By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2023-01-10/this-is-do-or-die-western-kansas-farmers-push-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-before-its-too-late">Kansas News Service</a>

SUBLETTE&nbsp;— Travis Leonard had seen all the signs.

Plummeting
 water levels. Clogged sprayer nozzles. Then as drought parched 
southwest Kansas this fall, the well next to his farmhouse in Haskell 
County began pumping up a muck of sand instead of clear water.

After more than six decades of irrigating the family's grain field, he shut the well down for the last time.

“I just took a deep breath,” Leonard said, “knowing this is the last crop that I’m going to have here that has water on it.”

Leonard remembers when the underground water supply seemed endless. 
When he took over the farm 16 years ago, it had more than a dozen 
irrigation wells pumping. Today, it’s down to three.

A decade or two from now, he figures, his area won’t have any irrigation wells left.

“We
 didn’t have any idea when it was going to end, but that day is coming,”
 Leonard said. “It will happen to everybody eventually.”

Fly over these dry plains and you won’t see many rushing rivers or 
glimmering lakes. You’ll see circles. Mile after mile of green geometric
 crop fields spun into the near-desert landscape by wells that tap water
 hidden beneath the surface and the center pivot irrigation sprayers 
splayed around them.

But across western Kansas, more and more wells sit abandoned as underground water levels drop and <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-03-31/how-kansas-could-lose-billions-in-land-values-as-its-underground-water-runs-dry" target="_blank">drop some more</a>.
 Vast swaths of the region have seen more than half of their water 
disappear since the dawn of irrigation. Wallace County on the Colorado 
border has lost roughly 80%.

The subterranean reservoirs of the 
sprawling Ogallala aquifer make life possible here — from powering the 
multibillion-dollar agricultural economy to filling up cups at the 
kitchen sink.

But after decades of large-scale crop irrigation, 
that water is running out. And now farmers and state leaders struggle to
 agree on how to save the future of life in western Kansas without 
choking the livelihoods of the people who live here.

The good news? There’s still time. After all, an aquifer that’s half-empty is also half-full.

Even
 with all the depletion, billions and billions of gallons remain stored 
away in the Ogallala’s craggy layers of saturated rock. And a <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/managing-kansas-water-resources/local-enhanced-management-areas/gmd1-four-county-lema" target="_blank">new effort</a> in west-central Kansas aims to save more of what’s left.

Katie Durham, who leads that <a href="https://www.gmd1.org/lema/" target="_blank">groundwater management district</a>,
 said it’s not too late to preserve the aquifer — and the western Kansas
 farms, businesses and communities that depend on it — for future 
generations.

“This is do or die,” Durham said. “Water is everything out here. … We would not be here without it.”

In a wood-paneled room at
 the Scott County fairgrounds, dozens of farmers gather for the first 
public hearing to discuss this latest effort in west-central Kansas. 
It’s called a <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/managing-kansas-water-resources/local-enhanced-management-areas" target="_blank">local enhanced management area</a>, or LEMA, and it’s been nearly a decade in the making.

The plan is to get farmers to cut irrigation by an <a href="https://www.gmd1.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GMD1-Four-County-LEMA.pdf" target="_blank">average of 10%</a>
 over the next five years in four western Kansas counties — Wallace, 
Greeley, Scott and Lane. Those counties have been some of the hardest 
hit by aquifer declines, losing nearly two-thirds of their water since 
irrigation began.

And the flow of moisture that’s trickling back 
down to refill the aquifer is a drop in the bucket. Across the four 
counties, the amount of water pumped up is <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/kgs_testimony_gmd1_4cnty_lema.pdf?sfvrsn=356298c1_0" target="_blank">nearly 10 times</a> the amount that seeps back underground from rain and snow.

Any change is hard, Durham said, and discussions about using less 
water in a place with so little precipitation are bound to be prickly. 
But she said the alternative — a depleted aquifer that can’t support any
 irrigation — would essentially end life in western Kansas as we know 
it.

Residents and businesses leaving town. Empty storefronts on Main Street.

“It would be devastating,” Durham said. “You would see the exact thing that we're trying to prevent.”

The
 LEMA plan would customize each farmer’s water limits on a case-by-case 
basis. Those who have been pumping the most would need to cut irrigation
 by up to 25%. Others who have been voluntarily conserving the most 
water already might not need to make any changes.

Data from the Kansas Geological Survey shows that the four counties would need to reduce pumping by <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/kgs_testimony_gmd1_4cnty_lema.pdf?sfvrsn=356298c1_0" target="_blank">one-third</a>
 to stop the aquifer’s depletion over the next decade. In drought 
conditions like we’re seeing now, they would need to cut pumping by 
half.

So trimming irrigation by 10% isn’t going to solve the 
problem permanently. But, Durham said, it’s a start. If this plan can 
double the aquifer’s lifespan, that could mean it’s still around for the
 grandchildren of the people who make those changes today.

“This 
is a huge and significant step,” Durham said, “toward changing what this
 part of western Kansas could look like in 50 years.”

If the state approves the plan after its <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/managing-kansas-water-resources/local-enhanced-management-areas/gmd1-four-county-lema" target="_blank">second public hearing</a>
 in early February, it would likely go into effect from the beginning of
 this year through 2027. Farmers would be able to use their five-year 
water allotment as they wish, meaning they could pump extra during a dry
 year as long as they irrigate less in a subsequent year to even things 
out.

The key to this LEMA program is putting water conservation decisions 
in the hands of a local board, rather than the state. But that doesn’t 
mean it’s all kumbaya.

Water has long been a point of contention 
in dry western Kansas. That’s because water means money. Even as wells 
run out, pumping the aquifer continues to prop up the regional economy —
 from corn and wheat growers to irrigation equipment dealers to cattle 
feedlots.

The groundwater district proposing the new LEMA is the 
smallest in western Kansas, but it still covers more than one million 
acres and nearly 2,000 wells. With that many voices in the discussion, 
it can be a challenge to get everyone on board.

Many irrigators remain wary of any program that might force them to use less water.&nbsp;

Lane County farmer Camron Shay came to the hearing with his own 
concerns about how the limits could be fair for everyone across a region
 that has so much diversity in how much water has been used, how much 
water is needed to nurture a crop and how much water is left.

“It 
can’t just be done by a bunch of activists,” Shay said, “who come in and
 don’t know what they’re talking about and strong arm it and do radical 
things.”

But the locally driven approach of the LEMA may help ease
 those fears. That was the point of the public hearing and the series of
 community meetings that came before. After getting some of his 
questions answered, Shay said, he walked away feeling better about the 
plan.

