<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/2023/1/1674577717508.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 2023 Kansas Legislative Session officially commenced on Monday, January 9, 2023. It truly is an honor to serve the constituents of the 109th Kansas House District and to remain as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

On Tuesday, January 10, House and Senate Leadership unveiled their plan for the 2023 Legislative Session in regards to an array of areas from taxes to the economy.

The plan calls to pass a balanced budget that eliminates wasteful spending, pay down our debt, and adds more money to the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy-Day Fund.

During the announcement, leadership expressed the desire to make the tax code flatter and simple to assist families and businesses. Reducing the tax burden on retirees and families was also included in the “A Better Way.”

In regards to the economy, the plan prohibits ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing in the state retirement system and post-secondary institutions. It would authorize the Attorney General to investigate companies that conspire to constrain the fossil fuel industry. It would also prohibit state investment in entities owned or operated by hostile foreign governments.

There were also other areas of interest in the “A Better Way” plan that would address education, workforce development, healthcare, law enforcement and the state budget, which I will address in subsequent newsletters.

This announcement of the “A Better Way” was introduced prior to Governor Kelly’s budget on Thursday, January 12.

The first week of the Kansas Legislative Session was a light week for the House Appropriations Committee. On January 12, we held a joint committee meeting with the members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee to have the details of the Governor’s budget publicly released. The Budget Director for the state of Kansas released the details of the budget, which I will discuss in the next section. On January 18, we had an update on the Budget Stabilization Fund, the expenditures from the SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) process, and update on the Docking Building. Thursday, we discussed the report from the Legislative Task Force on Community and Technical Colleges and had a discussion of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grants for economic development purposes with the institutions of higher education.

As mentioned above, the Governor’s proposed budget was introduced on Thursday, January 12. Here are some of the details of her budget:

· Full elimination of the state level sales tax on food to this year;

· Adding a four day “Back-to-School” sales tax holiday starting September 2023;

· Increasing the exemption on Social Security income tax.

· Deposit $500 million in the Budget Stabilization Fund;

· Add $220 million to the Infrastructure Leveraging

· Fund to unlock streams of Federal dollars that have either matching requirements or competitive grants;

· The retiring of two lake reservoir debts early and paying cash for the state share of the new Veterans Home.

The Governor’s proposed budget estimates that the ending balance in fiscal year 2024 would be $1.984 billion and that would not include the $500 million transferred to the Budget Stabilization, which make the balance of that fund over $1.5 billion.

· The Legislative Research Department is now dissecting the Governor’s budget. We will soon have the budgets reported back to the House Appropriations Committee.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by visiting the live footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the

Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:

* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities: Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens, Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center, Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa, Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center (part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver (part), Cedron, Elkhorn (part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner, Center, Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Kansas House" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Kansas House</figcaption>
 </figure>January 23, 2023The "A Better Way"The 2023 Kansas Legislative Session officially commenced on Monday, January 9, 2023. It truly is an honor to serve the constituents of the 109th Kansas House District and to remain as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.On Tuesday, January 10, House and Senate Leadership unveiled their plan for the 2023 Legislative Session in regards to an array of areas from taxes to the economy.The plan calls to pass a balanced budget that eliminates wasteful spending, pay down our debt, and adds more money to the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy-Day Fund.During the announcement, leadership expressed the desire to make the tax code flatter and simple to assist families and businesses. Reducing the tax burden on retirees and families was also included in the “A Better Way.”In regards to the economy, the plan prohibits ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing in the state retirement system and post-secondary institutions. It would authorize the Attorney General to investigate companies that conspire to constrain the fossil fuel industry. It would also prohibit state investment in entities owned or operated by hostile foreign governments.There were also other areas of interest in the “A Better Way” plan that would address education, workforce development, healthcare, law enforcement and the state budget, which I will address in subsequent newsletters.This announcement of the “A Better Way” was introduced prior to Governor Kelly’s budget on Thursday, January 12.Appropriations CommitteeThe first week of the Kansas Legislative Session was a light week for the House Appropriations Committee. On January 12, we held a joint committee meeting with the members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee to have the details of the Governor’s budget publicly released. The Budget Director for the state of Kansas released the details of the budget, which I will discuss in the next section. On January 18, we had an update on the Budget Stabilization Fund, the expenditures from the SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) process, and update on the Docking Building. Thursday, we discussed the report from the Legislative Task Force on Community and Technical Colleges and had a discussion of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grants for economic development purposes with the institutions of higher education.Governor’s BudgetAs mentioned above, the Governor’s proposed budget was introduced on Thursday, January 12. Here are some of the details of her budget:· Full elimination of the state level sales tax on food to this year;· Adding a four day “Back-to-School” sales tax holiday starting September 2023;· Increasing the exemption on Social Security income tax.She has also proposed the following:· Deposit $500 million in the Budget Stabilization Fund;· Add $220 million to the Infrastructure Leveraging· Fund to unlock streams of Federal dollars that have either matching requirements or competitive grants;· The retiring of two lake reservoir debts early and paying cash for the state share of the new Veterans Home.The Governor’s proposed budget estimates that the ending balance in fiscal year 2024 would be $1.984 billion and that would not include the $500 million transferred to the Budget Stabilization, which make the balance of that fund over $1.5 billion.· The Legislative Research Department is now dissecting the Governor’s budget. We will soon have the budgets reported back to the House Appropriations Committee.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by visiting the live footage at <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">www.kslegislature.org</a>.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me 785-296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov. Please contact me regarding any issues and legislation that we are discussing during session.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of theTroy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, is the Kansas House&nbsp;Appropriations Chairman and 109th District state representative which includes:* Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties * Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland * Jewell County: Cities: Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens, Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center, Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa, Walnut and White Mound * Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center (part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver (part), Cedron, Elkhorn (part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper * Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner, Center, Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home, Jan. 23, 2023

Sen. Rick Billinger Newsletter January 23, 2023

The 2023 legislative session began on Monday, January 9th&nbsp;with the swearing in of Senator Ron Ryckman, Sr., and new Senator Chase Blasi. Ron Ryckman Sr. replaced Senator Bud Estes two years ago and was reelected for two more years. Senator Chase Blasi is familiar with the Senate having served on staff for both President Wagle and currently President Masterson the past few sessions. Senator Blasi was elected to serve the remaining two years of Senator Suellentrop’s term.

Newly elected Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson is taking a hard look at whether ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) policy influences pension fund investment and who manages the investments. Johnson said one of his priorities is making sure that state pension funds are focused on the best return on investment and not ESG principles.

Normally in the first week of session the State of the State is held. Because Governor Kelly tested positive for Covid her address has been postponed until January 24th.

Even though the Governor did not have her State of the State, budget director Adam Proffitt laid out the Governors $24.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2024. Some of the proposals in the budget include accelerating the elimination of the food sales tax, adding $500 million to the rainy day fund, additional money for special education, 5% salary increase for state employees,

Chief Justice Marla Luckert, from northwest Kansas, delivered the state of the Judiciary address in a joint session to the legislature. Ms. Luckert highlighted the specialty courts across the state, the need for attorneys in rural Kansas, and raising judicial pay.

America has always been the land of opportunity, a land where freedom is secure, and our hopes and dreams can be achieved with hard work and perseverance. In the last few years, this optimism has been replaced by a profound pessimism, as employers struggle to find workers, paychecks remain stagnant, and the cost of living is going through the roof. The good news is that we are Kansans, and we value hard work, faith, freedom, and family which will guide us through the current challenges and toward a better future. Republicans from the House and the Senate joined together in a press conference to announce a comprehensive legislature agenda entitled, “A Better Way: Our Commitment to Kansas.”

