Hays Inc.'s <a href="https://www.advantageglassplus.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJCjKtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZGWPG14qph8mTrwcnpPJKK5xQhqQ6urfkehplBIditluZ-d1ArMXdunlg_aem_SMR-jjst2WPtl70w-5A_0Q">website</a>&nbsp;for more information and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/advantageglassplus/">Facebook</a>.

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