“We all know that we have a groundwater problem,” he said. 
“I don’t know if there’s a good solution for it, but these guys look 
like they’re at least trying.”

Fortunately, farmers in the 
four counties don’t have to look far to find examples of how these 
irrigation limits work in the real world.

The <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-05-05/farmers-trying-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-face-tension-from-peers-but-their-profits-are-improving" target="_blank">state’s first LEMA</a>
 began in a small portion of northwest Kansas a decade ago. The plan was
 to reduce irrigation by 20%. When the results came in, farmers ended up
 cutting pumping by <a href="http://kda-dwr-updates.org/recent-studies-provide-more-evidence-on-sheridan-6-lema-success/" target="_blank">nearly one-third</a>. And some of those farmers actually saw <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2019/03/sheridan-county-lema-water-conservation.html" target="_blank">profits go </a><a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2019/03/sheridan-county-lema-water-conservation.html" target="_blank">up</a> as they spent less to pump water and buy seed and fertilizer.

That
 initial LEMA was deemed so successful that a similar plan to cover 
parts of 10 northwest Kansas counties went into effect five years ago — 
although that expansion <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/friesen-memorandum-decision-101519.pdf?sfvrsn=7bfd89c1_0" target="_blank">faced a lawsuit</a> from dozens of irrigators who said it infringed on their water rights — and was <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/GMD4LEMA" target="_blank">recently renewed</a> for another five years.

And right next to where the new limits are proposed, Wichita County started <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/managing-kansas-water-resources/local-enhanced-management-areas/wichita-county-lema" target="_blank">its own LEMA</a> two years ago to cut irrigation by 25%.

That’s where Brian Bauck sat in a combine harvesting his last cornfield of the year.

Most of his fields are now non-irrigated, or dryland, and the 
sections that see a center pivot get less water than they did decades 
ago. So the past year of drought has left its mark.

As he makes 
one last pass with his combine, its wide green header has to skim the 
ground to reach the rows of short corn plants out the front window. It 
scoops up its fair share of dry tumbleweeds that have blown in with the 
punishing winds, too. 

But thanks to new drought-tolerant seed 
varieties and farming practices that conserve soil and moisture, he had 
crops to harvest on just about every acre this season.

“It feels great,” Bauck said. “Anytime you can get something, even though it may not be what you wanted, tells you that you’re probably doing a few things right.”

So far, Wichita County’s irrigation restrictions appear to be making a
 dent in depletion. Countywide aquifer declines averaged 0.54 feet per 
year from 2010-2017, according to Kansas Geological Survey data. But 
from 2018-2021, the county only lost an average of 0.09 feet per year. 
As the programs produce more real-world data, it might reassure crop 
growers in neighboring areas that irrigation reductions are worth a 
shot.

Farmers are naturally independent thinkers, Bauck said, so 
it's always a challenge when somebody comes in and tries to tell them 
how to do their jobs. He used to be skeptical about irrigation cuts too.

And
 changing farmers’ mindsets about water use isn’t a simple task because 
their livelihoods are at stake. In a dry year like this, turning the 
sprayer on could make the difference between growing some crops or none 
at all.

But, he said, the golden kernels filling his grain tank 
prove that farming with less irrigation can work in western Kansas, even
 in a historically dry season.

It shows that a future with less 
water may not be painless, but it is possible. And in western Kansas, he
 said, it’s a matter of survival.

“Regardless of whether somebody 
likes it or not,” Bauck said, “we’ve got to do something in order to 
extend the life of this aquifer, or it’s not gonna be there.”

Another reason for urgency? Climate change. As the H2O buffet dwindles down, Kansas <a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/resources/resources_docs/climate-change-ks%202016.pdf" target="_blank">heats up</a>.

With <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2022-08/sharda-usda-plains-grant82522.html" target="_blank">dry western weather shifting eastward</a>, more of the state will likely face a future with worse droughts and less precipitation — a process called aridification.

Vaishali
 Sharda, assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering 
at Kansas State University, studies how a drier, hotter future threatens
 the state’s farms. Aridification paired with a declining aquifer, she 
said, sets up a potential time bomb for western Kansas agriculture.

“There
 is no guessing,” Sharda said. “If we continue irrigating at the pace at
 which we have done in the past, the Ogallala won’t be able to sustain 
it.”

Even if irrigators could save a relatively small percentage of the 
water they’ve been using, the impact could be enormous — simply because 
of how many gallons we’re talking about.

In the four counties with the proposed LEMA, for instance, 94% of all water used goes to irrigate crops.

Statewide, roughly <a href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/pic18/" target="_blank">three-fourths</a>
 of all water used in Kansas comes from the High Plains aquifer, and 
nearly all of that goes to irrigation. Over the course of a year, that 
averages out to <a href="https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ks/nwis/water_use?format=html_table&amp;rdb_compression=file&amp;wu_area=State+Total&amp;wu_year=2015&amp;wu_category=IT&amp;wu_category_nms=Irrigation%252C%2BTotal" target="_blank">2.5 billion gallons</a> of groundwater used to water crops each day.

But finding consensus on new rules to curb aquifer use is an uphill climb when using that water is the foundation that virtually everything else in western Kansas is built on.

Take
 southwest Kansas. It has — and uses — the biggest chunk of the state’s 
aquifer. And its agriculture relies more on irrigation than anywhere 
else in Kansas. Cattle feedlots, meatpacking plants and dairy farms all 
depend on the corn feed that’s grown here.

But when some farmers <a href="https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/local/kansas-agland/2017/09/21/kearny-finney-lema-what-does-it-mean-for-irrigators/17626114007/" target="_blank">proposed a LEMA</a> for parts of Kearny County and Finney County a few years ago, the region’s <a href="https://www.gmd3.org/" target="_blank">groundwater management district</a> shot it down.

District
 director Mark Rude expects conversations about irrigation limits — 
maybe even a new LEMA — to start back up in his district over the next 
few years. And the district recently began sending its irrigators <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5db8d72439974b398219fae07293c01f" target="_blank">detailed reports</a> about their water use and comparing it to their neighbors in an attempt to get farmers to change their mindsets.

But
 even with more information about depletion and conservation than ever, 
he still believes his members aren’t ready for widespread irrigation 
cuts. Strict rules to save the aquifer don’t make sense, he said, if 
they come at the expense of the economy.

“To get growth,” Rude said, “you’ve got to have water.”