In the last three elections, the winner of the Kansas Governor’s race failed to crack 50% of the vote. Lawmakers are looking at the trend and wondering whether Kansas might need a runoff election if a candidate for statewide office fails to get a majority of the vote in the general election. A bill was introduced late Tuesday in the House Elections Committee that would establish runoff elections for statewide elected officials: governor, secretary of state, insurance commissioner, treasurer, and attorney general. The proposal would cover general elections and not apply to any other campaigns of the Legislature, state school board or local offices. The runoff would be held on the first Tuesday of December after the final canvass of votes.

My office has several dates available for 6th&nbsp;graders through high school to serve as a page. Working as a page in the Kansas Legislature is an excellent way to learn more about the legislative process. If your child is interested in being a page for my office the following dates are available:

Please contact Donna at 785-296-7399 to reserve a date.

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

Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th District senator which includes:

* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Sen. Rick Billinger Newsletter January 23, 2023The 2023 legislative session began on Monday, January 9th&nbsp;with the swearing in of Senator Ron Ryckman, Sr., and new Senator Chase Blasi. Ron Ryckman Sr. replaced Senator Bud Estes two years ago and was reelected for two more years. Senator Chase Blasi is familiar with the Senate having served on staff for both President Wagle and currently President Masterson the past few sessions. Senator Blasi was elected to serve the remaining two years of Senator Suellentrop’s term.Newly elected Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson is taking a hard look at whether ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) policy influences pension fund investment and who manages the investments. Johnson said one of his priorities is making sure that state pension funds are focused on the best return on investment and not ESG principles.Normally in the first week of session the State of the State is held. Because Governor Kelly tested positive for Covid her address has been postponed until January 24th.Even though the Governor did not have her State of the State, budget director Adam Proffitt laid out the Governors $24.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2024. Some of the proposals in the budget include accelerating the elimination of the food sales tax, adding $500 million to the rainy day fund, additional money for special education, 5% salary increase for state employees,Chief Justice Marla Luckert, from northwest Kansas, delivered the state of the Judiciary address in a joint session to the legislature. Ms. Luckert highlighted the specialty courts across the state, the need for attorneys in rural Kansas, and raising judicial pay.America has always been the land of opportunity, a land where freedom is secure, and our hopes and dreams can be achieved with hard work and perseverance. In the last few years, this optimism has been replaced by a profound pessimism, as employers struggle to find workers, paychecks remain stagnant, and the cost of living is going through the roof. The good news is that we are Kansans, and we value hard work, faith, freedom, and family which will guide us through the current challenges and toward a better future. Republicans from the House and the Senate joined together in a press conference to announce a comprehensive legislature agenda entitled, “A Better Way: Our Commitment to Kansas.”In the last three elections, the winner of the Kansas Governor’s race failed to crack 50% of the vote. Lawmakers are looking at the trend and wondering whether Kansas might need a runoff election if a candidate for statewide office fails to get a majority of the vote in the general election. A bill was introduced late Tuesday in the House Elections Committee that would establish runoff elections for statewide elected officials: governor, secretary of state, insurance commissioner, treasurer, and attorney general. The proposal would cover general elections and not apply to any other campaigns of the Legislature, state school board or local offices. The runoff would be held on the first Tuesday of December after the final canvass of votes.My office has several dates available for 6th&nbsp;graders through high school to serve as a page. Working as a page in the Kansas Legislature is an excellent way to learn more about the legislative process. If your child is interested in being a page for my office the following dates are available:February 6, 13, 20 or March 6thPlease contact Donna at 785-296-7399 to reserve a date.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th&nbsp;Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call me with your questions or concerns, my office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th District senator which includes:* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace counties * Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update, Jan. 23, 2023

RUSSELL — The Russell USD 407 Board of Education has announced the selection of Jordan Perez as the new superintendent. Perez will take the reins on July 1, 
following Clark Coco, interim superintendent, whose contract ends on
 June 30.

Jordan Perez has broad educational experience, as an administrator, 
teacher, and mentor to educators. Perez was hired by USD 407 in 2019 and
 served two years as principal of Simpson Elementary School before 
transferring to his current position as principal of Ruppenthal Middle 
School. Prior to arriving in Russell, Perez taught fourth and second 
grades at Lee Elementary in USD 383 Manhattan.


Perez earned his bachelor of science in elementary education from 
Kansas State University in 2011, his master of arts in education from 
Ottawa University in 2018, and he will graduate in May 2023 with his education specialist degree from Fort Hays State University.


Board President Kathy Wallert said Perez emerged from a 
very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the school 
District. 

“The Board is certain in our choice of Jordan Perez and 
confident that under his leadership USD 407 will continue to move and 
grow in a positive direction," she said.

Wallert said community input, 
including the involvement of stakeholders, was a key factor in the 
success of the superintendent search process. The committees included 
teachers and administrators, parents, and community members. 

“The input 
from the community as a whole was very helpful to our process," she said.

Perez was chosen from among three finalists.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674586195817.jpeg" alt="Jordan Perez" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Perez</figcaption>
 </figure>Russell USD 407RUSSELL — The Russell USD 407 Board of Education has announced the selection of Jordan Perez as the new superintendent. Perez will take the reins on July 1, 
following Clark Coco, interim superintendent, whose contract ends on
 June 30.Jordan Perez has broad educational experience, as an administrator, 
teacher, and mentor to educators. Perez was hired by USD 407 in 2019 and
 served two years as principal of Simpson Elementary School before 
transferring to his current position as principal of Ruppenthal Middle 
School. Prior to arriving in Russell, Perez taught fourth and second 
grades at Lee Elementary in USD 383 Manhattan.
Perez earned his bachelor of science in elementary education from 
Kansas State University in 2011, his master of arts in education from 
Ottawa University in 2018, and he will graduate in May 2023 with his education specialist degree from Fort Hays State University.
Board President Kathy Wallert said Perez emerged from a 
very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the school 
District. “The Board is certain in our choice of Jordan Perez and 
confident that under his leadership USD 407 will continue to move and 
grow in a positive direction," she said.Wallert said community input, 
including the involvement of stakeholders, was a key factor in the 
success of the superintendent search process. The committees included 
teachers and administrators, parents, and community members. “The input 
from the community as a whole was very helpful to our process," she said.Perez was chosen from among three finalists.&nbsp;

Perez named superintendent of Russell USD 407

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares information about their ongoing exhibition and upcoming activities.

<div><iframe title="Hays Arts Council prepares for spring activities" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ufih5-1370dde-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=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Arts Council executive director Brenda Meder shares information about their ongoing exhibition and upcoming activities.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Arts Council prepares for spring activities

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

The National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for the latest round of wintry weather to stay well south of the Hays area.

Up to 2 inches of additional snowfall will sweep across parts of southern Kansas, but no precipitation is expected in Ellis County.

The snowpack will remain, however, as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing Tuesday. A high of 34 is predicted Thursday, with 42 the expected high Friday.

By Sunday, a dramatic cooldown is expected, with highs in the mid- to upper-teens Sunday through Tuesday.

There is a slight chance of snow Saturday and Sunday nights, the NWS said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674571740166.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Dodge City is calling for the latest round of wintry weather to stay well south of the Hays area.Up to 2 inches of additional snowfall will sweep across parts of southern Kansas, but no precipitation is expected in Ellis County.The snowpack will remain, however, as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing Tuesday. A high of 34 is predicted Thursday, with 42 the expected high Friday.By Sunday, a dramatic cooldown is expected, with highs in the mid- to upper-teens Sunday through Tuesday.There is a slight chance of snow Saturday and Sunday nights, the NWS said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Light snow will begin to spread into the south around midday. Light snow accumulations to around an inch are possible along the Kansas Oklahoma line. Use caution while driving this afternoon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/yKyxPVCpv0">pic.twitter.com/yKyxPVCpv0</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1617813002065162247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Latest round of snow expected to stay well south of Hays

TMP-Marian Release HAYS, Kan. - Grant Stephenson’s resume is an impressive variety of educational and coaching experiences. However, perhaps the most telling data on the document is found under the heading “AWARDS”, where only two sentences say, “God comes first in my life. All awards and recognition are gifts from God, and all of the glory should be given back to Him”.

With such a philosophy, it looks to be a great fit that Stephenson will continue to practice his ministries as Thomas More Prep-Marian’s new teacher and head football coach.

“Life changing education and coaching requires relationship and modeling,” said TMP-Marian principal Chad Meitner. “Grant Stephenson adds yet another great role model to our staff. We couldn’t be more excited to have him working with our students and families.”

Stephenson most recently spent 8 years teaching and coaching at Plainville Jr/Sr High School. There he became well known as a role model for youth and a successful builder of relationships in the classroom, weightroom, and on the football field. He guided the Plainville football program to a 57-32 record, including a 2A state championship runner-up finish in 2016.

“Plainville has been an absolute blessing, and I am so grateful for my time there. The students, community, and all my co-workers will be greatly missed,” Stephenson said. “I’m excited about the opportunity at TMP, and being able to teach and coach while incorporating my Catholic faith.”

Mr. Stephenson will begin coaching and teaching duties this summer in preparation for the 2023-24 school year.

Located in Hays, Kan., Thomas More Prep-Marian is a Catholic school serving grades 7-12. Students come from Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world. The school was founded by the Capuchin Franciscans as Hays Catholic College in 1908 and ultimately became Thomas More Prep-Marian in 1981. The school continues to serve young people in the traditions of spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674566929106.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian Release HAYS, Kan. - Grant Stephenson’s resume is an impressive variety of educational and coaching experiences. However, perhaps the most telling data on the document is found under the heading “AWARDS”, where only two sentences say, “God comes first in my life. All awards and recognition are gifts from God, and all of the glory should be given back to Him”.With such a philosophy, it looks to be a great fit that Stephenson will continue to practice his ministries as Thomas More Prep-Marian’s new teacher and head football coach.“Life changing education and coaching requires relationship and modeling,” said TMP-Marian principal Chad Meitner. “Grant Stephenson adds yet another great role model to our staff. We couldn’t be more excited to have him working with our students and families.”Stephenson most recently spent 8 years teaching and coaching at Plainville Jr/Sr High School. There he became well known as a role model for youth and a successful builder of relationships in the classroom, weightroom, and on the football field. He guided the Plainville football program to a 57-32 record, including a 2A state championship runner-up finish in 2016.“Plainville has been an absolute blessing, and I am so grateful for my time there. The students, community, and all my co-workers will be greatly missed,” Stephenson said. “I’m excited about the opportunity at TMP, and being able to teach and coach while incorporating my Catholic faith.”Mr. Stephenson will begin coaching and teaching duties this summer in preparation for the 2023-24 school year.Located in Hays, Kan., Thomas More Prep-Marian is a Catholic school serving grades 7-12. Students come from Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world. The school was founded by the Capuchin Franciscans as Hays Catholic College in 1908 and ultimately became Thomas More Prep-Marian in 1981. The school continues to serve young people in the traditions of spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation.

🏈 Stephenson to take over TMP-Marian football program

Due to work at transmitter sites Tuesday, there could be occasional disruptions to Eagle Radio of Hays stations throughout the day.&nbsp;

Thanks for your patience as our engineering team works to upgrade the signals.&nbsp;

Due to work at transmitter sites Tuesday, there could be occasional disruptions to Eagle Radio of Hays stations throughout the day.&nbsp;Thanks for your patience as our engineering team works to upgrade the signals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Eagle stations could experience disruptions Tuesday

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Following discussions at previous meetings, Hays USD 489 school board members Monday night unanimously approved a $1.35 million project for a full conversion of the Hays High School football field from grass to field turf, along with installation of a new digital lighting system.

The conversion will be done by Mammoth Construction, Meriden, through the Greenbush State Purchasing Cooperative.

Facility improvements will begin this spring at Hays High as part of the $1.43 million bond issue approved by school district patrons last year. The work will remove the school's current football practice field as well as soccer fields.

"We, of course, have a football playing facility across the parking lot," said Ron Wilson, superintendent. "It's not necessarily set up for soccer."&nbsp;

By converting it to a turf field, "we could utilize it for football practices and some varsity games, as well as soccer practices and soccer contests."

The new facility will also feature a field lighting system, which Hays High currently does not have.&nbsp;

Jeremy Capo of Mammoth Construction told the board the turf project has a full eight-year warranty. "Many of our systems stay in the ground 10-11 years," Capo said.

The district will also be purchasing the equipment needed for maintaining the turf surface weekly and as needed. The agreement calls for Mammoth to perform the maintenance and grooming the first two years as Hays workers are trained to take over after that.

The target date for completion is August 1, according to Wilson.

"There's a huge benefit in saving water for our community which values conservation," Wilson said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Basically, building an athletic complex with fields out there is the goal throughout this bond issue. It would be difficult for us to maintain grass fields for all these different sports.

"Turf is going to conserve water but it's also going to give us a surface we can pound the heck out of and not have to worry about bare spots."

Lease terms for the turf project will be approved at the next meeting.

Board members also unanimously approved a scope and sequence review of curriculum changes that will be implemented in the 2023-24 academic year.

No longer would every student be required to take chemistry. Instead, it will become one elective among additional course offerings in science and also in English language arts, giving students more choices of classes and in career pathways.

AP courses, found to be somewhat "limiting and binding," will change to Honors level classes.

Staff members proposed all the new electives and are already qualified to teach those classes. There is no additional financial cost in adding the courses.

"I really like the flexibility and the wide range that is presented within this curriculum, allowing the students to make their own decisions and express their interests, instead of us always telling them what they have to do all the time," said Lori Hertel, board member.&nbsp;

"To have the teachers wanting to do something different because they see it's going to help the kids go in different directions is so very positive," said board president Craig Pallister, who praised the administration and curriculum committee for their work. "The teachers are the experts. They know where they need to be going at this level."

The first reading of an update to the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative was reviewed by Kyle Carlin, director of special education.&nbsp;

The WCKSEC cooperative agreement is being updated to include Russell USD 407 for the 2024-25 school year.&nbsp;

As recommended by the Kansas State Department of Education, the cooperative agreement will reflect required elements and non-required elements will be moved to a bylaws document, the WCKSEC Administrative Procedural Handbook.

The current agreement was written in 1989. A vote on both documents will be made later in the year.

The superintendent's report by Wilson focused on Gov. Laura Kelly's recommendations for education funding in her proposed budget.

 "The governor has been very supportive of education," Wilson said at the start.