He’s exploring a plan to bring in water from the Missouri River — potentially flowing across the state in an <a href="https://www.kansasaqueductcoalition.com/" target="_blank">aqueduct</a> hundreds of miles long — to replace what’s lost in the Ogallala.

While the district hasn’t figured out how to make that plan’s <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article6504177.html" target="_blank">$18 billion</a>
 price tag financially feasible, he said, it might be the only way to 
keep the region’s industries — from corn to cattle to ethanol — booming 
for future decades.

Converting western Kansas to dryland farming 
may be sustainable, he said, but it would mean a smaller economy with 
fewer jobs and fewer people in a region where most counties already 
struggle with <a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/population/popmax.pdf" target="_blank">population decline</a>.

The real question, he said, is what kind of economic future does western Kansas want to sustain?

“It’s
 important that we not forget that what we’re trying to preserve here is
 not only the community as a whole,” Rude said, “but the business 
strategy, the overall viability of that community.”

But whether or not a groundwater district or state entity decides to 
impose irrigation limits, farmers across western Kansas are already 
adjusting to the realities of a life with less water — because they have
 to.

Many have adopted <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-05-05/farmers-trying-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-face-tension-from-peers-but-their-profits-are-improving" target="_blank">smarter irrigation technology</a>,
 such as soil moisture sensors and systems that customize irrigation 
rates across a field. Some have switched to crops that require less 
water than corn, such as <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-02-21/a-hotter-drier-climate-and-dwindling-water-has-more-kansas-farmers-taking-a-chance-on-cotton" target="_blank">cotton</a>.

Others
 have stopped irrigating entirely on a majority of their acres. That’s 
the case for Leonard, the farmer with the dry well whose land lies 
within the southwest Kansas groundwater district.

The thought of leaving irrigation behind, he said, doesn’t have to be scary. In a way, it’s coming full circle.

When
 his great-grandfather started the Leonard farm, there wasn’t an 
irrigation well or center pivot in sight. And by the time he retires, 
Leonard expects his entire farm will return to its dryland roots.

“Life
 will go on,” Leonard said. “We’re still running a farm here. And it 
looks a little bit different than it used to but we’re still doing what 
we love.”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

‘Do or die’: Western Kansas farmers push to save Ogallala aquifer

Consider changes in&nbsp;your community&nbsp;since 2012. Businesses&nbsp;open, close,&nbsp;refocus, prices rise&nbsp;or&nbsp;fall,&nbsp;new construction surges while old buildings deteriorate,&nbsp;populations boom&nbsp;or&nbsp;bust,&nbsp;technology&nbsp;transforms&nbsp;—&nbsp;decade-old&nbsp;apps and programs no longer function, vehicles and equipment&nbsp;dependent&nbsp;on computers&nbsp;require&nbsp;professional&nbsp;repair.&nbsp;Nothing&nbsp;remains&nbsp;stagnant — an aphorism as true of western Kansas 150 years ago&nbsp;as&nbsp;it is&nbsp;today.&nbsp;Such&nbsp;change&nbsp;affects&nbsp;schools&nbsp;as well, including&nbsp;old&nbsp;District 2 in Ellis.&nbsp;

​According to Jessie Ormerod’s records,&nbsp;new teachers came to town, and Phanie Haines&nbsp;replaced&nbsp;Fanny Hemminger in 1874. Mr. Curts took over instruction in 1875 and 76, with Harvey Heath&nbsp;leading&nbsp;classes in 1877.&nbsp;Did all early communities see&nbsp;similar turnover?&nbsp;

​During these years,&nbsp;Ellis evolved from railroad division point to full-fledged community with a&nbsp;range of businesses serving&nbsp;the growing&nbsp;town. &nbsp;As&nbsp;fast as new buildings rose from dusty prairie, school enrollment increased&nbsp;and by 1878, necessitated&nbsp;a principal:&nbsp;Miss Hettie Hamilton&nbsp;joined&nbsp;two teachers: Miss Wright and Miss Clark. Town fathers&nbsp;anticipated&nbsp;further growth.

​According to the September 18, 1880,&nbsp;Ellis Weekly Headlight,&nbsp;class rolls&nbsp;numbered 115 students with Mr. Jennings serving as principal assisted by teachers Ida Burbank and Nettie Clark. The editor stated, “When Ellis becomes known for her good schools, her real estate will increase in value.”

​As class size&nbsp;multiplied, teachers&nbsp;recognized&nbsp;they needed support&nbsp;and organized a county teacher association&nbsp;to provide&nbsp;what educators now call&nbsp;professional development. The Oct. 16, 1880&nbsp;EWH&nbsp;recorded that the county superintendent introduced the meeting,&nbsp;and&nbsp;attending&nbsp;teachers illustrated best methods of classroom drill&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;sharing&nbsp;essays and&nbsp;leading discussion related&nbsp;to general school work. &nbsp;

​As one might expect, taxes increased to support the growing school. The&nbsp;EWH&nbsp;reported on 8-20-81 that a tax of 7 ½ mills paid educator salaries and an additional ½ mill covered incidental expenses. By 1881, citizens circulated a petition seeking $7000.00 to build a stone school house. The eventual bond passed 274 – 98. Board members optimistically located the new building south of the UPPR tracks. At that time, most&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;had&nbsp;located&nbsp;on the north side of the tracks. Clearly,&nbsp;residents expected growth to the south.

​George Johnson drew up plans for a 36 x&nbsp;66-foot&nbsp;building that would&nbsp;stand&nbsp;32 x 62 feet inside and 40 feet tall (EHW&nbsp;1-7-82). The Maguire Brothers of Hays contracted to quarry and deliver the stone on site at $4.00 a cord (EHW&nbsp;12-3-81).

​During the time required&nbsp;to construct&nbsp;this&nbsp;large stone building, Jessie Shepherd taught 99 students enrolled in her primary class. Mrs. W. L. Jennings taught 65 scholars in the intermediate class, and Professor W. L. Jennings instructed 42 students in the grammar class. These students studied in the wooden building north of the tracks.&nbsp;What a challenge!

​Ellis, like&nbsp;other&nbsp;developing Great Plains&nbsp;communities, valued education.&nbsp;Parents and leaders&nbsp;understood&nbsp;reading, writing, and arithmetic&nbsp;skills&nbsp;increased children’s chances to succeed. In less than two decades,&nbsp;town&nbsp;authorities&nbsp;hired&nbsp;additional&nbsp;educators and built a new facility in an&nbsp;undeveloped part of town. Their optimism paid off as the town grew toward that&nbsp;one-time&nbsp;dream on the south hill.

Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673547629369.jpeg" alt="Elllis Stone School " />
 <figcaption>Elllis Stone School </figcaption>
 </figure>​By KAREN MADORINConsider changes in&nbsp;your community&nbsp;since 2012. Businesses&nbsp;open, close,&nbsp;refocus, prices rise&nbsp;or&nbsp;fall,&nbsp;new construction surges while old buildings deteriorate,&nbsp;populations boom&nbsp;or&nbsp;bust,&nbsp;technology&nbsp;transforms&nbsp;—&nbsp;decade-old&nbsp;apps and programs no longer function, vehicles and equipment&nbsp;dependent&nbsp;on computers&nbsp;require&nbsp;professional&nbsp;repair.&nbsp;Nothing&nbsp;remains&nbsp;stagnant — an aphorism as true of western Kansas 150 years ago&nbsp;as&nbsp;it is&nbsp;today.&nbsp;Such&nbsp;change&nbsp;affects&nbsp;schools&nbsp;as well, including&nbsp;old&nbsp;District 2 in Ellis.&nbsp;​According to Jessie Ormerod’s records,&nbsp;new teachers came to town, and Phanie Haines&nbsp;replaced&nbsp;Fanny Hemminger in 1874. Mr. Curts took over instruction in 1875 and 76, with Harvey Heath&nbsp;leading&nbsp;classes in 1877.&nbsp;Did all early communities see&nbsp;similar turnover?&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>​During these years,&nbsp;Ellis evolved from railroad division point to full-fledged community with a&nbsp;range of businesses serving&nbsp;the growing&nbsp;town. &nbsp;As&nbsp;fast as new buildings rose from dusty prairie, school enrollment increased&nbsp;and by 1878, necessitated&nbsp;a principal:&nbsp;Miss Hettie Hamilton&nbsp;joined&nbsp;two teachers: Miss Wright and Miss Clark. Town fathers&nbsp;anticipated&nbsp;further growth.​According to the September 18, 1880,&nbsp;Ellis Weekly Headlight,&nbsp;class rolls&nbsp;numbered 115 students with Mr. Jennings serving as principal assisted by teachers Ida Burbank and Nettie Clark. The editor stated, “When Ellis becomes known for her good schools, her real estate will increase in value.”​As class size&nbsp;multiplied, teachers&nbsp;recognized&nbsp;they needed support&nbsp;and organized a county teacher association&nbsp;to provide&nbsp;what educators now call&nbsp;professional development. The Oct. 16, 1880&nbsp;EWH&nbsp;recorded that the county superintendent introduced the meeting,&nbsp;and&nbsp;attending&nbsp;teachers illustrated best methods of classroom drill&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;sharing&nbsp;essays and&nbsp;leading discussion related&nbsp;to general school work. &nbsp;​As one might expect, taxes increased to support the growing school. The&nbsp;EWH&nbsp;reported on 8-20-81 that a tax of 7 ½ mills paid educator salaries and an additional ½ mill covered incidental expenses. By 1881, citizens circulated a petition seeking $7000.00 to build a stone school house. The eventual bond passed 274 – 98. Board members optimistically located the new building south of the UPPR tracks. At that time, most&nbsp;Ellis&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;had&nbsp;located&nbsp;on the north side of the tracks. Clearly,&nbsp;residents expected growth to the south.​George Johnson drew up plans for a 36 x&nbsp;66-foot&nbsp;building that would&nbsp;stand&nbsp;32 x 62 feet inside and 40 feet tall (EHW&nbsp;1-7-82). The Maguire Brothers of Hays contracted to quarry and deliver the stone on site at $4.00 a cord (EHW&nbsp;12-3-81).​During the time required&nbsp;to construct&nbsp;this&nbsp;large stone building, Jessie Shepherd taught 99 students enrolled in her primary class. Mrs. W. L. Jennings taught 65 scholars in the intermediate class, and Professor W. L. Jennings instructed 42 students in the grammar class. These students studied in the wooden building north of the tracks.&nbsp;What a challenge!​Ellis, like&nbsp;other&nbsp;developing Great Plains&nbsp;communities, valued education.&nbsp;Parents and leaders&nbsp;understood&nbsp;reading, writing, and arithmetic&nbsp;skills&nbsp;increased children’s chances to succeed. In less than two decades,&nbsp;town&nbsp;authorities&nbsp;hired&nbsp;additional&nbsp;educators and built a new facility in an&nbsp;undeveloped part of town. Their optimism paid off as the town grew toward that&nbsp;one-time&nbsp;dream on the south hill.Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and
 sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: Ellis schools development, Part 2

By LAAH TUCKER Special to the Post

Natoma Lions Club good works&nbsp;continued throughout 2022&nbsp;with members serving the Natoma community, state, national and world through annual programs.

Lion members joined in the Christmas spirit for the year-end project, “Remember the Elderly."

The program began in the heart of one man, Lion member Arthur Hachmeister, and for more than a decade, the Natoma Lions Club has sent Christmas cards and delivered poinsettias with good cheer to residents within a 55-mile radius of Natoma who were 80 years and older.

The Lions Club’s glad tidings of great joy continues to provide heartfelt blessings to the elderly each year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672872696739.jpeg" alt="Natoma Lions Club delivered glad tidings&nbsp;during the annual 
“Remember the Elderly" event. Pictured left to right are Gail Griffin, Marge Kertz, David George, Beverly Hachmeister, David Kertz. (Not shown: 
Corinnne Masters, Shawna Dunlap, Terry Tucker.) Courtesy photo,&nbsp;Corinne Masters " />
 <figcaption>Natoma Lions Club delivered glad tidings&nbsp;during the annual 
“Remember the Elderly" event. Pictured left to right are Gail Griffin, Marge Kertz, David George, Beverly Hachmeister, David Kertz. (Not shown: 
Corinnne Masters, Shawna Dunlap, Terry Tucker.) Courtesy photo,&nbsp;Corinne Masters </figcaption>
 </figure>By LAAH TUCKER Special to the Post Natoma Lions Club good works&nbsp;continued throughout 2022&nbsp;with members serving the Natoma community, state, national and world through annual programs.Lion members joined in the Christmas spirit for the year-end project, “Remember the Elderly."The program began in the heart of one man, Lion member Arthur Hachmeister, and for more than a decade, the Natoma Lions Club has sent Christmas cards and delivered poinsettias with good cheer to residents within a 55-mile radius of Natoma who were 80 years and older.The Lions Club’s glad tidings of great joy continues to provide heartfelt blessings to the elderly each year.