Among Kelly's recommendations are an increase in base state aid this year, estimated at a 4 to 5% total increase; phasing in $75 million over five years for special education funding; adding another $1 million to Safe and Secure Schools; adding $3 million to the mental health initiative; and requiring the legislature to make the state payment to schools in June.

Wilson is keeping his eye on a proposed bill he believes would have a negative impact on USD 489.

House Bill 2048 would expand the private school tax credit to 100% of a donation. The limit would be increased to $20 million.&nbsp;

"We see large corporations taking advantage of this. 

"The problem is it's creating a two-tiered system where private schools that don't have to take everyone would be getting public funds to educate, where we're going to educate anyone who's in our boundaries. Not a good bill. It would really be a detriment to our district and many others in the state."

House Bill 2040 could add a positive impact by adding a provision in the finance formula allowing current year enrollment to be used for funding. Currently, only the higher enrollment of the previous two years can be used. Wilson said the district has seen a small enrollment growth, and this "gives us an opportunity to take advantage of those funds in the current year and not have to wait another year."

Wilson concluded his report by reminding the board the next rebranding meeting for Hays High is Feb. 15.&nbsp;

* Approved a $91,000 bid from Sunflower Restaurant Supply for the purchase of seven pieces of food service equipment financed through the National School Lunch Program School Equipment Grants. * Voted 6-1 to extend the five district level administrator contracts to 2024-25. Allen Park voted no.&nbsp;&nbsp; * Approved the 2023-24 school calendar. * Heard and approved the 2022 district financial audit from Melissa Rome of Adams-Brown, Hays. * Approved the second reading of Kansas Association of School Boards recommended policy revisions which are aimed at offering alternatives for students and designing classes to keep students engaged. * Heard from Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, about renewal of the KERMP contract, which could include up to a 20% increase in the property insurance premium. Hipp also noted the school district has received its first monthly share&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - $320,000 for October 2022 - from the Hays city sales tax&nbsp; &nbsp;approved by voters to help fund the school bond issue. * Recessed into a 15-minute executive session for discussion of non-elected personnel. No action was taken.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674530504933.jpeg" alt="Jeremy Capo and Bob Horton (at right), Mammoth Construction, Meriden, discuss the new Hays High School field turf project with USD 489 board members Monday night. Video and images courtesy Hays High Tribe Broadcasting." />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Capo and Bob Horton (at right), Mammoth Construction, Meriden, discuss the new Hays High School field turf project with USD 489 board members Monday night. Video and images courtesy Hays High Tribe Broadcasting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostFollowing discussions at previous meetings, Hays USD 489 school board members Monday night unanimously approved a $1.35 million project for a full conversion of the Hays High School football field from grass to field turf, along with installation of a new digital lighting system.The conversion will be done by Mammoth Construction, Meriden, through the Greenbush State Purchasing Cooperative.Facility improvements will begin this spring at Hays High as part of the $1.43 million bond issue approved by school district patrons last year. The work will remove the school's current football practice field as well as soccer fields."We, of course, have a football playing facility across the parking lot," said Ron Wilson, superintendent. "It's not necessarily set up for soccer."&nbsp;By converting it to a turf field, "we could utilize it for football practices and some varsity games, as well as soccer practices and soccer contests."The new facility will also feature a field lighting system, which Hays High currently does not have.&nbsp;Jeremy Capo of Mammoth Construction told the board the turf project has a full eight-year warranty. "Many of our systems stay in the ground 10-11 years," Capo said.The district will also be purchasing the equipment needed for maintaining the turf surface weekly and as needed. The agreement calls for Mammoth to perform the maintenance and grooming the first two years as Hays workers are trained to take over after that.The target date for completion is August 1, according to Wilson.The change will also conserve water.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2D69YjqhtNM?clip=UgkxW3Zr-K2hDslYkNniSN-xSmsPIsENuf1k&amp;clipt=EMX_2gEYkMfdAQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"There's a huge benefit in saving water for our community which values conservation," Wilson said.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Basically, building an athletic complex with fields out there is the goal throughout this bond issue. It would be difficult for us to maintain grass fields for all these different sports."Turf is going to conserve water but it's also going to give us a surface we can pound the heck out of and not have to worry about bare spots."Lease terms for the turf project will be approved at the next meeting.Board members also unanimously approved a scope and sequence review of curriculum changes that will be implemented in the 2023-24 academic year.No longer would every student be required to take chemistry. Instead, it will become one elective among additional course offerings in science and also in English language arts, giving students more choices of classes and in career pathways.AP courses, found to be somewhat "limiting and binding," will change to Honors level classes.Staff members proposed all the new electives and are already qualified to teach those classes. There is no additional financial cost in adding the courses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674550715653.jpeg" alt="Craig Pallister, Hays school board chairman and member Lori Hertel like the flexibility and forward thinking of curriculum changes approved for Hays High.&nbsp;Video and images courtesy Hays High Tribe Broadcasting." />
 <figcaption>Craig Pallister, Hays school board chairman and member Lori Hertel like the flexibility and forward thinking of curriculum changes approved for Hays High.&nbsp;Video and images courtesy Hays High Tribe Broadcasting.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I really like the flexibility and the wide range that is presented within this curriculum, allowing the students to make their own decisions and express their interests, instead of us always telling them what they have to do all the time," said Lori Hertel, board member.&nbsp;"To have the teachers wanting to do something different because they see it's going to help the kids go in different directions is so very positive," said board president Craig Pallister, who praised the administration and curriculum committee for their work. "The teachers are the experts. They know where they need to be going at this level."The first reading of an update to the West Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative was reviewed by Kyle Carlin, director of special education.&nbsp;The WCKSEC cooperative agreement is being updated to include Russell USD 407 for the 2024-25 school year.&nbsp;As recommended by the Kansas State Department of Education, the cooperative agreement will reflect required elements and non-required elements will be moved to a bylaws document, the WCKSEC Administrative Procedural Handbook.The current agreement was written in 1989. A vote on both documents will be made later in the year.The superintendent's report by Wilson focused on Gov. Laura Kelly's recommendations for education funding in her proposed budget. "The governor has been very supportive of education," Wilson said at the start.Among Kelly's recommendations are an increase in base state aid this year, estimated at a 4 to 5% total increase; phasing in $75 million over five years for special education funding; adding another $1 million to Safe and Secure Schools; adding $3 million to the mental health initiative; and requiring the legislature to make the state payment to schools in June.Wilson is keeping his eye on a proposed bill he believes would have a negative impact on USD 489.House Bill 2048 would expand the private school tax credit to 100% of a donation. The limit would be increased to $20 million.&nbsp;"We see large corporations taking advantage of this. "The problem is it's creating a two-tiered system where private schools that don't have to take everyone would be getting public funds to educate, where we're going to educate anyone who's in our boundaries. Not a good bill. It would really be a detriment to our district and many others in the state."House Bill 2040 could add a positive impact by adding a provision in the finance formula allowing current year enrollment to be used for funding. Currently, only the higher enrollment of the previous two years can be used. Wilson said the district has seen a small enrollment growth, and this "gives us an opportunity to take advantage of those funds in the current year and not have to wait another year."Wilson concluded his report by reminding the board the next rebranding meeting for Hays High is Feb. 15.&nbsp;In other business, the board:&nbsp;* Approved a $91,000 bid from Sunflower Restaurant Supply for the purchase of seven pieces of food service equipment financed through the National School Lunch Program School Equipment Grants. * Voted 6-1 to extend the five district level administrator contracts to 2024-25. Allen Park voted no.&nbsp;&nbsp; * Approved the 2023-24 school calendar. * Heard and approved the 2022 district financial audit from Melissa Rome of Adams-Brown, Hays. * Approved the second reading of Kansas Association of School Boards recommended policy revisions which are aimed at offering alternatives for students and designing classes to keep students engaged. * Heard from Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent, about renewal of the KERMP contract, which could include up to a 20% increase in the property insurance premium. Hipp also noted the school district has received its first monthly share&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - $320,000 for October 2022 - from the Hays city sales tax&nbsp; &nbsp;approved by voters to help fund the school bond issue. * Recessed into a 15-minute executive session for discussion of non-elected personnel. No action was taken.