Natoma Lions Club good works continued throughout 2022

The Hays Police Department responded to 56 calls from Jan. 1-7, 2023 according to the HPD Activity Log.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410704431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Police Department responded to 56 calls from Jan. 1-7, 2023 according to the HPD Activity Log.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673632052088.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673631721787.jpeg" alt="" />
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Hays PD Activity Log, Jan. 1-7

<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/2023/1/1673548874983.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

A few&nbsp;years&nbsp;ago, I wrote a fact sheet titled, "Action Plan for Healthy Living." To help get your 2023 off to a great start, I would like to highlight a few of the tips from the fact sheet. As you might expect, many of the bullet points revolve around eating and exercise habits. Today, though, I want to focus on a&nbsp;few other lifestyle choices that can contribute to good health.

•Stress management: Stress is a normal part of living and the causes of it can be good or bad. When stress becomes distress people often show unhealthy responses, such as driving too fast, prolonged anger, worry or fear, or drinking too much. Learn to find ways that reduce stress in your life. Things like deep breathing, meditation, physical activity,and self-talk may be effective.

•Simplify: Hectic schedules may not allow for adequate down time, but it is important to find some quiet time each day with no demands. Another way to simplify your life is to de-clutter your living space.•Sleep well:Making simple changes in routine, environment, diet, and other factors can help you achieve adequate sleep. Sleep disorders are common, and some are serious. An excellent resource to learn more about sleep is the K-State Research and Extension publication MF2830,Sleep: Want it, Need it, Get it.

•Surround yourself with positive people:When someone is feeling down, one of the best strategies is to spend time with positive, upbeat people. Laughter, encouragement, and positive thoughts can effectively help reverse negative thoughts.

If you would like to learn how to develop an action plan stay tuned for my column next week. In the meantime, you can find my fact sheet on the KSRE website and search for publication MF3053.

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A few&nbsp;years&nbsp;ago, I wrote a fact sheet titled, "Action Plan for Healthy Living." To help get your 2023 off to a great start, I would like to highlight a few of the tips from the fact sheet. As you might expect, many of the bullet points revolve around eating and exercise habits. Today, though, I want to focus on a&nbsp;few other lifestyle choices that can contribute to good health.•Stress management: Stress is a normal part of living and the causes of it can be good or bad. When stress becomes distress people often show unhealthy responses, such as driving too fast, prolonged anger, worry or fear, or drinking too much. Learn to find ways that reduce stress in your life. Things like deep breathing, meditation, physical activity,and self-talk may be effective.•Simplify: Hectic schedules may not allow for adequate down time, but it is important to find some quiet time each day with no demands. Another way to simplify your life is to de-clutter your living space.•Sleep well:Making simple changes in routine, environment, diet, and other factors can help you achieve adequate sleep. Sleep disorders are common, and some are serious. An excellent resource to learn more about sleep is the K-State Research and Extension publication MF2830,Sleep: Want it, Need it, Get it.•Surround yourself with positive people:When someone is feeling down, one of the best strategies is to spend time with positive, upbeat people. Laughter, encouragement, and positive thoughts can effectively help reverse negative thoughts.If you would like to learn how to develop an action plan stay tuned for my column next week. In the meantime, you can find my fact sheet on the KSRE website and search for publication MF3053.Donna Krug is the District Director and Family &amp; Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dkrug@ksu.edu">dkrug@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;

KRUG: Action plan for healthy living

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff share details from the upcoming Chamber Awards banquet.

<div><iframe title="Hays Chamber annual awards banquet set for Jan.31" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=tptpe-136166b-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Chamber president and CEO Sarah Wasinger and vice president of membership Rhonda Meyerhoff share details from the upcoming Chamber Awards banquet.

🎙 Post Podcast: Hays Chamber annual awards banquet set for Jan. 31

Wednesday's predicted precipitation did not produce much moisture in the Hays area.&nbsp;

The K-State Ag Research Center in Hays reported just 0.04 inches of rain and trace snowfall overnight.

The cold front, however, will stick around through Friday, with overnight lows Thursday dropping to the mid-teens. The high Friday is expected to reach the mid-40s before a weekend warmup.

Highs Saturday through Monday are expected to reach the mid- to upper-50s, with a high in the low-50s predicted Tuesday.

The next chance for precipitation, the NWS said, is a 30 percent chance of rain or snow on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673539528109.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wednesday's predicted precipitation did not produce much moisture in the Hays area.&nbsp;The K-State Ag Research Center in Hays reported just 0.04 inches of rain and trace snowfall overnight.The cold front, however, will stick around through Friday, with overnight lows Thursday dropping to the mid-teens. The high Friday is expected to reach the mid-40s before a weekend warmup.Highs Saturday through Monday are expected to reach the mid- to upper-50s, with a high in the low-50s predicted Tuesday.The next chance for precipitation, the NWS said, is a 30 percent chance of rain or snow on Wednesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Cooler today but still right at or just above average for this time of year under clear skies and a diminishing northwest wind. <a href="https://t.co/sq59rLBi9l">pic.twitter.com/sq59rLBi9l</a>&mdash; NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSDodgeCity/status/1613485571770560512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

Cold front brings just trace moisture; weekend warmup on the way

ELLIS — The Ellis USD 388 Board of Education welcomed its newest
member Monday evening.

Stephanie Johnson was selected for the role following the
opening of the monthly board meeting.

Johnson was the sole applicant for the position vacated by Jared Schiel, who moved out
of the district. She will serve the remainder of his term, which expires in January
2024.

Prior to the board voting to approve Johnson for the position,
she shared her background and qualifications.

She said she has lived in Ellis since 2002 after moving
from Dodge City, where she served as the director of the Child Care Center at St.
Mary’s. After her move to Ellis, she worked at Fort Hays State University.

“I worked at Fort Hays for 13 years with a variety of
departments,” Johnson said.

She is currently a sixth-grade science teacher in the Hays USD
489 district, she said.

Board president Randy Honas opened the interview session
with the first question.

“I’m just curious to know your comments on if you see any
negatives with our district or are aware of things that may be corrected or worked
on,” Honas said.

“I think just the small town,” Johnson said. “Everybody
knows everybody’s business. That’s the only thing in the area that is always a
problem.”

Despite that concern, she said, “There are no issues. It’s definitely
a small-town atmosphere, which is not a negative at all.”

Coming from a much larger city, she said she enjoyed the
community and its school involvement and had no significant concerns with the board
or the district.

But she said her time at FHSU gave her insight into
technological development in education and she wants to use the experience to
ensure the district’s use of technology in Ellis schools is on par with other
districts, including Hays and other larger districts. 

Board member Cindy Hertel then asked Johnson what skills she
would bring to the board.

“Just being an outsider,” she said. “Just bringing another
look at things.”

She said her years at FHSU, including working on various committees,
gave her the experience of learning to work together to accomplish goals.

Board Member Marty Hollern asked Johnson for specific highlights
and challenges from serving on those committees.

Sharing a few examples, she said, “I enjoy being part of a
solution. Everyone can talk about the problems and state their opinions but
being able to be a part of the solution was the joy of those committees.”

Superintendent Janice Wilson followed up, asking Johnson why
she desired the position.

“We have school officials on here, we have people that have
been in the school district or in the town a lot longer than me,” Johnson said.
“So, just being another voice, another person that can give another option, another
thought.”

Wilson then asked what items the board needed to address.

Johnson said she would support technological development and
help grow the district and the town through creative means.

“There are definitely a lot of positives,” she said. “And I
think Ellis does stay right alongside the bigger schools. We just have our own small-town
uniqueness.”

After telling the board that, with only one applicant, the board
could vote on Johnson or wait and reopen the call for applicants, Hollern
called for a vote.

Hertel offered a second, and Johnson was appointed unanimously.

Immediately following the vote, Johnson took the oath of office
and was seated with her fellow board members, and the board moved into regular business.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673460308186.jpeg" alt="Ellis USD 388 Board of Education member Stephanie Johnson (right)&nbsp; is sworn in by&nbsp; District Clerk&nbsp;Connie Waldschmidt (center)." />
 <figcaption>Ellis USD 388 Board of Education member Stephanie Johnson (right)&nbsp; is sworn in by&nbsp; District Clerk&nbsp;Connie Waldschmidt (center).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostELLIS — The Ellis USD 388 Board of Education welcomed its newest
member Monday evening.Stephanie Johnson was selected for the role following the
opening of the monthly board meeting.Johnson was the sole applicant for the position vacated by Jared Schiel, who moved out
of the district. She will serve the remainder of his term, which expires in January
2024.Prior to the board voting to approve Johnson for the position,
she shared her background and qualifications.She said she has lived in Ellis since 2002 after moving
from Dodge City, where she served as the director of the Child Care Center at St.
Mary’s. After her move to Ellis, she worked at Fort Hays State University.“I worked at Fort Hays for 13 years with a variety of
departments,” Johnson said.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z7JmUiQ37-8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>She is currently a sixth-grade science teacher in the Hays USD
489 district, she said.Board president Randy Honas opened the interview session
with the first question.“I’m just curious to know your comments on if you see any
negatives with our district or are aware of things that may be corrected or worked
on,” Honas said.“I think just the small town,” Johnson said. “Everybody
knows everybody’s business. That’s the only thing in the area that is always a
problem.”Despite that concern, she said, “There are no issues. It’s definitely
a small-town atmosphere, which is not a negative at all.”Coming from a much larger city, she said she enjoyed the
community and its school involvement and had no significant concerns with the board
or the district.But she said her time at FHSU gave her insight into
technological development in education and she wants to use the experience to
ensure the district’s use of technology in Ellis schools is on par with other
districts, including Hays and other larger districts. Board member Cindy Hertel then asked Johnson what skills she
would bring to the board.“Just being an outsider,” she said. “Just bringing another
look at things.”She said her years at FHSU, including working on various committees,
gave her the experience of learning to work together to accomplish goals.Board Member Marty Hollern asked Johnson for specific highlights
and challenges from serving on those committees.Sharing a few examples, she said, “I enjoy being part of a
solution. Everyone can talk about the problems and state their opinions but
being able to be a part of the solution was the joy of those committees.”Superintendent Janice Wilson followed up, asking Johnson why
she desired the position.“We have school officials on here, we have people that have
been in the school district or in the town a lot longer than me,” Johnson said.
“So, just being another voice, another person that can give another option, another
thought.”Wilson then asked what items the board needed to address.Johnson said she would support technological development and
help grow the district and the town through creative means.“There are definitely a lot of positives,” she said. “And I
think Ellis does stay right alongside the bigger schools. We just have our own small-town
uniqueness.”After telling the board that, with only one applicant, the board
could vote on Johnson or wait and reopen the call for applicants, Hollern
called for a vote.Hertel offered a second, and Johnson was appointed unanimously.Immediately following the vote, Johnson took the oath of office
and was seated with her fellow board members, and the board moved into regular business.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673460274649.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays Middle School teacher joins Ellis Board of Education

By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>

LARNED — Traveling 
through five states, the Santa Fe Trail was one of America's first 
interstate commercial highways in the early and mid-1800s. Traversing 
all of Kansas with final destinations in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or 
Independence, Mo., the trail passed through modern-day Fort Zarah and 
Fort Larned. Two hundred years later, the Santa Fe Trail Museum will 
feature a traveling exhibit about the importance of the trail.

"It
 was developed by the Santa Fe Trail Association in recognition for the 
bicentennial of the opening of the Santa Fe Trail," said Museum Director
 Seth McFarland. "It's traveling to different locations along the Santa 
Fe Trail, and we were fortunate enough to get it for this spring."

The
 timeline is 20 feet long, eight feet high, and features more than 150 
significant places, people, and events along the trail, including brief 
commentary for each item. The display will be available at the Santa Fe 
Trail Museum from January through March, and features local history.

"It
 does feature the entire trail and points of interest along the trail," 
McFarland said. "Pawnee Rock and Fort Larned are both featured on 
there."

The timeline is part of a paid admission at the Santa Fe Trail Museum, located just west of Larned on K-156 Highway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673287465518.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON <a href="https://greatbendpost.com">Great Bend Post</a>LARNED — Traveling 
through five states, the Santa Fe Trail was one of America's first 
interstate commercial highways in the early and mid-1800s. Traversing 
all of Kansas with final destinations in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or 
Independence, Mo., the trail passed through modern-day Fort Zarah and 
Fort Larned. Two hundred years later, the Santa Fe Trail Museum will 
feature a traveling exhibit about the importance of the trail."It
 was developed by the Santa Fe Trail Association in recognition for the 
bicentennial of the opening of the Santa Fe Trail," said Museum Director
 Seth McFarland. "It's traveling to different locations along the Santa 
Fe Trail, and we were fortunate enough to get it for this spring."The
 timeline is 20 feet long, eight feet high, and features more than 150 
significant places, people, and events along the trail, including brief 
commentary for each item. The display will be available at the Santa Fe 
Trail Museum from January through March, and features local history."It
 does feature the entire trail and points of interest along the trail," 
McFarland said. "Pawnee Rock and Fort Larned are both featured on 
there."The timeline is part of a paid admission at the Santa Fe Trail Museum, located just west of Larned on K-156 Highway.