🎥USD 489 approves Hays High football/soccer field upgrade 

The Rahjes Report January 23, 2023

We are already in week 3 of the 2023 Kansas Legislative session. It has been a slow go with mainly bill introductions and overviews in committee meetings. 

Once again, I am Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and member of Appropriations and Higher Education Budget Committee. 

The Governor delivers the State of the State this week, as it was delayed by a possible illness a couple of weeks ago when it was originally planned. We have already received her budget so this state of the state presentation will be one of applause lines and broad ideas with the budget serving as the roadmap we begin when producing the next budget.

Here are some of the highlights in the Governor’s budget: Back to School Tax Holiday - This idea also is nothing new; back in 2015, House Republicans introduced House Bill 2076, which would have created a weekend-long sales tax holiday for back-to-school purchases. At the time, Democrats, and the Kansas Association of School Boards, opposed the bill because it would "decrease state revenue." House Republicans are committed to helping Kansas families, especially low-income families, save money as they prepare to send their children back to school and to assist local businesses to sell more merchandise, which is why we have consistently supported these kinds of low-tax policies. A 4-day sales tax holiday for back to school was proposed. Only a list of items will be subject to this tax holiday. Estimated tax relief is $5.5 million.

Social Security Income Tax Relief - Though House Republicans are glad to see the Governor has finally recognized the wisdom of former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt's "Retire Tax-Free" plan, the timing of her endorsement of his proposal does seem politically convenient, coming as it does after the November election. Furthermore, rather than providing relief to all Social Security income tax recipients as Republicans had proposed, the Governor has proposed a "smoothing of the cliff" only for certain retirees. The Governor's plan: Retirees falling between $75,000 and $100,000 will see this "smoothing of the cliff." Estimated tax relief of only $20.5 million. Retire Tax-Free plan: If effective in the 2023 tax year, exempting all Social Security income is estimated to provide about $32.5 million in relief, $109.2 million in 2024, and $112.5 million in 2025. Entirely exempting all private retirement income would provide about $69.9 million in relief in 2023, $233.8 million in 2024, and $236.1 million in 2025.

Additional Facts Regarding the Budget:

ONE TIME EXPENDITURES, Rainy Day Fund- $500 million added to the Budget Stabilization fund which will put the state’s rainy-day fund at $1.5 billion.

Infrastructure Leveraging Fund - $220 million added to the Infrastructure Leveraging Fund which was created by the Infrastructure Hub as a special fund to invest in infrastructure projects identified as priority.

Debt Buydown/Debt Avoidance - $53 million taken from State General Fund (SGF) to eliminate Kansas Water Office debt. Eliminates 2 remaining reservoir debts related to Milford and Perry reservoirs. Estimated interest payment savings of $29.4 million. $16.4 million taken from State Institutions Building Fund to pay cash for new Veteran’s Home, estimated interest payment saving of $10 million, contingent on VA awarding federal funds.

KanCare Program - $1.5 million of SGF to increase rates for targeted case management $7.1 million of SGF to standardize key reimbursements rates across waivers. Examples include: increasing service rates for Brain Injury, Physical Disability, Autism and Technology Assisted waivers to match the rates for Frail Elderly waiver. Eliminating service rate disparity between waivers, $3.7 million of SGF to increase rates for brain injury facilities, $5.1 million of SGF to increase placement rates for relative &amp; non-kinship foster homes

K-12 Education - K-12 funding for FY24 and FY25, $3 million from SGF to expand Mental Health Intervention Team Pilot (expand to 15-25 districts), $5.0 million from SGF for Safe and Secure grants. $50,000 in partial year funding for FY23 and $273,000 in FY24 from the State General Fund for 2 Full-Time Equivalent School Resource Officers for the School of the Blind and 2 Full-Time Equivalent School Resource Officers for the School of the Deaf. $72.4 million each of next 5 years for Special Education to get all school districts to 92% by FY28.

Higher Education - $107.9 million of SGF to keep no to low tuition increases. $65.9 million broken down as follows: $20 million to expand financial aid for the state’s public universities, $21.8 million to mitigate impact from inflation, $10.6 million for university specific programs, $8mil for implementation of National Institute of Student Success Academic Playbooks, $42 million in one-time expenses broken down as follows: $20 million for deferred maintenance, with a dollar-for-dollar match requirement, $12 million for IT and cybersecurity upgrades, $10 million for demolition

Workforce Development - $4 million of SGF to Board of Regent for micro-internship program. Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF): . $3 million of EDIF for Department of Commerce marketing, $500,000 of EDIF for Office of Registered Apprenticeship, $1 million of EDIF for early childhood education and care, $2.5 million of SGF for childcare facility pilot project, $20 million of SGF to Housing Revolving Loan Program- Kansas Housing Resource Corporation

State Employees - 5% Statewide pay adjustment (Excludes Judicial Branch, KSSB and KSSD teachers, elected officials, and agencies on approved career progression plan.)

Cybersecurity and IT -&nbsp;Total of $41.6 million over FY23 and FY24.

These are just some of the highlights contained in the Governor’s budget and I am sure there will be additions and subtractions as the session moves along.

You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online at <a href="http://www.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 Kansas Legislature’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">YouTube channel</a>.

I have moved offices and now located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. 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. 

If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.

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;