Traveling Santa Fe Trail timeline makes winter stop in Larned

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673458582299.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>

One of the best ways to keep your mind and body functioning at its best is to exercise. &nbsp;When I worked with small children we always used to say, “the best exercise for the brain is exercise!” &nbsp;The same holds true as we age. &nbsp;

Exercise produces a wide range of benefits for not only our physical health,&nbsp;but also mental health. &nbsp;Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density. &nbsp;It can also help relieve stress and reduce depression symptoms.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program focuses on improving the health and well being of older adults. &nbsp;The goal of the program is to provide safe, structured and effective strength training for older adults. &nbsp;No one is too inactive to participate. &nbsp;Strength training promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over age 60. &nbsp;Stay Strong, Stay&nbsp;Healthy&nbsp;is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase strength, balance,&nbsp;and flexibility.

You might be asking yourself, “I wonder what we’ll do?” &nbsp;It is an eight-week program that meets twice a week for one-hour. &nbsp;We will do warm up exercises, easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights, based on your preference, and finish with cool-down stretches. &nbsp;The best part is there is no membership fees like at a gym and there is no special clothes or equipment needed. &nbsp;We will have weights available if you want to use them. &nbsp;You will work at your own pace and progress as you are able. &nbsp;There are modifications to the exercises based on your own fitness level.

If you would like more information before signing up,&nbsp;I will hold an orientation class which will introduce the program and exercises. &nbsp;The orientation class will be&nbsp;Thursday,&nbsp;January 26, 2023 at 10:00am&nbsp;at our office in Hays, located at 601 Main Street.

Regular classes will begin Feb. 7 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am for eight weeks. All classes will be held at our office in Hays located at 601 Main. &nbsp;There will be a one-time fee of $20 to participate in the eight-week program. &nbsp;Please call the office if you have any questions or email Monique at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

Come join me for some fun and get healthier and stronger in 2023!

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the best ways to keep your mind and body functioning at its best is to exercise. &nbsp;When I worked with small children we always used to say, “the best exercise for the brain is exercise!” &nbsp;The same holds true as we age. &nbsp;Exercise produces a wide range of benefits for not only our physical health,&nbsp;but also mental health. &nbsp;Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density. &nbsp;It can also help relieve stress and reduce depression symptoms.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program focuses on improving the health and well being of older adults. &nbsp;The goal of the program is to provide safe, structured and effective strength training for older adults. &nbsp;No one is too inactive to participate. &nbsp;Strength training promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over age 60. &nbsp;Stay Strong, Stay&nbsp;Healthy&nbsp;is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase strength, balance,&nbsp;and flexibility.You might be asking yourself, “I wonder what we’ll do?” &nbsp;It is an eight-week program that meets twice a week for one-hour. &nbsp;We will do warm up exercises, easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights, based on your preference, and finish with cool-down stretches. &nbsp;The best part is there is no membership fees like at a gym and there is no special clothes or equipment needed. &nbsp;We will have weights available if you want to use them. &nbsp;You will work at your own pace and progress as you are able. &nbsp;There are modifications to the exercises based on your own fitness level.If you would like more information before signing up,&nbsp;I will hold an orientation class which will introduce the program and exercises. &nbsp;The orientation class will be&nbsp;Thursday,&nbsp;January 26, 2023 at 10:00am&nbsp;at our office in Hays, located at 601 Main Street.Regular classes will begin Feb. 7 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am for eight weeks. All classes will be held at our office in Hays located at 601 Main. &nbsp;There will be a one-time fee of $20 to participate in the eight-week program. &nbsp;Please call the office if you have any questions or email Monique at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>Come join me for some fun and get healthier and stronger in 2023!Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:moniquek@ksu.edu">moniquek@ksu.edu</a>

KOERNER: Stay strong, stay healthy 

Citizens Health in Colby receives Baby-Friendly designation

RUSSELL - The man who was shot in Russell Monday afternoon has died.

According to the Russell Police Department, the 45-year-old victim, now identified as&nbsp;Cecil Aldridge of Russell, succumbed to his injuries Tuesday&nbsp; at approximately 9 a.m. in a Wichita hospital where he was flown from&nbsp; Russell Regional Hospital.&nbsp;

Around 11:00 a.m., officers received information that the suspect, Shane Slack, 47, was back at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Fossil Street, Russell, the same area where the shooting took place. Officers began to monitor the area for confirmation of Slack’s location, according to a news release.

At 1:21 p.m., a woman requested EMS respond to that residence where she said her son was having a medical emergency. Officers made entry into the home and located Slack. He was taken into custody without incident. 

The case is still under investigation, and a preliminary case has been sent to the Russell County Attorney for his review.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Russell Police Department has requested the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673350929533.png" alt="Shane Slack was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Russell Police Dept." />
 <figcaption>Shane Slack was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Russell Police Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>Russell PDRUSSELL - The man who was shot in Russell Monday afternoon has died.According to the Russell Police Department, the 45-year-old victim, now identified as&nbsp;Cecil Aldridge of Russell, succumbed to his injuries Tuesday&nbsp; at approximately 9 a.m. in a Wichita hospital where he was flown from&nbsp; Russell Regional Hospital.&nbsp;Around 11:00 a.m., officers received information that the suspect, Shane Slack, 47, was back at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Fossil Street, Russell, the same area where the shooting took place. Officers began to monitor the area for confirmation of Slack’s location, according to a news release.At 1:21 p.m., a woman requested EMS respond to that residence where she said her son was having a medical emergency. Officers made entry into the home and located Slack. He was taken into custody without incident. The case is still under investigation, and a preliminary case has been sent to the Russell County Attorney for his review.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Russell Police Department has requested the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

BREAKING: Russell shooting now a homicide investigation; suspect in custody

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 31 and Jan. 6.

KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.