* Norton and Phillips Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog (part),&nbsp;Lookout (part) and Wheatland (part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City (part) and Nicodemus (part) * Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich;&nbsp;Townships: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (part), 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646612827522.jpeg" alt="State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The Rahjes Report January 23, 2023 Hello from Topeka. We are already in week 3 of the 2023 Kansas Legislative session. It has been a slow go with mainly bill introductions and overviews in committee meetings. Once again, I am Chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and member of Appropriations and Higher Education Budget Committee. The Governor delivers the State of the State this week, as it was delayed by a possible illness a couple of weeks ago when it was originally planned. We have already received her budget so this state of the state presentation will be one of applause lines and broad ideas with the budget serving as the roadmap we begin when producing the next budget.Here are some of the highlights in the Governor’s budget: Back to School Tax Holiday - This idea also is nothing new; back in 2015, House Republicans introduced House Bill 2076, which would have created a weekend-long sales tax holiday for back-to-school purchases. At the time, Democrats, and the Kansas Association of School Boards, opposed the bill because it would "decrease state revenue." House Republicans are committed to helping Kansas families, especially low-income families, save money as they prepare to send their children back to school and to assist local businesses to sell more merchandise, which is why we have consistently supported these kinds of low-tax policies. A 4-day sales tax holiday for back to school was proposed. Only a list of items will be subject to this tax holiday. Estimated tax relief is $5.5 million.Social Security Income Tax Relief - Though House Republicans are glad to see the Governor has finally recognized the wisdom of former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt's "Retire Tax-Free" plan, the timing of her endorsement of his proposal does seem politically convenient, coming as it does after the November election. Furthermore, rather than providing relief to all Social Security income tax recipients as Republicans had proposed, the Governor has proposed a "smoothing of the cliff" only for certain retirees. The Governor's plan: Retirees falling between $75,000 and $100,000 will see this "smoothing of the cliff." Estimated tax relief of only $20.5 million. Retire Tax-Free plan: If effective in the 2023 tax year, exempting all Social Security income is estimated to provide about $32.5 million in relief, $109.2 million in 2024, and $112.5 million in 2025. Entirely exempting all private retirement income would provide about $69.9 million in relief in 2023, $233.8 million in 2024, and $236.1 million in 2025.Additional Facts Regarding the Budget: ONE TIME EXPENDITURES, Rainy Day Fund- $500 million added to the Budget Stabilization fund which will put the state’s rainy-day fund at $1.5 billion.Infrastructure Leveraging Fund - $220 million added to the Infrastructure Leveraging Fund which was created by the Infrastructure Hub as a special fund to invest in infrastructure projects identified as priority.Debt Buydown/Debt Avoidance - $53 million taken from State General Fund (SGF) to eliminate Kansas Water Office debt. Eliminates 2 remaining reservoir debts related to Milford and Perry reservoirs. Estimated interest payment savings of $29.4 million. $16.4 million taken from State Institutions Building Fund to pay cash for new Veteran’s Home, estimated interest payment saving of $10 million, contingent on VA awarding federal funds.KanCare Program - $1.5 million of SGF to increase rates for targeted case management $7.1 million of SGF to standardize key reimbursements rates across waivers. Examples include: increasing service rates for Brain Injury, Physical Disability, Autism and Technology Assisted waivers to match the rates for Frail Elderly waiver. Eliminating service rate disparity between waivers, $3.7 million of SGF to increase rates for brain injury facilities, $5.1 million of SGF to increase placement rates for relative &amp; non-kinship foster homesK-12 Education - K-12 funding for FY24 and FY25, $3 million from SGF to expand Mental Health Intervention Team Pilot (expand to 15-25 districts), $5.0 million from SGF for Safe and Secure grants. $50,000 in partial year funding for FY23 and $273,000 in FY24 from the State General Fund for 2 Full-Time Equivalent School Resource Officers for the School of the Blind and 2 Full-Time Equivalent School Resource Officers for the School of the Deaf. $72.4 million each of next 5 years for Special Education to get all school districts to 92% by FY28.Higher Education - $107.9 million of SGF to keep no to low tuition increases. $65.9 million broken down as follows: $20 million to expand financial aid for the state’s public universities, $21.8 million to mitigate impact from inflation, $10.6 million for university specific programs, $8mil for implementation of National Institute of Student Success Academic Playbooks, $42 million in one-time expenses broken down as follows: $20 million for deferred maintenance, with a dollar-for-dollar match requirement, $12 million for IT and cybersecurity upgrades, $10 million for demolitionWorkforce Development - $4 million of SGF to Board of Regent for micro-internship program. Economic Development Initiatives Fund (EDIF): . $3 million of EDIF for Department of Commerce marketing, $500,000 of EDIF for Office of Registered Apprenticeship, $1 million of EDIF for early childhood education and care, $2.5 million of SGF for childcare facility pilot project, $20 million of SGF to Housing Revolving Loan Program- Kansas Housing Resource CorporationState Employees - 5% Statewide pay adjustment (Excludes Judicial Branch, KSSB and KSSD teachers, elected officials, and agencies on approved career progression plan.)Cybersecurity and IT -&nbsp;Total of $41.6 million over FY23 and FY24.These are just some of the highlights contained in the Governor’s budget and I am sure there will be additions and subtractions as the session moves along.You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online at <a href="http://www.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 Kansas Legislature’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_0NO-Pb96CFABvxDwXAq8A">YouTube channel</a>. I have moved offices and now located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. 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. If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.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;* Norton and Phillips Counties * Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog (part),&nbsp;Lookout (part) and Wheatland (part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City (part) and Nicodemus (part) * Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich;&nbsp;Townships: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (part), 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12

RAHJES REPORT: January 23, 2023

Kansas crude prices are the highest in nearly two months. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $71.50 per barrel, the highest price in McPherson since December 1, 2022.&nbsp; Susan Duffy was chosen to chair the Kansas Corporation Commission. This is her second term leading the state's energy and infrastructure regulator, after leading the three-member panel beginning in January, 2020. Duffy was appointed to the Commission in March of 2019 by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. So far this year, operators in Kansas have spudded 54 wells, down slightly from a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says drilling was underway Friday on leases in Barton and Russell counties. Operators were preparing to spud new wells in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. New drilling permits in Kansas have nearly doubled in the last week. Kansas regulators okayed 41 new drilling locations, with 17 west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County, one in Russell County, and three in Stafford County. Operators completed 27 wells in Kansas last week; 126 so far this year. The government reported a spike in crude inventories, up 8.4 million barrels to 448 million as of January 13. That's about three percent above the five-year seasonal average. The Energy Information Administration says US Operators pumped 12.1 million barrels of crude per day last week, down 95,000 barrels from the week before, but up nearly half a million barrels per day from a year ago. US crude imports average 6.9 million barrels per day, an increase of more than half a million barrels per day from the week before. Four-week average imports are down 1.1% from a year ago. Weekly government tallies show gasoline deliveries down nearly five percent from a year ago, while diesel deliveries were down nearly ten percent. Diesel inventories dropped nearly two million barrels and are about 20% below the five-year average. National gasoline prices are up a dime from a week ago to an average of t$3.37 per gallon. Diesel prices dropped slightly from last week, but remain a dollar a gallon higher than a year ago.&nbsp; The feds are stepping back from efforts to rein in air pollution in the nation's top-producing oil patch. Last summer the EPA announced an active effort to designate the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico to be in violation of ozone standards. That move would have required substantial reforms in oil and gas operations. But the agency's new annual agenda the active effort became a pending one, effectively moving it to the back burner. Crude output in North Dakota dropped a little over two percent in November. The number-three producing state pumped just under 1.1 million barrels per day, down from 1.12 million the month before. The state's Department of Mineral Resources noted a slight improvement in the gas-capture rate. Operators reduced flaring and venting to just five percent of the natural gas produced at North Dakota oil wells. After a long string of declines, the US inventory of oil wells drilled but uncompleted has gone up for the second month in a row. DUCs are used as a barometer for the nation's shale producers' ability to quickly raise production by completing wells. The Energy Information Administration says the DUC tally for December was up 40 wells from November and up 60 wells from October. Most of the increases were in Wyoming and Louisiana in the Niobrara and Haynesville shale plays. The top energy firms in the West are expected to rake in a combined record annual profit when fourth quarter earnings are announced beginning later this month. Citing industry analysts, Reuters projects total earnings of $199 billion for BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Shell and Total. The report suggests earnings for this year will drop to $158 billion, still well above the previous record. The companies have also cut their debt to a combined $100 billion, a 15-year low, and delivered unprecedented dividends and share buybacks. An energy CEO is urging his colleagues to cut natural gas production to tame a cascade in prices. An unusually warm winter here and abroad is slashing global gas demand. After dropping seven percent last week, prices were down by half from last month, and 23% lower year over year. In an interview with Bloomberg, the CEO of Chesapeake Energy urged his peers to scale back production in order to avoid a repeat of the years-long shale bust that started in late 2014.