Ellis County remains in the substantial category, the KDHE reported, while Russell, Trego and Rush counties were in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Since reporting began, there have been 8,326 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673459364136.png" alt="Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County COVID-19 curve / KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 15 new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County from Dec. 31 and Jan. 6.KDHE reports updated case numbers weekly on Wednesdays.Ellis County remains in the substantial category, the KDHE reported, while Russell, Trego and Rush counties were in the high-incidence category. (See map below).&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.Since reporting began, there have been 8,326 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673459345074.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: 15 new COVID cases in Ellis Co. this reporting period

Small plates will make a big difference this weekend during the
annual Taste of Hays dinner event.

At 4 p.m. Jan. 15, area residents will gather in the in
Memorial Union Ballroom on the Fort Hays State University campus to enjoy samplings
from various Ellis County restaurants and vendors.

While the event will provide a glimpse into the variety of delectable
edibles offered in the area, perhaps more importantly, the evening serves as a
fundraiser for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County.

The event itself has been a longtime annual tradition, but
this year marks only the second time for the organization.

“It used to be a fundraiser
for the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home,” said Ellis County Kansas
Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County director Jenny Bates. 

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e135f9757544d3fe90e8ea8">After that
organization closed,</a> she said their board of directors looked for an
organization to continue benefiting from the event and asked if they were
interested. They agreed and added the event to their other annual fundraisers,
including the Bowl for Kids' Sake campaign and the Duck Derby.

Those fundraisers help continue
their mission Bates said, providing the operating funds that are used
throughout the year to help positively impact the lives of area youth.

“When someone signs up to be
a volunteer, we have a very thorough screening process that they go through,
which includes background checks. We do references, interviews and a home
visit,” she said. “We want to make sure you know it's a safe person to be with
the child because when we're matching them, they are strangers to each other.”

Funds collected help provide
those services and more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673385760678.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostSmall plates will make a big difference this weekend during the
annual Taste of Hays dinner event.At 4 p.m. Jan. 15, area residents will gather in the in
Memorial Union Ballroom on the Fort Hays State University campus to enjoy samplings
from various Ellis County restaurants and vendors.While the event will provide a glimpse into the variety of delectable
edibles offered in the area, perhaps more importantly, the evening serves as a
fundraiser for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County.The event itself has been a longtime annual tradition, but
this year marks only the second time for the organization.“It used to be a fundraiser
for the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home,” said Ellis County Kansas
Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Ellis County director Jenny Bates. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/5e135f9757544d3fe90e8ea8">After that
organization closed,</a> she said their board of directors looked for an
organization to continue benefiting from the event and asked if they were
interested. They agreed and added the event to their other annual fundraisers,
including the Bowl for Kids' Sake campaign and the Duck Derby.Those fundraisers help continue
their mission Bates said, providing the operating funds that are used
throughout the year to help positively impact the lives of area youth.“When someone signs up to be
a volunteer, we have a very thorough screening process that they go through,
which includes background checks. We do references, interviews and a home
visit,” she said. “We want to make sure you know it's a safe person to be with
the child because when we're matching them, they are strangers to each other.”Funds collected help provide
those services and more.“And then once a match is
made, we provide support the entire time,” Bates said. “They're setting goals,
working on goals or making sure everyone's doing OK. There's constant contact
with all.”Currently, they have 154 matches,
served by a staff of four that oversee those matches to ensure the best experience
for everyone involved.And more children are waiting
in the wings for a match.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673385744320.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>“The parent or guardian is
fully trusting us in those situations, but it's also to get to know the
volunteer as well, and their personality likes and dislikes, and what type of
what child would match best with them,” Bates said. “And then we also do the
same when new kids come to us to enroll into the program. We sit down with the
parent or guardian, as well as with the child and ask them we ask a lot of
questions.“That's what a lot of people
know about our process,” she continued. “It's just to get to know what that
child needs, why they're coming to us, to be matched to the big, so we can best
support them with the best volunteer for them.”That process ensures youth are
best served by the Big Brothers Big Sisters system. “The children that are in our program are facing some kind of adversity or struggle that either their parent or a
teacher or counselor has signed them up for to receive services,” Bates said. “And
so when a volunteer commits to doing is meeting with their little, once they're
matched, two to four times a month.”That initial commitment is at least a
year, but she said it often goes longer.“Our average match length is right
around two years, but our longest match that we have that's been together right
now has been going on for 17 years through our program,” Bates said. “And we
match that child with someone that we hope they'll form that lifelong
friendship.”Ultimately, that relationship helps children move toward adulthood in a positive way, she
said. “We get to see them doing better in
school and having better relationships with friends,” Bates said. “And
sometimes, being the first to graduate from high school in their homes and go
on to college or holding down a full-time job. … It's a volunteer who's there to
help and guide them in those life decisions. And hopefully, for the better.”Volunteers come from all walks of life and backgrounds and
currently includes a notable Fort Hays State University student, <a href="https://misskansas.org/miss/miss-kansas/meet-miss-kansas.html">Ayanna
Hensley</a>, who was crowned Miss Kansas last June.“She's a
big sister for us here in Ellis County and still has stayed matched with her
little sister,” Bates said. She said
Hensley plans to attend the event along with her match.“It’s
cool that she's able to get away and come hang out with us on that Sunday,”
Bates said.Participating establishments this year include AGourmet, Big Smoke Barbecue, Breathe Coffee
House, Chartwells, Chubbs' Que, Grater
Whey, Hickok's Steakhouse, JD's Country Style Chicken, La Curva, Mexican Restaurant, Ol' 40 Express Convenience Store, Parties by Design, Pheasant Run Restaurant, Professor's, Rose Garden Banquet Hall, Taco
Shop, The Garden Grille &amp; Bar - Hilton Garden Inn, The Golden Q, The Local Food Truck, The Press Craft Kitchen &amp; Cocktails and Thirsty's
Brew Pub and Grill. Only 250 tickets are set to
be sold for the event, at $100 each, admitting two people. Along with event admittance,
it will enter the holder in multiple prize drawings throughout the evening."We are so excited," Bates said.&nbsp; "We didn't know when we took this on how it would work, getting our restaurants
and different vendors or peers in town to commit to this, but it's
really amazing. And we're so thankful that they're so willing to volunteer
their time and the resources. ...&nbsp; so that each ticket sale, 100 percent, comes back
to Big Brothers Big Sisters."Tickets can be purchased at
their website&nbsp;<a href="https://www.4kidsake.org/tasteofhays?fbclid=IwAR0LhpJjxokr0APOhibxFQay8BDqnGfLkKiZzR-YTIw_4Tm3jvGTSIKH5ns" target="_blank">4kidsake.org/tasteofhays</a>,
or at their office at&nbsp; 1200 Main St, Ste. 102.