By JOHN P. TRETBARKansas crude prices are the highest in nearly two months. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $71.50 per barrel, the highest price in McPherson since December 1, 2022.&nbsp; Susan Duffy was chosen to chair the Kansas Corporation Commission. This is her second term leading the state's energy and infrastructure regulator, after leading the three-member panel beginning in January, 2020. Duffy was appointed to the Commission in March of 2019 by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. So far this year, operators in Kansas have spudded 54 wells, down slightly from a year ago. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says drilling was underway Friday on leases in Barton and Russell counties. Operators were preparing to spud new wells in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. New drilling permits in Kansas have nearly doubled in the last week. Kansas regulators okayed 41 new drilling locations, with 17 west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County, one in Russell County, and three in Stafford County. Operators completed 27 wells in Kansas last week; 126 so far this year. The government reported a spike in crude inventories, up 8.4 million barrels to 448 million as of January 13. That's about three percent above the five-year seasonal average. The Energy Information Administration says US Operators pumped 12.1 million barrels of crude per day last week, down 95,000 barrels from the week before, but up nearly half a million barrels per day from a year ago. US crude imports average 6.9 million barrels per day, an increase of more than half a million barrels per day from the week before. Four-week average imports are down 1.1% from a year ago. Weekly government tallies show gasoline deliveries down nearly five percent from a year ago, while diesel deliveries were down nearly ten percent. Diesel inventories dropped nearly two million barrels and are about 20% below the five-year average. National gasoline prices are up a dime from a week ago to an average of t$3.37 per gallon. Diesel prices dropped slightly from last week, but remain a dollar a gallon higher than a year ago.&nbsp; The feds are stepping back from efforts to rein in air pollution in the nation's top-producing oil patch. Last summer the EPA announced an active effort to designate the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico to be in violation of ozone standards. That move would have required substantial reforms in oil and gas operations. But the agency's new annual agenda the active effort became a pending one, effectively moving it to the back burner. Crude output in North Dakota dropped a little over two percent in November. The number-three producing state pumped just under 1.1 million barrels per day, down from 1.12 million the month before. The state's Department of Mineral Resources noted a slight improvement in the gas-capture rate. Operators reduced flaring and venting to just five percent of the natural gas produced at North Dakota oil wells. After a long string of declines, the US inventory of oil wells drilled but uncompleted has gone up for the second month in a row. DUCs are used as a barometer for the nation's shale producers' ability to quickly raise production by completing wells. The Energy Information Administration says the DUC tally for December was up 40 wells from November and up 60 wells from October. Most of the increases were in Wyoming and Louisiana in the Niobrara and Haynesville shale plays. The top energy firms in the West are expected to rake in a combined record annual profit when fourth quarter earnings are announced beginning later this month. Citing industry analysts, Reuters projects total earnings of $199 billion for BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Shell and Total. The report suggests earnings for this year will drop to $158 billion, still well above the previous record. The companies have also cut their debt to a combined $100 billion, a 15-year low, and delivered unprecedented dividends and share buybacks. An energy CEO is urging his colleagues to cut natural gas production to tame a cascade in prices. An unusually warm winter here and abroad is slashing global gas demand. After dropping seven percent last week, prices were down by half from last month, and 23% lower year over year. In an interview with Bloomberg, the CEO of Chesapeake Energy urged his peers to scale back production in order to avoid a repeat of the years-long shale bust that started in late 2014.

News From the Oil Patch: Kansas prices reach two-month high

By STACIE MINSON KSU Watershed Specialist

Farmers and ranchers in Ellis, Russell and Ellsworth counties have been protecting local water
supplies including Kanopolis Reservoir by implementing sediment and nutrient reduction Best
Management Practices (BMPs). Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS)
cost-share assistance for BMPs is currently available to landowners and operators in the targeted
areas (see map) through the KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds. Eligible
BMPs include: alternative water supplies, riparian fencing, relocating livestock feeding sites,
cover crops and cover crop grazing, no-till, and critical area plantings.


Landowners and operators should contact Minson at (785)769-3297, or by email at
sedgett@ksu.edu or contact their local County Conservation District or NRCS Field Office.
Cost-share for these projects has been funded in part through Section 319 of the Clean Water
Act.

By STACIE MINSON KSU Watershed Specialist
Farmers and ranchers in Ellis, Russell and Ellsworth counties have been protecting local water
supplies including Kanopolis Reservoir by implementing sediment and nutrient reduction Best
Management Practices (BMPs). Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS)
cost-share assistance for BMPs is currently available to landowners and operators in the targeted
areas (see map) through the KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds. Eligible
BMPs include: alternative water supplies, riparian fencing, relocating livestock feeding sites,
cover crops and cover crop grazing, no-till, and critical area plantings.
Landowners and operators should contact Minson at (785)769-3297, or by email at
sedgett@ksu.edu or contact their local County Conservation District or NRCS Field Office.
Cost-share for these projects has been funded in part through Section 319 of the Clean Water
Act.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674486867439.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Local landowners, operators eligible for cost-share in WRAPS areas

The Department of Global Affairs at Fort Hays State University will host a panel discussion on Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.&nbsp;

The discussion will cover a range of topics related to campus-wide initiatives that are shaping teaching, research, and service at FHSU. Panelists will include university faculty, staff, and students involved in key efforts associated with Goal 5 of the university’s strategic plan. This goal focuses on building impactful partnerships at all levels, including infusing a “think globally-act locally” element to the student experience, cultivating new local, regional, national and global partnerships, and reimagining civic learning, and engagement at the university.

The event will be held in the Black and Gold Ballroom in the Memorial Union Building and is open to the public.

Attendees are asked to RSVP via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:FHSUnews@fhsu.edu">FHSUnews@fhsu.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674484711599.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsThe Department of Global Affairs at Fort Hays State University will host a panel discussion on Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.&nbsp;The discussion will cover a range of topics related to campus-wide initiatives that are shaping teaching, research, and service at FHSU. Panelists will include university faculty, staff, and students involved in key efforts associated with Goal 5 of the university’s strategic plan. This goal focuses on building impactful partnerships at all levels, including infusing a “think globally-act locally” element to the student experience, cultivating new local, regional, national and global partnerships, and reimagining civic learning, and engagement at the university.The event will be held in the Black and Gold Ballroom in the Memorial Union Building and is open to the public.Attendees are asked to RSVP via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:FHSUnews@fhsu.edu">FHSUnews@fhsu.edu</a>.

Tuesday panel to focus on FHSU global engagement efforts

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674501941501.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>

Biking Across Kansas announced its route over the
 weekend and bikers will go through primarily the southern half of the state.&nbsp;

BAK is an 
annual, eight-day bicycle tour across the state of Kansas, promoting 
health and wellness through bicycling, the history and beauty of Kansas,
 and the warm hospitality of the Kansas towns and people. 

The event has been occurring annually since 1975 and hosts approximately 800 participants per year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674487054158.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Biking Across Kansas announced its route over the
 weekend and bikers will go through primarily the southern half of the state.&nbsp;BAK is an 
annual, eight-day bicycle tour across the state of Kansas, promoting 
health and wellness through bicycling, the history and beauty of Kansas,
 and the warm hospitality of the Kansas towns and people. The event has been occurring annually since 1975 and hosts approximately 800 participants per year.&nbsp;Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Biking Across Kansas announces 2023 route

Click <a href="https://amberwaveusa.com/">HERE</a> for more information or to apply.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674148030475.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click <a href="https://amberwaveusa.com/">HERE</a> for more information or to apply.

🏀🎥 Hays High faces Colby for tournament championship berth

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Marie Effa has four names—Marie Ejama Emmanuel Effa. Emmanuel is her father's name and Ejama is a traditional name and term of endearment meaning "my own."

Marie, 12, recently moved to Hays from Nigeria  in June, and she is trying to make Kansas her own. Marie's mother, Norah, is working locally as a nurse.

Marie, an eighth-grader at Thomas More Prep-Marian, recently gave a presentation to her fellow students about life in Nigeria.

Marie described some of the differences between her school in Nigeria and TMP. In Nigeria, students study more subjects — 16 to 17 subjects compared to eight at TMP.&nbsp;

Although the Nigerian students use computers, they primarily copy notes by hand in most of their classes.

Students in Nigeria can be subject to corporal punishment, but Marie said she was a good student and didn't experience that.

Students learn their lessons in English, but there more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria with more than 500 languages.

Marie is learning both her mother's ethnic group's language, Igbo, and her father's ethnic language, which is&nbsp;Ejagham.

The introduction of Western-style education and English has allowed the oral literature of Nigeria to be written down and spread across the globe, Marie said.

Marie's mother makes her and her siblings jollof rice, a stew-like dish that contains tomatoes, peppers and spices

"It's a pretty good dish if you ask me," she said. "I love the way my mom cooks her rice."

She said she misses many of the Nigerian dishes. Her mom also prepares a pepper soup that would be traditionally made with goat meat, ginger and red chili flakes.

Marie said she's still looking for a favorite food in America.

"I really like pizza and burgers and all that kind of stuff," she said, "but my mom says eating that all day isn't going to be healthy for me."

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country.

"We are very warm, nice people," Marie said. "We have an amazing culture and tourism events."

The many religious and ethnic groups have many festivals and celebrations. Marie said she attended the Calabar Carnival, which is celebrated at the end of the year and involves tens of thousands of brightly costumed participants and a couple of million spectators.

Nigeria is on the South Atlantic Coast of Africa just north of the equator. Marie explained Nigeria has two seasons—a rainy season and a dry season.&nbsp;

This is her first winter experience with snow. She said it's been difficult to get used to the cold, but she liked the snow.

However, she said she would like Hays to get enough snow so that she and her siblings could try fun snow activities like building a snowman or sledding.

Marie and her siblings — brothers 10 and 9 — are soccer fans.

"I'm seeing way more opportunities for me and my siblings to play soccer. Nigerians love soccer," she said. "My siblings and I practice a lot for it. My brother is really good. He just needs to develop more skills."

When Marie and her brothers aren't playing soccer, they enjoy playing video games.

Although Marie said she sees many opportunities for her and her siblings in Hays, she said she misses her friends back home.

At TMP, she is the only black student in junior high, but she has embraced her own uniqueness.

"It's kind of cool if you ask me," she said.

Her favorite subjects in school are science and math.

"In math, I get to test my ability and learn new things at the same time," she said. "I'm trying to work on doing calculations without a calculator."

TMP Junior High Principal Melissa Schoepf said she is seeing Marie grow.

"When Marie came here in August, she was very quiet and shy with good reason because it was a whole new environment, moving here and making new friends,"&nbsp;Schoepf said.

"Since then, we have really seen her blossom and really come out of her shell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674169704062.jpeg" alt="Thomas More Prep-Marian student Marie Effa, 12, right, with her mother, Norah, left. Marie is wearing a dress her mother made for her using a fabric with a traditional African pattern. The orange beads that Marie is wearing were the same beads her mother wore at her traditional Nigerian wedding. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Thomas More Prep-Marian student Marie Effa, 12, right, with her mother, Norah, left. Marie is wearing a dress her mother made for her using a fabric with a traditional African pattern. The orange beads that Marie is wearing were the same beads her mother wore at her traditional Nigerian wedding. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostWhat's in a name?Marie Effa has four names—Marie Ejama Emmanuel Effa. Emmanuel is her father's name and Ejama is a traditional name and term of endearment meaning "my own."Marie, 12, recently moved to Hays from Nigeria in June, and she is trying to make Kansas her own. Marie's mother, Norah, is working locally as a nurse.Marie, an eighth-grader at Thomas More Prep-Marian, recently gave a presentation to her fellow students about life in Nigeria.Marie described some of the differences between her school in Nigeria and TMP. In Nigeria, students study more subjects — 16 to 17 subjects compared to eight at TMP.&nbsp;Although the Nigerian students use computers, they primarily copy notes by hand in most of their classes.Students in Nigeria can be subject to corporal punishment, but Marie said she was a good student and didn't experience that.Students learn their lessons in English, but there more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria with more than 500 languages.Marie is learning both her mother's ethnic group's language, Igbo, and her father's ethnic language, which is&nbsp;Ejagham.The introduction of Western-style education and English has allowed the oral literature of Nigeria to be written down and spread across the globe, Marie said.Marie's mother makes her and her siblings jollof rice, a stew-like dish that contains tomatoes, peppers and spices"It's a pretty good dish if you ask me," she said. "I love the way my mom cooks her rice."She said she misses many of the Nigerian dishes. Her mom also prepares a pepper soup that would be traditionally made with goat meat, ginger and red chili flakes.Marie said she's still looking for a favorite food in America."I really like pizza and burgers and all that kind of stuff," she said, "but my mom says eating that all day isn't going to be healthy for me."Nigeria is Africa's most populous country."We are very warm, nice people," Marie said. "We have an amazing culture and tourism events."The many religious and ethnic groups have many festivals and celebrations. Marie said she attended the Calabar Carnival, which is celebrated at the end of the year and involves tens of thousands of brightly costumed participants and a couple of million spectators.Nigeria is on the South Atlantic Coast of Africa just north of the equator. Marie explained Nigeria has two seasons—a rainy season and a dry season.&nbsp;This is her first winter experience with snow. She said it's been difficult to get used to the cold, but she liked the snow.However, she said she would like Hays to get enough snow so that she and her siblings could try fun snow activities like building a snowman or sledding.Marie and her siblings — brothers 10 and 9 — are soccer fans."I'm seeing way more opportunities for me and my siblings to play soccer. Nigerians love soccer," she said. "My siblings and I practice a lot for it. My brother is really good. He just needs to develop more skills."When Marie and her brothers aren't playing soccer, they enjoy playing video games.Although Marie said she sees many opportunities for her and her siblings in Hays, she said she misses her friends back home.At TMP, she is the only black student in junior high, but she has embraced her own uniqueness."It's kind of cool if you ask me," she said.Her favorite subjects in school are science and math."In math, I get to test my ability and learn new things at the same time," she said. "I'm trying to work on doing calculations without a calculator."TMP Junior High Principal Melissa Schoepf said she is seeing Marie grow."When Marie came here in August, she was very quiet and shy with good reason because it was a whole new environment, moving here and making new friends,"&nbsp;Schoepf said."Since then, we have really seen her blossom and really come out of her shell."It's been great for her and all of our kids to get to know each other and see cultural differences and learn about each other," she said.Marie has dreams of being a doctor like her father, who is working in Gambia, Africa. She said it's tough being so far away from her dad, but he comes back for the holidays."He makes sure that he calls us in the morning and before we go to bed every single day," Marie said.